Washington, D.C
17 Mistakes Tourists Make While Visiting Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., isn’t only a vacation spot for varsity area journeys. Our nation’s capital is a full-fledged tourism scorching spot, due to its plethora of eating places, museums, historic websites, charming neighborhoods, sporting occasions and extra.
However guests are inclined to get some issues improper once they journey to “the District,” and the individuals who dwell there have actually taken be aware. We requested D.C. locals to share the varied fake pas they’ve noticed over time.
From poor timing to navigation snafus, listed below are 17 errors vacationers usually make whereas visiting Washington, D.C. ― and a few recommendation for avoiding these errors throughout your travels.
Visiting the monuments at peak hours
“Don’t go to the monuments throughout the day. The monuments, and landmarks such because the Jefferson Memorial, are all the time higher at evening. Much less crowded, extra picturesque, and really romantic!” ― Vy Luu, content material creator and actual property knowledgeable
“If you wish to see the monuments and get the perfect pics, all the time go tremendous early within the morning ― like 6-8 a.m. Seize a bagel and occasional and luxuriate in dawn on the Lincoln Memorial solo-dolo! I did this a couple of months in the past, and it was the perfect.” ― Imani Keal, blogger at Imani At Residence
Reserving lodging based mostly on the metro
“Don’t prioritize the situation of your resort or Airbnb close to a metro line. Whereas the metro is useful for sure journey wants (i.e. getting from Columbia Heights to Navy Yard), the metro actually isn’t essentially the most useful with inner-city transportation. You’ll possible find yourself taking the metro not as usually as you’d count on, or in no way, so don’t issue that in concerning your keep preferences.” ― Meghan Hoffman, photographer and founding father of District by Meg
Sticking to the entrance of the Lincoln Memorial
“When testing the Lincoln Memorial, don’t simply cease on the entrance like most individuals. Head round to the bottom of the Memorial for one among my favourite views within the metropolis. You’ll be capable of see Memorial Bridge spanning over the Potomac River into Arlington Nationwide Cemetery. There’s additionally one other set of stairs on the bottom of the Memorial which might be excellent for taking within the second or having fun with some meals you introduced alongside.” ― Katie City, blogger at A Contact of Teal
Being too formidable with museum timing
“Schedule accordingly. One large fake pas that folks usually make when touring the District isn’t accounting for the time it takes to tour the museums and different websites. As an example, individuals assume that they’ll see the whole lot of the Nationwide Museum of African American Historical past and Tradition in a few hours. I’m but to see it’s carried out! The extent of the reveals is so huge, and the data so compelling, that you’d be exhausting pressed to soak up each ground in only a few hours. Individuals are usually astonished once they understand the museum realistically takes about a complete day of touring!” ― Rashida Banks, dwelling decor and life-style content material creator
Consuming at chain eating places
“D.C. has one of the unbelievable meals scenes within the nation, however vacationers wish to (unknowingly) follow their consolation zones. Go on the large chains throughout your journey to expertise new cuisines. Head to Albi for wonderful Levantine meals, to Mandu for scrumptious Korean staples, to Allegory for unforgettable cocktails. The listing goes on and on.” ― Kimberly Kong, blogger and digital marketer
“I believe vacationers are inclined to miss out on D.C.’s native tradition once they get too museum- and monument-focused. We’re proper subsequent to Chesapeake, so the seafood yow will discover at locations like Rappahannock Oyster Bar and Hank’s Oyster Bar on the Wharf and Capitol Hill is incredible. The colourful D.C. meals, music, and artwork scene in areas close to Union Market and on 14th Road tends to get missed too.” ― Elisabeth Pendergrass, blogger at District of Stylish
Assuming the airports are equidistant
“This one is just a little foolish, however when individuals go to D.C. they generally make the error of flying into Dulles Airport. Airline and journey websites all the time listing it as an choice, however Dulles is an hour from D.C. correct, so it is a huge no-no for us Washingtonians! When reserving your keep, be certain that to make use of BWI or Reagan Nationwide as your vacation spot ― Reagan ideally, because it’s simply minutes exterior the town in Arlington, Virginia.” ― Banks
Not factoring within the solar
“Particularly in the summertime, the Nationwide Mall is scorching, and baking in the summertime solar isn’t essentially the most enjoyable factor to do. Take within the museums throughout the day and stroll alongside the Mall at evening. The entire monuments lit up are rather more spectacular.” ― Mark Alan Andre, architect and photographer
Shopping for mass-produced souvenirs
“Don’t purchase souvenirs on the memento retailers. Go to native branded retailers corresponding to Store Made in DC to get handcrafted objects created by an area.” ― Luu
Planning your journey with out checking on occasions
“An usually encountered blunder when visiting the District isn’t checking an occasion calendar. There may be all the time some sort of march, festivity, political engagement or different occasion that might pose avenue closures and different dilemmas that will in reality hinder you from seeing that web site you wish to go to. So be certain that to plan properly and examine the calendar!” ― Banks
Limiting your go to to the Mall
“The largest mistake vacationers make when visiting D.C. isn’t leaving the Hill or areas across the Mall. There may be wealthy artistic tradition in so many different areas of our metropolis. For instance, the Michelin Star eating places and artwork galleries yow will discover in Northwest [D.C.], and don’t overlook, my favourite half, our dwell music yow will discover everywhere in the metropolis. D.C. was one of many distinguished facilities within the growth of jazz starting within the early 1900s. Principally, don’t get sucked into the chaos of downtown and don’t overlook that D.C. has a lot extra to supply for a fast Uber or Metro trip.” ― Lacey Faeh, digital model advisor and founding father of A Lacey Perspective
“When planning a visit to D.C., don’t overlook to discover past the monuments and museums ― whether or not it’s taking a picnic to Logan Circle, sitting in ‘The Proposal Sales space’ in Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown, supporting native distributors at Japanese Market, getting late-night [food] at Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Road, or stopping by the Barbie Pond on Q Road in Dupont, there are such a lot of vibrant neighborhoods with one thing to supply for everybody.” ― City
Lacking the artwork scene
“It looks like on common, vacationers don’t go deep sufficient into their analysis to search out the perfect spots for meals and experiences. D.C. has a deep and vibrant artistic neighborhood full of various inventive mediums and artistic occasions, so moderately than spending nearly all of time on the Nationwide Mall, I discover that experiences corresponding to Artechouse or No Kings Collective are rather more rewarding and galvanizing.” ― Julian Thomas, photographer
Getting off on the improper cease for the zoo
“The Nationwide Zoo is marked as Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro Station, however in the event you get off at Cleveland Park as a substitute, you don’t must stroll uphill, particularly exhausting while you’re pushing strollers. The zoo entrance lies midway between each stations, however [it’s] lots simpler stroll from Cleveland Park.” ― Laurie Collins, photographer and creator of DC Metropolis Lady
Not making restaurant reservations
“Make reservations! Plan forward your meals if doable, particularly in the event you’re visiting on a weekend, to save lots of your self the wait instances. Eating places replenish shortly on Friday and Saturday nights.” ― Hoffman
Skipping the pure sights
“Along with the wealthy historic and cultural websites, the wonderful number of meals, and traditional structure, D.C. gives superior points of interest for nature lovers as properly. You should definitely go to locations like Rock Creek Park, Nice Falls, the Tidal Basin Cherry Blossoms, and when you have a automotive you’ll want to take a scenic drive on George Washington Parkway.” ― Banks
Blocking walkways
“You all the time know vacationers in D.C. once they don’t know to face to the correct, move left, on the Metro escalators. A giant pet peeve to locals for positive. And don’t block the sidewalk! So many vacationers cease to speak, determine instructions, and so on., and locals go nuts that we now have to maneuver round them. That additionally goes for driving ― don’t block the field.” ― Collins
Choosing the improper cupcake bakery
“Past the celebs, stripes, Congress and memorials lies the meals scene. Washington, D.C., has great selection in the case of meals choices. One frequent comical mistake I see vacationers make, for instance, is visiting Georgetown Cupcake moderately than Baked & Wired when visiting. Each places will possible have a line exterior their doorways, however the tasting experiences are to not be in contrast for my part.” ― Thomas
Overlooking the style scene
“Individuals have a misperception that Washingtonians are staid and lack fashion. Sure, D.C. can err on the conservative facet, however the metropolis has a plethora of fashionistas and elegance lovers. Simply have a look at the strains at Metropolis Heart to get into Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton. It’s a metropolis that takes each politics and Prada very severely.” ― Sara Azani, blogger and realtor
Responses have been frivolously edited for readability.
Washington, D.C
Top 10 Washington DC Girls High School Basketball Rankings (12/25/2024)
Sidwell Friends School and St. John’s College continue to headline the District of Columbia girls basketball Top 10 poll.
The undefeated Quakers (7-0 overall) are headed to California to participate in the SoCal Holiday Prep Classic in San Diego while St. John’s (10-0) will be home for Christmas after winning the St. Petersburg bracket at the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational in Florida.
The Cadets will host their Holiday Hoopla mixer, Dec. 30 and 31.
Theodore Roosevelt debuts in this week’s poll at No. 10.
Previous rank: 1
The Quakers will play at the SoCal Holiday Prep Classic in San Diego starting Thursday.
Previous rank: 2
The Cadets won the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational championship in Florida.
Previous rank: 3
The Frogs, winners of three straight, next plays at the Christy Winters-Scott Invitational Dec. 31.
Previous rank: 4
The Colts will play Archbishop Carroll at the Title IX Classic Holiday Invitational in Maryland Friday.
Previous rank: 5
The Cubs will play at the Candy Cane Classic at Thomas Johnson (Md.) Friday and Saturday.
Previous rank: 6
The Ramblers will play at the Beltway 8 Holiday Classic in Houston starting Friday.
Previous rank: 7
The Bulldogs will play Charles H. Flowers (Md.) at the Title IX Classic Holiday Invitational in Maryland Friday.
Previous rank: 8
The Tigers will play at the Candy Cane Classic at Thomas Johnson Friday and Saturday.
Previous rank: 9
The Penguins split with Anacostia and No. 6 Eastern.
Previous rank: Not ranked.
The Roughriders will play KIPP School at the Title IX Classic Holiday Invitational in Maryland Friday.
Washington, D.C
Want government money for a heat pump? Time might be running out
Heat pumps are electric appliances that can both heat and cool your home.
Scientists see them as a climate solution because heat pumps reduce planet-heating emissions. They cut pollution from burning gas for heating, and reduce the use of gas infrastructure that leaks planet-heating methane gas.
And heat pumps are highly efficient, which means less electricity is needed to use them than traditional heating systems like fossil fuel furnaces and boilers. Researchers at the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory calculate that 62% to 95% of households would save money by switching to a heat pump. “ It’s an enormous amount of savings,” says Ari Matusiak, CEO of the nonprofit, Rewiring America. “That’s just a fact of the technology being superior.”
The Biden administration’s 2022 climate legislation introduced new federal tax incentives of up to $2,000 for heat pump equipment and installation costs. Many states as well as cities and utilities offer additional financial incentives.
So what money is available right now for a prospective heat pump buyer? And how might a second Trump administration and a Republican-controlled Congress impact this money?
Here are the answers to your heat pump and money questions.
Before we get to money, remind me, how do heat pumps work?
Heat pumps are “basically this magical two-in-one device,” Matusiak says.
For cooling, heat pumps work like air conditioners. They run on electricity and use refrigerants. For heating, heat pumps also use refrigerants. The refrigerants absorb bits of heat from outdoor air and bring them inside to warm up a home.
Some types of heat pumps are specifically designed for extra cold climates, and heat pump sales are booming in countries like Norway, Finland and Sweden.
What kind of money can I currently get from the federal government to buy a heat pump?
The U.S. federal government is currently offering up to $2,000 for homeowners buying heat pumps. The money comes in the form of a tax credit, which lowers your final tax bill, says Steven Nadel, executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, a research organization working on saving energy.
Nadel notes not all heat pumps are eligible for the federal tax credit. The heat pump has to have a high efficiency rating from the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, a nonprofit. Some manufacturer websites list tax credit-eligible equipment, as does the ENERGY STAR Product Finder. Nadel says to check the Department of Energy’s website to see which heat pumps qualify for federal tax credits.
What about states, cities, and my local utility? Can I get money from them?
Many homeowners can get additional money for heat pumps from their local utility, state, or city. Some states, cities and utilities have incentive programs they pay for themselves. There’s some additional money for states from the federal government and the 2022 national climate legislation.
Some states offer heat pump money as tax credits. Some money comes in the form of “point of sale” rebates. That means the money comes off the top of the price of equipment or installation. Utilities often offer post-purchase rebates.
Rewiring America and another nonprofit called The Switch is On have online tools that use people’s zip codes and income to search for which federal, state, local, and utility incentives consumers qualify for. Nadel encourages prospective buyers to check in with their local utility to see if it offers additional money.
I’m a renter and want to buy a heat pump. Can I get money too?
More than a third of Americans rent. While some renters are not in a position to, say, swap out their homeowner’s furnace, some renters with flexibility might be interested in a portable heat pump. Portable heat pumps can go into a window much like a window air conditioning unit and plug into the wall for power.
Matusiak says window heat pumps may soon be eligible for more of these rebate programs, so he encourages prospective buyers to also check out Rewiring America’s online tool.
What do the incoming Trump administration and a Republican-controlled Congress mean for current heat pump incentives?
Shuting Pomerleau, director of energy and environmental policy at the American Action Forum, a conservative think tank, is not optimistic about the future of federal heat pump money. “ Those incentives, whether they’re tax credits or, rebate programs are likely to go away under the upcoming Republican trifecta,” Pomerleau says.
The incoming Republican-led congress will be looking for revenue to pay for tax cuts, says Diana Furchtgott-Roth, director of the center for energy, climate, and environment at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Washington. They will likely get rid of spending programs from Biden’s 2022 climate legislation, she says, including the tax credits for heat pumps.
The Trump transition team did not respond to NPR’s request for comment.
Pomerleau notes that while federal heat pump money is at risk of drying up, some states may choose to continue their incentive programs using other money.
Matusiak says that heat pump rebate programs have been popular in red and purple states as well as blue states. He notes that after the election, states including Texas, Nebraska, Louisiana, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky and Ohio applied for federal money for their heat pump rebate programs.
So if I’m thinking about getting a heat pump, does it make sense to get one sooner rather than later?
Nadel and Matusiak say before you rush out and buy a heat pump, think about what you already have in your home and how well it’s working.
“If you have a perfectly functioning furnace that you bought two years ago, you shouldn’t go get rid of it,” Matusiak says.
But if it starts to die, he says, then buy a heat pump.
Pomerleau says it may make sense to buy that heat pump sooner rather than later to be sure to access federal money. She thinks it will take Republicans some time to make changes to the tax code, but she suggests buying a new heat pump before the end of the 2025 calendar year to be more sure of qualifying for a federal tax credit.
Washington, D.C
New homes by New Year: DC’s Humane Rescue Alliance racing to get 100 dogs adopted – WTOP News
Animal shelters across the D.C. region have often reported throughout 2024 that they are over capacity, but those at D.C.’s Humane Rescue Alliance say the need is especially urgent.
Animal shelters across the D.C. region have often reported throughout 2024 that they are over capacity, but those at D.C.’s Humane Rescue Alliance say the need is especially urgent.
“We’re hoping to find homes for at least 100 dogs by Dec. 31,” said Diane Ashton, a spokesperson with the HRA.
“Overcrowding has been a problem all year long,” she said, but the situation is critical due to upcoming changes at the organization. “Animal control and animal care is being transitioned from HRA” to Brandywine Valley SPCA, which will take on the current Humane Rescue Alliance facility on New York Avenue and open two other spaces in the new year.
That leaves the rescue alliance with the facility at Oglethorpe Street in Northwest D.C., Ashton said.
“Starting Jan. 1, our space at Oglethorpe will only hold 115 dogs, and we have 260 dogs in our care,” including many in foster homes, she said.
On top of that, Ashton said they could see an additional 35 to 55 dogs that need shelter before the end of the year.
“People can help by adopting, obviously, or fostering a dog,” Ashton said.
Adoption fees are only $25 for all animals through Dec. 31.
“And that means dogs, cats and small animals,” she said. “You can foster a dog or a cat over the holidays. It’s a great way to give back and it’s really a lot of fun.”
Fostering takes the pressure off the crowding at shelters and gives dogs and cats a chance to relax in a home setting.
For those planning on taking in a pet over the holidays, Ashton said it’s smart to dedicate a space for your new four-legged friend.
“It’s important to have a quiet place where the animal can decompress,” she said.
Ashton said if the rescue alliance can’t meet its goal of finding new homes for at least 100 dogs, “We do have transport partners around the country that may be able to take in some of these dogs, but we’re hoping we don’t have to go that route.”
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