Archive for the 'Things to Do' Category
Celebrating the Fourth of July in the Nation’s Capitol
July 1st, 2008 Categories: Alexandria, Things to Do
If you live within 50 miles of this blog (Alexandria, VA) and have never celebrated the Fourth of July on the Mall - well, what are you waiting for!
Take a look at the day’s schedule and then ask yourself - how can I not do this? Whether you make it a full day trip or just mosey in for the evening’s spectacular concert and fireworks, you’ll be glad you did.
Democrat or Republican, native born American or naturalized citizen, young or old, single or married, this is a celebration that brings out the best in everyone.
Start the day with a good breakfast and then head to Constitution and 7th Streets for the annual Independence Day Parade with marching bands, military and specialty units, floats and VIP’s.
The parade kicks off about 11:45a.m. but it’s always crowded so arrive early for a good seat. Once the parade is over you have several options for the afternoon:
The National Archives will offer special family events and a birthday party celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence from 10:00am to 9:00pm.
The White House Visitors Center will have games, crafts, and other activities celebrating the Fourth with National Park Service Rangers on hand from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
The United States Air Force Band with special guests Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers will play on the Southwest corner of the Washington Monument grounds at 6:00pm.
And in the midst of all this, the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival is in full swing . . .
The, finally, the big finale - the Capitol Fourth Concert and Fireworks. Admittance begins at 3:00pm on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building.
No tickets are necessary but visitors are subject to security screening. Picnic baskets and blankets are fine but please don’t pack any glass.
The National Symphony Orchestra takes center stage at 8:00pm and joining them this year, among others, will be Jimmy Smits, Taylor Hicks and Huey Lewis and the News. The concert is followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument.
It’s a proud moment and one of the best birthday parties you’ll ever attend. See you there,
Michael
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Gourmet Dining, Classical Music and A Rural Retreat Make for a Perfect Weekend Getaway
June 25th, 2008 Categories: Things to Do, Weekend Pass
Local music offerings abound (like the Del Ray Music Festival). But if you’re looking for music AND a weekend getaway AND gourmet dining, consider driving about 4 hrs. west to Bath County. There, snug against the Alleghenies, you’ll find it all in a decidedly rural setting. In fact, Bath County has no traffic lights - and for many Northern Virginia residents that might be reason enough for a getaway!
The Garth Newel Music Center in Warm Springs, VA is the unique vision of Christine Herter Kendall who died in 1981.
The center produces about 50 events a year many of which are at night and where dinner may start with a minted pea soup with a scallop mousseline.
This year’s offerings will include a world-premiere composition in August by Pulitzer Prize winning composer Paul Moravec.
For more information, click here.
Michael
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Live Music, Food and Games at the Del Ray Music Festival, Saturday June 28
June 24th, 2008 Categories: Del Ray, Things to Do
Music - and the Del Ray Music Festival - will take center stage on the fields of the Mt. Vernon Rec Center this Saturday, June 28 as part of the ongoing Town of Potomac Centennial Celebration that started in January.
Actually, the full musical line up will take two stages with bands starting at 10 in the morning (be sure and get to the Farmers Market early) and running until 10 in the evening.
Sponsored by the Del Ray School of Music, The Birchmere, Acoustic Axis and the Del Ray Centennial, expect to hear everything from Brazilian Fusion to jazz to bluegrass to classical guitar and gypsy swing!
Click here for a full schedule and more information about the bands.
Food will be provided by Del Ray favorites Let’s Meat on the Avenue, Del Merei Grille and Taqueria Poblano. Yum!
And this great poster? Thanks to Ellen Hamilton at Yellow Dot Designs.
What a great way to spend a Saturday, Del Ray style. See you at the Mt. Vernon Rec Center on Saturday -
Michael
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