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Curbed DC’s most popular stories of 2016

From a map curated for gamers to a tiny home production line, see which articles readers fell in love with

By Michelle Goldchain@goldchainam Dec 30, 2016, 11:11am EST

Sometimes articles don’t really jive with readers. And then sometimes they hit just right and at the best time. Below, see which articles truly caught readers’ attention this year, from a map of pumpkin patches in the region to Barack Obama’s next home.

The articles below are listed from most viewed to least viewed. Have a favorite Curbed DC article that wasn’t included? Let readers know in the comments.

↑ If you receive this email from Craigslist, run for your life

Earlier this year, the Editor of Curbed DC was searching for a new home in Washington, D.C. and came across this email more than once. The signer of the email was different each time. To make sure no one gets tricked from the scammer, Curbed DC posted an article with a screenshot of the email with tips on how to spot a fake Craigslist listing.

↑ Map: Where to catch Pokémon in Washington, D.C.

Earlier this year, the mobile game, Pokémon Go, from Niantic Labs took the country by storm. For gamers in search of certain species of Pokémon, Curbed DC created the above reader-curated map. Spoiler alert: Rattatas can be found ... everywhere.

↑ See inside the home the Obamas will move into

For the first time since Woodrow Wilson in 1921, a U.S. president is going to live in Washington, D.C. post-term. That president is Barack Obama, who is remaining in the District for his youngest daughter so that she finishes high school in the city. In this article, Curbed readers were able to get a sneak peek inside the Kalorama single-family home that the Obamas plan to move to.

↑ Southeast D.C.’s first luxury movie theater to begin construction this year

Some are excited for this planned Navy Yard development. Some are a little nervous. Either way, the big plans for a 16-screen, 1,500-seat movie theater with deluxe leather recliner seats and a full bar has brought a lot of attention. Did the theater end up beginning construction on time? Nope. Womp womp.

↑ House Calls: Former frat house in Foggy Bottom gets full, funky renovation

With surround sound and LED lighting, this former George Washington University frat house blew up this year after Curbed DC featured its stunning transformation. This is Curbed DC’s first House Calls. If interested in having your home featured, simply email the tipline.

↑ Where to watch Washington, D.C. July 4th fireworks

Sometimes, it’s better to see the fireworks as far from the National Mall as possible. If you decide to take the touristy route and sit on the Mall, you can expect crowds, crowds, and more crowds. If more interested in seeing the light show from a distance, check out this map for a list of helpful sites worth venturing to.

↑ 25 pumpkins near Washington, D.C. mapped

Apparently, a lot of people in the D.C. area were interested in picking their own pumpkins rather than going to a supermarket. In this map, there are 25 farms, orchards, gardens, and parks listed, each one offering pumpkins up for grabs as well as family-friendly activities.

↑ Your guide to the best farmers markets in Washington, D.C.

While published in 2015, this map was updated this year with new markets, images, and details. Here, people can learn where and when they can find fresh, local food in farmers markets in their community. There are roughly 30 farmers markets included.

↑ Tiny home production line, Minim Homes, emerges in D.C.

You can find monuments in D.C. You can find memorials. Embassies are a common sight. But what’s a most uncommon sight is tiny homes. That’s one reason why this article found so much attention from readers. This article is about Minim Homes, a brand new production line that allows the tiny home movement to further grow in the nation. The production line was founded by Micro Showcase Founder Brian Levy, Minim Built Co-founder David Bamford, and VNV Development President Chris VanArsdale.

↑ The history of 127K buildings in D.C., revealed

While published in November of this year, this article still managed to reach all the way up to the top of the Curbed DC heap in terms of popularity. It’s no wonder why. This article is about HistoryQuest DC, a brand new GIS-based web map that teaches the public about the history of approximately 127,000 extant buildings. The map was created by the D.C. Historic Preservation Office.