Small Business Spotlight: Blue Fern Travel
About the Business
Offering two different tours throughout the US capital, there is no better way to get a taste of the city! Head north to try the U Street Food Tour to explore art + architecture as you munch or taste the diversity of D.C.'s Oldest Neighborhood on the Georgetown Food Tour.
Have a private event in mind? They will work with your group to make a deliciously perfect experience. Keep reading to learn how this tour company gives back while touring the town!
Image Courtesy of Blue Fern Travel
From the Owner
What is your name?
Mary Collins, founder + owner of Blue Fern Travel
Where is your business located?
Washington, D.C.
How would you describe Blue Fern Travel?
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or planning a special event with friends; our tour itineraries are designed to make you feel more like a group of friends discovering a new city than typical tourists. We focus on local, community-driven restaurants whose food isn’t just delicious; but reflects the city’s dynamic culture! Combine good eats with cool facts about the neighborhood's evolving culture and history, and you’ve got yourself quite a perfect day.
What inspired you to start the business?
Our business was inspired by the favorite parts of our travels all over the world, as well as a goal of creating easy ways to give back to locals while traveling.
What about your business are you most proud of?
We think travel should have an positive impact in a community while being easy on the traveler. We are DC's first one-for-one food tour - meaning a portion of every ticket sale goes to feed a local resident in need for a day. To date, we've donated over 15,000 meals to our local non-profit partner, Bread for the City.
What do you enjoy most about running your business?
I enjoy the connection to the local community - we only work with local businesses which requires us to get to know the people behind the restaurants personally, and having those relationships is very rewarding.
What challenges have you faced as a business owner?
My biggest challenge was balancing everything in my life. We worked on the business as a side job for 4 years, before it was big enough for me to quit and work full time. Making time for it, as well as a day-job and family was a constant struggle.
What do you think makes your business unique?
Our business is designed by travelers, for travelers. We have anthropology backgrounds which I think allows us to tap into community and society trends, make connections, and tell the stories of the neighborhoods in a unique way.
If you had to describe the business in 3 words, what would they be?
local, impact, connections
Image Courtesy of Blue Fern Travel
Image Courtesy of Blue Fern Travel
The Fun Stuff
What is your favorite spot to visit in your city?
The National Portrait Gallery Atrium
What is your favorite food or restaurant to enjoy in your city?
Doburi bowls at Izakaya in Chinatown
What is your favorite spot in the U.S to travel to and why?
New Orleans, the food + culture there is so rich and diverse, its a fun, delicious and fascinating part of our country!
Which of the five senses do you appreciate the most when you travel and why?
Taste - obvious answer from the food tour owner :) but I think taste solidifies memories in a way sight and sound don't. I still specifically remember the tastes of foods I tried in other countries, which pulls back the entire experience.
Do you have a travel memory that is important to you? If so, please share.
Visiting Gulu, Uganda and meeting with community of women bead makers for a class project. I got to sit down with them, talk about their lives, working for the NGO (non-governmental organization) and understanding their struggles. Getting to know people far away who live such different lives, makes the world feel smaller. It motivates me to help in anyway I can, and feel like I can make a difference.
What would the name of your biography be?
Bites of My Life
What is your favorite 90s jam?
Doo-Wop (That Thing) by Lauren Hill
Have any questions about blue fern travel? Let us know in the comments!
Ready to learn more + book your own tour? Click below!
Image Courtesy of Carpe DC Food Tours