WASHINGTON AUTO SHOW
 The Washington Auto Show is a huge event displaying more than 700 new makes and models of cars, trucks, mini-vans and sport utility vehicles from over 42 domestic and import automakers. The Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA) sponsors the auto show each year to entice, educate and entertain hundreds of thousands of consumers. The latest innovations in safety and sustainability will take center stage at the 2012 Washington Auto Show. This is a great way to learn about more developments in hydrogen, clean diesel, electric, biofuel and natural gas technologies as well as in safety. Visitors will also find free car giveaways, special guests, promotional contests, childrens activities and live entertainment.
Dates and Times
January 27 - February 5, 2012
Fri. Jan. 27 - 12:00 - 10:00 pm
Sat. Jan. 28, 2012 - 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sun. Jan. 29, 2012 - 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Mon. Jan. 30 - Thur. Feb. 2, 2012 - 12:00 - 9:00 pm
Fri. Feb. 3, 2012 - 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sat. Feb. 4, 2012 - 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sun. Feb. 5, 2012 - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Show Location and Transportation
Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW Washington, DC.
Parking is limited in the area. The best way to get to the Convention Center is by metro. The closest metro station is Mt. Vernon Place/Convention Center.
Admission
Adults (13 & over) - $12
Seniors - $10
Children (6-12) $5
children under 6 are free.
E-tickets are available for $12 online at www.washingtonautoshow.com.
2012 Entertainment Highlights
The show will host Redskins Cornerback DeAngelo Hall, WWE® Superstar Randy Orton, Washington Caps Center Brooks Laich and Defenseman John Carlson, traditional Chinese lion and dragon dancers to celebrate the Chinese New Year and PBS characters from the hit TV show "SuperWhy!" This year, the Washington Auto Show will present a special "Welcome Home Troops!" celebration on Tuesday, Jan. 31. The program will feature appearances by J.R. Martinez, the Iraq war veteran and newly-crowned champion of "Dancing with the Stars" and WWE® Legend Sgt. Slaughter(TM) as well as a musical performance by the Army Blues of the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own."
Vehicle Manufacturers on Display
Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fisker, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infinit, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Pontiac, SAAB, Saturn, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen.
Green Car Pavilion
The Washington Auto Show houses more green cars than any major U.S. auto show and in 2011 will again host the "Advanced Technology SuperHighway," a 65,000-square-foot display housing the latest innovations in safety and sustainability from clean diesel to electric vehicles.
Official Website
www.washingtonautoshow.com.
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VALENTINE'S DAY IS FEBRUARY 14TH!
Valentine's Day is February 14th. Are you looking for some ideas of ways to express your love to someone special? Here are some helpful resources and some special events for Valentines Day in the Washington, DC area.
Washington, DC’s Most Romantic Restaurants
The Washington, DC area has many romantic restaurants. They do get busy for Valentine’s Day, so you should make your reservations as early as possible.
- Citronelle in the Latham Hotel, 3000 M. St., NW, Washington, DC. (202) 625-2150 American cuisine with a French influence served in an intimate setting in the heart of Washington, DC.
- Marcel's 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC. (202) 296-1166 French-Belgian restaurant with nightly live entertainment.
- Palena 3529 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC. (202) 537-9250 Fine Italian restaurant with award winning chef.
- 1789 Restaurant 1226 36th St. NW, Washington, DC. (202) 965-1789 Georgetown’s premiere restaurant serving world-class American cuisine in a renovated Federal house.
- Tabard Inn 1739 N St. NW, Washington, DC. (202) 833-2668 New American cuisine in a quaint restaurant in a Victorian style hotel just blocks from the White House in downtown Washington DC.
- Little Fountain Cafe, 2339 18th St. NW, Washington, DC (202) 462-8100 Quaint European styled restaurant located in the basement of an Adams Morgan townhouse.
- Asia Nora 2213 M St. NW, Washington, DC. (202) 797-4860. Intimate New Asian restaurant with food prepared with organic ingredients.
- Sea Catch Canal Square, 1054 31st St, NW Washington, DC (202) 337-8855. Fresh seafood in a romantic setting in a restored historic building in the heart of Georgetown. The setting is unique with a view overlooking the C & O Canal.
- 2941 Restaurant 2941 Fairview Park Dr, Falls Church, VA (703)270-1500. Modern American cuisine with classic French influences in a gorgeous setting with waterfront views.
- Oya 777 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC (202) 393-1400. Asian and French cuisines in a sophisticated contemporary setting.
- La Ferme 7101 Brookville Rd, Chevy Chase, Maryland. (301) 986-5255. French country restaurant with an intimate setting and beautiful outdoor seating when the weather permits.
- Old Hickory Steakhouse Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, Maryland. (301) 965-4000. Stunning restaurant with intimate ambiance and sweeping views of the Potomac River.
- Old Angler’s Inn 10801 MacArthur Blvd. Potomac, Maryland. (301)365-2425 Quaint country inn with beautiful outdoor seating when the weather permits.
- Maestro, 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean, Virginia (703) 917-5498 Mclean, Virginia. Intimate Italian restaurant located at the Ritz Carlton in Tyson’s Corner.
- Inn at Little Washington Middle and Main Street, Washington, Virginia (540) 675 3800 Romantic country inn at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- L'auberge Chez Francois 332 Springvale Rd. Great Falls, Virginia. (703) 759-3800 Elegant French country inn in Great Falls.
- The Grill at Morrison House 116 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, Virginia (703) 838-8000 Award-winning restaurant in a cozy atmosphere at a small inn in Old Town Alexandria.
Outdoor Ice Skating
What's more romantic than ice skating under the stars at one of Washington, DC’s outdoor ice skating rinks? After a nice dinner, get some fresh air and enjoy the ambiance of the city.
- Sculpture Garden Ice Rink
The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden's ice-skating rink is a favorite destination, attracting thousands of visitors to skate in the parklike setting on the National Mall, surrounded by extraordinary sculptures by renowned modern and contemporary artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. The skating season begins in mid-November and continues through mid-March, weather permitting. The Pavilion Café offers a panoramic view of the Sculpture Garden and ice rink as well as a variety of food and beverages.
LOCATION:
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
7th St. and Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC
HOURS:
Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
ADMISSION:
$7.00 Adults
$6.00 Children and Seniors.
Skate Rentals are $3.00.
- Pershing Park Ice Rink - Currently CLOSED for Renovation
This ice skating rink is located across the street from the famous Willard Hotel and just two blocks away from the White House. Enjoy a variety of music and a cup of hot chocolate to warm your hands.
LOCATION:
14th St. and Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC
HOURS:
Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
ADMISSION:
$6.50 Adults
$5.50 Children and Seniors.
Skate Rentals are $2.50
Cupid's Undie Run
February 11, 2012. Run around the U.S. Capitol Building in your Valentine's themed undies to raise money for the Children's Tumor Foundation.
- Cupid's Undie Run is a unique charitable event in Washington DC. Participants run a 1.75 mile lap around the U.S. Capitol Building in their Valentine's themed undies to raise money for the Children's Tumor Foundation. See pictures of the Cupid's Undie Run.
- Date and Time: February 11, 2012, 12 - 4 p.m. Doors open at noon.
Meeting Place: Pourhouse, 319 Pennsylvania Ave, SE. Washington DC.
Romantic Getaways near Washington, DC
Looking to really impress your loved one? Plan a romantic weekend at a nearby resort.
- The Homestead
Hot Springs, Virginia. This luxury resort is located in Virginia's Allegheny Mountains and is ranked among the world's finest Golf and Spa resorts. Activities include hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, canoeing and more.
- Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Farmington, Pennsylvania. This French renaissance-style Chateau is located in the Laurel Highlands Mountains of Pennsylvania, just a few hours drive from Washington, DC. Families can be accommodated at townhomes and private homes on the resort property. The resort offers an award-winning spa, championship golf and an Adventure Center that hosts a wide range of activities such as paintball, bike rentals, a rock climbing wall, ropes course and a zip line.
- The Inn at Little Washington
Washington, Virginia. This country inn and its restaurant are recognized as one the world’s best. The inn is located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, an area known for miles of spectacular views, wineries, antique shops and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- The Greenbrier
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The Greenbrier is an award-winning resort and a National Historic landmark with more than 50 recreational activities available including three championship golf courses, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a 40,000-square-foot spa and more.
- The Tides Inn
Irvington, Virginia. The inn is nestled on its own peninsula overlooking Carters Creek with a breathtaking view of the Chesapeake Bay. Recreational activities include golf, tennis, croquet, a full service spa and boat cruises aboard the historic yacht, Miss Ann.
- Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
Cambridge, Maryland. The name describes it all! This beautiful luxury hotel sits right on the Chesapeake Bay and has its own isolated beach, an 18-hole championship golf course and 150-slip marina.
- Lansdowne Resort
Leesburg, Virginia. Located just 40 minutes from Washington, DC in the Virginia Hunt country, this luxury resort offers championship golf and a world class spa and health club.
- The Inn at Perry Cabin
St. Michaels, Maryland. The beautifully furnished 78-room manor house resort is in historic St. Michaels with a prime location right on the Chesapeake Bay. Activities nearby include golf, fishing, sailing, horse-drawn carriage rides, historic tours and more.
- Williamsburg Inn
Willamsburg, Virginia. The Williamsburg Inn is regarded as one of the world’s best hotels. The inn was remodeled in 2001. Amenities include a top-notch restaurant, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, award-winning golf, and a spa and fitness club. Read About Visiting Colonial Williamsburg
- Wintergreen Resort
Wintergreen, Virginia. This is a four season resort in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains with a variety of accommodations from studios to luxury condominiums. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, skiing, spa, aquatics, fitness center and more.
Best Day Spas in the Washington, DC Area
Pamper your loved one with a wide range of services including massage, facials, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, skin treatments and much more.
- Anu Day Spa
617 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Suite Two
Washington, DC
(202) 544-8268
- Aveda Environmental Lifestyle Salon & Spa
4807 Bethesda Ave.
Bethesda, MD
(301) 652-1610
- Bluemercury
3059 M St. NW
Washington, DC (Georgetown)
(202) 965-1300
1619 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC (Dupont Circle)
(202) 462-1300
- Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon & Spa
Seven locations in the Washington, DC area: Downtown, DC, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Arlington, Reston, Fairfax, and Vienna. (800) 99-ARDEN.
- Fountains Day Spa
422 South Washington St.
Alexandria, VA
(703)-549-1990
- Georgette Klinger Skin Care
5481 Wisconsin Ave.
Chevy Chase, MD
(240) 482-8450
- Hela Spa
3209 M Street NW
Washington, DC
(866) 870-7103
- INARI Salon & Spa
1425 K Street, NW
Washington, DC
(202) 898-6350
- Mandarin Oriental
1330 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC
202) 787 6100
- Natural Body Day Spa & Shoppe
1083 Seven Locks Rd
Potomac, MD
(301) 610-5004
4100 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA
(703) 243-4015
- Nusta Spa
1129 20th Street NW
Washington DC
(202) 530-5700
- Relâche Spa
Gaylord National Resort
National Harbor, MD
(301) 965-4400
- Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner Day Spa
1700 Tysons Blvd.
McLean, VA
(703) 506-4300, Ext.7300
- Serenity Day Spa
4000 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC
(202) 362-2560
209 Madison Street
Alexandria, VA
(703) 549-9212
13037 Worldgate Drive
Herndon VA
(703) 709-6596
- SomaFit
2121 Wisconsin Ave. #110
Washington, DC
(202) 965-2121
Day Spa and Fitness Center located in Georgetown, offering spa services and yoga, Pilates, stretching, strength and cardio.
DC INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL
The Washington, DC Independent Film Festival is an an award winning event that showcases more than 100 feature, short, animation and documentary films by local, national, and international filmmakers. Many of the festival films have gone on to the Academy Awards, Sundance, Toronto and Cannes, where some have taken prizes.
At each program of the Washington, DC Independent Film Festival participants view a range of films, including an animation, a short and a feature. After each session there is a question and answer discussion where you can interact directly with top executives from AOL, Discovery Communications, National Geographic and PBS, among others.
The Annual Washington, DC Independent Music Festival will run in tandem with the film festival to provide nightly entertainment. The musical performances will be in the main theater. The music will appeal to all ages and tastes. From Hip Hop, to an Open Mike Night, to Gospel, to our Closing night performance by Gibraltar is a North African Band from Algeria & Morocco with influences from Berber (kabyle & Touareg), Gnawa, Moorish, and Andalusian music.
Dates and Times
February 29-March 4, 2012
Location
Navy Memorial Heritage Center
701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
Washington, DC
The closest Metro station is Navy Memorial/Archives
Tickets
Opening Night Film & Reception: $25
Closing Night Film & Reception: $25
Tickets to film sessions : $10/$7 student and seniors
Tickets to seminars: $25 per seminar.
To see the list of films and purchase tickets, see the official website. |
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2012
 Washington, DC celebrates Black History Month and remembers the contributions of African Americans in the United States with numerous events and cultural programs. Here are some special events and relevant places to visit in Washington, DC to remember and recognize the history of Black Americans.
Smithsonian Black History Month Family Day Celebration
February 4, 2012, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum. The Smithsonian kicks off its celebration of Black History Month with a day of music and drama performances, arts and craft activities and other themed activities.
National Archives
Celebrate Black History Month in February with special films, public programs, and lectures. These programs are open to the public and will be held at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC and at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland.
Anacostia Community Museum
Throughout the year, the Smithsonian Institution’s museum of African American history and culture offers exhibitions, educational programs, workshops, lectures, film screenings and other special events that interpret black history from the 1800s to the present.
George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate
Throughout the month of February Mount Vernon will honor the slaves who lived and worked at George Washington's estate with a daily 12 p.m. wreathlaying at the Slave Memorial. On Saturdays and Sundays in February, visitors learn about life as a slave with Silla and Slammin' Joe, two of Washington's slaves, at the recently-opened slave cabin. Tom Davis, an enslaved brickmaker, presents his perspective on Saturdays and Sundays in the greenhouse at 2:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. The Marquis de Lafayette talks about his efforts to end slavery in the Greenhouse on Sundays at 3:00 p.m. All Black History Month events are included in the regular admission price to the estate.
Abraham Lincoln Birthday Observance
February 12, 2012 at noon. Lincoln Memorial, 23rd & Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC. Honor Abraham Lincoln at a Presidential wreath laying ceremony and a dramatic reading of the "Gettysburg Address." For more information, call (202) 619-7222.
African American Civil War Memorial and Museum
This Washington, DC site honors and examines the African American's heroic struggle for freedom and civil rights. The memorial is the only one in the United States to honor Colored Troops (USCT) who served in the Civil War. The museum uses photographs, documents and state of the art audio visual equipment to educate visitors about this important part of American history.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
1411 W St. SE, Washington, DC. Tours of the historic home are available daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On February 12, 2012, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Frederick Douglass’ birthday will be celebrated with music, presentations, programs on the history of Anacostia, children’s activities, and lots of talk about the books he wrote, the books he read, and how reading and writing can change the world.
Black History Month at the Navy Memorial
Throughout February, the Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center honors African-American sailors throughout history with special film screenings, artwork, and lectures.
Black History Month Cruise Aboard the Spirit of Washington
February 18, 2012. Take an educational and entertaining lunch cruise to remember those who have influenced African-American culture. This cruise will feature DJ and live entertainment in tribute to Duke Ellington, Marvin Gaye, Roberta Flack, Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, Diana Ross, Prince and much more. The cruise boards at 11:00 a.m. and cruises from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $44.90 per person.
Old Town Alexandria
The National Register of Historic Places lists several historic sites in Alexandria, Virginia as locations where African Americans lived, worked and worshiped during the period 1790 through 1951. Take a tour of these sites and learn about this important part of our regional history.
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ANNUAL CAMP & SUMMER PROGRAMS EXPOS
 Do you know what your kids are doing this summer? Attend a camp fair and find out about camps in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. Camp representatives will be available to answer all of your questions about day and sleepaway camps in the Washington, DC area. Explore a wide range of camps from sports to nature discovery to drama to educational programs.
White Flint’s Annual Camp & Summer Programs Expo
January 28-29, 2012, Saturday 10 am – 6 pm, Sunday 12 – 6 pm
11301 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, Maryland (301) 231-SHOP
Dulles Town Center Summer Camp Expo & Show
February 25-26, 2012, Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm, Sunday, 11 am – 3 pm
2100 Dulles Town Circle, Dulles, Virginia (703) 404-7100
Lakeforest Mall Summer Camp Expo
February 18-19, 2012, 11 am – 6 pm
701 Russell Avenue, Gaithersburg, Maryland (301) 840-5840
Potomac Mills Mall Summer Camp Expo
January 28-29, 2012, 11 am - 5 pm
2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Prince William, Virginia (703) 496-9301
Tips on Trips and Camps Fairs
(202) 337-3451 or (703) 345-0722
January 28, 2012, 1-3:30 pm
Sidwell Friends School
3901 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC
February 4, 2012, 1:00-3:30 p.m. Camp Fair
12:30-1:00 pm Panel Discussion on Foreign Language Programs
Potomac School
1301 Potomac School Rd.
McLean, VA
Sunday, February 26, 2012,1-3:30 p.m.
Summer Opportunities Fair for Children with Special Needs
11614 Seven Locks Road
Potomac, MD
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Super Bowl 2012 is just around the corner on February 6. Looking for a fun place to watch the game in Washington, DC and cheer for your favorite team? Here are a few suggestions. Do you have a favorite place to watch the game? Share the details in the comments section below. 
The Washington, DC International Food & Wine Festival is an annual celebration of wine, cuisine and culture that shines a light on the Washington’s diversity and prominence as a world-class dining destination. The International Food & Wine Festival is the largest event of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region. This year’s event will include more than 600 rare and loved wines from 100 wineries and foods from artisanal producers around the world and Washington DC's best restaurants. New in 2012, American craft beers will come front and center at the festival's Beer Garden.