DC on a Dime

Washington, DC will host the 20th annual National Memorial Day Concert on Sunday, May 24.  Opera fans hold your hats, as the brilliant Denyce Graves will be the featured performer this year, along with Trace Adkins, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), Laurence Fishburne and many other well-known personalities.  So, pack a picnic (sans wine) and head out to the West Lawn of the Capitol for a day of operetic star power.

The gates will open at 5pm, so don’t be late.  Taking the Metro is strongly advised.  The nearest stations are Capitol South, Federal Center SW (Orange/Blue line) and Union Station (Red line).

Oh, I almost forgot, this is absolutely FREE!

From May 25 to May 31, Virginia celebrates its annual Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.

Supplies costing $60 or less, as specified in the Guidelines, will be exempt from the sales tax during the holiday period.  So, stock-up on AA batteries, flashlights, and bottled water next week.

Shop It To Me is the best online personal shopper that we have come across.  And not just because it’s free.  This service emails clothing to you – that matches your size and brand preferences – as soon as they go on sale.

Here’s how it works.  You select your favorite brands and sizes, from hundreds of choices, and they send a daily or weekly email summary whenever new items go on sale in your size. 

You can also sign-up for a Shop It To Me Running service to receive updates when your favorite running shoes and apparel go on sale in your size.

Sample Email

So, we’ve been building a DC Friday-night-cool-lounge-hop schedule.  Just for spots with nice vibes, no cover charge, good music and great friends.   Here are some faves:

Lounge 201

201 Massachusetts Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 544-5201

Evolve

1817 Columbia RD NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 518-3865

 Marvin’s

2007 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 797-7171

 Jin

2017 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 332-2104

Let us know your favorites.  No cover charge is the key.  Also, no lines to get in.  Relaxed, grown-up fun on a dime.

Dr. David Walls-Kaufman, a chiropractor on Capitol Hill, offers free Tai Chi classes every Saturday morning. 

Tai chi, sometimes called tai chi chuan, is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. To do tai chi, you perform a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without pausing.

Anyone, regardless of age or physical ability, can practice tai chi. It doesn’t take physical prowess. Rather, tai chi emphasizes technique over strength.

Tai chi is used to:

• Reduce stress
• Increase flexibility
• Improve muscle strength and definition
• Increase energy, stamina and agility
• Increase feelings of well-being

Location:  Lincoln Park (on East Capitol St. between 11th and 13th St.)

Directions:  From Potomac Ave. Metro (Blue/Orange lines) walk north on 13th St. for about 1 mile.  Look for the group in the middle of the park.

Cost:  FREE

Contact:   (202) 544-6035

Goldstar.com

What Does Goldstar Do?

We help people get out more to live entertainment, like theater, comedy, sports, music, performing arts and even things like wine tastings, sushi making classes and rodeos.

This Friday is Bike to Work Day, which means no metro fare, no cab fare, and no gas for your personal ride.  Pull out your bike, meet up with neigbors or friends, and ride to work on two wheels.  Not only will you save money, you will get your exercise on for the day.

Annapolis - America's Sailing Capital

For Washingtonians looking for an economical vacation spot, you don’t have to look far.   Just 33 miles - 45 minute drive -  Annapolis, MD is the perfect day trip or week-end getaway from DC. 

Annapolis has great shopping, restaurants, and a rich history.  Founded in 1649, it is the Capital of Maryland, and was the Capital of the United States when the Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the Revolutionary War.  It is also the proud home of the U. S. Naval Academy, founded in1845, and St. John’s College, founded in 1696.

Whether by car, boat, or on foot, you can enjoy what “America’s Sailing Capitol” has to offer.  And please treat yourself to the awesome crab cakes at Carrol’s Creek Waterfront Restaurant, which is tucked away in the Annapolis City Marina. 

View From the Deck at Carrol's Creek

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The 48 Hour Film Project has become a DC institution, on the B movie film circuit, and this year is no different.  At least 100 teams were given 48 hours last weekend to write, cast, direct, and shoot a short film.  To make this task even more challenging, each team was given their film genre at the start of the 48 hour filming period.  The  premier screenings began on Tuesday, at the AFI Silver Theater, and run through tomorrow.   Please support your local fimmakers!

Where:  AFI Silver Theater 8633 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD

When:  7pm and 9:30pm screenings

Cost:  $10