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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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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The night before the Washington, DC opening Cirque du Soleil KOOZA, I had the opportunity to visit the backstage warm-up and rehearsal area and meet one of the artists.
The atmosphere the afternoon before opening night was surprisingly relaxed. As when I entered the tent, a group of about 20 of artists involved with KOOZA, were all casually sitting on the floor chatting, laughing and joking around. The scene seemed similar to what you might find at any college dorm or student center with young people just hanging out and talking.
But all that changed a few minutes later when the …read more

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The internationally known Lipizzaner Stallions perform the highest level of dressage with their intricate ballet-like marching, jumping and prancing.  Choreographed to classical music by the masters, the dozen all white horses entertain horse fans across the globe with their lively performances.  

Read more about their history here.
The Lipizzaner Stallions Patriot Center 4500 Patriot Circle Fairfax, VA 22030 (map it)
Dates and Times – Friday and Saturday, November 21 and 22, 2008 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets – Adults – $25.50, $33.50 …read more

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The Fall weather has been so mild in Washington, DC, it’s hard to believe that the ice skating rink at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is scheduled to open tomorrow (a day where the forecast predicts rain and a high temperature of over 60 degrees).

Sculpture Garden Ice-Skating Rink
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
Constitution Avenue, NW at 7th Street NW
Washington, DC (map it)
202-289-3360
Dates and Times – November 15 through mid-March, 2009

Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday -10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday – 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The rink is Closed on Christmas and New …read more

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Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA opened last night under the yellow and blue Grand Chapiteau at National Harbor in Washington, DC.
The only word to describe KOOZA is… AMAZING!!!
I’ve seen several Cirque du Soleil productions and KOOZA was by far, the most physical, high-energy and awe inspiring show of all. 
The audience’s reaction to the gravity defying, body contorting, magical balancing, and fearless performances resulted in at not several, but many moments during the show, of audible group gasps, screams and shrieks. The story, led by a team of very funny clowns made for a slap-stick, …read more

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If you couldn’t get to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, now is your change to see some of the best gymnasts in the world performing in Washington, DC.
The 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars features 17 world-class gymnasts including Olympic and World champions, such as:

3-time Olympic medalist and 2004 all-around competition winner, Paul Hamm
Shawn Johnson – Gold in the women’s balance beam, sliver in floor exercise, and sliver in the individual all-around
Nastia Liukin – Silver metals in the women’s balance beam and uneven bars as well as the gold for individual all-around

And in case you think gymnastics is an …read more

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Just two days after the running of the 26-mile annual Marine Corps Marathon of the Monuments, Washington, DC hosts the always silly and very popular High Heel Drag Race near Dupont Circle. 
Racing two blocks for a silver slipper trophy, over 100 elaborately costumed drag queens go all out in creating their costumes and hair and an attitude to match.  Some sprint, some jog and others just sashay down the avenue, all to the hoots and hollers of the spectators. 
Before the race, outlandishly dressed “racers” parade up and down 17th street strutting their stuff.  After the race, both racers …read more

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General Motors car designer Pierre Paul Andriani will present a look at automotive design and technological developments over the past century.
The French “auto sculptor” will address global design highlights, breakthroughs and trends, starting with the first major mass-production automobile, the classic Ford Model T. He will also discuss the rich history of French contributions to design of automobiles.
His online resume lists one of his accomplishments as being the Lead Sculptor for the interior “garnish and trim” of the Cadillac CTS.

To remind readers of some of the great, not so great and quirky looking French automobiles, there’s several classics, including …read more

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The Washington Nationals new $611 million stadium did nothing to propel the team to play competitive baseball this season. 
Finishing in last place in the National League East, the Nats had the worst record in baseball. 
Last season, the Nationals ended with a 73 win, 89 loss season, finishing in 4th place in the East division.
But if you can’t bare another five months without watching a Nat’s game, your final chance to see the National play at home is Thursday, September 25th.
Washington Nationals Baseball Nationals Park 1500 South Capitol Street, …read more

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