A few of the model railroad layouts include themed displays including a huge 40 foot by 50 foot display, along with close to a dozen other major displays  from Washington, DC area model railroad clubs, representing all kinds of different themes. 

Plus, there’ll be an interactive slot car track and a train layout made exclusively out of Legos. 

For the smaller children, take them on the Train on Time, a riding train just for kids.

And if you didn’t find that special model railroad gift you were hoping for this Christmas, expect many vendors selling all kinds of model railroad gear.

The Greenberg Train & Toy Expo
Dulles Expo Center
4368 Chantilly Center
Chantilly, VA  (map it)

Dates and Times – Saturday and Sunday, December 27-28, 2008.  10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily.

Tickets – Adults – $7.00,  children 11 and under free. Admission is good for both days. Tickets are available at the door. 

Parking – Free.

Images – Flickr – station, Santa Fe

_________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

For those that need some help on kimono fashion lingo (as I did):

• Kimonos are the T-shaped, ankle length straight-lined traditional robes.
• Yukata are more casual kimonos, generally worn during the summer months or for after bathing, but acceptable for public wearing.
• Haori are the longer (hip or thigh-length) jacket that is paired with a kimono.

The pre-worn kimonos for sale are ideal for wearing around the house, for home decorating or for making into craft projects.  Plus, one might make a unique holiday gift.

And don’t forget to ask about what is not on display, if you have a color theme in mind as the Society will not be displaying all the kimonos for sale.

Kimono Sale 
Japan-America Society
1819 L Street, NW, 1b (lower level) Washington, DC  (map it)
202-833-2210

Dates and Times – Monday – Friday, December 15-19, 2008, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with extended hours on Thursday until 7:00. 

Admission - free. Garment prices are all under $100.00.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Farragut North – Red line, then a 2-block walk or use the DC Circulator.

Parking – limited metered street parking is available.

Images – Flickr – lady in kimono, blue kimono

_________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

With more than 150 local artists and crafters selling a variety of hand-crafted art works, from soaps and candles to jewelry and photos, you should be able to find something unique for just about anyone on your holiday list.

This year, vendors will rotate in and out of the market, so each time you visit, you may find something new. 

Free live music will entertain crowds as they shop.

Downtown Holiday Market
F Street, NW between 7th and 8th Streets
At the American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery
Washington, DC (map it)

Dates and Times – Daily – Noon to 8:00 p.m. through Tuesday, December 23, 2008.

Admission - Admission is free. 

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Gallery Place-Chinatown – Red, Green and yellow lines, then a 2-block walk or use the DC Circulator.

Parking – Metered street parking is available in the area.

Images – from personal collection – ©2008, Jon Rochetti
_________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

Live music, drinks and hors d’oeuvres will add to the festive occasion.

Torpedo Factory Art Center – Holiday Open House
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314 (map it)
703-838-4565

Dates and Times – Thursday, December 4, 2008  6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Admission – FREE, but please bring a non-perishable food item for their holiday food drive.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – King Street – Yellow and Blue lines. then a 20-minute walk or take the free King Street Trolley form the Metro station.

Parking – limited street and paid garage parking is available in the area.

Images – Flickr – interior gallery, exterior
_________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

The sales tax exemption starts the morning of Friday, November 28 and expires Sunday, December 7, 2008 at midnight.  

The Sales Tax holiday grants shoppers a tax exemption on shoes, clothing and clothing accessories priced less than $100.00 per item.

So check out two of Washington, DC’s favorite shopping malls, Mazza Gallerie Mall and the Shops At Georgetown Park in Georgetown.

For more details on the exemption, check out the DC Office of Tax page.

Image – Flickr – burning money ________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

In one of the areas “coolest” promotions to attract shoppers, from November 22 until Christmas Eve, “snow” will actually fall from the ceiling, inside the upscale shopping and dining mall.

The first “snow show” will begin daily at 11:00 a.m., falling from the top level and descend through all three levels of the mall. 

Santa is also on hand for kids to tell him what they want to see under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning.

And for a great lunch or dinner, stop by Lebanese Taverna, one of my personal favorites.  IT’s located at 1840 G International Drive, on the lower level.

Tysons Galleria
2001 International Drive
McLean, Virginia  22102 (map it)

Dates and Times – Snow will fall every half hour, Mondays – Saturdays 11:00-8:00 and Sundays 11:00-7:00.

Admission - Free

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Wet Falls Church – Orange line, then a 3 mile cab ride.

Parking – Free
________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

Expect discounts of at least 25% on just about everything that National Geographic sells, with some books and other products discounted up to 90%.

National Geographic’s Holiday Warehouse Sale
DC Armory
2001 East Capitol Street, SE
Washington, DC 2003  (map it)
888-647-6733

Dates and Times – Friday – Sunday, November 14-16, 2008.
Hours:

• Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission - FREE

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Blue and Orange line, then a 3-block walk.

Parking – free

Image – National Geographic covers _________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

With one-of-a-kind crafts from just a few dollars, to exquisite pieces in the thousands of dollars, there’s something for every taste and every budget. 

The show highlights over 175 of the nation’s most unique, well-regarded and sophisticated artisans in the specialized niches.

The types of crafts on display and offered for sale include:

• Basketry
• Ceramics
• Decorative and Wearable Fiber
• Furniture
• Glass
• Jewelry
• Leather Metal
• Mixed Media
• Paper
• Wood

Washington Craft Show   
Washington Convention Center
801 Mount Vernon Place NW, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW
Washington, DC  20001,

Dates and Times - Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, November 9, 2008. Hours:

• Friday and Saturday – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday – 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m

Tickets – Adults – $15.00, Seniors & students – $13.00, children under 13 are free. Only cash at the door, no advanced ticket sales nor credit cards accepted. 

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Mt. Vernon Square – Yellow line, at the Convention Center or use the DC Circulator.

Parking - Metered street and garage parking is available at lots and garages near the Washington Convention Center.

Images – courtesy of the Washington Craft Show   ______________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

Check out all the eye-popping baubles, just in time to start thinking about…should I say it…holiday gift giving.

International Gem and Jewelry Show
Timonium Fair Grounds
2200 York Road
Timonium, MD (map it) (about 20 minutes north of Baltimore )

Dates and Times – Friday, October 31 – Sunday, November 2, 2008.

• Hours – Friday – Noon to 6:00, Saturday - 10 to 6, and Sunday - 11 to 5.

Tickets – $7:00, and are available at the door.

Parking – Limited paid parking is available.

Public Transportation – You can travel from DC’s Union Station to the Fair grounds, using MARC trains, but it’s a 2-3 commute requiring multiple bus transfers.  Visit Maryland’s MTA website for details.

Images – Flickr – Turquoise Necklace, Diamond ring

_________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

Meet over 400 artists and craftsmen and women at one of the highest rated crafts fairs in the country.  Many of whom will be working their trade at the show.

See custom jewelry, dried flower arrangements, pottery and sculpture, photography, paintings, leatherwork and more.

Craftsmen’s Classic Arts & Crafts Festival 
Dulles Expo Center
4368 Chantilly Center
Chantilly, VA  (map it)

Dates and Times – Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 17-19 , 2008.  Fri. – 10-6, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5

Tickets – Adults – $7.00,  children 6-12 – $1.00, under 6 – free

Tickets are available at the door.  Click here for a $1.00 off coupon. 

Parking – Free.

Images – Flickr – glass vendor, cat dolls

_________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler