A Mountain Biking Epic in Montgomery, Maryland

The weather in the DC Metro area has been dreary for the past few days, but this weekend is supposed to bring sunshine. That means cooped up adults and families alike will be anxious to head outside, especially in what is usually best month for outdoor activities.

If you really want to get up and go this weekend, Montgomery, Maryland may have the outing you are looking for.

This Sunday, October 16^th, the Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) holds the second annual MoCo Epic, a day of off-road biking throughout the area.

If you are not familiar with Epics, they are the International Mountain Biking Association’s list of what they consider to be epic bike rides. For mountain biking enthusiasts, these trails are the ones that shouldn’t be missed. Among the amazing rides listed are famous trails in Whistler, British Columbia; Boulder, Colorado and Park City, Utah. Also on that list is a 62-mile ride in Maryland know as the MoCo loop.

The MoCo Loop twists and turns through parks in Montgomery County and surrounding areas and, to showcase it, MORE holds the Moco Epic.

The Epic is five different rides, all on Sunday, designed for people of varying skill. Even as a novice, there’s an opportunity to see what local mountain biking has to offer. There’s a 2-4 mile ride for kids. Then the trails move up in length and degree of difficulty, with opportunities to ride a 25, 35, 45 or 62 mile loop. The 62 mile ride, known as a century ride since it’s 100 kilometers, goes through nine different state parks in the area.

The MoCo Epic was created to show that despite being in the middle of suburbia, there is still an astounding amount of nature to see. The trails are not too difficult, with some small hills, streams and rough patches. Among the parks visited during the ride are Schaeffer Farms, Hoyles Mill Conservation Area, Black Hill Regional Park, Great Seneca Stream Valley Park and the Seneca Ridge Overlook.

Sunday’s rides begin at Schaeffer Farms, with the 62-mile loop kicking off at 7:30. The rest of the rides are staggered by distances, staring every hour after that. Schaeffer Farms is located a few miles west of the town of Gaithersburg, abutting Seneca Creek State Park.

Registration for the Epic closes Friday at midnight, and spots are filling up fast, so to sign up now, visit the registration page.

However, missing the deadline isn’t a huge deal, since these trails are open year-round at a cost much cheaper than the cost to participate in Epic.  Anyone, anytime, can go mountain biking on the MoCo Loop for free. The Epic is just one way for people to try out the Loop. There’s no reason, if you miss out this weekend, to not visit on any other day of the week or any other weekend. A map of the 62-mile loop is available here, but riders don’t have to limit themselves to just the beaten path. There are plenty of mountain biking trails in and around the Schaeffer Farms area.

So when the rain finally cuts off this weekend, grab your sturdy mountain bike and see exactly how adventurous you can be in the Washington, D.C. area.

-David

National Harbor’s Retail and Dining Scene Takes Hold in Washington

The Washington area has seen an impressive level of growth in the past decade. From suburban development to urban renewal, the D.C. Metro region continues to expand at a rapid pace. Nowhere is that more apparent than right along the Potomac River in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

For a long time, a large plot of land, next to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, went undeveloped. Hundreds of acres lay dormant in one of the area’s most heavily trafficked corridors.

In the late 1990s, The Peterson Companies, with major aspirations, bought 300 acres just off the Indian Head Highway exit on the Capital Beltway, and broke ground. Their goal was to create an area that rivaled burgeoning Tyson’s Corner Center, which had exploded in the early 1990s.

The initial estimated numbers were astounding. National Harbor, when completed, would be 7.5 million square feet in size, with over a million square feet of retail and dining space. There were plans for six hotels and a half million square feet of office space. Situated directly on the Potomac, the Harbor would boast three piers for boaters to pull up to and tie off.

After years of development and construction, the centerpiece of National Harbor opened in April of 2008. The Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center cost nearly a billion dollars to complete and dominates the skyline of National Harbor.

The hotel rises high above the harbor with an 18-story arched atrium, done entirely in glass. The hotel sparkles in the sunlight and reflects the blue Potomac.

The hotel and convention center are incomparable to anything in the area. The Gaylord Hotel holds over 2,000 guests and the convention center consists of nearly half a million square feet in meeting space. Those numbers make the Gaylord the largest non-gaming hotel on the entire East Coast.

Once it opened, the hotel quickly attracted conventions and tourists, and soon after, stores and restaurants sprouted up.

The shops at National Harbor are a diverse array, with options ranging from designer clothes to high-end accessories to a store that only sells items in shades of white. Those aren’t the only choices. The wide range continues with a Build-A-Bear Workshop, a Godiva Chocolatier, a Segway store, and a specialty store selling Peeps.

As impressive as the retail options are, the choices for eating on a trip to National Harbor are even more overwhelming. There are over 20 places to grab a bite to eat, with options ranging from quick and inexpensive to fancy sit-down dinners.

On the inexpensive end, the area has an Elevation Burger and will soon open a Nando’s Peri-Peri, which sells Portuguese-style grilled chicken.

For finer dining, there is Bond 45, an Italian steakhouse, and Rosa Mexicano, the second location of the poplar Penn Quarter restaurant.

After dinner, nightlife options abound, including bars Public House and Harrington’s Pub and Kitchen. National Harbor’s most popular place, though, is Bobby McKey’s, Washington D.C.’s only dueling piano bar and one of the best reasons to visit to National Harbor. All night, expert players sit at opposing pianos and try to outperform each other, ramping up and riffing on popular songs.

Indoor entertainment is only one exciting aspect of National Harbor. Every Friday, from now until September 30^th, National Harbor shows movies on a large outdoor screen. Over the next three weeks, “Movies on the Potomac” will show Field of Dreams, Friday Night Lights and The Cutting Edge. On Sundays, until September 4^th, National Harbor shows children’s movies with How To Train Your Dragon, Tron Legacy and Jumanji upcoming.

Sunday’s soon won’t be the only day to take your children. Opening in 2013, National Harbor will boast the National’s Children’s Museum, an interactive place to take kids to learn and play.

While that’s a few years away, there are still plenty of reasons to visit National Harbor, one of D.C.’s biggest and most impressive destinations.

-David

Glen Echo Gives Visitors Nostalgia

On the outskirts of Washington, D.C., just over the border in Northwest, lies a place that will take you back decades.

Glen Echo Park, in Montgomery County, Maryland, was originally built in 1891, conceived as a Chautauqua, a location for an adult education movement that was sweeping the nation, a place were people would take classes in religion, dancing and entertainment.

In the park, Chautauqua classes were held in a stone building, completed in 1892. Shortly thereafter, the area expanded, adding an amusement park.

In the early 1900s, Glen Echo had a roller coaster, a large pool, a movie theater, a shooting range and an arcade.

In 1968, the amusement park closed, but Glen Echo remains. It now serves to entertain children and to offer adult education classes, making it still well worth a visit.

The park is very easily accessible, on MacArthur Boulevard, just off the Beltway. And a trip can be an enjoyable affair for the entire family.

Going into Glen Echo, you’ll see an old, retired street car parked out front, remnants of the old trolley system that took D.C. natives to the park.  The sign above the trolley evokes 1950s nostalgia, with rounded block letters spelling out Glen Echo Park.

The most popular attraction at Glen Echo is mainly for children. Just south of the entrance is one of the park’s original rides, the Dentzel Carousel. Originally built in 1921, the carousel harkens back to olden days.  Now, it is only open from Father’s Day to the end of September.

Its hours are also restricted. In July and August, it’s open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, the carousel is open from noon to six p.m. It’s closed the rest of the year.

A ride costs just $1.25. It’s worth every penny to see the inside. The carousel recently underwent a full renovation, and it is now restored to its original 1921 splendor. The horses on the ride are all hand-carved, intricate figures that showcase great detail and depth. It’s one of a kind in this area, and can really be a delight for kids and adults alike.

Although the carousel is the only ride that remains in service from the Glen Echo’s amusement park days, signs, entrances and buildings remain from many of the old attractions.

Walking around the park, you can see the entrance for the old Crystal Pool, the Candy Corner and the bumper car pavilion, which has now been converted to an open air ballroom.

On the park’s premises you’ll also find the Clara Barton House, a museum dedicated to the life of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross.

The large yellow house was built in 1897, using lumber leftover from a flood in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Barton lived in it the last part of her life, and established the headquarters of the Red Cross there. Now, visitors can tour it and see her home and artifacts from her life.

Glen Echo Park also hosts a robust art and adult education program, offering classes in the former amusement park buildings. For art lovers, the depth of classes is astounding, from basic ceramics and pottery classes to advanced forms such as glass blowing and silver smithing.

Alongside its art program, Glen Echo offers dance classes, music lessons and a theater and puppetry program. Over the summer, they also offer a large children’s program, with similar classes aimed at youths.

So whether you’d like to indulge in a lesson to learn a new skill or trade, or you just want to stroll in an area that evokes a much simpler time, Glen Echo Park is the place to visit. There’s nothing else like it in Washington.

- David

An All American Weekend in Washington D.C.

When enjoying America’s birthday on the Fourth of July, there is no better place to be than the nation’s capital.

Washington, D.C. and its surrounding areas take this holiday seriously, with a multitude of events and celebrations throughout the three-day weekend, culminating with many Monday night fireworks displays.

Kicking off the holiday weekend on Saturday, is one of the area’s more somber traditions, a concert and fireworks show held an hour-and-a-half northwest of the city.

At Antietam National Battlefield, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra holds its annual Salute to Independence. Antietam is the site of the deadliest one-day battle on U.S. soil, with over 23,000 people perishing on September 17, 1862. The Civil War historical site is open all day and visitors can arrive as they please. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and ends with a fireworks display at 9:45. It’s best to arrive early, as the show routinely attracts upwards of 30,000 people.

On Sunday, a unique opportunity occurs. Locals know that the annual “A Capitol Fourth” concert on the National Mall attracts massive hordes of people. This year’s concert, featuring singers Josh Groban, Little Richard, Jordin Sparks and Glee’s Matthew Morrison and comedian Steve Martin, will be no different.

What many people don’t know is that every July 3^rd, the day before, a rehearsal with all the same performers is held. It’s open to the public and free of charge.  At eight p.m., visit the stage located on the West Lawn of the Capitol, where you can see almost the full performance, minus the wave of people there to catch the fireworks.

On Monday, fireworks are what everyone wants to see. The biggest display is, of course, the one put on in concert with “A Capitol Fourth,” with fireworks exploding high above Washington, D.C.’s white marble monuments.

For the best view, head to the National Mall. There, it’s free to set up blankets, pack a cooler and spend the day reveling. Be sure to arrive early, because the Mall is easily the most popular place in the area to go. It fills up fast. If you do go, take the metro, because there are numerous street closures due to the event.

If heading into the city and fighting crowds isn’t to your liking, there are great spots outside of the district to catch the main display. All along the George Washington Parkway, especially at Lady Byrd Park near the 14^th Street Bridge, there are places to pitch a tent, fire up a grill and catch the show. Also in Arlington you can set up near the Iwo Jima Memorial, which provides perfect perspective. It’s also popular, so again, be sure to arrive early.

In Alexandria, the hill on the George Washington Masonic Memorial is also available to the public, with its high perch offering excellent views of the city below.

Because the mall is so far south in D.C., viewing options in Maryland for the Mall fireworks are limited. However, there are plenty of excellent displays north of the city to enjoy.

In Gaithersburg, at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, there is live music at 7:00 p.m. and fireworks at dusk. The same goes for Rockville, where entertainment also starts at 7:00 p.m. and the fireworks shoot off around 9:30 p.m..

Much farther north, in Annapolis, there is a fireworks display at the city’s main dock. A parade kicks things off at 6:30 p.m., music is played by the Naval Academy Band, and fireworks are sent into the sky around 9:15 p.m..

So whether you are in Virginia, Washington, D.C or Maryland this Fourth of July, opportunities abound to celebrate the nation’s birthday.

-David

The National Aquarium in Baltimore: Every Ocean Under One Roof

As sister cities, Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD have a healthy rivalry. The two towns, just 40 miles apart, argue about football teams, baseball stadiums and harbor areas. There is one aspect, though, where Baltimore undoubtedly surpasses DC and every other city in the nation: The National Aquarium.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore, located in the Inner Harbor, is considered one of the foremost aquariums in the world. It is also the perfect excuse to head north for a day. And that’s exactly what 1.5 million people did last year; making it one of the most popular attractions in the area.

It’s one of the largest aquariums worldwide,  housing over 16,000 specimens from nearly 700 species. The aquarium contains animals from every continent. That means visitors can see a slice of life from every segment of the world.

When you go, be sure to save some time and purchase tickets online. Tickets to the aquarium are a bit expensive ($24.95 for adults, 19.95 for kids), but are definitely worth it.

The best time to beat the crowds is by visiting on weekdays or early in the morning on weekends. The aquarium opens at nine on Saturday and Sunday, so it’s easy to arrive before the rush.  Parking is available at the Inner Harbor Garage/Landmark Parking, which is just a block and a half away. Print off this coupon for a discount at the garage.

Before entering, visitors will first notice the beautiful exterior of the National Aquarium. It’s perched right on the water’s edge, and the massive, angular glass walls reflect both the sun and the water from the Inner Harbor.

The aquarium itself is split into three separate parts. The two areas visitors must see are the Pier 3 Pavilion and the Pier 4 Pavilion. Most exhibits are in the Pier 3 Pavilion, and that’s where your journey will begin.

On the ground level sits the “Wings in Water Exhibit,” where a number of different stingrays push lazily through the water. They flap their massive “wings” to gently propel themselves around. Occasionally, you can also catch a glimpse of the aquarium’s giant sea turtle, Calypso, who shares the tank with the rays.

The second floor of Pier 3 is dedicated to the aquarium’s home state, with the exhibit “Maryland: Mountains to Sea.” The exhibit mimics the path water takes from snow melting in the Allegheny Mountains, flowing all the way down to the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, the water encounters different fish and creatures, from turtles in the mountain forest area to Maryland Blue Crabs in the Chesapeake Bay.

After passing through the Maryland exhibit, visitors head to one of the most popular floors. The “Surviving Through Adaptation” exhibit houses a giant Pacific octopus and other mysterious creatures of the deep, including electric eels and nautiluses.

After exploring creatures from the deep blue sea, visitors can next visit the aquariums most impressive exhibit –a realistic recreation of the Amazon rainforest.

Take the escalator up to enter the hot, humid terrarium, which simulates the conditions in the world’s largest rainforest. All flora and fauna in the exhibit are identical to their counterparts in the rainforest. Surrounded by all the sights and sounds, it takes only minutes for you to forget that you are actually still in Baltimore. You are instead transported 6,000 miles south. Monkeys howl in the open, mere feet from you. High above, majestic birds squawk loudly. The effect is near deafening and a bit overwhelming. Without noticing, you could be walking inches away from a poison dart frog. But don’t worry, those are kept safely behind glass.

After the rainforest visit, your trip to Pier 3 is complete, which is more than enough for a full day. But if you just visit Pier 3, you’re missing out on the giant dolphin tank in Pier 4. Visitors can walk around the bottom of the dolphin tank and catch glimpses of the aquarium’s Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins.  For an extra three dollars, visitors can head to the amphitheater above and watch a half-hour show where the marine mammals perform tricks.  If you’d like to see the dolphin show, be sure to order tickets ahead of time — it’s very popular and weekend shows can sell out in advance.

It’s a worthwhile addition to a trip that lets you experience everything the world’s five oceans have to offer all under one roof.

-David

Washington Ways to Celebrate an Irish Holiday

Today marks one week until one of America’s most celebrated holidays, a day when just about everyone claims to have a little Irish in them — St Patrick’s Day, of course! And while the best way to celebrate would be to hop on a plane to Dublin, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the holiday locally.  St. Patricks’s Day might be known best for boisterous revelry, but it can still be fun for everyone, young or old.

St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated March 17^th every year, honors the memory of St. Patrick, who according to legend brought Christianity to Ireland. He passed away on March 17^th, over 1,500 years ago, and people have been celebrating on that day ever since.

One of the most common family-friendly ways communities celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is by hosting a parade, and there are plenty all over the area to kick off the festivities.

In Maryland, for starters, you can attend the Gaithersburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  This year it will be hosted by two Irish artists: Alice McDermott, an author who won the 1998 National Book Award for Charming Billy and Danny Costello, a musician. The parade will be held at the Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg, from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, March 12^th .

On the other side of the Potomac River, in Manassas, Virginia, there is the Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade, also on Saturday. It starts at 11 a.m., at the intersection of Quarry Road and Prescott Avenue and winds south through the town. The parade prominently features bagpipe bands, an homage to Irish culture. Among the many different bagpipers playing at the Manassas parade are the Northern Virginia Firefighters Emerald Society Pipe Band and the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Coalition Pipes and Drums.

If music is your idea of a good time, but bagpipes aren’t to your liking, there is always Shamrockfest. Held annually on the grounds around RFK Stadium in D.C., Shamrockfest is one of the area’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Going on all day this Saturday, Shamrockfest is an eclectic mix of famous artists, from the popular Irish punk rock band Dropkick Murphy’s to Jersey Shore’s infamous record spinner, DJ Pauly D. Tickets start at just $24.95 (plus a five dollar fee) for nearly nine hours of music featuring over 50 acts.

Of course, all these events occur before the holiday. So if you’d like to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the actual day, Thursday the 17^th, the best way to do so is to head to any of the area’s numerous Irish bars.

In Fairfax City, Virginia, one of the more popular pubs is Auld Shebeen, on Chain Bridge Road, right in the middle of town. All day and night the bar will have authentic Irish dancing and music. If you’d like to join in the festivities, be sure to get there early, the bar gets crowded quickly.

Closer to the city, but somewhat off the beaten path, is the small and charming Kitty O’Shea’s in Arlington. While the area has plenty of Irish bars, like RiRa and the Four Courts, Kitty O’ Shea’s remains under the radar. Located on Wilson Boulevard, between the Clarendon and Courthouse Metro stations, Kitty O’Shea’s is the perfect place to tip back a pint of Guinness and pretend for the evening that you are just a little bit Irish.

After all, everyone is on St. Patrick’s Day.

-David