The DC Traveler

Nine cities, nine city-themed rooms, and a couple thousand people celebrating New Year’s Eve in Washington, DC.
City themes include music and food representing:

New York City – hip and trends DJs keep the vibe live, and enjoy one of the local food items, Manhattan Clam Chowder.
Chicago in the Roaring 1920s – No Prohibition here, with a fun swing band and of course pizza.
Miami and Havana – a live Salsa band and a Cuban menu fills this room.
Spirit of the Caribbean delivers the island feel with Reggae and Calypso.
Boston boasts a live Irish band and New England Clam Chowder.
Become a star at …read more

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During the Christmas holiday season in Washington, DC, the Washington Region Alcohol Program operates it’s SoberRide free taxi program.
Drivers that may be alcohol impaired or unable to safely drive can request a free taxi ride to their home, up to a maximum cost of $50, through January 1, 2009.
It’s never wise to drive after indulging and especially during the holiday season. Again this year, area police will be establishing sobriety checkpoints around the region.
Most years, Metro DC police set up approximately 30 during holiday season, including some surprising locations. One year, I saw a check point in …read more

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Enjoy the company of 3,500 of Washington, DC’s 20s and 30s crowd for the annual New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown.
Hosted by DC101’s Elliot in the Morning radio host, partygoers get to enjoy an open bar, a heavy hors d’oeuvres buffet, karaoke, live bands (Cowboy Mouth, Pat McGee Band, Gonzo’s Nose), dancing and a comedy club.
The Downtown Countdown    
Grand Hyatt Washington
1000 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001  (map it)
Dates and Times – Wednesday, December 31, 2008, 8:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Tickets – $109.00 and are available online or by phone at 202-397-SEAT. This event is 21 years old and over only.
Nearest Metro …read more

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Ring in the New Year at another huge Washington, DC New Year’s Eve party – the Passport to the World Gala – Cities of Virtue and Vice, hosted by Professionals in the City.
With multiple city/national themes, including London, Austria, Mexico City, Rio, San Juan, and even Amsterdam’s Red Light District (no, not what you might be thinking… actually it’s an R-rated comedy show), this New Year’s Eve party, complete with with 3,000 guests, features all kinds of fun music and activities, including:

Open Bar and Buffet
Nine Themed Party Areas
Multiple Dance Floors , including DC’s Largest Ballroom
Midnight Balloon …read more

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Kick off the holiday season with a grand Viennese-style Christmas Ball at the beautiful Washington Golf and Country Club in suburban Arlington, Virginia.
Highlights of the evening include a traditional champagne reception, a scrumptious Austrian dessert buffet, and music for dancing by Con Brio!, one of Washington’s most regarded salon orchestras.  they will perform waltzes and ballroom music and even a polka or two.
The ball will open with a cotillion performance by students from the German School Washington, DC.
Christmas Ball  Washington Golf and Country Club 3017 N. Glebe Road Arlington, VA 22207 …read more

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On December 5, 1933, the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution outlawed the manufacturing, sale and transport of alcoholic beverages was repealed.
The "Volstead Act", which defined the rules of alcohol production and sales, also established what an “intoxicating” beverage actually was – any beverage with 0.5% of alcohol. The act did not however prohibit the purchase or use of liquor.
The law lasted 13 years and had numerous unintended consequences, including fueling the rise of organized crime.  During prohibition, alcohol consumption actually increased per capita, the exact opposite intent of the legislation.  Illegal speakeasies flourished across the country, with a …read more

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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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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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The night of Tuesday, January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC will be a huge night for political party-goers and Obama supporters who will be attending the many inaugural balls across town.
I just got word that the first-ever Hawaii State Society Inaugural Ball being held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, DC is SOLD OUT.
Tickets may be available through brokers, on Craigslist and from other sources. The face value of tickets is $200.
I assume most of the other inaugural balls in Washington, DC that night are also sold-out.  I’ll try to provide additional details on inaugural events, parties, …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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