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4th of July, Independence Day, of course, is a grand event that takes place annually on the fourth of July with troop’s parade, the reading of the Declaration of Independence, day long concerts and activities, an evening performance by the National Symphony Orchestra on the steps of the Capitol building and the famous fireworks over the Potomac River. Venue: National Mall Date: 4 July 2008 Time: Parade 11.45am; fireworks 9pm Website: www.july4thparade.com
4th of July, Independence Day, of course, is a grand event that takes place annually on the fourth of July with troop’s parade, the reading of the Declaration of Independence, day long concerts and activities, an evening performance by the National Symphony Orchestra on the steps of the Capitol building and the famous fireworks over the Potomac River. Venue: National Mall Date: 4 July 2008 Time: Parade 11.45am; fireworks 9pm Website: www.july4thparade.com
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washington-dcChinatown is witness to the joyous celebration that takes place on Chinese New Year’s Day. The celebrations include an annual parade of marching bands, lion and dragon dancers, clowns and other entertainers.
washington-dcOn the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed with a wreath laying ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial where orators recite King’s “I have a dream” speech. Local choirs and military color guards are also part of the proceedings. Commemorative events take place at various sites in the city honoring the civil rights leader. This month is also celebrated as Black history month, dedicated to black leaders.
washington-dcHeld in mid-January at the U.S. Botanic Garden, this show is a visual treat for flower lovers.
washington-dcMid-January, the city puts on a gourmet festival called Restaurant Week with more than 100 of Washington DC’s finest restaurants offering three course lunches at a discount.
washington-dcWashingtonians honor Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday on 12 February with a Presidential wreath laying ceremony and a dramatic reading of the ‘Gettysburg” Address at noon at the Lincoln Memorial on Constitution Avenue. Concerts by military bands also form part of the celebrations.
washington-dcDuring the last Tuesday (Fat Tuesday) of the month, Mardi Gras is celebrated with great gusto. This festival is originally from New Orleans but celebrated with as much fervor in Washington, with all night partying and parades and special family days.
washington-dcHundreds of thousands of city residents and visitors from across the globe make it a point to visit the city at this time to witness the spectacular blooming of the cherry trees around the Jefferson Memorial, marking the beginning of spring. The famous trees(originally 3000), a gift from Japan in 1912 symbolising friendship between the two countries, create an explosion of color surrounding the Tidal Basin in a sea of pink and white. There is a Japanese lantern lighting ceremony, a parade, music and a pageant. A Japanese Street Festival after the parade exhibits the traditions, arts and food of Japan. The trees are lit up at night.
washington-dcThe Smithsonian Kite Festival, traditionally part of the Cherry Blossom Festival, also takes place late this month when kite designers, flyers and competitors gather on the Mall to celebrate spring. Kite flying competitions add an element of excitement to this festival where individuals or teams try to cut or ground each other’s kites. Venue:Washington Monument Date: March 2009, TBC Time: 10am to 4pm Website: www.kitefestival.org
washington-dcSt. Patricks Day is celebrated mid-March with a display of impressive parades down Constitution Avenue. The Parade is an Irish community endeavor that was started by the Irish American Club and is now held in cooperation with the National Capital Park Service. Venue: Constitution Avenue Date: 15 March 2009 Website: www.dcstpatsparade.com
washington-dcOne of the oldest and most unique traditions in presidential history, the annual Easter Egg Roll takes place on the Monday after Easter, hosted by the First Lady for children aged between 3 -6, at the south lawns of the White House.
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washington-dcHere are several suggestions on what we think children might find interesting on their trip to DC. You can start with the National Zoo, a sure hit with the kids! Not only is admission free but the National zoo is home to 400 different species of animals and is set within the beautiful Rock Creek National Park.
washington-dcThe International Spy Museum opened in July 2002 is the largest public collection of spy- related paraphernalia and exhibits on some of the most prominent spies in history. It provides a global perspective on a unique and ‘invisible’ profession that has moulded history and continues to impact world events. It gives an insight on some of the most secretive espionage missions in world history and also exhibits espionage gadgetry. 800 F St. NW Washington, DC Tel: (202) 393-7798 Website: www.spymuseum.org
washington-dcA tribute to the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and the country's third President. The memorial was built on land reclaimed by the Potomac River, now known as the Tidal basin. It is a columned rotunda in the style of the Pantheon in Rome, whose classical architecture Jefferson himself introduced to this country. A 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson atop a 6-foot black granite pedestal graces the domed interior of the memorial.
washington-dcA tribute to the country's 16th President, who led during the Civil War. The structure is designed as a neoclassical temple, similar to Parthenon in Greece with 36 fluted Doric columns representing states of the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death, plus two at the entrance. President Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address and his Gettysburg Address are both engraved on the walls of the memorial chamber. 900 Ohio Drive SW Washington, DC Tel: (202) 426-6842 Website: www.nps.gov/linc
washington-dcThis world famous museums includes not only 19 museums but also research centers around the city. Ten of these museums span an area from 3rd to 14th streets between Constitution Avenue and Independnece Avenue, almost a mile. So be warned and make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes when visiting the museums. The Smithsonian includes National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Zoological Park, Arts & Industries Building, and Freer Gallery of Art. It would be advisable to look up the museums to find your area of interest if you are short of time. All museums are open every day of the year except for Christmas day and admission is free. Website: www.si.edu
washington-dcThe Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum is home to the largest collection of air and space artifacts, including the Wright Brothers' first airplane asnd the space suit that Neil Armstrong wore during his historic walk on the moon.
washington-dcThe tourist with an intellectual bend of mind or love for theatre should not give this a miss. Officially named the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, this is the city’s premier performance venue providing approximately 3000 performances per year. It is the home to the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington Opera, Washington Ballet and American Film Institute. Free daily performances are held on the millennium stage in the Grand Foyer, in addition to free guided tours of the center.
washington-dcThe Washington Monument is one of the most prominent and oldest attractions in the city that was built in honor of America’s first President, George Washington, who led the country to its independence. The monument is shaped like an Egyptian Obelisk, 555’5/8 high, and averages 30 to 40 miles visibility in clear weather. It was finished on December 6, 1884. Inside, an elevator whisks you to an observation landing with spectacular views. Before the Sep 11 attacks it was possible to descend the 897 steps. Same day tickets for a timed entrance to the monuments are available at the ticket kiosk on the monument grounds and distribution starts at 0800. Make sure you are there early as there are limited tickets which are on a first-come-first-served basis. You can also reserve tickets for a small fee by calling in advance. Food, drink and large bags are prohibited. Constitution Ave & 15th St., National Mall Tel 202 619 7222 (info) Website: www.nps.gov/wamo
washington-dcThe Presidential Palace, as it was once known, has changed a great deal over time with each new President or first lady making changes. Not many people realize the White House was not originally white. It was restored and painted that color after the British gutted the building in the War of 1812. Concerns for the safety of the President make the White House off-limits to the public these days unless you organize a group tour. Instead visitors can browse exhibits, watch historic re-enactments and take a video tour at the visitors Center (202-208-1631).
washington-dcVisitors should come prepared for an experience likely to be disturbing and difficult to forget when visiting United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. At the start of the tour, each visitor is given an identity card of a Holocaust victim that matches the visitor's own age and gender. Ordinary reality is skewed through off-center stairways, weird angles and the shadows of other visitors on the glass walkways overhead. An elaborate audio-visual display includes interviews, films and photographs. The Hall of Remembrance provides a calm, empty space at the end of the tour where one can reflect on the experience. The museum discourages children under 11 from attending. Free timed passes are needed to visit the permanent exhibit.
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washington-dcCuisine: American.
washington-dcCuisine: American Opened in 2007, the Blue Duck Tavern has already been heaped with accolades. The open kitchen with wood-burning oven is surrounded by simple Americana décor like wooden Shaker furniture, and quilts hanging from the wall. Some of the tables face the outside fountain and a prairie-like garden. The real star however, is the food. Artfully presented, traditional American fare includes everything from oysters and crab cakes to smoked trout, rabbit and prime aged NY strip roast. Pastries and breads are made from scratch. Save room for the award-winning apple pie.
washington-dcCuisine: American / Steakhouse A muted blue and orange color scheme and a bold, award-winning modern menu with an all-American wine list is what makes this restaurant a power magnet.
washington-dcCuisine: French Dine at Gerard's Place for elegant French cuisine that's among the best in the city. The dish that made the restaurant famous, poached lobster with Sauternes sauce still appears on both the lunch and dinner menus ($62!), though slightly reinvented: fresh mango, lime, piquillo peppers, and spinach are its sidekicks now. Diners may order a la carte or choose a $30 prix-fix menu at lunch or the $87 chef's tasting menu at dinner. The dining room itself is small, seating only 50 at a time, and somewhat modest in design. And this is a quiet restaurant, not a place to get rowdy. You're here for the food and quiet conversation. Hours are from Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm; Mon-Thurs 5:30-9pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-9:30pm. Reservations are recommended.
washington-dcCuisine: American Set in a quaint carriage house on one of DuPont’s beautiful corners, Nora’s is famous for serving made from organic and fresh ingredients. The dining room is hung with vintage quilts, and adorned with antique pieces. Those who are unable to get in at this DuPont circle favorite can try Asia Nora on the edge of Georgetown.
washington-dcCuisine: Indian The most popular item, and the spiciest on the menu, is the green chilli chicken. The speciality of the restaurant is the tandoori items including tandoori salmon, chicken tandoori, and the lobster Malabar. The Bombay Club is known for its vegetarian offerings (try the black lentils cooked overnight on a slow fire) and for its Sunday champagne brunch, which offers a buffet of fresh juices, fresh baked breads, and assorted Indian dishes. Slow-moving ceiling fans and wicker furniture accentuate the colonial British ambience. A pianist plays nightly. One of DC's top Indian restaurants, this place is popular with movies stars such as Harrison Ford and Bruce Willis.
washington-dcCuisine: Japanese The chef here uses many clever combinations to separate the sushi from the usual fare. The restaurant is known for fresh ingredients. Set in a handsome town house, this is the best place for sushi in the Washington area where you can sit down and watch the chef and his staff prepare your order. The chef here is one of the few trained to handle torafugu, the blowfish, which can be poisonous if not cleaned properly. The blowfish if available is served in winter. This is also the place to come for premium sakes and a large selection of teas. Hours Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm; Mon-Sat 6-10pm
washington-dcCuisine: Mexican Named after a butterfly forest in Mexico, this quaint restaurant situated in Penn quarter is accented with reds and oranges and a huge metal butterfly mobile that hangs from the tall ceiling, thus the name. Service is efficient and portions are small so that diners can sample at least three different authentically Mexican selections. A serving of mushroom tacos, seared scallops in pumpkin sauce and flank steak is sufficiently filling.
washington-dcCuisine: Mexican Talk about shocking pink (the color used in the décor)!! That doesn’t stop the flow of people crowding the restaurant for its famous guacamole. This place is extremely popular in the city with other tasty items including quesadillas, grilled beef short ribs, and the queso fundido (melted cheese). Mon-Fri 11:30am-3pm; Sat-Sun noon-3pm; Sun-Thurs 5-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 5-11:30pm.
washington-dcCuisine: Mediterranean The food here is downright excellent. Earth tones, high ceilings and clean lines characterize this restaurant. There are mind-boggling choices between hot and cold mezze. Watch out for the walnut ice cream here.