I once again have led my long-suffering husband to new treasures along the highways and byways of this great country. I never tell the poor man where we are going, I navigate us to the address, telling him to be on the lookout for anything “unusual.” Mister Rain is not a frequent curser, but his initial reaction when he lays his eyes on the Fine Sight is often an expletive. It is always followed, though, by a laugh.
Washington, DC
Technicolor Church
Built in 1886 by former slaves, the once Friendship Baptist Church is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the area and has been a gathering place for the Southwest DC community for more than a century.
In the 1950s, developers bulldozed almost the entire neighborhood around the church so that a new highway and new housing could be constructed. Considered an institution, the church was left standing.
When Friendship Baptist Church moved in the early 2000s, a real estate developer bought the property, intending to turn it into condos and office space but the city’s Historic Preservation Board put a stop to that. Not permitted to tear down the building either, in 2012, he commissioned Atlanta-based artist Alex “HENSE” Brewster who transformed the structure into a canvas, painting it in a palette of many different colors.
A year later, a non-profit art and performance venue by the name of Blind Whino opened here. (No relation to this author.)
Today the building is home to the Culture House DC, an adaptable and artful space for private events, banquets, gatherings, performances, and exhibitions.
The Watermelon House
The owners of the home, Wade and Bob, hired someone to paint the house red, but it came out closer to pink, bringing to their minds the color of the inside of a watermelon. They added the green rind and black seeds to create a watermelon slice.
Barrel House
The iconic whiskey barrel doorway dates back to circa 1945, when the location was a liquor store. Now it is a cafe and bar / restaurant, sure to be a barrel of fun.
Thank you, I’m here all week. Don’t forget to tip your bartender.
Rest assured, friends, I will continue running down the road trying to loosen our loads.
Sister Rain’s Note:
You know, I select these unique sights to visit because of how they look. But as I begin to research them in order to share them with you, I find more than I ever expected. What a concept, huh?
For other published Roadside Attractions, click below:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Bonus
#sisterrain #alittlesightalotofheart #legallyblindwriter #writer #writersofinstagram #legallyblindtraveler #travel #travelgram #travelwriter #adventure #wanderlust #explore #travelblogger #vacation #instatravel #traveler #roadtrip #washingtondc #technicolorchurch #friendshipbaptistchurch #culturehousedc #watermelonhous #barrelhouse #suchafinesighttoseepart
