Wednesday, June 19, 2013
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The Museum of Natural History: Excavating History

June 4, 2013 by

D.C.'s Museum of Natural History is a must-see attractions, both for District residents and their out-of-town visitors. Here you'll find everything from interactive animal exhibits to galleries of precious gems. Some exhibits trace the development and migration of the human family; others show off the worlds of other species, like the Museum's "Hall of Mammals." A dinosaur exhibit presents these enormous creatures up-close and in-person, while an exhibit on Ancient Egypt reveals one of the oldest world civilizations. There's so much more to see at the Museum of Natural History, so be sure to wear your walking shoes and plan to spend a few hours browsing through the treasures at this Washington museum.

National Museum of Natural History
10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-1000
http://www.mnh.si.edu/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/national-museum-of-natural-history-washington

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National Geographic Museum: A Map of the Past

March 20, 2013 by

If you're fascinated by nature, love exotic landscapes, and adore foreign cultures, then a visit to the National Geographic Museum is a must! The exemplary exhibits include explorations of the Etruscans, replicas of DaVinci inventions, a pictorial display of Machu Picchu, and half a century of photographs of American presidents taken by years of official White House photographers. Drawing inspiration from the magazine (the museum's namesake), the photography displays are truly breathtaking and invigorating. Besides the regular exhibits, stop by for events at the museum, such as live music, dance, film series, and lectures by Nobel Laureates. Visit the website for dates and descriptions of upcoming events.  Admission to the museum is $8 for adults, $4 for kids.  Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

National Geographic Museum
1145 17th Street NW
(between N. Desales Street & N. Sumner Row) 
Farragut North Metro Station
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 223-5074

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The Philips Collection: Artwork by the Masters

January 23, 2013 by

If you’ve never been lucky enough to behold the fabulously famous Renoir painting “Luncheon of the Boating Party”, it’s completely worth the cost of admission to the Philips Collection just to gaze upon it. The Phillips is a manageable size, making it friendly, familiar, and easy to navigate, with just under 3,000 works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Homer, O’Keefe, and Rothko, among other notable names. The collection was founded by Duncan Phillips in 1921, and it was the very first modern art museum in the entirety of the United States. Visit during one of the Phillips After Five events on the first Thursday of each month — here you'll find live music, lectures, and a cash bar — needless to say, it's a great way to experience the museum! Reservations for special events are suggested, as they tend to get crowded. Museum admission is a bargain at $12 for adults and free for kids under 18.

The Philips Collection
1600 21st Street NW
(between N. Q Street & N. Hillyer Court) 
Dupont Circle Metro Station
Washington, DC 20009
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

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Shakespeare Theatre Company: Classic Theater

August 7, 2012 by

The Shakespeare Theatre Company is an internationally-known, award-winning company that celebrates the works of Shakespeare, as well as the dramas of other literary geniuses. The Shakespeare Theatre Company has received much recognition over the years, including several Helen Hayes Awards. The company occupies two different theater venues—the traditional and intimate Lansburgh Theatre dates from the 1800s, while the Harman Arts Center, open since 2007, houses Sidney Harman Hall, which is well-equipped with state-of-the-art features.

As their goals, the company strives to deliver outstanding productions, interesting educational opportunities, and cultivate appreciation for classical theater. The company offers many programs to engage learners of all ages to read classical texts, and it also has initiatives to prepare new generations for the art of theater. Programs for young people include subsidized student matinees with supportive materials for teachers, and “Text Alive!” that works with teachers to integrate theater into high school curriculums.

Shakespeare Theatre Company
Box Office: (202) 547-1122
www.shakespearetheatre.org

Lansburgh Theatre
450 7th Street NW
Metro City Metro Station
Washington, DC 20004

Sidney Harman Hall
610 F Street NW
Gallery Place Chinatown Metro Station
Washington, DC 20004

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Trapeze School: Try Your Hand at the Flying Trapeze

July 24, 2012 by

There are all kinds of crazy new physical activities out there, and one that is rapidly gaining popularity is acrobatics — the flying trapeze to be exact! At Washington, D.C.'s Trapeze School, you can choose from either indoor or outdoor instruction, both of which allow you to fly through the air with the greatest of ease, whether you’re a first-timer or experienced. If you like, make a day of it, and get ten of your friends together for a group lesson, or book the school for a fun party or corporate event! If you're getting good, seasoned trapezers can sign up for intensive workshops to further perfect their art – who knows, Cirque de Soleil might be hiring! Trapeze classes are a bit expensive at $45 each, but there are discounts if you sign up for five or more. Classes in juggling, aerial silks, acrobatics, balancing, and trampoline are also available, so check out the website.

Trapeze School
4th Street SE at N Street SE
Origins Union Station
Washington, DC 20001
(410) 459-6839

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Eat Your Way Through Our Nation’s Capital With DC Metro Food Tours

June 5, 2012 by

Food and tour: a novel combo and fulfilling way to experience Washington. D.C. Metro Food Tours was founded in 2008 by Jeff Swedarsky, and since then these tours have revealed historical insights and introduced restaurants that tend to be just off the beaten path. Each multi-hour walking and feasting tour focuses on the sights and flavors of a distinctive neighborhood, and features foods that have some special ethnic or historic meaning, or that demonstrate particular qualities of an establishment.

Tourists and locals alike expand their exposure to the city’s assets in a celebrative and informative activity. Tours run in Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Old Town Alexandria, and Little Ethiopia, among other places. Each of several tour options pre-select about five favorite restaurants and plan a progressive feast. Participants sit for the meal at each site, and during the walking tour in between, the guide points out architectural and anecdotal details about each neighborhood. 

Be sure to make reservations in advance, and participants are advised to wear good walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Don’t eat lunch prior to your tour, and don’t plan to need any dinner after these food tours!

D.C. Metro Food Tours
(202) 683-8847 or (800) 979-3370
www.dcmetrofoodtours.com

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Ford’s Theatre: History on Stage

April 3, 2012 by

The historic Ford’s Theatre where President Abraham Lincoln was shot is now a historical museum that bears witness not only to his death but also to his legacy as president during one of the nation’s most difficult times. It’s also a working theater with an ongoing roster of productions that reflect Lincoln’s ideals. Past performances include productions like Big River, Meet John Doe, The Heavens Are Hung in Black, and Necessary Sacrifices. The theater has recently inaugurated the new Center for Education and Leadership, which offers programs that support Lincoln’s ideals through workshops, seminars, lectures, and community outreach. Admission to the museum is $2.50, with a limited number of free tickets available daily at the box office. See the website for a calendar of theatre productions.

511 10th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 347-4833

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The Philips Collection: Art from the Masters

December 6, 2011 by

If you’ve never seen the famous Renoir painting “Luncheon of the Boating Party”, it’s worth the price of admission to the Philips Collection just to lay eyes on it.  For those who are overwhelmed by too much of a good thing, the Phillips is a manageable size, with just under 3,000 works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Homer, O’Keefe, and Rothko, among others.  Founded by Duncan Phillips in 1921, it was the first modern art museum in the U.S. Check out the Phillips After Five events on the first Thursday of the month, with live music, lectures, and a cash bar, for a great way to experience the museum. Reservations are recommended, as these events get crowded. Museum admission is a bargain at $12 for adults and free for kids under 18.

The Philips Collection
1600 21st Street NW
(between N. Q Street & N. Hillyer Court) 
Dupont Circle Metro Station
Washington, DC 20009
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

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Musical Landscapes: A Tour Like No Other

November 1, 2011 by

If you’re sick and tired of old-school tour guides droning on and on, why not take a seat and let American Musical Landscapes give you a view of the Washington, DC area like no other. Employing a huge array of gifted singers, dancers, and actors, this is a unique experience that brings history and geography to life in a scintillating multimedia show. Tracing the history of American popular music through song, the show features classic hits of jazz, bluegrass, country, and rock while photos and videos recreate the environment where the music came to prominence. Held in the 350-seat theater at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, shows are held every Thursday during the offseason and every Wednesday and Thursday through the summer. You’re met by historical greeters at the door, and once you’re inside over 20 classic songs will be presented for your enjoyment. It might be a little corny for the younger set, but anybody with a real love of music will groove on it.

Musical Landscapes
101 Callahan Drive
Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 683-2007

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Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company: Irreverent Theater

October 4, 2011 by

Treat yourself to some cutting edge performances at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, an intimate venue for the new, the offbeat, and the irreverent. With 265 seats and a first-rate group of actors to draw from, they specialize in defying convention, which is why they’ve been dubbed ‘Washington’s most daring theatre company’. The 2011-2012 season brings to the stage a collaboration with Chicago’s famed Second City comedy troupe which explores visions of the apocalypse in a comedy titled, “Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies”. If your funny bone needs tickling and your humor trends to the dark and quirky side, this one’s for you. Tickets are $35 and $20 for people under 30 years of age. Woolly Mammoth's conveniently located near the Chinatown metro stop.

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
641 D Street NW
(between N. 6th Street & N. 7th Street)
Washington, DC 20004
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter
(202) 393-3939

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