Tag Archives: Holidays in DC

January 13, 2022 · 9:59 am

Five Things for Today: January 13, 2022

 

1. One result of the Omicron surge: Less crowded museums (in my experience, anyway).  On a recent visit to the National Gallery of Art West Building, there were significantly less people than I’m used to seeing and even had whole galleries to myself at times.  Plus, it’s so spacious, it’s easy to maintain comfortable distance from others.  Something to keep in mind if you’re looking for indoor places to go when the weather isn’t conducive to outdoor adventures, or you just want to get a good art fix.  The museum on the National Mall (6th St and Constitution Ave NW) is open daily 10am – 5pm, and admission is free.

 

2. In case you missed them earlier this week, there are a couple of new posts.  One is a guest post by local author JoAnn Hill sharing stories and secrets behind five DC area museums.  The other is a round-up of ways to celebrate MLK Day around the area.

 

3. Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week is January 17-23. See which places are participating and make your reservations!

 

4.  The New York Times annual list of travel destinations published at the beginning of the year is a little different for 2022. 52 Places for a Changed World “highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution.”  And it sparks just as much wanderlust as previous years.

 

5. This made me lol (and roll my eyes) because it’s true 😂🙄

Leave a Comment

Filed under 2022, DC, Five Things for Today, Winter

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

January 4, 2022 · 12:15 pm

Five Things for Today: January 4, 2022

 

1. Capitol Hill is open for sledding!  The grounds apparently were closed early in the day yesterday, but opened up later for kids and kids at heart to whiz down.  Passed by this morning and saw sledders, and it wasn’t crowded…yet.  [Side note: We have so many great memories of sledding down our neighborhood hill, my favorite when we joined the 2015 sled-in (see #9!) to protest the ban.]

 

2. There may be snow outside, but you can still start thinking about summer.  Smithsonian Summer Camps has released its 2022 schedule and camp options.  Registration doesn’t open until the week of February 14, but it’s always a popular one, so it’s good to review the different camps and be prepared for sign up ahead of time.

 

3.  Omicron advice from a pediatrician to parents of kids under 5.

 

4. 10 Happy Things for January ❤️

 

5. Haha… so true.

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under 2022, DC, Five Things for Today, Winter

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

December 29, 2021 · 9:23 am

Five Things for Today: December 29, 2021

 

1. Not that you haven’t heard, but Covid is everywhere.  Our family had our own bout with it, which resulted in a canceled trip to see family, a winter break quarantine, and a Christmas celebration over the basement stairwell, since two of us were negative, two were positive at the time. (There is more to it, which you can read about here.)  The CDC just shortened the recommended isolation time for Covid-infected people without symptoms.  It’s now only five days instead of 10, then five days of wearing a mask around others.  Also, it is now being reported that rapid antigen tests are not picking up Omicron as reliably as PCR.

 

2.  If you’re looking for family New Year’s Eve celebrations, Noon Yards Eve is returning to Yards Park on Friday.  The free, outdoor annual event features a magician, live music, carnival games, glitter tattoos, crafts, 2022 giveaways, a giant blow up slide, and more!  Catering to kids of all ages, it will all culminate in a countdown to noon for young ones who might not make it to midnight. UPDATE: This even has been canceled.

Metrobar in NE is also hosting a family-friendly NYE sesh.  Starting at 4pm, there will be festive cocktails  for adults along with kids activities and games. Countdown the New Year with a 7pm toast (bubbly for adults, sparkling cider for kids) and watch the ball drop at midnight in London on a 20-foot screen. Firepits, patio heaters, a heated tent, deck heat lamp, and hot cocktails will keep everyone cozy outdoors. Free admission, but plan to purchase food and drinks, of course.

And a couple of other annual events that are still on this year, though indoors, are Midnight Noon at Maryland Science Center and Noontime New Year at Port Discovery, both in Baltimore.  (The popular First Night Alexandria event has been canceled.)

 

3. Washingtonian has a round-up of local restaurants offering fun and festive takeout for New Year’s Eve.

 

4. DC Public Library’s most checked out, streamed, and downloaded books (and more) in 2021.

 

5.  21 Things That Made the World a Better Place in 2021 ❤️

 

Bonus: Who else is going to play Powerball this week?

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under 2021, DC, Five Things for Today, Maryland, Virginia, Winter

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

December 21, 2021 · 9:03 am

Five Things for Today: December 21, 2021

Mask up , DC!

 

1. In case you missed it over the weekend…  In light of Omicron and the rising rates in Covid cases everywhere, I (re)shared on social media the post about Activities Around DC During the Covid Winter. It was originally published last December, but unfortunately (and frustratingly) seems necessary to highlight once again, with all activities mentioned being outdoors.  And if you have seen the post, it’s worth checking out again, as a few new ideas have been added.

 

2. Did you know that walk-up vaccinations are available just about everyday in DC?  Several libraries and rec centers around the city are among the sites in Mayor Bower’s Take the Shot, DC program.  The sites change daily, so be sure to check which are open and hours before you go.  No appointment is necessary, and they offer vaccinations for ages 5+ and boosters for ages 16+.

And starting tomorrow, December 22, DC Health will launch the Test Yourself Express program.  Residents will be able to pick up free at-home Covid testing kits, two per day, at eight locations around the city.  (More details available tomorrow through the link.)

 

3. DC’s indoor mask mandate was reinstated yesterday, and masks are now required at indoor public places in the District. There currently are no statewide mandates in Virginia or Maryland (though masks are encouraged indoors),  but there is one in Montgomery County. (Update: Prince George’s County has a mask mandate, too.)

 

4. A few “Best of” lists from someone with great taste: Books, Movies, Music. (I’ve found some of my favorites on these lists over the years!)

 

5. It’s beginning to look at lot like…

 

2 Comments

Filed under 2021, COVID-19, COVID-19 DC Area, DC, Five Things for Today, Maryland, Virginia, Winter

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

December 14, 2021 · 10:23 am

Five Things for Today: December 14, 2021

 

1. If you enjoy seeing Christmas trees at iconic sites around DC, don’t miss the one at the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.  Set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Great Hall, one of our city’s most stunning spaces, it’s decorated with pretty lights and “book” ornaments representing each state.   Of course, the Library of Congress makes for a great outing anytime.  A local and national treasure, the largest library in the world and one of our city’s most fascinating places should be a staple on any DC must-visit list.  It’s currently open to the public Wednesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm, and timed-entry tickets are needed. You can reserve them for free here.

 

2. If you have outstanding tickets for parking, photo enforcement, and minor moving violations in DC, take care of them before December 31!  Mayor Bowser’s Ticket Amnesty Program allows those tickets to be paid without the doubled penalty if they are past the due date; at the end of the amnesty period, all penalties will be added back to all tickets. 

 

3. Lit Hub’s 48 Favorite Books of 2021.  What were your favorite reads this year? (Share in the comments!)

 

4. The Washington Post shared ways to help survivors of the recent tornadoes in Kentucky, Illinois, and beyond.

 

5. An amazing, hilarious blog post about the worst meal ever — at a Michellin starred restaurant.

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under 2021, DC, Five Things for Today

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,