Archive: Misc.
Fort Reno Park Closed Immediately and Indefinitely
The end of an era? Ian MacKaye of Fugazi plays Fort Reno in 1996. (Mark Finkenstaedt FTWP) Fort Reno Park, the site of an annual summer concert series that is one of D.C.'s most beloved and longest-running outdoor events, is...
By David Malitz | May 14, 2008; 01:35 PM ET | Comments (15)
Free and Easy Events
The historic Embassy of Indonesia in Dupont Circle is one of 24 embassies opening their doors to the public on Saturday. (Tom Allen/The Washington Post) Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending...
By Fritz Hahn | May 12, 2008; 05:37 PM ET | Comments (0)
Taken for a Ride
If there's a meter installed in a cab, the driver's required to use it. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post) I'd been promising myself that I wasn't going to write a taxis-with-meters rant on the blog, since it's already been covered ad...
By Fritz Hahn | May 7, 2008; 02:29 PM ET | Comments (22)
Free and Easy Events
Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Cinco de Mayo Party at Lima This celebration includes all of the usual...
By Fritz Hahn | May 5, 2008; 12:22 PM ET | Comments (0)
Free and Easy Events
Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday 'Tamerlano' at the Kennedy Center The Washington National Opera discusses and performs excerpts...
By Fritz Hahn | April 28, 2008; 01:32 PM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy Events
Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday D.C. City Hall Art Collection at the John A. Wilson Building Let's hear...
By Fritz Hahn | April 21, 2008; 01:30 PM ET | Email a Comment
Sure Bets for Gold Cup
The main purpose of the annual Virginia Gold Cup is seven steeplechase races, but for the majority of Washingtonians who make their way to The Plains on the first Saturday in May, the horses are a reason to dress up...
By Fritz Hahn | April 18, 2008; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (3)
Free and Easy Events
Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Nintendo Wii at the Front Page Don't have a Nintendo Wii at home?...
By Fritz Hahn | April 14, 2008; 01:09 PM ET | Comments (2)
It's Gonna Be a Lovely Day
With springlike temperatures and a lineup of great free activities, Saturday is not a day to stay home. Whether you have kids, family members in town or just want to put off spring cleaning, April 12 offers ample opportunity to...
By Fritz Hahn | April 8, 2008; 10:48 AM ET | Comments (13)
Free and Easy Events
Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday 'Ornament as Art' at the Renwick Gallery A glittering new exhibition at the...
By Fritz Hahn | April 7, 2008; 01:29 PM ET | Comments (1)
At One With the 'Zillas
If you've got bride-phobia -- and if today's Got Plans is any indication, many people do -- you'll want to steer clear of the Tysons Filene's Basement tomorrow. It's time for the Running of the Brides. At 8 a.m., hundreds...
By Julia Beizer | April 3, 2008; 03:44 PM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy Events
Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Los Gringos at the Millennium Stage George Washington University's Latin music group specializes...
By Fritz Hahn | March 31, 2008; 02:23 PM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday African American Family Celebration at the National Zoo A tradition for more than...
By Fritz Hahn | March 24, 2008; 12:28 PM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy Events
Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday The Mayor's Arts Awards at the Kennedy Center Mayor Adrian Fenty will host...
By Fritz Hahn | March 17, 2008; 10:50 AM ET | Comments (1)
Free and Easy
Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Sweet: The Graphic Beauty of the Contemporary Rock Poster at the University of...
By Fritz Hahn | March 10, 2008; 12:53 PM ET | Email a Comment
Blooming Wonderful
Take a deep breath: Spring is coming.(Arianne Starnes/washingtonpost.com) Mark your calendars: the best time to see Washington's famous cherry blossoms will be between March 27 and April 3, according to Robert DeFeo, the chief horticulturist for the National Park Service....
By Fritz Hahn | March 6, 2008; 11:09 AM ET | Comments (33)
Free and Easy
Monday Voices of the 20th Century at the Kennedy Center Opera star Denyce Graves, Washington Post columnist Michael Wilbon and NPR correspondent Juan Williams are among the panelists at Voices of the 20th Century, a discussion of the African-American experience...
By Fritz Hahn | March 3, 2008; 12:17 PM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday 'Visible Proofs: Forensic Views of the Body' at the National Library of Medicine...
By Fritz Hahn | February 25, 2008; 11:43 AM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Tuesday Flashback Retro Night at Cobalt DJ Jason Royce spins classic disco and dancefloor-friendly...
By Fritz Hahn | February 19, 2008; 12:32 PM ET | Comments (2)
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Ebina Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center Kenichi Ebina's dance troupe blends hip-hop,...
By Fritz Hahn | February 11, 2008; 12:08 PM ET | Comments (4)
Love Is In the Air -- And on the Calendar
Got love on the brain this month? You're not the only one. As anyone who's been in a CVS, Target or grocery store in the last few weeks well knows, Valentine's Day is just around the corner. If a romantic...
By Julia Beizer | February 6, 2008; 03:47 PM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday "Rodin: In His Own Words" at Howard Community College Thirty bronze works by...
By Fritz Hahn | February 4, 2008; 12:55 PM ET | Comments (1)
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Redemption Ritual at the National Theatre Honoring poets ranging from James Weldon Johnson...
By Fritz Hahn | January 28, 2008; 01:00 PM ET | Comments (4)
Free and Easy
Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Tuesday 'Plan 9 From Outer Space' at Dr. Dremo's Taphouse It seems somehow appropriate...
By Fritz Hahn | January 22, 2008; 01:21 PM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday The Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet at the Kennedy Center These four singers have...
By Fritz Hahn | January 14, 2008; 03:40 PM ET | Email a Comment
What's in a Date?
Washington, D.C.: I'm sure you get this all the time, but I have a first date this weekend. We're both 30-somethings who haven't dated in a while. I'm not feeling hip, but I'd like something more interesting than a suburban...
By Julia Beizer | January 11, 2008; 01:37 PM ET | Comments (29)
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Alex Hassan at the Kennedy Center Pianist Alex Hassan calls his act "Novelty...
By Fritz Hahn | January 7, 2008; 03:32 PM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Wednesday Celtic Christmas at the Kennedy Center Performers from the Culkin School of Traditional...
By Fritz Hahn | December 26, 2007; 11:49 AM ET | Email a Comment
Taking the Plunge
When cold weather sets in, most people cuddle up by the nearest fireplace with a warm mug of cocoa. But some adventurous types aren't content to settle for such humdrum winter activities -- and that's where Polar Bear Clubs come...
By Julia Beizer | December 19, 2007; 10:41 AM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday 'Elvis: That's the Way It Is' at the Library of Congress You'll have...
By Fritz Hahn | December 17, 2007; 02:00 PM ET | Comments (1)
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Eric Hutchinson at the Kennedy Center Local soul singer Eric Hutchinson, who became...
By Fritz Hahn | December 10, 2007; 12:29 PM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday 'Black Maps' at the National Academy of Sciences Time is running out for...
By Fritz Hahn | December 3, 2007; 02:36 PM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday "Blue Wild Angel - Jimi Hendrix at the Isle of Wight" at the...
By Anne | November 26, 2007; 02:59 PM ET | Comments (2)
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Back of the Moon at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage When's the last...
By Fritz Hahn | November 19, 2007; 02:52 PM ET | Comments (1)
Outdoors on Ice
The National Gallery's Ice Skating Rink opens for the season on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. To celebrate, the rink will give away a free cup of hot cocoa to anyone who buys ice time or rents skates or a...
By Julia Beizer | November 13, 2007; 12:53 PM ET | Comments (5)
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday African American Veterans' Day Program at Alexandria Black History Museum Music, speeches and...
By Fritz Hahn | November 12, 2007; 10:26 AM ET | Email a Comment
What's Your Local D.C.?
Right along with bachelorette parties and romantic dinners for two, the what-should-I-do-with-my-parents question is a weekly staple in the Got Plans? diet. Yesterday, we got this subtle twist on the typical query: Hi Gurus, My mom's coming to visit for...
By Julia Beizer | November 9, 2007; 01:23 PM ET | Comments (6)
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Flamenco Night at Cafe Citron Watch traditional Spanish dancers perform in the low-lit...
By Fritz Hahn | November 5, 2007; 12:37 PM ET | Comments (5)
Tickets to the Christmas Tree Lighting
One of D.C.'s favorite holiday traditions -- the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree -- doesn't happen until Dec. 6, but if you want to be there for it you'll have to plan for a very early morning this Saturday,...
By David Malitz | November 1, 2007; 11:12 AM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Sandra Day O'Connor at the National Portrait Gallery America's first female Supreme Court...
By Fritz Hahn | October 29, 2007; 06:15 PM ET | Comments (5)
Dead-On Celebrations
Sure, Halloween is the chance to dress up (or undress) and prance about alongside witches and superheroes. But if it's the ghostly theme that excites you, Mexico's Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is your kind of...
By Erin | October 24, 2007; 05:01 PM ET | Comments (1)
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra at the Library of Congress The concert includes Mozart's...
By Fritz Hahn | October 22, 2007; 01:31 PM ET | Email a Comment
Design to Fall For
Fall may be all about apple picking and leaf gazing out in the country, but this Sunday, design divas and house gawkers have an urban way to take advantage of the cool, autumn air: the annual Dupont Circle House Tour....
By Julia Beizer | October 17, 2007; 03:37 PM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Letters to Sala at the Russell Senate Office Building Sala Garncarz saved her...
By Fritz Hahn | October 15, 2007; 02:07 PM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Celebrating America's Public Gardens at the U.S. Botanic Garden An exhibit on "green spaces...
By Fritz Hahn | October 8, 2007; 10:00 AM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to spend time in Washington without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday 'Peter and the Wolf' at the Kennedy Center Classika Theater brings the children's...
By Fritz Hahn | October 1, 2007; 12:53 PM ET | Comments (2)
Snap on Sat
There are a ton of cool,free events going on this Saturday. Whether you're interested in beer, artisanal food or walking, there's something for you. But if you're a shutterbug, take advantage of Snap-Shot-City. Snap-Shot-City is basically a photo treasure hunt,...
By Erin | September 27, 2007; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (1)
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to spend time in Washington without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Naomi Wolf at the Arlington County Public Library Feminist author Naomi Wolf reads...
By Fritz Hahn | September 24, 2007; 01:15 PM ET | Email a Comment
Take a Ride With Culture
Ever want to get your barista on and feel good doing it? Tomorrow could be your chance. Counter Culture Coffee, which sources sustainable, organic coffee from small farmers around the world, is opening a regional training center in Adams Morgan...
By Erin | September 21, 2007; 03:10 PM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to spend time in Washington without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Redskins Cheerleaders at Mister Days The First Ladies of Football bring some of...
By Fritz Hahn | September 17, 2007; 12:38 PM ET | Comments (1)
Wine-Filled Weekends
The sweet nectar of fermented grapes flows on both sides of the Potomac this weekend. We've got the deets on this weekend's wine fests and a look ahead to some upcoming vino celebrations....
By Julia Beizer | September 12, 2007; 01:37 PM ET | Comments (2)
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus post about the best ways to spend time in Washington without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday Black Cat 14th Anniversary Party at the Black Cat The...
By Fritz Hahn | September 10, 2007; 02:01 PM ET | Comments (2)
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus post about the best ways to spend time in Washington without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. This week's list contains two annual arts events from opposite ends...
By Fritz Hahn | September 4, 2007; 01:03 PM ET | Comments (1)
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus post about the best ways to spend time in Washington without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Summer's winding down, and this week brings the end of a...
By Fritz Hahn | August 27, 2007; 01:37 PM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus pick some of the best free and low-cost events happening over the next seven days, including live music, movies, exhibits or pay-what-you-can theater. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com. Monday: Hang...
By Fritz Hahn | August 20, 2007; 03:27 PM ET | Email a Comment
Dating in D.C.
That was the hot topic in this week's Got Plans? We didn't want to conversation to end just because the chat did, so we're opening this forum up to you for your thoughts on the Washington dating scene. What makes...
By Julia Beizer | August 16, 2007; 02:53 PM ET | Comments (57)
Smash Under the Grandstand Lights
Demolition derby critics, we concede. Any trash you can talk about this American summer pastime is probably right. Celebrates a gross display of American wastefulness? Check. Glorifies a potentially dangerous activity? Guilty as charged. Mucks up the environment? The proof...
By Julia Beizer | August 16, 2007; 09:33 AM ET | Email a Comment
Free and Easy
Every Monday, the Going Out Gurus run down free and low-cost events happening over the next seven days, including live music, movies, exhibits or pay-what-you-can theater. Monday: 'Casablanca' at Screen on the Green Our favorite outdoor movie festival wraps up...
By Fritz Hahn | August 13, 2007; 12:30 PM ET | Comments (1)
Free and Easy
We know that living and playing in Washington is not always cheap. Our Interns' Guide has the scoop on happy hours, discounted theater tickets and other ways to save money, but we thought we could do more to point out...
By Fritz Hahn | August 6, 2007; 04:14 PM ET | Comments (1)
Metro Changes on the Fourth of July
If you're taking Metro down to the Mall Wednesday for the fireworks, the Capitol Fourth concert, the Independence Day Parade or the Folklife Festival, you need to know that Metro has, as usual, made a number of important changes on...
By Fritz Hahn | July 2, 2007; 12:29 PM ET | Comments (2)
Vantage Points
We can all agree that the annual Fourth of July fireworks show on the National Mall is an impressive event -- a suitably stirring display of rockets' red glare and bombs bursting in air. However, watching the fireworks from the...
By Fritz Hahn | June 28, 2007; 11:30 AM ET | Comments (13)
Pool Season is Underway
"TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE..." begins the question from Faith, of Swann Street, Washington, D.C. "Are there any hotel pools, preferably outdoor, that have a daily rate? Two girlfriends and I would love to spend Memorial day by the pool...
By Fritz Hahn | May 25, 2007; 02:25 PM ET | Comments (8)
Free on Wednesday?
Need to get over the midweek blahs but trying to stretch your cash until payday? Trust me, I know the feeling. Here are three suggestions for fun things to do today and tonight while not spending too much money....
By Fritz Hahn | May 22, 2007; 02:08 PM ET | Email a Comment
Trail Mix
In honor of Bike to Work Day, I wanted to make sure we followed up on this unanswered question from yesterday's Got Plans? Alexandria, Va.: Hi GOGs! I tried this one last week but didn't get a response, so I...
By Julia Beizer | May 18, 2007; 04:44 PM ET | Comments (2)
It's a Date
Today we made several improvements to the City Guide, all informed by your feedback. Most notably, we've made our events calendar and movie showtimes search tool more prominent. On the detail page for every movie, for example, Spider-Man 3, we...
By Anne | May 8, 2007; 04:20 PM ET | Comments (1)
TXT TH GURUS
A few weeks ago, we launched a special wireless version of the City Guide for Web-enhanced phones, BlackBerrys and similar devices, allowing you to search for restaurant and bar reviews and movie showtimes. Now we're making it even easier, allowing...
By Fritz Hahn | May 7, 2007; 02:00 PM ET | Comments (1)
Eastern Market: How You Can Help
The cost of rebuilding Eastern Market will fall mostly to the city, but businesses, ad hoc community groups and private citizens are hosting fundraisers and selling commemorative shirts to raise money for the vendors and employees who need to relocate...
By Fritz Hahn | May 4, 2007; 01:13 PM ET | Comments (6)
Tally Ho for Gold Cup
Held in Fauquier County since 1922, the Virginia Gold Cup is more than just an annual steeplechase race. It has become one of the year's key social events, a sort of Ascot or Epsom Downs for Washington's 20- and 30-something...
By Fritz Hahn | April 16, 2007; 03:36 PM ET | Comments (6)
Gurus to Go
'Fess up: we know Mayor Fenty isn't the only BlackBerry addict in this town. If you're the type whose phone or mobile gadget never leaves your thumbs for an instant, guess what? Now the City Guide doesn't have to leave...
By Anne | March 30, 2007; 06:48 PM ET | Email a Comment
Sandal Season
Rolled-down windows, outdoor happy hours and picnic plans: this week's warm weather has everyone thinking spring. It also had one Got Plans? reader thinking about her toes. Georgetown, Washington, D.C.: Now that sandal and strappy heel weather is upon us,...
By Julia Beizer | March 23, 2007; 03:50 PM ET | Comments (1)
Summer Loving
In yesterday's Got Plans? discussion, an Arlington reader's thoughts turned to warmer weather. "We ladies were hoping to celebrate all things related to the bride-to-be by booking a B&B in Virginia for a weekend in July," she says. "Activities wise,...
By Anne | March 9, 2007; 06:03 PM ET | Comments (2)
In Bloom
The winter's odd mix of warm temperatures and lack of snow showers played havoc with plants across the region, causing daffodils to poke out of the ground in January and the cherry blossom trees by the National Zoo to sprout...
By Fritz Hahn | March 8, 2007; 11:22 AM ET | Email a Comment
D.C. at the Bat
It may have snowed all day yesterday, but that isn't preventing some local sports leagues from gearing up for softball season. Deadlines for starting teams are around the corner -- sadly, some have already passed -- so we pulled together...
By Julia Beizer | March 8, 2007; 10:44 AM ET | Comments (12)
Get in the Water
Swimming's kind of a strange activity, when you think about it. Wear awkward suit. Get in cold water. Try to stay afloat. If I hadn't learned how to do it at such a young age, I'm not sure I'd have...
By Julia Beizer | March 2, 2007; 02:09 PM ET | Comments (2)
Love Don't Cost a Thing
Do you ever have the feeling that the reason a song is stuck in your head is because certain lyrics are trying to subconsciously tell you something? REM's cover of the Troggs' "Love Is All Around" keeps running through my...
By Anne | February 6, 2007; 04:00 PM ET | Email a Comment
Love Is in the Event
It wouldn't be February without the red and pink. As you might expect, special events around town are running with the theme of love. Couples get all the attention on the big day, but if you're willing to indulge in...
By Julia Beizer | February 6, 2007; 11:20 AM ET | Email a Comment
Dance, Dance Revolution
I guess people are taking those New Year's resolutions seriously this year. We had a ton of dance and exercise questions in yesterday's Got Plans? We didn't get to all of them, so here's what I could dig up on...
By Julia Beizer | January 19, 2007; 12:41 PM ET | Email a Comment
Word on the Street (Hockey)
It's hockey season, and while the Capitals are playing the occasional great game, some Got Plans? readers are interested in leagues beyond the NHL: Washington, D.C.: Hi Gurus, My boyfriend is moving down to the D.C. area from NYC, and...
By Fritz Hahn | November 10, 2006; 03:12 PM ET | Comments (1)
Apples and Wine: Making Amends
In yesterday's Got Plans?, I steered someone astray. The person was looking for a way to combine apple picking with wine tasting and I pointed to Tarara Winery -- a vineyard with its own orchard. Then this came in: "RE:...
By Julia Beizer | November 3, 2006; 01:40 PM ET | Comments (2)
The Thrill of the Haunt
Years ago, my friend and I decided to dress as '70s chicks for Halloween, and we hunted through thrift stores for the perfect plaid bellbottoms, wide-angle collared shirts and newsboy caps. That was, obviously, before I knew better. In my...
By Anne | October 27, 2006; 01:27 PM ET | Email a Comment
Getting a Leg Up on D.C.
In our Got Plans? discussion yesterday, College Park, Md., wrote: "My boyfriend's sister is visiting next week from Quebec. She is six months pregnant, tires easily, but wants to see Washington. Any ideas on how to navigate touristy D.C. under...
By Anne | October 6, 2006; 04:24 PM ET | Comments (1)
Let Free-dom Ring
"What's your favorite free or cheap thing to do in D.C.? I'm trying to save $$." That's one of the questions we didn't get to in yesterday's Got Plans? As resident art junkie, I think it's probably pretty obvious that...
By Julia Beizer | September 29, 2006; 11:09 AM ET | Comments (2)
Unleashing Your Inner Kit Kat
"Cabaret" at Arena Stage is a political musical about receding civil liberties in Weimar-era Berlin, but the most striking feature of the show is the brazen sex appeal of the nightclub set and its saucy performers. As I watched the...
By Erin | September 25, 2006; 01:24 PM ET | Email a Comment
Our Cups Overfloweth
The Virginia Wine gods are shining down upon us over the next few weekends with a slew of festivals. If you ever wanted to learn a thing or two about regional wine, now is the time to take to the...
By Julia Beizer | September 20, 2006; 05:59 PM ET | Comments (2)
Toasting Peace
In planning and suggesting local activities, we Gurus try to keep our eyes out for interesting and cool events (see Julia's post on the Genesis cover band). I like to find events that blend random different interests into one affair....
By Erin | August 31, 2006; 04:18 PM ET | Comments (1)
More Brews at the Zoo
The Friends of the National Zoo's annual Brew at the Zoo takes place on Thursday and if you don't have a ticket for the celebration of local restaurants and beers, you may want to stop dithering -- FONZ says just...
By Fritz Hahn | August 23, 2006; 10:40 AM ET | Comments (4)
Popularity Contest
You voted in droves, and today we announced the winners of our fifth annual Best Bets awards, the contest where readers name their favorite places in 48 categories. In a blog post after last year's contest, we addressed the fact...
By Anne | August 14, 2006; 05:09 PM ET | Comments (13)
We're Only Watching the Skies
How's this for a date idea: Would you like to lie on the ground in some dark and remote location and watch a once-a-year light show? The Perseid meteor shower couldn't fall at a better time. It's as if Mother...
By Anne | August 11, 2006; 02:19 PM ET | Comments (1)
Rolling on the River
Get this: I thought it was hot yesterday. I hadn't been to any waterparks since last summer when I went to Water Country USA, a huge, commercial park near Busch Gardens. But yesterday I was so desperate to cool off,...
By Anne | July 17, 2006; 06:03 PM ET | Comments (1)
The Full 90
With the World Cup just over a week away, every soccer fan's looking for a place to watch. Adams Morgan residents are fortunate to have a new prime venue: Earlier this spring, they welcomed the 90 Min Cafe, which hopes...
By Fritz Hahn | June 1, 2006; 03:09 PM ET | Comments (4)
Taking Pride
This weekend is the annual D.C. Black Pride, with a full slate of symposiums, meetings and parties lasting through Monday. The hub of activity is the festival's host hotel, the M Street Hotel (formerly the Wyndham City Center), but events...
By Fritz Hahn | May 26, 2006; 12:35 PM ET | Comments (2)
Free to Be You and Me
If you've been by a Ben & Jerry's anytime in the past few weeks, you already know that today is Free Cone Day ... while supplies last, mind you. But if the hippie-styled chain runs out early today, no biggie....
By Anne | April 25, 2006; 11:06 AM ET | Comments (1)
Long Live the Bee
All right, spelling stars, your moment has come. Starting next Monday, the Warehouse hosts a biweekly spelling bee with music, prizes and -- most importantly -- no shortage of words like "perestroika" or "catastasis." At this point, pretty much everyone...
By Julia Beizer | March 22, 2006; 09:58 AM ET | Email a Comment
More Than Flowers
Trees, sushi and origami have their roles to play in the National Cherry Blossom Festival, but we've heard about some very interesting additions to this year's celebration, which begins on March 25. • Cyclists can take advantage of free valet...
By Fritz Hahn | March 10, 2006; 11:48 AM ET | Comments (1)
Spring is Blossoming
Spring is coming, and the city's most famous symbol of the season will be in the pink this month, National Park Service Chief Horticulturalist Robert DeFeo predicted this morning. DeFeo estimates a blooming range of March 27 through April 1,...
By Anne | March 9, 2006; 11:12 AM ET | Email a Comment
Dispatch from the Daily Show
"Daily Show" correspondent Rob Corddry is coming to Washington. For real this time. This Saturday, Corddry will give at talk at the Sixth and I Historic Synagogue about his experiences working in fake cable news and will show clips from...
By Julia Beizer | March 7, 2006; 02:37 PM ET | Email a Comment
Countdown to Fat Tuesday
With a week to go until the start of Lent, it's time to begin gearing up for Fat Tuesday. We know not everyone wants to go Bourbon Street-crazy, so here are our suggestions for celebrating New Orleans-style, whether that means...
By Fritz Hahn | February 22, 2006; 12:53 PM ET | Comments (2)
All You Need is Love
Valentine's Day is one of the busiest days to get married at the courthouse and savvy couples pick it not just for the romantic anniversary date. Some jurisdictions add free celebratory extras for weddings on that day only. In Fairfax...
By Anne | February 10, 2006; 06:16 PM ET | Email a Comment
Anne's 2005 DIY Notables
Looking back, I think 2005 was the year that the D.C. scene caught up with all the home shows on HGTV and the do-it-yourself ethic really took hold. Consider these achievements and opportunities for self-actualization: 1. In January, Mandarin Oriental...
By | December 30, 2005; 03:19 PM ET | Email a Comment
Julia's Top 5 New Arrivals
Amidst all the new restaurants and bars that popped up across the metropolitan area this year, there also have been other significant additions to the District landscpe -- things that make D.C. a great place to live, work and play....
By Julia Beizer | December 29, 2005; 10:30 AM ET | Email a Comment
Black and White and Revered All Over
I had the pleasure of meeting Tai Shan yesterday morning. Those of us who gathered for his pre-dawn media debut hoped for some cute-and-cuddly entertainment, and the rambunctious little cub didn't let us down. He climbed up a small rock...
By Erin | November 30, 2005; 05:27 PM ET | Comments (5)
Light Bright
During the next month, holiday lights will be displayed throughout the Washington area in virtually every format imaginable. Want candlelight tours? Got 'em. Lights on boats? Check. Tree lightings? Uh-huh. But for the lazier among us, the region's drive-through displays...
By Julia Beizer | November 28, 2005; 03:25 PM ET | Comments (1)
Giving Thanks For Thanksgiving
It's almost Thanksgiving ... can't you already taste the Pepto-Bismol you'll have to swallow after gorging yourself on mashed potatoes, gravy and pumpkin pie? Mmm ... that's indigestion-licious! By now you probably already have your plans set. (11 a.m.: Sit...
By Jen Chaney | November 23, 2005; 01:35 PM ET | Email a Comment
Snow Days
It certainly doesn't feel like it yet, but ski season is just around the corner. This weekend's National Ski and Snowboard Expo offers almost everything you need to get geared up for the season, as well as a few perks...
By Julia Beizer | November 9, 2005; 11:45 AM ET | Email a Comment
From Springfield, U.S.A., to Washington, D.C.
Remember when the Simpsons came to Washington? After getting some good advice from the Jefferson Memorial, Lisa read her scathing essay, "Cesspool on the Potomac," and saved the trees in Springfield's National Forest from demolition. She may not have won...
By Julia Beizer | November 8, 2005; 03:10 PM ET | Comments (5)
Get Your Light On
I know. I know. Christmas is still nearly two months away. No one wants to hear about carols or ornaments or gift-buying until at least Thanksgiving, but alas, in this imperfect world, sometimes we have to plan ahead. Even though...
By Julia Beizer | November 1, 2005; 12:03 PM ET | Comments (2)
Oh, the Horror
Most bars, clubs and restaurants had their Halloween parties over the weekend, figuring that few revelers would want to dress up and go crazy on a school night, but there are still a few chances to dress up, head out...
By Jen Chaney | October 31, 2005; 12:18 PM ET | Comments (8)
'Desperate' Getting Desperate?
Maybe it's just me, but I'm starting to wonder if "Desperate Housewives" is suffering from "Twin Peaks" syndrome. Like David Lynch's briefly brilliant series, "Housewives" initially made for compelling television. But now that its central mystery has been solved --...
By Jen Chaney | October 11, 2005; 03:54 PM ET | Comments (2)
Now Hail This
And now, a subject very near and dear to the hearts of Going Out Gurus: In case you missed an important blurb in Metro's In Brief section, more than 20 D.C. cabs with meters -- yes, thank God, meters --...
By Fritz Hahn | October 4, 2005; 02:14 PM ET | Comments (20)
Festival Season
Nothing says summer like an outdoor concert. Unfortunately for me at last night's White Stripes show at Merriweather Post Pavillion, nothing says end-of-summer like goosebumps and a chilly nose. But the outdoor season isn't gone completely. Weekend street festivals offer...
By Julia Beizer | September 28, 2005; 06:13 PM ET | Comments (2)
Get 'Lost'
Most of the Gurus are pretty jazzed about tonight's season premiere of "Lost." So jazzed that we want all of you to be just as excited as we are. Hence we bring you the following list: Ways to Psych Yourself...
By Jen Chaney | September 21, 2005; 03:52 PM ET | Email a Comment
Avast, Me Hearties!
Monday is Talk Like A Pirate Day (no, really, you can look it up). Since we spend most of our time as landlubbers, we thought we'd suggest a few activities that would encourage the use of phrases like "Skuttle me...
By Fritz Hahn | September 15, 2005; 03:58 PM ET | Comments (5)
Walk the Walk
I wake up and walk to the coffee-maker. I occasionally walk around my apartment as I'm brushing my teeth. When I'm feeling very ambitious, I walk around the neighborhood (without my toothbrush) before walking to my car and heading to...
By Erin | September 14, 2005; 09:35 AM ET | Comments (6)
Katrina Relief
We're getting a large number of e-mails and messages from readers who want to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina and are looking for fundraisers at local restaurants and bars. We'll maintain an ongoing list of fundraising events here, and...
By Fritz Hahn | September 1, 2005; 02:55 PM ET | Comments (3)
Doin' It In the Park
Outdoor jams are a real summertime treat, and I'm not talking about the kind that involve pumping a stereo on your deck while the grill smokes and beers are quaffed (although that's a beautiful thing too). I'm talking about taking...
By Rhome Anderson | August 31, 2005; 05:22 PM ET | Email a Comment
Best Bets?
Another year, another controversy over the winners of our Best Bets Readers' Choice Awards. First, we'd like to thank everyone who participated; washingtonpost.com readers nominated more than 80,000 locations in 50 categories and cast more than 170,000 votes in our...
By Jen Chaney | August 19, 2005; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (25)
Watcha Gonna Do, Brother?!
Last Tuesday I did something that everyone should do if they ever get the chance: Attend a World Wrestling Entertainment press conference. The biggest names in pro wrestling were at MCI Center to promote this Sunday's big pay-per-view event, Summerslam:...
By | August 15, 2005; 05:44 PM ET | Comments (4)
Hungry for Some Deals?
The D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue has declared a sales tax holiday from this Saturday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Aug. 14, on back-to-school purchases. If you've been itching to go on a shopping spree, dust off your wallet and...
By Erin | August 2, 2005; 01:27 PM ET | Comments (2)
Meeting People Is ... Easy?
When the D.C. area made it into the top 5 in the Forbes "Best Cities For Singles" list, it seemed like a no-brainer to us, but it might be a head-scratcher for the many singles who send questions to Got...
By Fritz Hahn | July 29, 2005; 10:29 AM ET | Comments (23)
Blues Traveler
I just returned from my cousin's wedding in Louisville. It was a great time with good food, mint juleps and Southern accents, but I almost missed the whole event. Last Friday, I arranged to have a large, blue shared-ride van...
By Erin | July 26, 2005; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (16)
Welcome Back, Potter
In high school and during my first summer home from college, I worked at my neighborhood bookstore in L.A., where I sold countless copies of the Harry Potter books. I had never read them, however, so I didn't understand what...
By Erin | July 15, 2005; 03:31 PM ET | Email a Comment
Vive Le Tour!
Good news: The Tour de Lance is underway and it's broadcast live on television for several hours each day. Bad news: It's still on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN), a small cable channel with mainstays like huntin' and bullridin' and...
By Fritz Hahn | July 6, 2005; 04:40 PM ET | Comments (1)
Diddy Wants You (To Play Yourself)
When the artist formerly known as Puff Daddy committed such blasphemous acts as remaking "The Message" and "Public Enemy #1" into odes of self-aggrandizement, I had placed him in the crosshairs as an enemy of the state to those that...
By washingtonpost.com | May 20, 2005; 02:00 PM ET | Comments (3)
Saturday Night's Alright (For Biking)
People are always looking for "something different" to do on weekend nights -- activities outside of the usual spectrum of bar or cultural events. Here's my pick of the week, which offers romantic scenery, a chance to enjoy the great...
By washingtonpost.com | May 19, 2005; 05:24 PM ET | Email a Comment
On the Record
Do you have a story to tell? The StoryCorps project is taking its public recording studio on the road in a retrofitted Airstream trailer, and D.C. is the first stop, May 19-28, outside the Library of Congress. Reservations are available...
By washingtonpost.com | May 6, 2005; 10:35 AM ET | Email a Comment
Best Bets
It's that time of year again: Our annual Best Bets Readers' Choice Contest is underway. Nominations began at noon today, so pick your favorites now. Choose among happy hours and burger joints, date spots and shoe shops -- 50 categories...
By washingtonpost.com | May 2, 2005; 12:20 PM ET | Comments (2)
Off to the Races
Next Saturday marks the 80th running of the Virginia Gold Cup, the state's premier steeplechase race. But most Washingtonians heading down to The Plains are more interested in the social aspects of the day than the race itself. Over the...
By washingtonpost.com | April 29, 2005; 12:56 PM ET | Email a Comment
Benefaction with Benefits
With a chunk of change jingling in your pocket, what do you do? Enjoy a great show? Splurge on a scrumptious meal at one of your favorite restaurants? Buy something new for yourself? Or do you kindly give it all...
By washingtonpost.com | April 26, 2005; 11:57 AM ET | Comments (1)
Happy Bard-day!
So the Bard is 441. I think this calls for a celebration and some cake. Promenade to the Folger Shakespeare Library for Medieval merriment. With activities like Shakespearean fortune-telling, felt shield-making, quill pen-writing, ivy garland-making, Renaissance dance performances and cake,...
By washingtonpost.com | April 19, 2005; 02:54 PM ET | Comments (2)
Lawn Games
This Saturday in a historic garden, the game is croquet. I'm not talking about spectating in Annapolis; here's an Alexandria garden party where you can aim for the wicket yourself. The afternoon is equal parts fantasy for kids and adults:...
By washingtonpost.com | April 18, 2005; 10:38 AM ET | Comments (1)
That's Entourtainment!
If you're like me, tourist season finds you wanting to get out and be a tourist, but hating the crowds, the lines, the traffic ... well, you get the picture. I say, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em! Strap...
By washingtonpost.com | April 12, 2005; 01:43 PM ET | Email a Comment
Baseball's Back -- Almost
Washington baseball fans have been anticipating this day for a long time. Our very own major league franchise (or, at the very least, something that closely resembles one) takes the field today for the first time since 1971. The schedule...
By washingtonpost.com | April 4, 2005; 01:05 PM ET | Email a Comment
Miriam's Kitchen
A few weeks back, our Janet took some heat for the $200 jeans she blogged about. Somebody called Woof said this: "Use the money you save to buy a homeless person a sandwich every day for 2 months straight." Well,...
By washingtonpost.com | March 31, 2005; 10:23 AM ET | Comments (2)
Out Like a Lamb
Knitting addicts should plan now for an event with more yarn and supplies than all the burgeoning knitting boutiques around town combined. At the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, there are easily miles of stands selling yarn and its incarnations...
By washingtonpost.com | March 30, 2005; 06:03 PM ET | Comments (1)
'Saturday' This Thursday
Last week I rushed out to buy a copy of Ian McEwan's latest novel, but I shamefully admit that I have yet to crack his much-anticipated "Saturday." Now there's reason to step up my reading: The author of the Booker...
By washingtonpost.com | March 29, 2005; 06:34 PM ET | Email a Comment
Take Back the Pike
If you've ever had a meltdown over Rockville Pike gridlock, you'll appreciate this event. Pike's Peek 10K lets foot traffic take over the road on the morning of April 24. So empowering. The race also promotes public transportation: You start...
By washingtonpost.com | March 23, 2005; 08:15 PM ET | Comments (1)
The Other Basketball Tournament
If you're hungry for more college basketball and can't wait until Thursday's Sweet 16 games begin, consider heading to College Park on Wednesday night. The Maryland Terps (yes, they're still playing despite missing the Big Dance) are scheduled to take...
By washingtonpost.com | March 21, 2005; 05:17 PM ET | Comments (6)
Elephants on Parade
If you're planning to drive in downtown D.C. on March 21, listen up. You could be interrupted by pachyderms walking down the middle of the street. When the circus comes to town, the elephants are offloaded from the train early...
By washingtonpost.com | March 16, 2005; 06:32 PM ET | Comments (2)
Madness
March Madness is finally upon us. For hoop heads and amateur bracketologists, this is a great time of year. If for no other reason than that it gives people three weeks to pretend that there aren't really any company rules...
By washingtonpost.com | March 16, 2005; 12:08 PM ET | Comments (6)
Dancing Till Dawn
You know the feeling of meeting someone for the first time and developing such an intense connection that you stay up all night talking, a la Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy in "Before Sunrise"? That's what tango dancing embodies, a...
By washingtonpost.com | March 9, 2005; 05:26 PM ET | Comments (2)
You're Getting Sleepy...
You have every right to be skeptical of someone like Flip Orley, who is billed as The Nation's Premier Comic Hypnotist. Besides having a title that's about as inspiring as The New Jersey Turnpike's Most Happenin' Rest Area, comic hypnosis...
By washingtonpost.com | March 7, 2005; 02:58 PM ET | Email a Comment
Snowed Out?
Jeez, a few inches of snow and everything grinds to a halt. Well, not everything -- we have mixed news on whether entertainment events will go on as scheduled tonight. The 9:30 is staying open, so if you've got tickets...
By washingtonpost.com | February 28, 2005; 12:27 PM ET | Comments (1)
Spring, Right on Schedule
The daffodils keep you guessing. The narcissus -- some currently blooming -- on the Rose Park slope along Rock Creek Parkway are my favorite harbinger of spring because of their unpredictability. It's hard to know when the green shoots will...
By washingtonpost.com | February 22, 2005; 04:15 PM ET | Email a Comment
Who Are the Gurus?
Rhome Anderson likes his beer and he likes his beats. Even though he's a code jockey and occasionally writes stuff on the site, for some reason he gets all the travails of the lovelorn funneled to him in the weekly...
By washingtonpost.com | February 11, 2005; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (36)
About This Blog
The City Guide's staff of experts, collectively known as the Going Out Gurus, began a weekly discussion on local events and establishments called Got Plans? in 2001. From date spots to dance clubs, cultural diversions to cheap eats, the gurus...
By washingtonpost.com | February 10, 2005; 02:08 PM ET | Comments (127)
