Washington, D.C

15 Totally Free Things to Do in DC

Published

2 years ago

August 24, 2022

Washington DC is likely one of the nation’s hottest vacationer locations, and for these of us who name the District house, it’s simple to see why. With dozens of world-class museums, murals that rework streets into galleries, and websites brimming with historical past, DC provides a full agenda—fully freed from cost. Whether or not you need to attempt a brand new farmer’s market, discover a brand new hike, or polish off your curler skating or canoeing expertise, listed below are a few of our favourite free issues to do within the District.

The historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is likely one of the most accessible nature escapes from the District. Due to a multi-year restoration mission, the primary mile of the canal is an idyllic stroll that’s simple to entry in Georgetown. Follow a brief stroll there, or seize a motorbike or lace up your climbing sneakers for an extended journey alongside the 184.5-mile canal.

Leap on the pickleball craze

Pickleball is working its manner up the ladder previous kickball and softball as one in all America’s favourite video games. Leap on the craze and apply your paddling at one of many District’s pickleball courts in Takoma Park, the Palisades, and extra. Plus, Washington DC Pickleball invitations company to drop in to newbie periods to attempt their hand on the sport earlier than signing up for a $30 annual membership.

DC is extremely bike-friendly, and fortunately that applies to the land instantly outdoors of the town as effectively. Begin within the metropolis and bike alongside the Mount Vernon Path, a scenic route that hugs the water and cuts via the woods. It’s a couple of 10-mile journey from DC to Mount Vernon however you possibly can reduce the journey barely quick and finish on the Previous City Alexandria waterfront—simply be certain to consider time for an ice cream earlier than pedaling house.

Discover a sculpture park

Whereas not positioned within the District correct, Glenstone, an expansive sculpture park in Maryland, is definitely worth the 45-minute drive. Tickets to the park are free (simply you’ll want to reserve a number of weeks upfront), and the 300-acre area provides gorgeous artwork, structure, and open land. Along with its indoor gallery areas, you possibly can spend hours strolling on paths that wind via sculptures, meadows, and forests.

The Lincoln Memorial | Flickr/Geoff Livingston

See the monuments at evening

When the solar goes down—and the summer time humidity considerably dissipates—head to the Nationwide Mall for the uncommon likelihood to see the monuments with out busloads of vacationers. Moonlight provides you with a distinct perspective as you traverse the marble steps of the Lincoln Memorial or gaze up on the Washington Monument set aglow with lights.

Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery — Smithsonian American Artwork Museum and the Renwick Gallery

Museum hop the day away

One among DC’s best strengths is its world-class Smithsonian museums which can be open to the general public freed from cost. There is no such thing as a scarcity of choices, from the intimate Renwick Gallery, to the sprawling Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past, the Smithsonians supply one thing for everybody. Professional tip: A number of the museums are open late within the evenings, making for a perfect date evening.

Discover the town’s murals

Washington is house to tons of of murals which can be changing into as a lot part of the town’s panorama because the monuments on the Nationwide Mall. Take a self-guided tour of those colourful creations regardless of which neighborhood you occur to be in. MuralsDC, the group behind 150 of the District’s public artworks, is a superb useful resource for mapping out a path to discover the town’s avenue artwork.

Hotel Washington — Vue | Lodge Washington

Absorb a birds-eye view of the town

Washington seems fairly gorgeous from up excessive, and there are few spots throughout the metropolis that make for phenomenal vantage factors. Rooftop bars and eating places supply epic views for the worth of a drink or two, however there’s no extra iconic sight than seeing the town from the highest of the Washington Monument, which is totally free. Guide a ticket forward of time and trip an elevator all the way in which to the highest of the monument and step out on the 500-foot remark deck.

United States Nationwide Arboretum | Flickr/Nicolas Raymond

Wander via a backyard

DC is house to among the most lovely city gardens within the nation, and lots of of them are open to the general public totally free. There’s nothing like a day spent strolling via, or picnicking, on the expansive 446-acre United States Arboretum or wandering via the Botanic Backyard on the sting of the Mall. For one thing a bit smaller, discover the grounds at Tudor Place or Dumbarton Oaks (free within the winter), each of that are in Georgetown.

Hike the Billy Goat Path

You may catch one of many District’s hottest climbing trails, the Billy Goat Path, from the C&O canal. The total path is 4.7 miles and ranges from simple to strenuous, so hike a bit in and again or make the total loop for the variability.

Pay your respect at Arlington Nationwide Cemetery

Simply throughout the Potomac from DC, Arlington Nationwide Cemetery is the ultimate resting place for greater than 400,000 veterans. The cemetery is an expanse of 639 hallowed acres and the ANC Explorer permits guests to find graves, notable websites, and take self-guided strolling excursions to spots together with the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in addition to the ultimate resting place of President John F. Kennedy.

Lace up your curler skates

When’s the final time you went curler skating? Chances are high it has been too lengthy. So get again into this nostalgic exercise on the Anacostia Park curler skating pavilion. You may lease skates totally free, simply present proof of a government-issued ID, and the skating pavilion is open from 9 to five day-after-day.

Assist clear up the Anacostia River

Everyone knows there’s plenty of work to be carried out to maintain our waterways clear. Do your half, and have some enjoyable, by collaborating within the metropolis’s Inexperienced Boat initiative. On choose weekends, DCers can be part of a two-hour guided paddle alongside the Anacostia River to gather trash and monitor the river’s progress.

Stroll your native farmer’s market

DC’s shut proximity to the farms of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and past imply that the town’s farmers’ markets all the time have one thing to supply. Take a look at the year-round markets like Jap Market in Capitol Hill and the Sunday market in Dupont Circle or head to seasonal markets just like the pop-up in entrance of the White Home that pulls distributors like Cucina al Volo and Name Your Mom Deli.

Play vacationer throughout the town

It’s simple to overlook that every one these historically touristy actions will be enjoyable for locals too. For those who haven’t been on a tour of the White Home, the Nationwide Archives, the Library of Congress, or the Capitol, that is your signal. All are free with superior reservations. Plus, tucked within the northern quadrant of NW, the Washington Nationwide Cathedral is free and open to all. Tour the cathedral’s spectacular structure, 215 stained glass home windows, 112 Gothically-inspired gargoyles, and large pipe organ. See for those who can spot the sculpture of Darth Vader.

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Madeline Weinfield is a Thrillist contributor.

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Washington, D.C

Best spots to see fireworks in the D.C. area for July Fourth

Published

7 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Best spots to see fireworks in the D.C. area for July Fourth

Looking for a show in the sky to celebrate America’s birthday? Here are some of the best D.C.-area spots to see fireworks in the next week.

The West Lawn of the Capitol opens at 3 p.m. for the audience of the free A Capitol Fourth concert, hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro, which begins at 8. Performers include Smokey Robinson, Fantasia, Darren Criss, Fitz and Noelle of Fitz and the Tantrums, Sheila E., the National Symphony Orchestra and various military bands. The fireworks display begins at 9:09 p.m., and the concert is timed so the NSO performs Tchaikovsky’s “1812” Overture while the fireworks are booming over the Washington Monument. Visitors will be required to go through security screenings to enter the Capitol grounds or public viewing areas on the Mall west of 14th Street. (There’s a map of closures, first aid stations, restrooms and other important landmarks on the National Mall website, nps.gov/nama.) If the crowds or the lines are too much, there’s usually more room to spread your picnic blanket closer to the Smithsonian Castle.

Mount Vernon’s An American Celebration gets underway at 9:30 a.m. with a reading of the Declaration of Independence and features an 18th-century magic show, Revolutionary War music and Army encampments, talks with reenactors, and, to the delight of all ages, daytime fireworks that create billowing puffs of colorful smoke over the Potomac River at 1 p.m. Admission is $26 for adults, $13 for kids, and free for children age 5 and younger.

Fireworks beyond the Fourth

Love shimmering pyrotechnic displays but can’t swing it on July Fourth? Fear not: The fun isn’t limited to Thursday night. Here are more events taking place throughout the week leading up to the holiday.

Saturday: Fireworks, Food and Family Fun at Lake Fairfax

Fairfax County’s annual celebration kicks off at noon June 29 with live music and food trucks, while fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Tickets are $15 per car in advance, which does not include admission to the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole; those tickets are sold separately.

Tuesday: Vienna’s Independence Day Celebration

The town of Vienna’s annual party fills George C. Yeonas Park with a mix of live music — Latin American from Cantaré, pop and funk from Thunderball — as well as family activities, food trucks and picnicking on baseball fields. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m., with fireworks beginning around 9:30. Free parking is available off-site.

Wednesday: Baseball and fireworks

Fireworks illuminate baseball diamonds across the region on Independence Day Eve. The Nationals, who won’t have fireworks after their July 4 day game, will launch “Freedom Fireworks” after the last out of their 6:45 p.m. game against the Mets on July 3. The Bowie Baysox, who regularly host fireworks after weekend games at Prince George’s Stadium, promise their biggest show of the year after the Orioles’ AA affiliate’s 6:35 p.m. game against the Richmond Flying Squirrels. The single-A Fredericksburg Nationals, home of the regular “Fireworks Friday” promotions, host a “patriotic edition” of the popular event following a 6:05 p.m. game against the Delmarva Shorebirds.

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Washington, D.C

Look inside the home of some high-powered D.C. dinner parties

Published

14 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Look inside the home of some high-powered D.C. dinner parties

This French Colonial-style house at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in D.C.’s Massachusetts Avenue Heights neighborhood is somewhat deceiving. Its out-of-the-way location, two miles from downtown Washington, helps camouflage the role it has played as a gathering spot for high-powered business, political and sports leaders.

Seclusion is part what attracted owners Michelle Fields and Jamie Weinstein to this white, painted-brick house, built in 1966, as the venue for their much-discussed (in some circles) off-the-record dinner parties.

Weinstein, a journalist and political commentator, runs the flagship podcast for conservative digital media company the Dispatch. He began hosting soirees at his Ritz-Carlton Georgetown corner unit in 2012, pairing young reporters with their sources — and subjects — for evenings of privileged discussion. Since 2020, the parties have been held at 3115 Normanstone Terr. NW, now on the market for $3.29 million.

The get-togethers, Weinstein said, sometimes last four or five hours. There are no planned topics of conversation for the reporters and notable guests, who recently have included New York Mayor Eric Adams, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, businessman and TV personality Mark Cuban and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Weinstein declared the dinner with Sanders “particularly fiery” in an Instagram post.

Such parties were “top of mind,” Fields said, when she and husband Weinstein bought the house. They wanted one that had plenty of entertainment space and that was removed from the bustle of downtown.

“It helps [guests] open up a little bit more because you’re not in the center of the work world in a certain way,” Weinstein said. “When you’re in D.C., you see the buildings all around and feel work, work, work, work, work. And when you’re here, you feel like you’re in the country.”

Another consideration favoring a larger house was their growing family. The couple had a year-old child, and Fields was pregnant with a second. They made some child-friendly renovations, including closing off a spiral staircase.

Before Weinstein and Fields lived here, the house was owned for decades by Stanley Rabinowitz, a long-serving rabbi at the Adas Israel Congregation in Washington, where he led services attended by members of Congress, White House officials and visiting Israeli prime ministers.

The house was built in 1966 and has two floors above a finished lower level and more than 5,000 square feet of living area. The front door opens to a foyer with marble floors. On one side is a dining room with hardwood floors and crown molding. The other side has a living room with a fireplace and French doors that open to a rear terrace. The kitchen — with an island, wine storage and a breakfast area — connects to a family room with oversize paned windows and a vaulted ceiling. This level also has a powder room and a gym.

The second floor has a primary bedroom suite with a fireplace, a balcony, a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a two-sink vanity. There are three more bedrooms on this floor, one with an en suite bathroom and two that share a bathroom, one of which has a balcony.

On the lower level, a recreation room with a fireplace connects to an office. This level also has a bedroom with an en suite bathroom, and it has a laundry room and access to a covered terrace.

The property includes a detached two-car garage across the street.

3115 Normanstone Terr. NW, Washington, D.C.

Bedrooms/bathrooms: 5/6
Approximate square-footage: 5,000
Lot size: nearly half an acre
Features: This 1966 house has several fireplaces, crown moldings, French doors, paned windows and several outdoor spaces. The property includes a detached two-car garage.
Listing agent: Michael Rankin, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

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Washington, D.C

Fireworks injuries on the rise, report warns ahead of July 4th celebrations

Published

21 hours ago

June 27, 2024

Press Room

Fireworks injuries on the rise, report warns ahead of July 4th celebrations

DC ranked 8th best place to celebrate Fourth of July

Washington, D.C. is the eighth best place in the country to celebrate the Fourth of July, according to a new study by WalletHub.

The Fourth of July is commonly associated with food, fun, and of course, fireworks – but the number of injuries caused by fireworks may catch some Americans by surprise.

According to a report released this week by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks in 2023.

“Many people just aren’t aware of the risk involved with fireworks, and we want to help change that to help keep people safe,” explained CPSC Public Affairs Specialist Thaddeus Harrington.

The report also said that between 2008 and 2023, injuries from fireworks increased overall. And while teenagers ages 15-19 had the highest rate of emergency room visits due to fireworks injuries in the four weeks surrounding last year’s holiday, kids between the ages of 5-9 had the second-highest rate.

“Really there is no such thing as safe fireworks,” Harrington said. “Even sparklers burn at about 2000 degrees, as hot as a blowtorch. So if you wouldn’t let your child run around with a lit blowtorch, same goes for sparklers.”

More information about the report – as well as safety tips – can be found here.

Here’s more information about which fireworks are – and are not – legal in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

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