Frank Lloyd Wright: Pope-Leighey House (with Woodlawn Mixed In)

Something I've been meaning to check off my to-do list is see Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House in Virginia.  Ever since I took a spontaneous trip to Pennsylvania to see Falling Water, I have been hooked on FLW's minimal, mid-century modern design.  In fact, one of the few things on my bucket list is to see every FLW house that is open to the public.

The Pope-Leighey House's original location was in Falls Church.  However, the house was set to be torn down in order to build Route 66.  The owner at the time contacted the National Trust and the house was moved to the Woodlawn property where it sits today.  It's amazing to me how many of FLW's works have been destroyed through out the years.

Unfortunately, pictures were not allowed to be taken of the inside, but after our short, private tour I was able to walk around the outside and snap some shots.  The house is small with two bedrooms and one bathroom and is considered one of FLW's Usonian houses - very minimal and affordable for the average American.

The tour guide pointed out many of FLW's classic details.  For example, a small carport instead of a garage, low ceilings in the entryway and hallway, the continuity of horizontal lines, and modular furniture.  The house reminded me very much of the Gordon House in Oregon.  They have a very similar layout.

We were also able to tour the Woodlawn house that is on the property.  To be quite honest, I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the Pope-Leighey House.  The Woodlawn house is about 150 years older and, in my opinion, boring.

I'm so glad we were able to take this lovely little day trip to Virginia!  I also posted a picture about it on my Instagram account, so follow me over there as well!

Have you visited any Frank Lloyd Wright houses?? Let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear about it.

Xx Christy

Union Market

Photo courtesy of historicdc.com

This morning, I was in a certain mood.  It was such a beautiful morning and I was looking forward to going to the farmer's market in Downtown Annapolis.  Unfortunately, the local market wasn't open, so CJ and I made a quick decision to head into DC and visit Union Market.  I was so satisfied with our decision.

If you didn't know about Union Market, you would never know it was there.  It's tucked away into an underdeveloped section of NE, sitting amongst warehouses and industrial buildings.  Also, THEY HAVE AMPLE, FREE PARKING, which is basically unheard of in DC.  We arrived around 10:30 and the market was already buzzing with people enjoying nice weather and good food.

The quirk that I love about Union Market is the wide variety of stalls.  Like, where else can I get bread pudding, Korean BBQ tacos, and a professional Japanese cooking knife all in one place?  One of my favorite shops is Salt and Sundry.  It's such a small store but I could spend HOURS in there looking at every single thing.  They have an amazing array of unique and artsy dinnerware, barware, and general home goods, so naturally I'm obsessed with it.  It is very similar to the home section of Anthropologie in my opinion, but a little more affordable.

Another stall that I frequent is called Red Apron.  It's a butcher stand with huge variety of hard and soft salamis, like chorizo and pepperoni - "a candy store for meat lovers" as they call it.  I normally come here when I'm putting together a charcuterie board for a party or something similar.  It's a nice way to spice up a dish and make it more notable, rather than picking up the standard, generic meats at the regular supermarket.  Plus, it's super affordable and the employees are always willing to help out and offer recommendations.

On the opposite side of the meat counter is the sandwich counter.  The masterminds at Red Apron have created a handful of different sandwiches incorporating their meats, as well as other unique flavors.  I ordered a Porkstrami, which was pork and sauerkraut with whole grain mustard and came on fresh bread from the baker a few stalls down.  And honestly, I can't even remember what CJ ordered because I was so into my sandwich.

I've recently had a peaked interest in markets.  I love going to farmer's markets, the Amish market, and of course, Union Market.  I think that it's a great way to explore the community while supporting local businesses.  I'm in love with the concept.

Do you guys have any favorite markets that you frequent??

Xx Christy