DC on a Dime

Wouldn’t you like to visit Australia, Costa Rica, or Japan for free?   If so, DC on a Dime has found the next best thing. 

Cultural Tourism DC invites you to visit a few hidden DC treasures – embassies!  Starting today through May 9, there will be events at embassies throughout the city (open to the public) where you can experience the culture of foreign food, dance,  music, and crafts.  The main event, however, will be the “open house” on May 2,  where 30 embassies will open their doors from 10 am - 4 pm.  

Cultural Tourism DC will provide free shuttles on May 2 from 10 am - 4 pm. Three shuttles will leave from 1900 Massachusetts Avenue, NW (Dupont Circle) and will loop Massachusetts Avenue, Connecticut Avenue, and lower New Hampshire Avenue.

Check out this site for more details.

Everyday you can observe Earth Day in DC, by planting a tree for free, now through May 31, 2009.    With our planet in peril, anything we can do to clean up Mother Earth counts.   The DC Department of the Environment has teamed up with Casey Trees to offer a $50 rebate, if you plant a tree !

Here’s how it works:

1. Purchase your tree.
2. Plant it at a residence in DC.
3. Pledge to water and care for it for a minimum of two years.
4. Mail your signed rebate to the Casey Trees office by May 31, 2009.
5. Receive a $50 rebate check (or the full cost of the tree up to $50).

Click this link to print a coupon flyer to mail-in.

Plant a tree for your tomorrow.
It’s your tree that clears the air.
Plant a tree, trees for America.
Plant a tree today for all the world to share.
Taste the breeze, it’s life inside you.
Make a promise to the Earth.
Plant a tree.
Now is the time to recognize
a tree for all that it is worth.

-John Denver

Starting today and through tomorrow, there’s an Open-Air French Market in Georgetown.  Thirty boutiques and shops head outside (sidewalk style) to sell their wares at up to 70% off designer fashions and antique home furnishings.  The prices are sure to be absolument incroyable!  Location:  The Bookhill neighborhood of Georgetown, upper Wisconsin Ave., NW (between P Street and Reservoir Road ).  Time: 11 am-6 pm.

DC Fish Market on the Waterfront

Tourist season is in full-swing in DC.  While we are happy tourists contribute to the local economy, they also clog the metro, hog the sidewalk, and, generally, upset the ebb and flow of our city.  As a coping mechanism, we search for tourist “un-friendly” places to visit.  If you also suffer from tourist fatigue, DC on a Dime recommends you try the DC Fish Market on the waterfront. 

A bustling seafood and fish market on Washington’s waterfront. Crabs, lobsters and fish are sold from floating barges. This place is popular with locals, and not at all a tourist trap. Devoid of the usual consumer mall culture, it’s an authentic example of urban commerce at the street level. Ironically, it flourishes just beyond revitalized portions of the DC waterfront, which are cold and empty modernist concrete places, totally devoid of people.  (PPS:  Great Public Spaces).   

  Location:  Maine Avenue SE, Washington, DC  (click here to see google map and get directions).

Taste-of-8th

Taste-of-8th

If the weatherman is right, DC will hit 86 degrees on Saturday.  That makes outdoor activities essential this weekend, so DC on a Dime stronglysuggests you head over to the “Taste of Eighth Street.” 

This event is happening in the Capitol Hill hot-spot of Barracks Row.  International food, drinks, and friendly people make this event a must attend.  After the food crawl, there will be a drawing for door prizes from Hill’s Kitchen, Chateau Animaux, Capitol Hill Bikes, and other local shops.  See you there… 

Location:  8Th St. SE, Washington, DC.  Time:  Saturday, April 25, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.  Cost: $5.00 for Adults, and $3.00 for Kids.

With the new White House pooch settling in, we thought it fitting to let all you animal lovers know where to stock up on pet wares in DC.  

Chateau Animaux, in the Barracks Row area of Capitol Hill, has the best stuff for your best friend.  They are not dirt cheap; BUT, ask about their rewards program and watch the savings pile up.  524 8th St., SE, Washington, DC 20003.  (Capitol Hill).

The Smithsonian American Art Museum offers live Jazz, April 15-18, in the Kogod Courtyard.  April is Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) so enjoy grooving to this 3-day JAM Fest.  Admission:  Free.   Location:  8th and F Streets, NW, Washington, D.C. 20004.  

Wednesday, April 15, 5-8 p.m.

To kick off the celebration, the Blues Alley Youth Orchestra will take over the Take Five! stage and prove that a great love of jazz knows no age limit. Members of the orchestra range from eleven to seventeen years old!

Thursday, April 16, 5-8 p.m.

Bemcha is a high-energy Latin jazz ensemble that combines many different styles, including salsa, chacha, bossa, samba, mambo, rumba, tango, and bolero.

Friday, April 17, 5-8 p.m.

A fixture in D.C.s jazz scene, the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra is a twelvepiece big band that will surely bring down the house even as it draws the 2009 JAM Fest to a triumphant close!

You have been invited to attend a formal event, but you have only a few days to find something to wear.  This is common in DC, and (since DC on a Dime has been there) we know  where you can quickly find high-quality formal wear, without breaking the bank.

For Women -  Lord & Taylor has a reasonably priced selection of designer formal dresses and gowns.  Be sure to sign up for their free email list, which offers frequent discounts that are not available in the store.  5255 Western Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20015.  (Friendship Heights).

For Men -  JoS. A. Bank is the best bet because it consistently beats the prices at higher-end department stores, for similar quality merchandise.  A free corporate membership will save you 20% on regular priced items.  555 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 (Downtown).

President and First Lady in Formal Wear

Are taxes, the economy, or final exams stressing you out?  If so, check out an introductory 1-hour massage for only $49.*  Contact one of these locations near DC to schedule an appointment:

NPF: Souvenir White House Easter Eggs

We’ve found a couple deals for Easter Weekend.  For last-minute accommodations, Sunday brunch, or hanging with the kids - we got something for you:

Easter Concert at the Lincoln Memorial:  As part of the Lincoln Bicentennial, this concert will star acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, the Washington National Opera, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and the Chicago Children’s Choir.  A naturalization ceremony will precede the concert, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on April 12, 2009.  Free.

African American Family Celebration at the National Zoo:   Located in Rock Creek Park - the National Zoo will host an Easter egg hunt, Easter-themed games, and live entertainment.    10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Rain or shine.  Free.

 The Roof Terrace Restaurant:  At the Kennedy Center - Brunch is served most Sundays of the year beginning at 11:00 AM with last seating at 1:45PM -  $36.95 for adults (a Mimosa or glass of Sparkling Wine included) and $20 for children under 12.    Reservations: 202.416.8555.  Spring Menu.   

The Hey-Adams:  Across from the White House – package includes a Saturday night stay, Easter Sunday champagne brunch for 2,  overnight parking, a White House chocolate amenity, and 3pm checkout -  rates start at $499 per night.