The DC Traveler

Visiting the 2008 Capitol Christmas Tree located at the front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. should be a holiday tradition. 
This year’s tree, from the Sapphire Mountains of Western Montana, was originally 100 feet tall, but was cut to 73 feet.
It’s open to the public daily.
2008 Capitol Christmas Tree U.S. Capitol Building – west grounds  1 1st Street, NE, between Constitution and Independence Avenues Washington, DC  (map it).

Dates and Times – Daily through January 1, 2009
Admission – FREE
Nearest Metro Subway Station – Federal Center SW – Blue and Orange line, …read more

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The 2008 National Christmas Tree in Washington, DC will be lit this evening, Thursday, December 4, 2008, at 5:00 p.m.  It is the last time the tree will be lit by President and First Lady Bush.  Next Christmas, President Obama will have the honors.
Tickets went fast for the event, but the grounds will be open to public 24-hours through January 1, 2009.
Besides the National Christmas Tree, visit the Pathway of Peace, with decorated Christmas trees from each of the states and U.S. territories, along with the National Yuletide Log.
The grounds are illuminated each evening from dusk until 11:00 p.m.  …read more

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The Christmas Concert for Charity   at the Bacilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception has entertained residents of Washington DC for 20 years.
With classical vocal and symphonic holiday music performed by a full symphony orchestra, over 125 singers and the delightful Bacilica Choir, the concert is a great way to help the poor and start your holiday cheer.
Drawing standing-room-only crowds, besides wonderful music, enjoy the view of one of the nation’s most ornate and stunning shrines. 
Christmas Concert for Charity   National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 400 Michigan Ave., …read more

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After 8 years of construction, the much anticipated, costly ($600+ million) and highly needed U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center is scheduled to open on December 2, 2008.  The grand opening date is exactly 145 years to the day, after the placing of the statute, the Statute of Freedom, was placed on the top of the completed dome in 1863.
The new 580,000 sq. ft. underground center will offer visitors two orientation theaters, showing a 13-minute video about the Capitol Building and American democracy.   Additionally, the building hosts several gifts shops and multiple (and much needed) restroom facilities.
A few of the notable artifacts …read more

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I was a bit disappointed when one of my favorite sculptures, The Awakening, was removed from Hains Point in East Potomac Park in February to be relocated at National Harbor. 
Created by J. Seward Johnson, Jr. as part of a sculpture exhibition, the 5-piece cast aluminum piece is now at its new home on a sandy beachfront location at Washington’s National Harbor, near the stage and plaza. 
The new location is inches off the waters edge and a smaller, somewhat less inviting and playful place than the former locations in a large grassy park.
 
Watch the video of the statute’s …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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Fort Belvor is hosting its 13th annual Octoberfest just a 30 minute drive from downtown Washington, DC.
Enjoy authentic German umpapa bands and polka dancing, some great kids events and activities, along with a big carnival.
And don’t miss the great German food, like grilled brats and Rhinewurst sausages with Sauerkraut. And of course, treat yourself to a stein or two of German beer.  The whole experience may make you feel like you’re enjoying a part of this original Deutschland festival.
Fort Belvor 13th annual Octoberfest
Off Richmond Highway / US-1, and Belvor Road – Fremont Field
Fort Belvor, VA (map it)
Dates and Times – …read more

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Washington, DC’s latest American pop art addition is called “Modern Head”, by famed American pop artist, Roy Lichtenstein.
This blue painted stainless steel, 31-foot tall sculpture was installed at the corner of Ninth and F Streets in late August, on the grounds of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
First installed in 1996, just one block from the World Trade Center, in Battery Park in New York City, it survived the September 11th attack with only minor scratches.  A month later, it was moved to another gallery in Nassau County, New York, then to a botanic garden in Coral Gables, Florida.  …read more

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The Pentagon’s new 9/11 Memorial was dedicated on the 7th anniversary of the September 11th attack and crash of American Airlines Flight 77.

Located on the western edge of the Pentagon’s grounds, just across the Potomac River from the National Mall in Washington, DC, the site is open 24 hours-a-day to the public, it is adjacent to the original impact spot.
The 184 victims of the tragedy (59 victims on the plane and 125 died inside the Pentagon) are commemorated by a "memorial unit" or steel bench, one  for each person killed. 
A gray concrete retaining wall around …read more

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