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

This year’s annual concert will feature, not only a host of familiar holiday carols, the cathedral’s majestic organ and carillon, as well as a world premier of a new Christmas carol.

The Joy of Christmas
Washington National Cathedral
3000 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC  20016  (map it)

Dates and Times – Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14, 2008 at 4:00 p.m., plus special family concert at Noon on Saturday.

Tickets – $27.00 – $80.00 and are available online.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Cleveland Park – Red line, then a 1-mile walk. 

Parking – Limited garage parking is available at the Cathedral, as well as street parking.

Image – Flickr
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Post from: The DC Traveler

This year kids will enjoy the 12 themed Christmas trees, one for each day of Christmas. Each professionally decorated with themes relating to George Washington, life at Mount Vernon, and the time when the Washington’s lived there.

And look for the live Christmas camel, just like George Washington had at Mt. Vernon during the Christmas season of 1787, two years before he became America’s first President.

Besides a gingerbread recreation of the Mount Vernon Estate created by a former White House pastry chef; watch historical chocolate-making demonstrations, and 18th-century period dancing.

Tour the rarely-seen third floor of the Washington’s mansion and if you’re lucky, meet the always charming "Mrs. Washington" along the way.

Christmas at Mount Vernon 
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy.
Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121  (map it)
703-780-2000

Dates and Times – November 28, 2008 through January 6, 2009, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily

Tickets – Adults – $13.00, Seniors – $12.00, children 6-11 – $6.00 with adult,  Kids under 6 with an adult are free.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Huntington – Yellow line, then catch the Fairfax Connector bus to Mount Vernon or take a 6 mile cab ride.

Parking – Free parking is available.

Image – Flick _________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

Interpreting classic jazz standards or singing her own bluesy jazz pieces is her sound today, but her background is varied, from playing in marching bands as a child to a back up singer with Joni Mitchell and  singer in funk bands.

In the 1980 she explored into the New York jazz scene and has since recorded over 20 albums, won a Grammy and was named the female Jazz Vocalist of the Year by Down Beat magazine, three years in a row.

Cassandra Wilson
Warner Theatre
513 13th Street, NW, between E & F St.
Washington, D.C., 20004 (map it)

Date and Time – Saturday, November 8, 2008.  8:00 p.m.

Tickets – $40.00 – $80.00 and are available online.

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

Parking – Paid garage parking and very limited metered street parking is available.

Image – Flickr – Cassandra Wilson in NYC

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Post from: The DC Traveler

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 and spectators enjoy the areas clubs and restaurants for some post-race partying.

It’s amazing how some of the contestants can walk, not to mention sprint, in 4-inch stiletto heels or platform go-go boots. 

Expect to see versions of your favorite political leaders, Hollywood celebrities, and other people in the news.

High Heel Drag Race
17th Street, between P and Q Streets, NW)
Washington, DC 20036  (map it)

Date and Time – Tuesday, October 28, 2008. Activities start around 7:00, with the race starting at about 9:00 p.m.

Admission – FREE

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Dupont Circle – Red line, then a 2-block walk.

Parking – Street and garage parking is available, but usually tough in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. 

Images – Flickr – racer and dog, air force racers, Candy Ladies

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Post from: The DC Traveler

Fast forward 18 years later and he’s directing Cirque du Soleil’s latest production to visit Washington, DC, KOOZA.  He also wrote and created the production, which opens October 30th, 2008 at the new Nation Harbor.

I had a chance recently to chat with David about the upcoming production of KOOZA.

Besides winning a Tony "Live Theatrical Presentation" Award in 1999 for Silent Tongue, David launched the role of the Cat in the Hat, in the Broadway musical Seussica, a musical based on the books by Dr. Seuss. He has also appeared in several movies, including Lorenzo’s Oil and on The Tonight Show.

KOOZA uses the classic Jungian theme, the duality of man — the good and the bad — the light and the dark. The show’s main character, a loner, seeks his place in the world, by exploring a wide range of emotions of the human condition. From power to fear, through solitude to laughter, the characters show us how we are all the same in our hopes, joys and fears.

When asked how long the production took from concept to stage, he related that the show’s concept is based on some of his European clowning and circus experiences, which he described as more classic in their technique and approach. But the show adds in a familiar America style of humor – slapstick, in the forms of the Three Stooges or Laurel and Hardy.

The first six months of development of KOOZA were dedicated to the creation of the concept, followed by another 18 months of production development with his team of over a dozen creative associates. During that period, all aspects of the show were developed, including the music – a key element of the show, as well as the costumes, sets and each performance. But he reminded me that it doesn’t include the years and years performers invest to make any Cirque show look effortless as they seem to defy gravity and much of natural law.

“It the first show where the clown’s performances were created specifically for the show in the studio,” he said. “And KOOZA is one of the most physical Cirque du Soleil shows in years.” A comment such as that is hard to comprehend, as all of the shows I’ve experienced have been exceptionally physical and seemed to push the performances to the limits of physical strength, agility, balance and control.

When asked if he is creating another Cirque show in the future, he hesitated and replied somewhat coyly, “Yes…one for production in 2010”.  Based on his somewhat reluctant answer, it seems he’s like so many other creative types, preferring to hold their work close to the chest until it’s ready for public consumption. 

I asked him what Washington DC audiences should look for, he replied that the audience should leave the performance with a feeling of inspiration and hope. “Hopefully feeling like a kid again.”

Something I suspect we could all use a bit more of these days.

For more details on performances and tickets, check out my original announcement on the KOOZA on The DC Traveler.  The scheduled performance run has been extended another two weeks, now ending on December 14, 2008.

Images – All courtesy of Cirque du Soleil, © Cirque du Soleil 2007 – headshot – by Olivier Samson-Arcand – C2007 Cirque du Soleil Inc.

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Post from: The DC Traveler

Police cordoned off streets and sidewalks for several blocks around the IMF and World Bank buildings just blocks from the White House, expecting hundreds of protestors, if not thousands.

Surprisingly, when I walked by the bank yesterday around noon, the streets were empty of protestors, even with the current financial meltdown.

I asked one of the many police officers manning a pedestrian barricade if there were any protestors. He replied sarcastically, “Yes, there were eight on Saturday.”

During previous summits, protestor turnout was much larger.  Last year, a small group of about 100 protestors turned violent in Georgetown and near the World Bank when they clashed with police.

This year, other than the heavy police presence, you couldn’t tell there was a major economic meeting in progress. The only exception this weekend was a small reported group of a few clean energy protestors.

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

Post from: The DC Traveler

In 1983, he was a finalist on Ed McMahon’s “Star Search” and his stand-up comedy career tool off.  Since then he’s appeared in a number of major movies including “Jingle All the Way,”  “Houseguest”  and “Necessary Roughness”.

Sinbad
Warner Theatre
513 13th Street, NW, between E & F St.
Washington, D.C., 20004 (map it)

Dates and Times -  Saturday, October 18, 2008, 8:00 p.m.

Tickets – $46.50 and are available online at Ticketmaster.

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

Parking – Paid garage parking and very limited metered street parking is available.

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Post from: The DC Traveler

But my favorite place in the old neighborhood was Meyer Delicatessen. It was an old world German deli filled with countless types of German sausages, cold cuts and food products. After I moved from Chicago, every trip back would require a stop at Meyer’s to fill a cooler to bring home.  Just walking in the door and smelling the rich flavors that permeated the walls over the years, reminded me of my regular visits as a young child and walking in while holding my grandfather’s hand.  Sadly, it closed a couple years a go.

But recently, I may have found a replacement. It’s the German Gourmet, in suburban Falls Church, Virginia.

Walking in is like taking a quick trip to Germany. Not only is it a German gourmet and food store, but it sells a variety of German products that you don’t normally see outside of Germany. 

The deli counter offers a nice variety of meats, cheese, wieners, brats, and sausages.  So you can pick up some pickled herring salad, beet salad, double-smoked speck (ham), a few knackwursts, a pound of veal and pork Gelbwurst, and don’t forget a bit Head Cheese (which is not actually cheese, but made from pork snouts – yum!!).  Grab a loaf of old world brot (bread) and you’re ready for a German feast.

A hearty selection of German beers and wines are also available to complement your meal.

And to end things off, try something from their bakery counter, such as an elegant German cake (anything with chocolate should work) or one of the daily made fresh strudel. The poppy seed is my personal favorite.

Have a sweet tooth?  Bags of German candies, marzipan or liquor-filled chocolates can’t miss.

They even offer the traditional Christmas wine, Gluehwein, a spiced mulled wine.

German language music CDs and magazines, as well as many German gift items line the shelves as well.  So if you need a German doll, a unique toy, or even a small cuckoo clock, German Gourmet is the place to go. 

Want to host your own authentic Octoberfest? Check out their wide selection of German beer steins, mugs and glasses.

The family-run original store, located in suburban Falls Church for over 45 years, is a small but friendly place.  The new larger store, about 5 miles away, which opened last August, is considerably larger, has a wider range (1,500+) of products and offers much more free parking.

Add they have hot brats to go available, all the time, so when you have a hankering for Bratwurst sandwich with German potato salad, and a slice of strudel, the German Gourmet should be at the top of your list.

Click here for a slide show of some of the store’s products.

German Gourmet (original location)
7185 Lee Highway
Falls Church, VA 22046
703-534-1908   (map it)

5838 Columbia Pike (new larger location, near Baileys Crossroads)
Falls Church, VA 22041
703-379-8080   (map it)

Dates and Times – Monday & Saturday 9-6, Tuesday – Friday  9-7, closed on Sunday

Nearest Metro Subway Station – line, then a  block walk or use the

Parking – free parking

Images – Original location exterior, from personal collection © 2008 – Jon Rochetti, bread rack, cheese counter, sweets,     ___________________________________________________

Post from: The DC Traveler

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 Times – Friday – Sunday, October 3-5 , 8:00 p.m.

Tickets – $55.00 and are available online.

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

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

Image – Flickr

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Post from: The DC Traveler