Seasonal fun on area slopes
Happy Weekend!
Hit the Slopes
Where: Around the region
When: Through winter
Admission: Varies
Skiing is a perfect, fun, active way to take advantage of winter — and there are a bunch of ski resorts within a few hours’ drive that are great for young, newbie skiers (and veteran swooshers, too). SkiPA is a good resource for finding slopes to suit your crew, and there are more resorts in other parts of the region. The closest for day trips are Liberty, Whitetail, and Bryce. Other places that are farther away but good to check out for longer trips are Roundtop, Massanutten, Wintergreen, Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, Snowshoe, Timberline, and Wisp.
Cool Hikes
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Bundle up and get out for a walk in the woods. Tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and savor a sunny day outdoors. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for good places to go with kids. And be sure to check out the brand new write-up about hiking the Underground Railroad Experience Trail at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park.
Winter Weekend
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
For more ways to get during the Covid winter, this round-up is full of recs for activities that are accessible now. From hikes to art experiences to seasonal sports to garden explorations to year-round fun, there are all kinds of things to do that keep social distancing and safety in mind. All you really need are good layers and maybe a little extra outdoor gear.
Unity | Peace | Forward
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The Kennedy Center just debuted a new art installation at The REACH. A response to this time of unprecedented challenges, Unity | Peace | Forward is a free exhibit in three parts scattered around the grounds. You can see it daily and stroll the lovely outdoor area while the KC is closed. It gets a multimedia boost on Friday and Saturday evenings from 4:30–8:30pm, when a video of quotes from 65 artists around the world is projected on a Video Wall. (It can also be viewed online at any time.) Get a glimpse on the Kennedy Center website.
Pajamuary
Where: Online
When: Friday, 4:30pm & Sunday, 9:30am
Admission:
It’s Pajamuary for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington through the end of the month, and they’re hosting some virtual events especially for kiddos (recommended for ages 1-6). They’re also collecting new pajamas (all sizes) to donate to local organizations to help keep people in need warm and cozy this winter. If you want to contribute, find your local drop-off point, or the place to mail them, here.
Mission: Fun
Where: International Spy Museum | Southwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $24.95/age 13+, $14.95/7-12, free/6 & under
The Spy Museum has reopened its doors on weekends (Friday – Sunday). Explore the intriguing world of espionage with exhibits that are engaging for both kids and adults, including state-of-the-art multimedia installations and loads of cool interactives (used with stylus pens). Other Covid safety intel includes limited capacity, 100% outside air setting, floor markers for distancing, increased cleaning, and a few more measures.
Inside Info
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Even more places are still welcoming visitors indoors, all of them with extra safety protocols in place. This post listing open venues around the area also includes museums that reopened but closed again due to rising covid rates. The current status is noted for all of them.
Nature Calling
Where: Parks around Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There are new events from the Fairfax County Park Authority all the time, and this weekend has a fresh batch of nature-inspired activities for guests of all ages. Enjoy personalized family outdoor explorations at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Join an Owl Campfire and Hike at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Explore Winter Stream Life at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park on Sunday. Details and registration for these and many more nature activities this weekend and beyond are available here.
Recreation on Ice
Where: Ice rinks around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
Glide under the sky and stars! Several ice rinks are open for the season with Covid precautions in place for safe, socially distanced skating. Pentagon Row, Silver Spring at Veterans Plaza, Rockville Town Square, and Reston Town Center are once again welcoming guests to skate the day — and night — away. The Color Burst Ice Rink at the Merriweather District in Columbia, MD, just started its inaugural skating season. And the ice rink at Cameron Run holiday Winter Village in Arlington is still open. [Note: You need advanced reservations at just about all of these places, so plan accordingly.]
Saturday Morning Live! At The National
Where: National Theatre | Online
When: Saturday, 9:30am
Admission: Free
The National Theatre is excited to present Life Now episode two: Fun With Feelings as a part of their Saturday Morning Live! virtual season on Facebook. Take a ride with the storytellers as they help Alvin understand strong feelings. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with lots of feelings, so we’ll discover the importance of listening to yourself and taking time to feel strong. Together we’ll channel thoughts into a peaceful new craft. See how a quick chat with friends can help remind you that you’re not alone in your feelings. Special guests include a lonely gray bird and Leo the Lion who talks to a friend about navigating big feelings.
Picnic in the Park
Where: Acorn Urban Park | Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 12-1:30pm & 2-3:30pm
Admission: $10-25
It may be cold outside, but this are heating up in Montgomery County! Chilly days make us crave warm food and a safe place to gather with friends. MoCo Parks is bringing firepits and patio heaters to the parks for Picnic in the Park Warm–Up Days. Bundle up and join us for a fun winter outing in the parks! Firepits can be reserved for a group of six people or fewer for 90 minutes for $25. A table for two with a patio heater can be reserved for 90-minutes for $10.
Magic of Community
Where: Online
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Free, but donations encouraged
Enjoy a a special performance by celebrity magician Joel Meyers, as you help combat poverty and homelessness in Fairfax County. Magic of Community is an opportunity to learn about FACETS, a local organization that helps people who suffer from poverty. Attendees will be inspired as they renew their commitment to a Fairfax County where everyone has a place to call home. Register here.
Artful Conversations
Where: National Gallery of Art | Online
When: Sunday, 10am & 1:30pm
Admission: Free
The National Gallery of Art’s monthly Artful Conversations program has a couple of sessions this weekend. Recommended for kids ages 7–12, participants will explore Rozeal’s afro.died, T. (2011) and connect discoveries to music, all guided by DC-based DJ and multimedia artist Virtual Chicana. Register in advance!
Restaurant Week
Where: Around the DMV
When: Through February 7
Admission: The cost of your meal!
Enjoy a yummy meal as you support local businesses! Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week is running through February 7. Specially priced meals for both dine-in and take-out are $22/lunch, $35/dinner, and $55/dinner (fancier, I assume). And if you’re taking out for two or more people, you can get even better deals — the $35 dinner menu is $60, $120 for four and the $55 dinner menu is $100 for two, $200 for four. Follow the above link to see participating restaurants and menus.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* DC Way is offering After-School Soccer programs for kid ages 4-7.
* I finally watched Bridgerton, and it’s as good (and steamy) as everyone says!
* Time to double up.
* An important topic to ponder.
* Funny (once I figured out what AITA meant).
* This Mazzy Star cover… wow.
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