E-Mail This Article Printer-Friendly Version

By Renee Schettler
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 31, 2000; Page F07

The problem with having so many bike paths in the Washington area? It's entirely too easy to suddenly find yourself miles from home and ravenous. Or thirsty. Or both.

You could hope to happen across one of those convenience store-gas stations. But mid-workout and in need of rejuvenation, you don't want to waste precious moments straying from the path. The following bike-friendly stops along three of the most popular local trails won't take you more than a stone's throw from the path. Unfamiliar with Washington-area trails? Check out the Greater Washington Area Bicycle Atlas by Jim McCarthy and Sharon Gang (Washington Area Bicyclist Association, 1998) or go to www.his.com/ jmenzies/urbanatb/.

MOUNT VERNON The choices are limited on this scenic trail; either stock up in Old Town Alexandria or go without. Where the trail doubles up with South Union Street, look for Ben & Jerry's just a few feet past crowded King Street on the right. In addition to the dizzying array of ice cream and frozen yogurt concoctions, the shop makes spectacular lemonade, freshly squeezed, one glass at a time. (103 S. Union St.; call 703-684-8866. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- midnight.)

Next door at Firehook Bakery are some of the best--and biggest--prepackaged sandwiches in existence. Choices rotate but may include roast turkey with bacon and herb mayo on rosemary bread; sandwiches generally sell out by 3 p.m. In need of a caffeine or sugar rush? Try an espresso or tea beverage, or choose from an assortment of tempting muffins, cookies, brownies and Route 11 potato chips. There's also Fresh Samantha juices and bottled water. (105 S. Union St.; call 703-519-8021. Monday- Thursday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m; Friday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.)

W&OD (WASHINGTON & OLD DOMINION TRAIL) What's not to love about an organic grocery store right on the path? Fresh Fields is hard to miss; it's at mile marker 12.5. Stop by for fresh or bottled juices, water, fruit, breads, salads or a handful of nuts. (133 Park St. NE, Vienna; call 703-319-2000. Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.)

Regulars on this trail know it's only nine miles between slices of good-for-you bread from Great Harvest Bread Company. The first branch is a block past Fresh Fields (make a detour to the left on Church Street, go 1 1/2 blocks and look to the left). The good folks at Great Harvest insist on handing out freebies to each customer--big, thick, still-warm hunks of yummy breads like Honey Whole Wheat and Spinach and Feta (the latter is a meal in itself). The oat bran and fruit muffins-- blueberry and peach-raspberry--are delicious, too. (132 Church St. NW; call 703-938-0921. Tuesday- Friday, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

At Reston Town Center, swing by Wrap Works for oversize, overstuffed bombardment of burritos; we're over the wrap craze, but these are quite excellent. It's located just left of the fountain. Try the Hail Caesar (Caesar salad wrap) or create your own. And the smoothies are reason enough to make the trek, especially the Strawberry Bananalow and the Lambada Colada. (1820 Discovery St.; call 703-318-5200. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday- Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.)

For a simple sandwich just like mom used to make, head straight back, past the brick-lined street and look to your left. Lee's Ice Cream & Deli makes 'em to order, whether it's a turkey club on white or roast beef on rye. Don't leave without ice cream; try the Arbuckles Delight with its pulverized bits of chocolate. (11917 Freedom Dr.; call 703-471-8902. Monday- Thursday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m.)

A few miles up the path it's deja vu at the Herndon location of Great Harvest Bread Company. Just veer to the right after crossing Eldon Street, head down Station Street and look for the sign on the left. (785 Station St.; call 703-471-4031. Tuesday- Friday, 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.)

CAPITAL CRESCENT TRAIL At the Georgetown end of this serene trail, head to Dean & DeLuca for exceptional gourmet groceries. Planning a picnic? Pack some fruit, a few cheeses, bread or crackers and adult beverages. Or grab a made-to-order salad or a variety of prepared deli foods. (Don't forget napkins, utensils and a bottle opener.) (3276 M St. NW; call 202-342- 2500. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.)

Simpler pleasures await across M Street at Georgetown Bagelry, purveyor of some of the best bagels in the mid-Atlantic. Grab a few snack-size bagel nuggets to nibble along the way or tuck a gargantuan bagel sandwich--brimming with fillings--in your pack.(3245 M St. NW; call 202-965- 1011. Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Six miles up the trail at the far end of the River Road bridge, look for where the trees end and the playground begins. Follow the paved path to the Mobil station, cross the lot to the strip mall and look for--ta da!--a second Georgetown Bagelry. (5227 River Rd.; call 301-657-4442. Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.) Go further down the mall, hang a right and you'll find a Fresh Fields organic grocery store. (5225 River Rd.; call 301-984-4860)

For the rest of this trail, forget about stopping for food and focus on rehydrating (unless you call ahead to your favorite Bethesda restaurant for takeout). At Bethesda and Woodmont avenues, choose your allegiance: coffee frappe or Frappuccino. (A few doors to the left is Quartermaine; one block to the right on Wisconsin Avenue is Starbucks.) Both offer early morning stops for freshly squeezed orange juice, bottled water and caffeine. (Quartermaine, 4817 Bethesda Ave.; call 301- 718-2853; Sunday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

Starbucks, 7140 Wisconsin Ave.; call 301-652- 5941; Sunday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 7 a.m.-9 p.m.)

Previous Article          Back to the top          Next Article