Want to get your art on? Feeling like a relaxing day in Old Towne? Need to get that creative side out? Visit the Torpedo Factory. Located on the open, airy Potomac Waterfront Pavilion, the Torpedo Factory was once indeed just that. The Navy broke ground and began building the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station on November 12, 1918. Torpedoes were both produced and stored here until the end of World War II. In June of 1945, production at the factory ended, after which it was used as storage by the government for German war films, artifacts of the Smithsonian, etc.
Today the Torpedo Factory houses myriad artist studios. If it exists in art, you bet you can find it here. Gorgeous pottery of all types, paintings, paper sculpture, jewelry designers, laser etched glass, photography and even fabrics! Artists work and sell out of their studios, and furthermore, the Art League is housed on-site. Take one of their various classes if you’re feeling inspired to create! Everything from watercolor classes to tapestry and even wood-firing! There’s even an art supplies store inside!
The view from the Torpedo Factory is phenomenal and you will find every kind of food right within a short walk up King Street. This makes for a fantastic and relaxing day, especially with the unusually warm weather. If you’d like to treat yourself to a relaxing and fun day off, head down King Street until you can’t drive any more. Old Towne offers metered street parking and pay garages as well. Or if the weather is gorgeous, take the Metro or Dash bus from in front of Arbors and walk down to the waterfront from the King Street metro station. You won’t be disappointed by this great day trip!
Hours:
10 a.m.–6 p.m. Daily.
10 a.m.–9 p.m. Thursdays.
