Washington, DC, is a major tourist destination, but if you’re a comic book fan, where are the city’s hidden gems when it comes to geekdom? Below are the Top Five Geeky Spots in Washington, DC, and each one offers a virtual experience for those who can not make it to DC in the current times.
Fantom Comics
The DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) is littered with amazing comic book shops, but Fantom has stolen my heart. The shop boasts a great collection of single issues and an amazing library of collected editions and original graphic novels. If you are planning your trip, make sure to check out their Facebook page, as they often host some amazing panels and creator forums. (These events are still going on in the virtual space. So make sure to check them out even if you are at a distance.)
Website: https://stores.comichub.com/fantom_comics
Address: 2010 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036
The Mansion on O Street
If you have wet your whistle for comics at Fantom and are looking for more to do within walking distance, you should check out the Mansion on O Street. This event space, escape room, pop culture museum, and hotel is one of DC’s most unique stops. The mansion was founded by HH Leonards Spero to house an amazing collection of pop culture memorabilia and provide lodging for artists looking for a place to be inspired. Everything in the house is for sale. The house also has several secret doors and passageways that patrons can look for while on a tour of the incredible home.
Website: https://omansion.com/
Address: 2020 O St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Labyrinth Games and Puzzles
This shop is located in the Eastern Market neighborhood of DC. If you are into board games, puzzles, Legos, and a great atmosphere, this store should be on your list of places to check out in DC. The shop hosts a plethora of events and even partners with other local businesses for various game night events.
Website: https://www.labyrinthgameshop.com/
Address: 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
Catacombs of Washington, DC
Did you know that Washington, DC has a replica of Rome’s catacombs, complete with fake graves and one real skeleton from the second century? The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land was built at the end of the 19th century to provide pilgrims who could not afford the opportunity to travel to Rome to experience a facsimile of the Holy Land. Tour groups (currently not allowed due to the covid-19 pandemic, but the website does offer virtual tours of the facility) are allowed to tour the facility, including the underground replica of Rome’s catacombs.
Website: https://myfranciscan.org/
Address: 1400 Quincy St NE, Washington, DC 20017
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum should be considered the holiest of holies for Nerds in the United States of America. The museum houses a tour-able Skylab replica and a vast cornucopia of air and space travel relics. However, the collection’s prized item is the actual model of the USS Enterprise from the original Star Trek series. This prized object also features a great exhibit on Nichelle Nichols’ works with NASA to recruit people of color to the space program. (The Museum is currently under renovation, so some pieces are not of view at the moment but can be seen on their website.)
Website: https://airandspace.si.edu/
Address: 600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
What is your favorite geeky place to visit in Washington, DC? Comment below with your thoughts so we can add to this list. Enjoy your travels!
