The DC Traveler

When you mention a Parade of Lights to a pleasure boater, they know what exactly you mean.  You decorate your boat with lights and holiday decorations and take a slow harbor cruise so people can watch the brightly decorated crafts sail by.
This year, more than 50 power and sail boats should participate in annual Parade of Lights in suburban Alexandria, Virginia. Watch the floating parade along the Potomac River at the city’s historic waterfront.
Festivities also include pictures with Santa for small children. 
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Alexandria’s Historic Waterfront at the foot of …read more

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Historically, the inauguration of a new President includes many events seeped in tradition.  On January 20th, 2009, the list of inaugural events include:

Morning Worship Service, a tradition started in 1933 by Franklin D. Roosevelt
Motorcade Procession to the Capitol, where President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush will accompany the President-elect Barack Obama and his wife and Michelle to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony.
The Vice President’s Swearing-In Ceremony happens before the President is sworn into office on the steps of the US Capitol.
The new President’s Swearing-In Ceremony follows and has occurred 54 times, for 43 presidents, in 10 …read more

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Visiting Mount Vernon at Christmas time is an annual holiday tradition. George and Martha know how to deck the halls, decorate Christmas trees and welcome people into the first President’s home.
This year kids will enjoy the 12 themed Christmas trees, one for each day of Christmas. Each professionally decorated with themes relating to George Washington, life at Mount Vernon, and the time when the Washington’s lived there.
And look for the live Christmas camel, just like George Washington had at Mt. Vernon during the Christmas season of 1787, two years before he became America’s first President.
Besides a gingerbread recreation of …read more

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Any good spy makes plans… And now is the time to plan to attend the annual New Year’s Eve gala – James Bond 007 Around The World party. It looks to be another great event to ring in the New Year.
Selected by Playboy as one of the top five parties for New Year’s Eve in the country, and with an estimated 1,600 guests, this party  attracts singles, couples and groups of friends alike.
While most New Year’s Eve parties simply offer a band and cocktails, the 007 Around The World party offers multiple country themes rooms, where you can pretend you …read more

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This week I checked the several of the travel websites, such as Expedia for hotels on the night before (or week of) the historic inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama. 
If you are planning on attending the inauguration from out of town, start your planning now.  In fact, start planning two weeks ago, because most, if not all of the 95,000 area hotel rooms are already booked.  And expect to look hard for alternatives.  An estimated million and a half people are currently expected to attend what may be one of the largest events, and the largest inauguration, on the …read more

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Over 70 area galleries, museums, universities, embassies and art centers will participate in the first ever, FotoWeek DC, in Washington, DC.
Throughout the week of November 15-22, 2008, Washington, DC will celebrate the art of photography, with a gathering of the best in the DC photographic community, with series of exhibits, lectures, competitions, and celebration of all things photographic.
FotoWeek DC brings together photographic talent and a collection of images ranging from artistic to business, political to editorial. Events include:

Exhibitions at over 60 galleries and public spaces around DC
Juried exhibitions of some of Washington, DC’s most gifted photographers
Lectures and book signings …read more

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On January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC, President Elect Barack Obama will take the Oath of Office on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building.
Public interest and attendance at Obama’s inauguration is expected to be massive.
George Washington took the first oath of office at Federal Hall in New York City.  Thomas Jefferson was the first to give his address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC.
Since then, all other presidential inaugural addresses have been made from the steps of the Capitol Building, except for FDR’s address starting his 4th term, which he made at the White House.
Obama’s inaugural address …read more

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In its 5th year, the Washington DC Green Festival this weekend will showcase a schedule of 150 inspirational green-focused speakers and over 350 green products manufacturers and vendors including renewable energy, eco-fashion, technology, green building, organic body care products, and Fair Trade goods.
There’s lots of activities, including hands-on recycling, pavilions on how to make your home greener, a yoga room, an organic beer and wine garden and even a vegetarian food court.
And get the children involved with saving the planet in the rain barrel Kid’s Zone and the tropical rain forest.
And if you are into green travel, please check …read more

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This weekend is time again for the always popular Metropolitan Cooking & Entertainment Show in Washington, DC.
Join over 40 of DC’s finest chefs and foodies, along with special cooking presentations by well-known Food TV celebrity chefs, Paula Dean, Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis. 
Enjoy cooking demonstrations and head-to-head cooking competitions, food and wine tastings, tips on entertaining and cooking, along with workshops on everything from holiday cooking to knife and plating skills. 
With over 170 food related companies displaying and selling everything from exotic weekend cooking retreats, wine storage, and kitchen gadgets, the show is not just …read more

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Looking for some last minute ideas of things to do tomorrow on Halloween?
Here’s a recap of some of the posts on The DC Traveler of some interesting things to do both with the family and for a night of ghoulish pleasure with the adults.

Check out the always wild Nightmare on M Street and other parties for the over 21 crowd.
Shoot off some steam (and pumpkins) at the Pumpkin Cannon in Thurmont, Maryland
Take the kids to see haunted forests, spooky trails and ghoul filled forests.

Halloween not your thing? 

Check out the Gem & Jewelry Show in Timonium, Maryland
Enjoy …read more

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