| Travel News from Washington, DC | May 2007 |
| See also: Non-Partisan News | Capital Ideas | DC Dish | Now Showing | Quick Tips | |
NON-PARTISAN NEWS
Celebrate a Capital Season with Summer FREEdom Savings
Discover the DC you want to see this summer with the Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation's Summer FREEdom Savings promotion, bringing together the city's most inspiring sights, freshest flavors and liveliest festivals with overnight packages starting at $109 per night.
Through a custom website, SummerFreedomSavings.com, and print brochure, visitors get an inside look at the season's finest offerings, from neighborhood festivals and walking tours to exhibitions and performances. The website and guide also include tips on fabulous special events, refreshing water activities, and parks and gardens perfect for picnics.
Plan a summer getaway with a specially-priced hotel package, available at more than 70 area properties. All guests who book a Summer FREEdom Savings package will receive a complimentary travel journal for recording their trip memories as well as two tickets to ride the DC Circulator bus.
Participating hotels each add in their own assortment of perks. At the St. Gregory Luxury Hotel & Suites, guests can take advantage of summer rates starting at just $109 per night and receive 20% off all food and beverage purchases at the M Street Bar & Grill.
Family travelers that book the Hotel Palomar's "Link in Luxury" package can book an adjoining room for just $50 when they book a room at the standard rate. Travelers looking for spacious rooms in a trendy location will feel right at home at the Georgetown Suites. The hotel's "Celebrate FREEdom" package includes a spacious suite with a kitchen, complimentary continental breakfast, parking and wireless Internet, starting at just $125 per night.
Visitors who want a terrific luxury value can opt for the Sofitel Lafayette Square's "Freedom" package, which includes complimentary parking or breakfast for two, a room upgrade, a souvenir welcome amenity, two Tourmobile sightseeing tickets and a leisurely 2 pm checkout, starting at $275 per night.
Packages are available exclusively at SummerFreedomSavings.com or by calling 1-800-422-8644.
Upscale Travelers Find a Fabulous Fourth in the Nation's Capital
While Washington, DC's family-friendly Independence Day celebration draws travelers from around the globe to the National Mall, luxury travelers can also find exclusive Fourth of July experiences in the nation's capital.
Overlooking the White House and the monuments just beyond, the Hay-Adams Hotel - member of the Leading Hotels of the World - boasts one of the city's most breathtaking views. Book the hotel's Fourth of July package and enjoy a tantalizing dinner for two, then retire to the Roof Terrace to view the fireworks from one of the best vantage points in the city. Rates start at $799 for deluxe accommodations and rooftop access for two. Call 1-800-853-6807 for reservations.
View the fireworks over the Potomac from on board the USS Sequoia Presidential Yacht with the Willard InterContinental Washington's "Presidential Extravaganza Fireworks Cruise" package. The famous 104-foot wooden, teak-paneled Sequoia has played host to presidents from Hoover to Clinton, as well as officials from the current administration. Guests who book the package enjoy valet parking, a pre-cruise cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception in a luxury suite, transportation to and from the yacht, an onboard gourmet buffet with open bar and champagne, plus music and dancing. After the magnificent fireworks, guests return to the hotel for a one-night stay with breakfast and parking. The cost per couple is $1,890. For booking information, call (202) 637-7483.
For another waterfront experience, take a dinner cruise on the Potomac River from historic Alexandria, Virginia on board the elegant, newly-built Nina's Dandy. Guests enjoy a six-course dinner, complete with champagne and dancing, before watching the magnificent fireworks display from the Potomac River. The cost is $230 per person. Visit dandydinnerboat.com to make your reservation.
Many of Washington, DC's rooftop restaurants also serve up special Fourth of July menus. Look for suggestions in the "DC Dish" section of this e-newsletter. Or, if you're craving something more intimate, cozy up in a hotel room with a view. Great rates and special offers are available through the Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation's Summer FREEdom Savings promotion.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dandy Dinner Boat.
Fall Preview: New Attractions, Anniversaries, Exhibitions
While summer tempts travelers with fantastic vacation values, fall's line up of new attractions, anniversaries and major exhibitions gives travelers plenty of reasons to return to the nation's capital.
New Attractions
The Shakespeare Theatre Company will expand its downtown presence with the opening of the Harman Center for the Arts on Oct. 1. The facility will consist of two mid-sized theatres in the heart of the bustling Penn Quarter, the new 776-seat Sidney Harman Hall (6th and F Streets, NW) and the existing 451-seat Lansburgh Theatre. With its new space, the Company will expand its season from five to eight plays, adding performances in repertory, new family and lunchtime performances and even creating a mini-Christopher Marlowe festival. The Company will also reach out to younger audiences with a new $10 ticket program and family-friendly programming. Through its repertory program, the Company will cater to Shakespeare-savvy visitors, enabling them to see as many as three productions in one weekend.
Just a few blocks away from the Harman Center, the Newseum's new facility at 6th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW is steadily taking shape, with a projected opening of Oct. 15. Highlights of the new building include a façade featuring a "window on the world," measuring 57 feet by 78 feet, looking out on Pennsylvania Avenue and the National Mall. Inside the museum, visitors will be able to explore six levels of displays and experiences, including more than a dozen galleries that examine the history of news and how media have covered important events of the past century. Other attractions include an interactive newsroom, a broadcast studio and a Journalists Memorial dedicated to more than 1,600 journalists who died while reporting the news. Inside the museum, you'll see one of two surviving "Checkpoint Charlie" towers and the largest section of the Berlin Wall outside of Germany, plus an actual news helicopter and front page newspapers from around the globe. The Newseum will also be home to an exciting new restaurant concept; The Source by Wolfgang Puck marks the culinary notable's first fine-dining venture on the East Coast.
Photo Credit: Artist rendering of the Newseum. Courtesy of the Newseum.
Also coming this fall, Madame Tussauds will open its latest wax museum in downtown DC. The museum, known for its life-like wax interpretations of A-listers, plans to open its doors in the historic Woodward & Lothrop building at the corner of 10th and F Streets. Among the featured cast of characters: Abraham Lincoln, Duke Ellington, Bill and Hillary Clinton and Al Gore, plus pop icons like Beyoncé and Angelina Jolie. As you might expect, Madame Tussauds Washington, DC will feature interactive exhibitions relating to the history of the city and seminal documents like the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Visitors can also pose for pictures in a replica of the Oval Office. The $16 million, 27,000 square-foot project is expected to open in October 2007.
Milestone Anniversaries
This September, the Smithsonian Institution's Anacostia Community Museum will celebrate 40 years of documenting the heritage and culture of one of the city's most historic African-American neighborhoods. Located in southeast Washington, DC, the museum tells the story of the Anacostia neighborhood through approximately 6,000 objects in a collection dating back to the early 1800s. Visitors and community residents enjoy the museum's African American-focused exhibitions, educational programs, workshops, lectures and films. In honor of its 40th anniversary, the museum will play host to a special exhibition, East of the River: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Running Sept. 15-Apr. 27, 2008, the exhibition explores the history and community life of the neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River by focusing on the past, present and future of Anacostia and nearby areas.
On Oct. 13, the U.S. Navy Memorial will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Opened in 1987, the memorial's entrance is a seven-foot tall bronze statue entitled "Lone Soldier," representing all past, present and future Navy servicemen and women. The memorial itself is an amphitheater-like construction featuring a 100-foot, 108-ton granite map - the largest in the world. The map is framed by two sculpture walls with 22 bronze reliefs that honor aspects of naval service. At the time of the memorial's dedication, the fountains in the center of the memorial plaza were filled with water from each of the world's major bodies of water. The memorial also maintains a computerized list of individuals who have served in the Navy, and visitors can add their names and the names of their loved ones to this searchable registry.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the U.S. Navy Memorial.
Visitors to the memorial can also check out a special exhibition, Sea-Air-Land: The Navy's Special Operations Sailors, honoring the 35th anniversary of the Navy SEALS. The exhibition runs through April 2008.
The evocative Vietnam Veterans Memorial marks its 25th anniversary this year. From Nov. 6-11, the public can join in commemorative events, including the reading of the names, music and poetry readings, plus a special Veterans Day tribute.
Fall Exhibitions
- The National Gallery of Art will play host to two major shows this fall, beginning with a comprehensive survey of Edward Hopper’s works, the first of its kind to appear in an American museum outside of New York in more than 25 years. Some of Hopper’s most iconic paintings will be included in the exhibition, such as “Automat,” “Drug Store” and “Nighthawks.” The exhibition runs Sept. 16-Jan. 21.
- The National Gallery of Art showcases the works of one of the greatest British romantic landscape artists in J.M.W. Turner, on display Oct. 1 through Jan. 6. The largest and most comprehensive exhibition of Turner’s work ever presented in the U.S., the show consists of 70 oil paintings and 70 works on paper. One of the world’s most celebrated landscape painters, Turner helped define the romanticism movement.
- The Corcoran Gallery of Art welcomes four major photography exhibitions this fall. Running Sept. 15 through Jan. 27, Ansel Adams showcases 125 of the photographer's iconic landscapes as well as his rarely exhibited prints. Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer's Life, 1990-2005 runs Oct. 13 through Jan. 13 and features more than 200 photographs by the celebrated portraitist. In Wild Choir: Cinematic Portraits by Jeremy Blake, opening Oct. 27, the digital video artist premieres the last in a series of three video portraits; a collaboration with British fashion designer, boutique entrepreneur and punk rock band manager Malcolm McLaren. Rounding out the calendar, American Falls: Phil Solomon is a new multi-projection video installation by the celebrated American filmmaker, also opening in the fall.
- Following a summer showcase of impressionist works from its permanent holdings, The Phillips Collection again tackles impressionism. Running Oct. 20 to Jan. 13, 2008, Impressionists by the Sea showcases approximately 60 depictions of the northern seacoasts of France, created by notable artists like Claude Monet, Edouard Manet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
- Works by feminist artists take the stage at the National Museum of Women in the Arts with WACK! Art and Feminist Revolution; a display of iconic works by feminist artists, exploring the formation, development and impact of feminism in post-war contemporary art from 1965-1980. The exhibition runs Sept. 21-Dec. 16.
- The Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture, home to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, puts the finishing touches on its six-year renovation project on Nov. 18 as it unveils its glass-enclosed courtyard. Designed by renowned British architect Norman Foster, the Robert and Arlene Courtyard will complement the impeccably-restored galleries with a new public gathering space, complete with a café.
Jazz Festival Honors DC-Born Legend
Jazz lovers have their sights set on the District again this fall as venues throughout the city come together for the third-annual celebration of an American musical genius. Taking place Sept. 9-17, the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival honors the life of Washington, DC native Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington with more than 100 programs and star-studded performances. Among the festival highlights: a free grand jazz showcase on the National Mall on Sept. 16, featuring local, national and international artists. Festival events will also take place at the historic Lincoln Theatre and other locations in the famed U Street corridor, along with the Kennedy Center, Library of Congress and National Gallery of Art.
Summer & Early Fall Festivals and Events
Memorial Day Weekend
On Sunday, May 27, the annual Rolling Thunder bike rally pays homage to the nation's veterans, particularly those still missing in action or prisoners of war. On Sunday night, the National Symphony Orchestra performs a free concert on the Capitol Grounds. On Monday, visitors can catch the National Memorial Day Parade, beginning at noon on Constitution Avenue.
June 9: Girl Scout Sing-a-Long
The world's largest gathering of Girl Scouts takes place on the National Mall, honoring the organization's 95th anniversary.
June 12-17: SILVERDOCS
Now in its fifth year, this six-day international film festival is a collaboration between the American Film Institute and the Discovery Channel, honoring independent filmmakers. SILVERDOCS screens more than 100 films at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, MD, just outside of Washington, DC, and also includes media discussions and film premieres.
June 23-24: DC Caribbean Carnival
Washington, DC plays host to the 15th annual Caribbean Carnival, with colorful bands parading down Georgia Avenue from Missouri Avenue to Barry Place. The festival features Caribbean food and crafts, vibrant costumes and live entertainment. The parade takes place June 23 and the Savannah Concert on June 24.
June 23-25: World Children's Festival
Children's performance groups from around the world will join visual artists and artist-athletes on the National Mall in the world's largest celebration of children's talents. This year's themes are "Health & Environment Day" on Saturday, "Creativity & Imagination Day" on Sunday and "Peace & Leadership Day" on Monday.
June 27 - July 1, July 4-8: Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The annual celebration of cultural diversity turns the National Mall into a global bazaar, with music, dancing, crafts, demonstrations and informative exhibits exploring different cultures throughout the world. Themes for this year's festival include "Rediscover Northern Ireland," "Mekong River: Connecting Cultures," and "The Roots of Virginia Culture."
July 16 -August 13 (every Monday): Screen on the Green
A free outdoor summer series of great classic movies will be shown Mondays, July 16-August 13. The movies, which begin at dusk, are shown on an enormous screen on the National Mall between 4th and 7th Streets. Call 1-877-262-5866 for more information.
July 4: Independence Day Celebration
In America's Independence Day Parade, more then 100 marching units step out at noon along Constitution Avenue. Live entertainment continues throughout the afternoon. A concert featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and well-known performing artists begins at 8 pm, culminating in fireworks starting at approximately 9:20 pm.
July 9-14: Hip Hop Theater Festival
A week of free performances by new and established local, regional and national hip hop artists.
July 15: WNBA All-Star Game
The Verizon Center will play host to the 2007 WNBA All-Star Game. Top players will also compete against each other in the Dribble, Dish & Swish Skills Challenge as well as the Three-Point Shoot Out and participate in community outreach activities in Washington, DC.
July 19 - 29: Capital Fringe Festival
The festival features more than 400 performances by adventurous and innovative artists from DC, Baltimore, the United States and overseas. Eighteen traditional and nontraditional venues will host theater, dance, music, poetry, spoken word, puppetry and other art forms.
July 21: Water Lily Festival And Founders Day
Visitors are invited to enjoy more than 75 varieties of blooming lilies and lotuses in this unique National Park. Visitors can take part in workshops on water gardening, tour the greenhouses and participate in a photography contest.
August 6-12: DC Restaurant Week
Many of the region's top restaurants offer three-course menus, specially priced at $20.07 for lunch and $30.07 for dinner.
August 10-12: National Museum of the American Indian Pow Wow
Dance competitions and musical performances by thousands of Native performers at the Verizon Center.
August 30-Sept. 29: Kennedy Center Prelude Festival
The Kennedy Center previews its 2007-2008 season with a month of special performances, including free readings and concerts. The 23rd annual Kennedy Center Open House Arts Festival takes place Sept. 8.
Sept. 2: National Symphony Orchestra Labor Day Concert
The National Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 2007-2008 season with a free concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
Sept. 9-17: Duke Ellington Jazz Festival
Jazz lovers flock to the nation's capital for a tribute to one of DC's most famous natives, with more than 100 performances at venues throughout the city, including a free concert on the National Mall Sept. 16.
Sept. 9: Adams Morgan Day
This day-long celebration of music, food, performances and family-friendly activities spotlights one of the District's most colorful neighborhoods.
Sept. 29: WalkingTown DC
A day of free walking tours designed to introduce residents and visitors to the District's unique neighborhoods.
