The Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District opens its 2009 Holiday Market today, which will run from December 15th – 18th, on the Canal Park site located at 2nd Street and M Street, SE.  Wrap up your holiday shopping and find unique gifts, festive food, holiday greenery, live music and more! 

Date:  December 15th – 18th, 2009 

Time:  12:00 – 6:00 pm

Location:  Canal Park

Cost:  FREE

To kick-off its 2009–2010 season, the Kennedy Center will open its doors for the annual Open House Arts Festival this Saturday, from 12 noon until 6pm.  The event will include free  indoor and outdoor performances, so get there early, to beat the crowd.   Check out this link to see a list of performances and family-friendly activities. 

Admission:  FREE

Location:  The Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20566

The Courtyard Café

As Washingtonians return from vacation to reclaim the city, DC on a Dime wants to share a favorite super-secret-quite-time-spot:   The National Portrait Gallery.

This excellent Smithsonian museum tells the American story through individual portraits of those who have shaped our national culture.  And, since it’s not on the National Mall, there is rarely a crowd.  

However, what we love most about the museum is the Courtyard Café, which is located in the “Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard.”   This expansive courtyard is covered by a giant sky light, so there’s no better place for indoor reading, writing and reflection. 

 

The Café offers a seasonal menu of American-inspired dishes, using local, organic or sustainable ingredients when possible. The menu includes soups, create-your-own salad entrees, sandwiches and panini, and a selection of antipasti with a focus on vegetarian offerings and premium meats. These items are available until 4 p.m. Gourmet desserts, creamery-made ice cream and healthy snacks, such as fruit and yogurt parfaits, also are available.

Express offerings, called “Grab & Go,” include pre-made sandwiches and salads; these items are available until 6:30 p.m. Coffee, espresso, beer and red and white wines also may be enjoyed in the cafe anytime. Free public wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the Kogod Courtyard.

Location:  The museum is located at Eighth and F Streets, NW, D.C., 20001 

Admission:  FREE 

Museum Hours:
11:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. daily
Closed December 25