Spend a day with Trap Bob in DC: explore public art, enjoy green spaces and sample some of the best Ethiopian food that you can find stateside.
"We all know that DC has plenty of museums," says Tra, the multidisciplinary artist and business owner better known as Trap Bob, "but I want people to know that the city is a street gallery unto itself." With 12 murals scattered throughout the District, the DC native has quite literally colored the city's landscape, from Dupont Circle to NoMa.
For this Eckington resident, the nation’s capital is a canvas waiting to be transformed. From a whimsical astronaut floating through space in Brookland to a colorful celebration of the fight for civil rights on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Trap Bob's art is both playful and provocative. She combines vibrant colors, lighthearted cartoon imagery and socially conscious themes to catch eyes and spark vital conversations.
DC's enthusiastic support for public art – as seen with the DC Walls Festival – is one of the reasons Trap Bob feels so connected to the city. When creating murals, she essentially moves into neighborhoods, building local relationships that make each finished piece feel like a collaboration. And you don't need to be a native to experience this. "Go outside!” is her biggest piece of advice to visitors. "Explore the neighborhoods, talk to people. Let the city take you where it takes you."
Morning
Start off the day in Northeast with a morning walk, bike or skate down the Metropolitan Branch Trail, an eight-mile urban path flanked by an ever-evolving collection of murals. From abstract expressions to bold narratives, the murals along the Trail offer a snapshot of the diversity of artistic approaches that coexist in DC at any given time.
Next, head to Alethia Tanner Park, a lush green space nestled in the urban landscape. The park is a testament to Alethia Tanner, a formerly enslaved woman who purchased her own freedom and that of at least 18 others, and started one of the city’s first schools for Black children. Allow the winding paths to take you on an unexpected adventure or find a quiet spot to reflect on Tanner's legacy.
Afternoon
Grab some coffee, a bite to eat or a cocktail at Bryant Street Market on Rhode Island Ave. Some of the grab-and-go standouts include Blowfish Poke, Taqueria Habañero and Bold Dumpling. If you want to take a minute to rest, sit down at Chadol Korean BBQ.
A short distance away, check out Metrobar for a refreshing mid-afternoon drink. The bar is industrial chic with an authentic WMATA Metro car providing additional seating for enjoying craft cocktails and local brews. For travelers seeking a funky place to people-watch without any “too-cool-for-school” energy, Metrobar will be a favorite.
Evening
As the sun sets, it’s time to take in some live music. There’s no place like Union Market’s Songbyrd to do so. Everything about Songbyrd – from their programming to their bold interior – is so intentionally curated and creates ideal vibes for music enjoyment. Since opening in Adams Morgan in 2015, the venue (alongside its sister shop Byrdland Records) has become the place for emerging artists. Not just for musicians either: don’t forget to check out the Trap Bob mural outside.
For dinner, there are so many diverse and authentic restaurants to sample in the District. As the daughter of first-generation immigrants, Trap Bob is always on the lookout for authentic Ethiopian restaurants. As it is for many local diners, Ethiopic is one of her top picks. The Atlas-District restaurant is owned by an immigrant family and serves up traditional recipes in a modern dining room. If you’re in Northwest DC, Dukem or Abuare (both located on U Street) are two other gems.