The DC Traveler

Model railroad layouts and displays, along with model railroad workshops and demonstrations make up the annual Greenberg Train & Toy Expo this weekend in Chantilly, Virginia, about 40 minutes west of Washington, DC.
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 …read more

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Here’s the second part of the listings of official and unofficial Inaugural Balls in Washington, DC, that will be celebrating the inauguration of the 44th President of the United State, Barak Obama.
Here’s the list for January 20, 2009 Inaugural Balls, the first list of inaugural balls, (on January 19), was posted on The DC Traveler, yesterday. Click here to link to the other post.
Again, the availability of tickets may change daily.  Even if inaugural balls are sold out, waiting list or returned tickets may be available.

American Indian Inaugural Ball    Hyatt Regency Crystal City 2799 …read more

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There are at least 8 official inaugural balls and 13 unofficial Inaugural Balls in Washington, DC celebrating the inauguration of President-elect Barak Obama as the 44th President of the United States.
So many, that I am splitting up the information I have been able to find into two post, one for January 19, 2009 Inaugural Balls, the second (tomorrow) for Inaugural Balls on January 20th.
Ticket availability changes by the day.  Some ball tickets will be available online from the inaugural ball committee.  Other inaugural balls are sold out, but check the ball sites as they may have a waiting …read more

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The annual lighting of the National Menorah on the Ellipse in Washington, DC signifies, to those of Jewish faith, the starting of the eight days of Chanukah, or the Festival of Lights.
According to the Talmud, after a large-scale revolt and victory of the Jews over the Hellenistic empire (about 165 BC), the alter at the Temple in the old city of Jerusalem was rededicated. On that day, there was enough holy oil to keep the eternal flame burning for just one day. But the flame burned for eight days and nights, enough to produce a new batch of holy …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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Enjoy a traditional colonial plantation holiday dinner at Gunston Hall, the home of founding father, George Mason.
Dine tavern-style, by candlelight, on items such as traditional   turkey and dressing, Virginia ham, dressing, and of course, home made pie.
For more about Gunston Hall, check out my Oct. 12, 2007 post.
Plantation Christmas Yuletide Dinner at Gunston Hall
Gunston Hall Plantation
10709 Gunston Road 
Mason Neck, Virginia 22079  (map it)
703-550-9220
Dates and Times – Friday, December 12, 2008 at 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 13  at 4:30, 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Tickets – Adults – $39.95 , children 10 and under – $19.95. Beer and wine is …read more

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makes fun of everyone, but uses his Mexican-American heritage as an anchor to his humor. After staring in 5 seasons of ABC sitcom, “George Lopez”, he’s hitting the road and stopping in Washington, DC for three shows at the Warner Theatre.George Lopez
He’s released a couple funny Grammy-nominated CDs, an autobiography entitled “Why You Crying?”, which hit the NY Times Bestseller top 20 list, and has also appeared in a dozen movies.  
He’s also had a couple rather public controversies with Jay Leno and Carlos Mencia.
George Lopez
Warner Theatre
513 13th Street, NW, between E & F St.
Washington, D.C., 20004 (map it)
Dates and …read more

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Since It’s Monday, and I typically write a Monument Monday, but here’s one that’s monument to the performing arts – The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Next weekend, enjoy over 30 FREE music, dance and artistic performances at Washington, DC’s premiere center for the arts, The Kennedy Center and their annual Open House.
The range of entertainment of as varied as the number of performers.
Here’s just a sampling of the many free performances:

The Kennedy Center’s own Suzanne Farrell Ballet. Suzanne Ferrell  who was one of one of George Balanchine’s most celebrated ballerinas.
Washington’s own, National Symphony …read more

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Learn about you cat or the many breeds at the annual National Capital Cat Show in suburban Chantilly, Virginia.
Again this years, over 500 cats compete at the Cat Fanciers’ Association Debutante’s Ball in various competitions.
And remember, dogs have owners…cats simply have staffs.
There’s several categories of contacts including a cat agility competition. There’s also no cat swimming contest, but I suspect if so, this scuba diving Calico named Hawkeye, would have taken that prize.

National Capital Cat Show
Dulles Expo Center
4368 Chantilly Center
Chantilly, VA  (map it)
Dates and Times – Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6 & 7, 2008.  Doors open at 9:30 a.m. , and …read more

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Join roughly 27,000 people aged 50 and over at AARP’s 50th anniversary event in Washington, DC, Life@50+ National Show & Expo.

For 50 years, AARP has been representing the interests of people as they age gracefully. And another person turns 50 every 7 seconds in America.  Now that AARP has turned 50, it’s time for a party!!
Besides over 300 exhibits, attendees can enjoy concerts and dancing events, movies, educational sessions with a wide range of topics, such as senior lifestyle, travel, family relationships, health and health care, managing your finances, retirement, entertainment and sex and love and more.
Celebrities in attendance include:

Natalie Cole …read more

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