9 Things You Can't Do In Washington DC Anymore... But Wish You Could

The Washington Coliseum, also known as Uline Arena, was the indoor arena to see concerts and sporting events in DC. It hosted many athletic events, circuses and concerts. In fact, the The Beatles played their first concert in the US there. The building eventually closed in 1986 after following into obscurity. Today it’s an REI store.

The Washington Bullets basketball team played in DC from 1973 until 1997. In 1997, they were renamed and rebranded as the "Washington Wizards." But if you grew up in DC in the 70s, you might remember when the Bullets won the NBA Finals in 1978.

Going to the top of the Washington Monument happened on almost every field trip you took in DC when you were a kid. And up until the 1970s, you could take the stairs. But the steps were closed to visitors because too many people were having heart attacks or falling on the steps up. As of today, you aren’t able to ride to the top in an elevator either. The monument was shut down after the earthquake and now they are doing renovations. It’s predicted the monument will open again in 2019.

At one time, in the 80s, the Washington Redskins were actually a good team. And fans now look back longingly at those years where we actually not only made it to the playoffs, but won them.

The Cellar Door was the place to see up and coming acts in the 1970s. It was a tiny place in Georgetown just off the Key Bridge. Musicians such as John Denver, Neil Young, Jimmy Buffet, Carole King and Joni Mitchell all played their early in their careers. Miles Davis recorded a live alum there called The Cellar Door Sessions.

Hecht Brothers was a family owned department chain that was popular in the DMV area and you probably shopped there for clothes or toys in your youth. Its Washington store was on F and 7th St NW. Today the building still stands but the Hechts closed for good in 2006.

We’re all still a little sad that we’ll never be able to enjoy the delicious rum buns at Hogate’s ever again. Hoagie’s was a seafood place in Southwest Washington that was a popular restaurant for over 60 years. Rum Buns were stick, gooey delicious rolls swirled with cinnamon and raisins. And they always came before the meal!

Gifford’s Ice Cream & Candy Co. was the go to place for ice cream starting in 1938. But the time the company closed in 2006, there were more than 70 restaurants selling Gifford’s ice cream all over DC.

Known as Woodies to the locals, Woodrwo & Lathrop was another popular department store. Its flagship store was on F Street and you could find absolutely everything in it!