Experience Oktoberfest Festivities in Reston, VA
Oktoberfest is a beer-friendly celebration originating in Germany that is recognized and celebrated around the world.
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Top Book Festivals and Literary Events in Washington DC
The Washington DC area hosts numerous annual literary festivals and events that spotlight both local and national authors. Ranking among the most literate regions in the United States, it is home to many acclaimed writers and attracts best-selling authors from across the nation to share their craft with the community. Here is a guide to the largest literary-focused events in the Washington DC area, all of which are free and open to the public.
Thrilling Outdoor Adventures at Terrapin in Savage, Maryland
Terrapin Adventures is an outdoor adventure center located in Savage, Maryland, just 30 minutes from Washington DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis. This unique tour company offers exciting activities like ziplining, ropes courses, a giant swing, and a climbing tower. They also host custom tours, birthday parties, fundraising events, and team-building experiences. Set on nearly 2 acres within the grounds of the historic Savage Mill, a 19th-century textile mill, visitors can explore antique shops, craft galleries, restaurants, and more.
Bohrer Park Water Park in Gaithersburg: Fun for All Ages
Gaithersburg’s Water Park at Bohrer Park, operated by the City of Gaithersburg, offers a vibrant summer experience for families. The main swimming pool is ideal for fun and relaxation, featuring a large mushroom water umbrella and ample space for shallow water activities. With its zero-depth entry, the pool ensures accessibility for everyone. The park’s standout attractions include a thrilling 38-foot tall double water slide and two unique slide options: an enclosed slide measuring 250 feet for those seeking excitement, and an open flume slide for a more tranquil descent of 336 feet. To use the slides, swimmers must be at least 48 inches tall.
Explore the Kennedy Center: Washington, DC’s Cultural Landmark
The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, known as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, stands as the city’s premier performance venue, hosting approximately 3,000 performances annually. It serves as the home for the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington Opera, Washington Ballet, and American Film Institute. The array of performances includes theatre, musicals, dance, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, and folk music, along with youth and family programs and multimedia shows.
Guide to Visiting Washington National Cathedral: Tours and Tips
The National Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, is the sixth largest cathedral in the world. Located in Washington, DC, it is the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and serves as a national house of prayer for all people. Renowned for its stunning architecture, the Cathedral, with its English Gothic style, features exquisite sculptures, intricate wood carvings, eerie gargoyles, vibrant mosaics, and over 200 stained glass windows. Notably, the Gloria in Excelsis Tower is the highest point in Washington, providing breathtaking views of the city from the Pilgrim Observation Gallery located in its two west towers.
Explore the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Botanic Garden, or USBG, established by Congress in 1820, is a living plant museum on the National Mall. The Conservatory reopened in December 2001 after a four-year renovation, showcasing an impressive state-of-the-art indoor garden with approximately 4,000 seasonal, tropical, and subtropical plants. The U.S. Botanic Garden is administered by the Architect of the Capitol and offers special exhibits and educational programs throughout the year.
Explore Naval Academy Tours in Annapolis, Maryland
The Naval Academy is a “must see” attraction in Annapolis, Maryland with its beautiful 338-acre campus, known as the Yard, and its scenic location on the Chesapeake Bay. The U.S. Naval Academy serves as a four-year training facility for officers of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Designated a National Historic Site, the Naval Academy boasts a distinguished history and a blend of French Renaissance and contemporary architecture. A 90-minute guided walking tour is available to the public and provides visitors with an overview of the experiences of the midshipmen as well as the history, culture, recreation, and educational resources available onsite.
Stunning Photos of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The National Mall serves as the focal point for most sightseeing adventures in Washington, DC. It proudly showcases the Smithsonian Museums and the National Memorials, making it a “must-see” destination that draws visitors from all over the globe. With its rich history and scenic charm, the Mall offers a plethora of attractions to explore.
5 Surprising Facts About Washington D.C. You Didn’t Know
Washington, D.C. is best known for its museums, memorials, and government headquarters, making it one of the most educational vacation destinations in the U.S. Additionally, it is a vibrant city filled with entertainment, outdoor recreation, excellent restaurants, and numerous places to relax and people-watch. Therefore, if you are planning a visit to Washington, D.C., here are five intriguing facts that may enhance your experience:
Essential Guide to Visiting the National Mall in DC
Located just south of downtown and the White House in Washington, D.C., the National Mall is one of the United States’ most prestigious and well-known National Parks. Over 24 million visitors from around the world come to this 146-acre park in the middle of the nation’s capital.
Top Transportation Options for Commuting in Washington, DC
Commuting to Washington, DC is challenging, and the region’s traffic problems are legendary. Residents of Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia utilize a variety of transportation options, which include driving, mass transit, carpooling, bicycling, and walking. This guide will help you understand commuting alternatives for the Washington, DC area.
Comprehensive Guide to the DC Circulator Bus System
The DC Circulator provides inexpensive, frequent bus service around Washington DC. This relatively new bus service significantly enhances access to Washington, DC attractions, consequently making it easier for visitors, federal workers, and local residents to travel around the downtown area. Moreover, the DC Circulator represents a partnership among DDOT, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and DC Surface Transit, Inc. Since its launch in 2005, the Circulator has experienced substantial growth, supplementing Metro’s bus and rail service while connecting numerous DC neighborhoods and activity centers. Each route operates on different hours, tailored to the demand in each area. (Note that the hours listed below are subject to change.)
Top Outdoor Activities in Washington, D.C.
The Washington, D.C. area offers endless outdoor recreational opportunities for all ages. Step outside and you’ll discover beautiful parks to relax in, trails to hike and bike, and places for kayaking and boating. Families will love the playgrounds, waterparks, horseback riding trails, and outdoor ice skating rinks.
Guide to Washington DC Metrobus Services
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) provides bus and rail transit service to Washington, DC, and the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Metrobus operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with approximately 1,500 buses. Consequently, service intervals vary by time of day and by weekday/weekend to meet demand. Metrobus stops are designated with red, white, and blue signs, displaying the route number and destination above the windshield and on the boarding side of the bus.
Explore Washington DC’s Iconic River Bridges
Washington DC is home to seven major bridges across the Potomac River, six across the Anacostia River, and over a dozen scattered along Rock Creek Park. These bridges vary in aesthetic appeal; while some boast stunning views, others serve a primarily functional role. The metropolitan area features numerous bridges, facilitating daily transportation for hundreds of thousands of vehicles and forming a crucial part of the region’s infrastructure.
Explore Crystal City, Virginia: A Vibrant Urban Destination
Crystal City, Virginia is an urban community in Northern Virginia that boasts stunning views of Washington, D.C. Located along the Potomac River, the downtown area is conveniently walkable from a Metro station. This vibrant locale features upscale hotels, a variety of retail stores, excellent dining options, high-rise apartments, and bustling commercial offices. Additionally, a unique network of underground shops and walkways draws visitors from across the region. Due to its proximity to Ronald Reagan National Airport, Crystal City is a popular destination for those visiting the nation’s capital.
Budget-Friendly Guide to Exploring Washington, D.C.
A trip to Washington, D.C. doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of ways to enjoy Washington, D.C. while sticking to a budget. Knowing about free attractions, entertainment, inexpensive hotels, reasonably priced places to eat, and where to find budget-friendly shopping will keep the costs down.
Explore 6 Historic Civil War Battlefields Close to Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is steeped in history—especially around its Civil War battlefields. These historical sites are beautiful places to visit and pay tribute to American war heroes. The capital region was critical in the development of the war, not only as the home to the federal government but also due to its close proximity to the borders of the north and south. The following battlefields are excellent options for a day trip and experiencing the region’s rich Civil War heritage. Visitors can explore informative visitor centers, view introductory films, take self-guided tours, or join park ranger-led discussions.
Top 10 Attractions and Activities in Fairfax, Virginia
Fairfax, VA is a Northern Virginia community with a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors and locals alike. This guide provides valuable tips on family-friendly activities, including historic sites, dining options, outdoor recreation, special events, and more.