Ahead of the opening of our brand new location at the Bowen Building in Washington D.C. this Fall, we decided to get more acquainted with the local area, and who better to give us the insider scoop than Stephanie MacPherson, the new General Manager of The Square at the Bowen Building! Previously Director of Front Office at The Conrad Hotel, Stephanie brings a wealth of experience in hospitality, operations, and community building - and having lived in Washington, D.C. for several years, she is also well placed to share some tips for incoming members of The Square on how to get the most out of their new home.
The Square: First of all, we are so excited to have you as the General Manager of our new Washington, D.C. location! Since you are the resident expert on our new home city, we’d love it if you could share some insider tips for our incoming members.
Stephanie: Thank you! And yes, of course, I'd be happy to share. Washington, D.C. has so much to offer!
Stephanie MacPherson - Managing Director at The Square at the Bowen Building, Washington D.C.
TS: Where is the best place to grab your morning coffee?
S: For a great cup of coffee, I love to visit Lost Sock Coffee Roasters. They're a wonderful locally-owned coffee shop that roasts their specialty coffee right here in D.C. Besides their delicious coffee, they also offer an incredible selection of specialty beverages and food. My go-to order is the house-made chai latte and a spinach and feta empanada!
TS: And how about the best place for a working lunch in Washington, D.C.?
S: When it comes to lunch, my go-to spot is Old Ebbitt Grill. It’s not exactly off the beaten track since it is quite a famous place - it's known as the oldest Saloon in D.C. and has this iconic 1920’s vibe that's hard to resist. Whenever I stop by, I like to sit in their corner bar, which has a relaxed atmosphere and always provides efficient service. Don't leave without trying their famous crab cakes; this area is known for them!
TS: Sounds delicious! And what is your Favorite Gym Class in D.C.?
S: As someone who believes in maintaining a balanced lifestyle, my favorite workout class in D.C. is Hot Flow Yoga with Jessica at Power Nectar Yoga. The space is beautiful, and the classes are incredibly engaging. After a busy day, it's the perfect place for me to unwind and re-center.
TS: Great! Do you have any tips for weekend activities? What do you usually do to relax during the weekend?
S: During the weekends, I love to get out and enjoy the beautiful golf courses that D.C. has to offer. My absolute favorite is East Potomac Links. It has breathtaking views of the Washington Monument, and Potomac River, and an energetic atmosphere with food trucks on-site. Golfing there is a perfect way to unwind and soak in the city's charm when you have some downtime. It’s also a great way to meet people if you are new to the city.
View of the Washington Monument from near the East Potomac Links Golf Course
TS: Last but not least - I’m sure our members will be interested to know where the best Happy Hour is in Washington, D.C.?
S: When it's time to wind down after work or during the weekend, I often head to Succotash for their unique happy hour experience. They offer happy hour from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily. What makes them stand out is their executive chef's fusion of soulful southern fare with Korean roots. I highly recommend trying their Belle’s Punch cocktail and the Country Ham & Pimento Cheese Crudité for a delightful bite to share!
TS: That sounds great! We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to share your insights with us, and best of luck with the opening!
S: Thank you for the kind words and the opportunity to share more about my interests in this great city! Yes, things are very busy at the moment preparing for the grand opening of our Bowen Building this November, but the entire team is really looking forward to it. I'm excited to bring the same level of energy and passion that I have for Washington D.C. into making The Square a truly exceptional space and community for our members.
Our new location at the Bowen Building in Washington D.C. will be opening this November. Whether you're an entrepreneur launching your own venture, a small business owner managing a small team, or part of a medium to large enterprise seeking fully-furnished facilities for your new branch office, we have the right flexible office solution for your specific needs. For more information feel free to reach out to us here.