To Do: Tour DC Houseboats to Benefit Potomac River Conservation

Before I got some sense and bought my condo, I was obsessed with buying a house barge and living aboard at the Southwest Waterfront in Washington, DC. They aren't outrageously priced and I am absolutely smitten with the life style (she says as she has never lived aboard a boat.)

Seriously, can't you just see me there... reading my iPad on the deck with coffee in hand, Ike in my lap? Hosting July 4th parties where we watch fireworks over the river with the Washington Monument in the background? (Hmmm... wonder if I can Kickstarter a houseboat?)

In real life, there were a few deal killers. You have to have a lot more money down - as much as 40-50% from what I heard. And, DC is about to renovate the marinas. I wasn't sure what I would do with a homeless barge for a few months.

But I haven't let the dream die. So, you know I'll be there on August 13th for the Southwest DC Waterfront Boat Home Tour. For an $11 donation (benefiting Potomac River advocates Alice Ferguson Foundation and Earth Conservation Corps), you get to see twenty three different live aboards - from sailboats to house boats to barges!

I'm most excited to check out the "green" boats with gardens and composting aboard... but you know I'll be swooning for kitchens, patio and all around amazing small spaces designed well. 

So, get your ticket. Check it out and help a good cause. And, afterwards, meet Blair and me for a cold beer at Cantina Marina. [UPDATE: Show your boat tour ticket at Cantina Marina for 10% off!] See you there!

[PS. If you're a houseboat junkie too, follow my Houseboat Pinterest board - and share your favorite ones with me!]