All the rinks offer skate rentals, and charge under $8.00 for ice time. Check the rink’s website for hours and fees.  Most are open Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating
The Plaza
1201 South Joyce Street
Arlington, Virginia 22202 (map it)
703-418-6666

Herbert Wells Ice Rink
5211 Paint Branch Parkway (formerly Calvert Road)
College Park, MD 20740 (map it)
301-277-3717

Reston Town Center Ice Skating Rink
Reston Town Center – Market Street and Pavilion
11900 Market Street
Reston, VA 20190 (map it)

Pershing Park
Pennsylvania Avenue at 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC (map it)

Normally, the rink is open by mid-November, but not this year. I’ll update this post if it reopens.

Images – Flickr – ice skates, Pershing Park,
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Post from: The DC Traveler

The self-guided tours include four historical building.  On the walking tour are:

• Gadsby’s Tavern Museum – a colonial tavern and meeting place.
• Carlyle House – Alexandria’s only stone Palladian-style house dating back to 1753.
• Lee-Fendall House, the home of the Lee family, and son Robert E. Lee. The urban plantation house was built in 1785 and restored to its early Victorian elegance.
• Old Presbyterian Meeting House – In 1772, a small group of Calvinist who had split from the Church of England, built their own meeting house in which to worship. Today, the church is still used for regular services.

Enjoy seasonal decorations, carolers and light refreshments along the way. Plan on about two hours, if you stop to enjoy the music. 

Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours 
Gadsby’s Tavern
138 N Royal Street
Alexandria, VA 22314 (map it)

Start at any of the four sites and continue at your own pace.

Dates and Times – December 13, 2008, From 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Start at any of the four locations and tour at your own pace.

Tickets – Adults – $20.00, Seniors $15.00, children 6-17 – $5.00, and are available online or by calling Gadsby’s Tavern Museum at 703-838-4242

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 – Street and paid garage parking is available.

Images – from personal collection   ©2008, Jon Rochetti  _________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

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 provided by the Library of Congress and National Archives to be on display include, a letter to Congress written by General George Washington, and the original Franklin Roosevelt “Day of Infamy” speech, the President delivered on to a joint session of Congress on the day after the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor and other U.S. installations, December 8th, 1941.

Visitors can get free Capitol Building tour tickets at the center.

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
East Capitol Street at East Capitol Circle
Washington, DC 20004 (map it)

Dates and Times – Daily, except Sundays, 8:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Tickets – Capitol Building tours are offered daily, except Sundays.  The Center will be closed on Inauguration Day, and other major holidays.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Capitol South – Blue and Orange lines, then a 3-block walk or use the DC Circulator.

Parking – Limited metered street parking is available in the area. Parking is available at Union Station, about 6 blocks away. 

Images – courtesy of The Architect of the Capitol
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Post from: The DC Traveler

George Washington laid the Capitol’s cornerstone in 1793 and since it opened in 1800, it’s been the center of American power and government. 

The building needed to be partially rebuild after the British burned parts of Washington, DC in 1814.  In the 1850s, the Capitol building was expanded, with the massive dome top statue, Freedom being put in place in 1863, after he dome rebuilding was complete.  Finally, the front of the Capitol (east end) was rebuilt in 1904 to balance the two sides. 

The most recent construction project, started in 2001, involved the same east end of the building, for the addition of the new underground visitors complex.  It’s due to open December 2, 2008, 145 years to the day after the Freedom statue was placed on the top of the  Capitol Building. 

The U.S. Capitol Historical Society offers 2-hour walking tours of the exterior of the building every Monday morning, through November.

Spectacular Tour to Remember – US Capitol Exterior Walk
U.S. Capitol Historical Society
200 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC

Meet point – Union Station, at the top of the Massachusetts Avenue exit escalator.  (map it)

Dates and Times – Mondays only, May 19, – November 24, 2008 10:00 a.m.

Tickets – No reservations required, $10.00 (cash only) collected by the tour guide. Contact tours@uschs.org or 202-543-8919, ext. 17, for additional information or to arrange a private walk.

Meet-up point is at Union Station, at the top of the Massachusetts Avenue exit escalator.  (map it)

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Union Station – Red line, meeting point is outside the station or use the DC Circulator.

Parking – Paid parking is available at Union Station, as well as limited and time-restricted street parking in the area.

Images – from personal collection   ©2008, Jon Rochetti  ___________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

During the American Revolution, run was the alcohol drink of choice. Around 90% of the alcohol consumed by the American colonies was British rum, imported from the West Indies.

In the 1790s, whiskey was quickly becoming the alcohol of choice for Americans, moving rum from the number one spot, mostly due to a higher cost for the British impost and, partly from a sense of nationalistic pride (whiskey was made locally, using American grain).

As a result in the change of taste,  thousands of distilleries were built  by 1800, but most were small operations producing just a couple hundred gallons a year.

By 1820, whiskey was king, accounting for over 85% of the alcohol consumed by Americans.

And George Washington rode the whiskey wave. Besides growing tobacco, wheat and corn on his on his Mount Vernon Estate, he built a 4,000 square foot whiskey distillery to try to to satisfy America’s new thirst for whiskey.

He erected the distillery next to the grain gristmill that had been built 20 years earlier along Dogue Creek. The creek was (and still is) a reliable source for water to power the mill, but as whiskey production grew, a well was needed to supply the amount of water required.  Fuel for fire was collected from the surrounding wooded area, and the mill was a reliable source for grain.  With Alexandria nearby, a market for the finished product was just a short wagon ride away.

The distillery, using five 120-gallon stills, a boiler and wooden mash tubs, allowed production to grow from only 600 gallons in 1797, to over 11,000 gallons just three years later.  

The distillery building had three main functions — mashing and fermenting the grain; distillation of the whiskey; and the business operations office.

Both the original gristmill and the recently opened recreation of the original distillery are in operation and open for tours.

George Washington’s Whiskey Distillery and Gristmill
5514 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (Route 235)
Alexandria, VA 22309 (map it)

Dates and Times – March 15 to October 31, Daily – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tickets – Adults and Seniors – $4.00, Kids 6 – 11 – $2.00, 5 and under – FREE. Combination tickets of the Estate and gristmill and distillery are also available.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Huntington – Yellow line, the catch the Fairfax Connector #152 bus to the distillery and mill (about 20 minutes). Or take a cab from Vernon for the final 3-mile ride.

Parking – Free

Images – from personal collection – ©2008, Jon Rochetti 

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Post from: The DC Traveler

The role of the Treasury Department is to manage Federal finances and collects taxes through the IRS, as well as Federal duties and taxes. When money gets spent by the government, it’s the Treasury Department that writes the check.  

It’s also is responsible for producing currency, coins and postage stamps through the Bureau of Engraving and the U.S. Mint.

The Treasury Dept. also manages the U.S. national debt and supervises national banks, investigating, as well as prosecuting tax evaders, counterfeiters and currency forgers.

Saturday building tours are available by advanced reservations and include the Salmon Chase and Andrew Johnson Suites, the recently restored lobby and West dome, and the Cash Room. 

But remember, this is not where money is printed, just the place where it’s spent…by the trillions.  

Treasury Building Tours
15 Street and Hamilton Place, NW
Washington, DC   (map it)

Dates and Times – FREE Public tours on Saturdays at 9:00, 9:45, 10:30 and 11:15 a.m., but require advanced reservations. 

Tour Reservations - 1-hour guided tours are available and are time specific, so if you are late, you will not be able to join a later tour.  No strollers, backpacks or photography. Enter through the Washington Monument side gate by pressing the call button for admittance to the building.

Reservations – Advance reservations must be made through the office of your Senator or Congressional Representative. You will need to supply the person’s name, DOB and SS # for each attendee. Photo IDs are also required.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Metro Center – Blue, Orange and Red lines or McPherson Square – Blue and Orange lines, then a 6-block walk or use the DC Circulator.

Parking – Metered street parking and area garages are available in the area.

Images – exterior, horse statue, dome

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Post from: The DC Traveler

The 3 indoor decks of the ship are surrounded by windows, and provide room for over 500 dining guests.  Each level also has a dance floor and popular dance music spun by the ship’s DJ.  Lunch and dinner cruises usually have live music reviews, that get the crowd involved and up to dance.

The 2-hour Potomac Cruise offers views of the Washington Monument, Fort McNair, planes taking off and landing at National Airport, colonial era Admiral’s Row town houses and Old Town Alexandria.

The Mount Vernon Cruise, takes the same route and  down the Potomac to Mount Vernon, but does not include dining.

All cruises include a multi-item buffet dinner, except for the Moonlight Cruise which includes light “hors d’oeuvres” (wings, pizza, cheese and veggies, meatballs). 

The dinner menu on the Potomac Cruise includes roast beef and smoked ham carving stations, roast chicken, salmon, vegetable lasagna, and jambalaya, along with seasonal vegetables, sides, and dessert.

My experience on a Spirit dinner cruise was enjoyable, as long as you set your expectations. First, go primarily for the views; yet most people seem to never step outside on to the deck.  Second, the rather typical buffet offerings are nicely prepared, yet rather bland and uninspired. But again, they are cooking for the masses, so don’t expect five-star food.

The seating arrangements can be a bit cramped, with tables closely positioned near each other.

Spirit Boat Cruises
Pier 4 at 6th & Water Streets, SW
Washington, DC  (map it)

Dates and Times – Daily summer cruises, including lunch, early dinner, dinner & dancing, and moonlight cruises.  No Mount Vernon cruises on Mondays.

Tickets – Lunch and dinner Potomac Cruises range from – $32.90 – $81.90 and are available online.  Discounts for kids under 13 are available. Cash bar for beer, wine and mixed drinks.

Mount Vernon cruise include round trip boat ride (1½ hours each way) to Mount Vernon, and included admission to the estate, and 3 hours to tour.  Food is not included on this cruise. Adults – $38.95, $31.95 for kids 6-11, under 6 are free. An onboard snack bar is available.

Try to check the weather forecast for the day of your cruise before making reservations, as a rainy day will not enhance your experience.

Both ships are handicap-accessible. Must be 21+ for the moonlight cruises. 

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Waterfront, Green line, then a 3-block walk.

Parking – paid lot and limited metered street parking is available.

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

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Post from: The DC Traveler

I played tour guide for my parents as we visited multiple museums, memorials and other attractions.  But long walks, from one end of the National Mall to the other (2.2 miles each way), plus the extra walking inside a few museums, was out of the question for Mom. 

I tried to find parking close by, so she wouldn’t have to walk too much or strain herself, and then grab a free push wheelchair offered at most destinations. By the end of her visit, we had seen most of DC’s major attractions.  But I must admit, pushing her around the museums, up and down Capital Hill and the numerous hills at George Washington’s Mt. Vernon Estate wore me out.

But I recently found an alternative to touring the Mall on foot, ideal for people that may have limited stamina or mobility issues. And with the summer heat and humidity of Washington, DC  starting to climb, the summer can be dangerous. 

So the solution is to Rent an electric 3-wheeled mobility scooter and make visiting the sites around the Nation’s Capital easy and safe.

For about $60 a day, you can rent an ECV or Electric Convenience Vehicle (mobility scooter). They are easy to use, have a 5-6 mph top speed, can even climb the tougher hills.  Their batteries last about 6-10 hours (about 20-25 miles), depending on driving style and terrain, before requiring a charge, so they can usually go all day without a recharge.  If you need to recharge, simply stop for lunch and ask to plug it in.  Mobility scooters can be used both outdoors and indoors.

All of the Smithsonian museums and most other tourist spots allow visitors to ride on scooters inside the buildings and have at least one entrance ramp that can accommodate a scooter.  It’s not always at the main entrance, sometimes the entrances are in the rear or side of the museum.  Just look for the handicapped entrance signs.

Scootaround Scooter Rentals makes renting a mobility scooter easy.  Just make an advanced reservations using a credit card, preferably a couple weeks before your visit. When you arrive at your hotel, your scooter will be ready and waiting for. 

Prices for a minimum three-day rental is $175.00, and includes delivery and pickup at your hotel’s bell desk.  There is a $75 non-refundable deposit fee, which may apply if you cancel your reservation.

You can also purchase optional damage and loss insurance for $5.75 per day.

If you need to place your scooter in a mini-van or SUV for trips to attractions that are not nearby, Scootaround offers models which can also be partially disassembled for easier transport.

Scootaround Scooter Rentals
No Washington, DC metro storefront, by phone only at 888-441-7575.

Image – Scooter, The Hill

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Post from: The DC Traveler

Then try a visit to the 450-acre U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC. 

The park has over 2,000 cherry trees on their grounds representing 230 different species, varieties and cultivated forms of ornamental cherry trees. Plus there’s additional flowering plum and apricot trees.

And many of the trees are in full bloom this week.  Here’s a link to an Arboretum pamphlet that describes their self-guided park tour.

U.S. National Arboretum
3501 New York Avenue, NE
Visitor entrance – corner of New York Ave. and R St.
Washington, DC 20002
202-245-2726

Hours – Daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission - FREE

Tram Tours – Starting April 12th, )perhaps a bit late for the cherry blossoms), a 35-minute non-stop tram tours is available. Adults – $4.00, Seniors – $3.,00, kids 4-16 – $2.00, kids under 4 are free. 

Dining – There is no food service at the park, but you may bring your own picnic.

Nearest Metro subway station– Stadium Armory Station – Blue and Orange lines. Transfer to the B-2 Metrobus to Bladensburg Road.  Then a 2-block walk to R Street. Turn right on R Street and continue 2 blocks to the Arboretum gates.

Parking – Free parking is available throughout the park.

Image – from personal collection – © 2008 – Jon Rochetti

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Post from: The DC Traveler

The Torsk operated out of Pearl Harbor from where it began its missions, patrolling off the Japanese coast in 1945

While on her second patrol, the Torsk sunk three Japanese ships, including two frigates that ended up being some of the last enemy warships torpedoed during the war. 
The boat then became a trainer for the Navy’s submarine service. In 1962, it participated in the  blockade of Cuba during the Cuban missile crisis.  Four years and over 10,000 dives later, it was decommissioned. 

It’s now a floating museum in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and the closest submarine to Washington, DC that can be toured by the public.

The history of the U.S. Navy submarine started this month in 1898, when John Holland won the first Navy competition for an underwater boat or “submarine”.

The Navy had some stiff requirements — it had to run at 15 knots on the surface, 8 knots submerged, turn in a full circle in less than 4 times its length, maintain positive buoyancy at all times (as in it doesn’t sink uncontrollably), withstand pressure to 150 feet and carry a 100 lb. “torpedo” bomb.

Although Holland won the Navy’s competition, they never awarded a contract. So Holland, a inventor who also was designing airplanes, later joined forces with a wealthy investor. Together they formed The Electric Boat Company, which went on to build a the first submarine for the navy in 1900. Thus starting the  Navy’s “silent service”.

Today, Electric Boat still manufactures military submarines, including most recent Seawolf-class nuclear submarine.

Before Holland, the first submersible boats or “submarines” were invented in 1620s. They were actually metal bells filled with air inside, pulled behind a boat.  The first military self-contained sub was the Turtle, used unsuccessfully in the American Revolutionary War.  It was simply a small pressurized metal egg that required a hand-cranking human propulsion system to power it.

During the Civil War, the Confederate military attempted to use man-powered submarines to sink Union ships.  The submarine Hunley successfully sunk a Union ship, before being lost with all hands.  The historic Hunley was discovered in 2000 and today is in the process of being preserved.

During WW-I, with the addition of diesel electric propulsion, submarines became the hunting wolfs of the sea. One German U-boat achieved immortal notoriety when it sunk the British passenger liner Lusitania, prompting the U.S. to enter the war.

By WW-II, the submarine had been perfected as a fighting machine. German “U-boat” submarine wolfpacks openly attacked Allied shipping in the Atlantic, cutting off British supply lines. Once the U.S. entered the war, even American convoys within sight of the American coast and in the Gulf of Mexico were effectively targeted by U-boats.

In the 1950s, nuclear became the preferred propulsion system, creating a new generation of boats for the Cold War.  In 1960, ballistic missiles were added, making the sub the ultimate weapon of deterrence and fear. These “nukes” could remain underwater indefinitely, not requiring the need to surface to refresh air supplies.

Today subs in the “hunter-killer” class and others carrying an array of nuclear missiles from several nations, still silently roam the oceans.

USS Torsk Submarine
Baltimore Maritime Museum 
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
Eastern Ave. at President Street 
Baltimore, MD (map it)

Dates and Times – Daily 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with extended hours during the summer.

Tickets – Adults – $8.00, Seniors – $6.00, kids 6-14 – $4.00, children under 6 are allowed to stowaway and are available at the dock.

Parking – paid garage and limited street parking is available in within a few block walk.

Images – Holland – public domain, Torsk in color – Baltimore Maritime Museum, all others Torsk Volunteer Association, Inc., ©1997-2007 

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Post from: The DC Traveler