Last weekend, I visited Mount Rainier for the first time, and I'm absolutely smitten. The DC area has its fair share of historic neighborhoods, but I'm not sure if I have visited any quite as vibrant, friendly, or unpretentious as Mount Rainier. For a relatively small community, it is abundant with working artists and beautiful homes, many of which have been undergoing loving restoration projects both inside and out. I had the pleasure of visiting a few houses, and was struck by how many people in the neighborhood were working to better their homes while preserving the historic character of the neighborhood. Some have renovated their homes with their artist needs in mind, devoting significant portions of the home to studio space. Check out the individual photo captions for more information.
My pictures don't begin to do these homes or the neighborhood justice, so be sure to check out the tour in person this coming Sunday, October 17th from 12pm - 5pm. The tour begins at Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier, Maryland and will include twelve homes and buildings featuring many artists' spaces, green renovations, and historic architecture.
Images: Leah Moss
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Thanks for the note/heads up. This is my first time hearing about that area.
On another note, if all of those things you mentioned about why you like Mt. Rainier are true (vibrant, friendly, unpretentious!), then you will absolutely adore Frederick, MD. :)
Mt. Rainer is an absolute gem. It has great homes, charm and a great art scene.
I've lived there for a couple years now, and it's great. We love our (affordable, cute, solar-powered) house and our neighbors. Come visit!
Love the pics and the place sounds lovely. Also, the original woodwork of our early 20th cent house (rented) is something we continually adore!
I love Mount Rainier! Glad to hear that homes are being restored in that area!
I love these homes and the creative interiors. At first, I thought this was in Washington state :o....I didn't know this was in the DC area. I wish I lived closer...would love to go on the house tour.
Yes, this "Mount Rainier" is very confusing to those of us who live in Washington state.
Famous for the poltergeist story (no really- house was destroyed and it happened to a boy not a girl....)
wait I'm wrong- it was the exorcist...
Mount Rainier is a charming and affordable neighborhood, but the property taxes are KILLER- because it is in PG County.
But I do love Mt. Rainier- lots of champagne hippies :)
@CoopersMama- you can say that again about the property taxes. I am in (and from) P.G. ("Prince Georges" for the yuppies who get offended by the local shortening of the name!), and I can hardly believe I walked right into that. Nonetheless, for overall affordability and convenience to the District, the area can't be beat. I'll definitely try to do the house tour this weekend! Good to see Mt. Rainier on the map.
@polariss- Didn't know that fact about "The Exorcist". All we ever hear about is The Georgetown Steps...
I love Mt. Rainier! Such a great sense of community, and so many amazing little businesses (Island Style organic ice cream, GLUT food cooperative, Joe's Movement Emporium dance studio and community gathering place, all the little thrift shops, etc.). And of course, it's right near Community Forklift Thrift Store for Home Improvement :-)