Tag Archives: MLK Weekend 2021

The Weekend Round-Up: January 29-31

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 PlazaRockville 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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Filed under 2021, All ages, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Seasonal, Social Distancing, Virginia, Weekend, Winter

The Weekend Round-Up: January 22-24

A presidential tour includes the Lincoln Memorial, accessible to visitors again

 

 

Happy Weekend!

A Presidential Tour
Where: National Mall & Tidal Basin | WDC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free

The National Mall is, hopefully🤞, reopening this weekend, and a tour of the structures memorializing past POTUS will be a perfect, timely activity. Walk or bike from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument, then head to the Tidal Basin, where the Jefferson and FDR Memorials are located. For even more, you can go off-Mall a bit to the newer Eisenhower Memorial at Independence & 5th SW. Or add in some nature at Theodore Roosevelt Island, where you can walk in the woods and see the memorial plaza dedicated to the 26th prez.

Unity | Peace | Forward
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Through February
Admission: Free

The Kennedy Center has responded to t his time of unprecedented challenges with art. This new free exhibit features three installations scattered across the grounds of the REACH. A video of quotes from around the world will be projected on the Video Wall each Friday and Saturday evening from 4:30–8:30pm during the exhibit and can be viewed online at any time. The intimate conversation between performers, artists, writers, and cultural leaders is a glimpse into the minds of creatives about their hopes, fears, dreams, and aspirations in a time of uncertainty and isolation. Get a glimpse on the Kennedy Center website.

Kids Virtual Concert
Where: Online
When: Friday, 10-10:45am
Admission: $5

Mr. Gabe, the Pied Piper of Takoma Park, is kicking off a weekly concert series for kids on Zoom starting today, January 22.  Mr. Gabe’s shows are interactive musical fun for toddlers and preschoolers.  He performs nursery rhymes, finger plays, traditional children’s songs, kid-friendly pop songs, and originals from his two award-winning albums.  Kids will be encouraged to use their brains and move their bodies. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased through Mr. Gabe’s website.  Subscriptions are also available ($20 for 12 shows).  Email mrgabe@mrgabemusic.com if you’re interested in subscribing to the full series.

Flying Squirrels
Where: Brookside Nature Center | Wheaton, MD
When: Friday, 5:45-6:15pm
Admission: $6

join this evening program to learn about Maryland Flying Squirrels. They are abundant, cute, and active year-round, but few see them in the wild because they are nocturnal. The program starts on the Nature Center deck 30 minutes after sunset.Physical distancing and face coverings are required. Register in advance.

It’s All Downhill…
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 LibertyWhitetail, and Bryce.  Other places that are farther away but good to check out for longer trips are RoundtopMassanuttenWintergreenSeven SpringsHidden ValleySnowshoeTimberline, and Wisp.

Open Studio Friday
Where: Online
When: Friday, 11am
Admission: Free

Get artsy with the National Portrait Gallery is bringing its weekly art workshops to you virtually. Every Friday, they post a YouTube video with a new activity or technique. Just like in the IRL workshops, all ages are welcome to get creative with artist Jill Galloway inspired by the museums’s collection.

Skate Al Fresco
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 PlazaRockville 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.]

A Winter’s Trail
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Sure it’s cold, but the right clothes and gear make any activity possible, so 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. Some specific park recs for right now: Huntley Meadows, Potomac Overlook, Patapsco Valley, Harpers Ferry, and Rock Creek (Note that Peirce Mill discussed in the post is closed, but the hike from there is great with kids.)

Seasonal Social Distancing 
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place

Don’t let the Covid cold months keep you from getting out around the area. 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 all-season 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.

Two-Wheelin’ Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free

It will be cold but sunny, so wear some layers and get out for a bike ride — you’ve got your pick of them around the area. Take in the winter scenery, get some exercise, and have fun — all while easily social distancing. This post has a bunch of pedal-worthy recs, with something for riders of all levels.  And this one is a particularly great stretch with young kids.

Inaugural Ice Cream
Where: Ice Cream Jubilee | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $22

Ice Cream Jubilee is celebrating the new year and new White House with new ice cream flavors – and tasting parties of special Inauguration Flavors where they’ll serve tasting flights of four mini-scoops (and a pint to take home). President Biden famously loves ice cream, so they want to use ice cream to spread enthusiasm for the new administration. They want to get kids and families excited about elections, government, and our country as they watch the swearing in from home… with ice cream, of course!

Art & Me Workshop
Where: American Art Museum | Online
When: Saturday
Admission: Free

Join a hands-on, art making preservation workshop for ages 3-8 and parents. From Chicanx graphics to Japanese prints, explore how Smithsonian conservators preserve colorful artworks on paper in this engaging online workshop. Then create your own colorful print and a protective folder, so your artwork stays safe. Register in advance — a Zoom link and suggested material list will be sent to registered participants ahead of the workshop.

Drive-In Movie Night
Where: Bassett’s Restaurant | Poolesville, MD
When: Saturday, 5pm & 7:30pm
Admission: $40

The Bassett’s Restaurant presents a fun night with cheer and great food, while maintaining all CDC safety protocols as they host a Drive-In Movie: The War with Grandpa! Order delicious food beforehand by phone or online, and they will call you when your food is ready so you can pick up from the back door. Full bar also available. There will be two showings, at 5pm and7:30pm. Admission is per car (no limit on number of people), so bring the whole family!

Fun at Fairfax Parks
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.  Take a family astronomy lesson at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Catch a critter at Huntley Meadows.. Details and registration for these and many more nature activities this weekend and beyond are available here.

Fun, Hon!
Where: Inner Harbor Area | Baltimore, MD
When: All Weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Head up I-95 for a change of city scenery. Explore the exhibits at Maryland Science Center. See some of the quirkiest, coolest art ever at the American Visionary Art Museum. Play the day away at Port Discovery. Get an eyeful of the underwater world at the National Aquarium. Or view history in the works at the Baltimore Museum of Industry (open by appt). All of these places are open with new safety protocols in place for COVID.

Chill Out(side)
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

During these social distancing times, outdoor adventures are our best activity bets, so don’t let cold temps stop you from having fun. Find loads of ideas for things to do and places to hang in The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids, a perennial go-to post.

The In Crowd
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place

There are some places 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 of of all of them are noted.

Crystalline
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Through February 28
Admission: $12-17/child, $19-24/adult

ARTECHOUSE, known for its visually stunning digital art, has transformed the gallery into a blue-hued haven intended to evoke calm and peace during a turbulent time. Like all of the exhibitions there, just about all of it is interactive, as the images change with viewers’ motions, encouraging play. Immersing into the depths of the color, even just for a little while, is a dazzling and delightful escape from the bizarre Covid world outside.

Adventure Takes a Moment to Sing
Where: Adventure Theatre | Online
When: Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free

Adventure Theatre celebrates the new year with a digital production featuring a selection of songs from some of its favorite performers: Justine Icy Moral, Sarah Anne Sillers, Bekah Zornsa, DaVon Moody, and Karen Vincent. This special episode hopes to uplift children and families in every community and offer lighthearted joy in uncertain times with talent of local artists. To tune in, visit the Adventure Theatre Facebook page.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* It’s Alexandria Restaurant Week To-Go. Actually it’s two weeks — from now through February 7, get $49 take-out for two from participating restaurants.
* Watson Adventures’ Wizard School Virtual Scavenger Hunt is coming up on February 13 and March 13. The online fun  often sells out, so snag tickets while you can!
* Winter at Virginia wineries.
* Fun with Bernie.
* Haha.

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Filed under 2021, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Seasonal, Virginia, Weekend, Winter

The Weekend Round-Up: January 15-18

MLK’s words, etched into his memorial, resonate strongly right now

 

Happy Long Weekend… and stay safe, everyone.

Celebrate MLK
Where: Around the DMV & Online
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies

MLK Day may be on Monday, but there are events and activities that pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the whole weekend, both virtual and IRL. Volunteer opportunities, art adventures, and online entertainment are some of the ways you can celebrate the day. This post has details on all of them.

Ice Cream for Inauguration
Where: Ice Cream Jubilee | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Through January 24
Admission: $22
Ice Cream Jubilee is celebrating the new year and new White House with new ice cream flavors – and tasting parties of special Inauguration Flavors where they’ll serve tasting flights of four mini-scoops (and a pint to take home). President-elect Joe Biden famously loves ice cream, so they want to use ice cream to spread enthusiasm for the new administration and get kids and families excited about elections, government, and our country as they watch the swearing in from home… with ice cream, of course!

Cinderella
Where: Kennedy Center Online
When: Friday – Sunday
Admission: $10

In partnership with Center Theatre Group on its Digital Stage platform, enjoy an on-demand film screening of celebrated British choreographer Matthew Bourne’s acclaimed Cinderella, which charmed Kennedy Center audiences in 2019. It will be available to stream all weekend.

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 One: The Book of How as a part of their Saturday Morning Live! virtual season on Facebook. Meet show host Alvin and his favorite four storytellers, discover that change can be good, and figure out ways to become a better listener. Learn crazy dance moves, how to make a paper craft, and what to do when your hat has a hole in it! This programming is best suited for children 4-10 years, but siblings and friends of other ages are always welcome to join the fun.

Winter Inspo
Where: Around the DMV
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale

Don’t let the Covid cold months keep you from getting out around the area. This post is full of recs for activities that are accessible now. From hikes to art experiences to seasonal sports to garden explorations to all-season 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.

Walks in the Woods
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Enjoy the beauty of nature in winter on the trail.  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 places for hikes with kids.  Some good recs for right now: Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson, MD; Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring, MD; Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, VA;  Riverbend Park in Great Falls, MD; and Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, VA.

Ice It
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 PlazaRockville 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 Winter Village at Cameron Run in Arlington also includes the ice skating ops. [Note: You need advanced reservations at just about all of these places, so plan accordingly.]

Serenity Now
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Sometimes you just want to go someplace that’s pretty and quiet, where you can chill out and think (or not) — especially during this tense time. This post has a round-up of of those very places, where you can find peace and calm, all of them right here in the city.

Go Underground
Where: Luray Caverns | Luray, VA
When: Daily, 9am – 4pm
Admission: $30/adults, $15/ages 6-12, free/5 & under 

Behold the spectacular underground world of stalagmites, stalactites, and other amazing limestone formations in the massive cave system at Luray. Afterward, make your way through the Garden Maze or check out vintage rides in the Carriage and Caravan Museum. Admission does not include attractions beyond the cavern. KFDC Tip: Be sure to make a pit stop before going into the caverns, because it can be a long walk out to a restroom, and once you’re out, you may not be able to go back in.

Art & Maritime Explorations
Where: Calvert County, MD
When: Daily, except Christmas
Admission: Varies by locale

Make a day of it in Calvert County, where you can visit a couple of places for fun, fascinating, hands-on adventures. Annmarie Sculpture Garden is full of artistic delights. Tour beautiful works around the grounds (and indoors, if you want) and play in the delightful Fairy Lolly. Hours are 10am – 5pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sun, and admission is a suggested $5 donation. Also out that way is the Calvert Marine Museum, where you can see interesting exhibits, including display cases full of fossils and artifacts, plus live fish and other creatures. There’s also a play area and a real lighthouse to tour. Hours are 10am – 5pm with two -hours sessions 10am – 12pm, 12:30-2:30pm, and 3-5pm, and admission is $9/adult, $4/ages 5-12, free/4 & under.

Fun at Fairfax Parks
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. Go on a family hilltop outing at Historic Huntley.  Learn about spies at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Details and registration for these and many more nature activities this weekend and beyond are available here.

Charm City, Hon
Where: Inner Harbor Area | Baltimore, MD
When: All Weekend
Admission: Varies by locale

Head up I-95 for a change of city scenery. Explore the exhibits at Maryland Science Center. See some of the quirkiest, coolest art ever at the American Visionary Art Museum. Play the day away at Port Discovery. Get an eyeful of the underwater world at the National Aquarium. Or view history in the works at the Baltimore Museum of Industry (open by appt). All of these places are open with new safety protocols in place for COVID.

A Teachable Moment
Where: Adventure Theatre | Online
When: Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free

Tune in with Adventure Theatre and special guest Councilmember Evan Glass. The Councilmember will discuss what’s been happening in our nation’s capital and how this time can be a teachable moment. With Artistic Director Chil Kong leading the conversation, he will help us understand the various ways the United States can and have transitioned from one president to another. To tune in, visit Adventure’s Facebook page on Sunday at 2pm.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* The National Mall likely will be closed on Inauguration Day, and would-be visitors are encouraged to stay home.
* There’s a brand new post about a great day out for a hike — and après hike.
* The Rosslyn BID is helping the community keep their 2021 goals top of mind with a free virtual wellness series and locally-sourced giveaways starting January 19. Register in advance!
* Anyone else watching (and loving) Cobra Kai?
* Overlooked Indie movies.
* Thank you notes for the Capitol clean-up crew.

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Filed under 2021, All ages, Annual, Coronavirus, COVID-19, DC, Maryland, Outdoor, Social Distancing, Special Event, Virginia, Weekend, Winter