Washington, DC – October 1999

The tourists are gone, the city is calm and the slight chill in the air is a sure sign that autumn is at our doorstep. If you are itching to get away then this is the month you can enjoy Washington to its fullest, minus all the madness and mayhem of summer. Temperatures hover in the high 70’s during the day and drop into the mid 40’s – 50’s at night. Skies are very blue and clear at night.

Every month I try to jam pack my article with lots of cool stuff – this month I’m feeling as lazy as the city – and want to encourage you to get out and enjoy the days while the warm sun still shines down.

Go for a hike or a bike ride there are hoards of trails to get lost in (just don’t bring your video camera or you might drudge up the D.C. Witch!). Or just hang out in the city or on the grounds of the Washington Monument and soak up the ambiance.

In case you choose not to heed my words of advice then here’s the lowdown.

Get ready for the most vibrant event in town! Mother Nature has begun preparations for her beautiful fall fashion show. Colors for ‘99 are crimson, orange and yellow. Dates for this eye-gasmic experience are between mid October to late November. If you are lucky enough to have a car, take a long and winding drive through Rock Creek Park to see the show in its full splendor.

October Events
So what’s on the Agenda this month? Read on to find out…

October 1st – 3rd: Vroom vroom – beep beep

President’s Cup National/ International Hot Rod Racing takes place at Maryland International Raceway in Budds Creek.
301/449-7223.

October 2nd: I can’t believe I ate the whole thing! – Part I
The “Taste of Bethesda” features samples from area restaurants, music and other entertainment.
Metro – red line to Bethesda three blocks from station on Fairmont, St. Elmo and Cordell Avenues
301/215-7651.

October 3rd: Georgetown 10K @ 9:30am
Forget about shopping today – instead, join in the fun and help a worthy cause Pediatric AIDS/HIV Care Inc.
Blue/Orange line to Foggy Bottom

October 9th – 10th: The Catoctin Mountain Colorfest
Features autumn foliage, along with arts and crafts created by more than 300 artisans, music and other entertainment, in Thurmont, Md.
They also have some great hiking trails – about one hour from the city – well worth the drive.
301/271-4432.

October 9th – 11th: I can’t believe I ate the whole thing! – Part II
The “Taste of D.C.” offers two outdoor stages with live entertainment and samplings of dishes from 45 area restaurants, on Pennsylvania Avenue NW between Ninth and 14th streets.
Metro – Smithsonian
202/724-5430.

October 15th: Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival “Glow”
Enjoy tethered hot air balloons as they illuminate the dusk skies of Long Branch. Picnics welcome, variety of foods and Virginia wines available. 4:30 – 7:30pm $5.00 per car.
1-888-558-5567

October 17th: Historic Homes
Take a guided tour of Historic homes in one of Washington’s most diverse neighborhoods – Dupont Circle.
Metro red line to Dupont Circle
202/265-3222.

New Exhibits
National Geographic Society

“Everest….Because It Is There”, opening Oct. 1 tells the story of mountaineer George Leigh Mallory, who disappeared 75 years ago near the summit of the world’s highest peak.
Metro red line to Farragut North
Call 202/857-7588.

Baltimore’s American Visionary Art Museum

“We Are Not Alone: Angels and Other Aliens”, opening Oct. 2 features 260 works by 100 self-taught artists from around the world, all depicting visible and invisible companions from other worlds.
Call 410/244-1900.

National Gallery of Art

“Tilman Riemenschneider: Master Sculptor of the Late Middle Ages”, opening Oct. focuses on the medieval devotional carvings of this German sculptor, active from 1483 to 1531.

More Info
In my never ending quest to get the most information possible – check out Ms. Metro Manners site for invaluable information and a glimpse of Washington’s uptight inhabitants.

Washington in a Nutshell A-Z

Saludos!

My name is Mercedes, and I live in the Nation’s Capital Washington D.C.

I was born in New York, raised in Miami, and have been living in this spectacular cultural den for the past two years.

My decision to become a correspondent is totally selfish; I want to gain travel writing experience before I begin my year long journey through South East Asia.

Hopefully, my article will not only be informative but have personality as I take you on a virtual tour and show you Washington through my eyes (let’s pray my vision is 20/20!).

How it all began:
My love affair with this magnificent city began on a random visit four years ago.

Having returned from Europe the previous year, I was transfixed by the city’s resemblance to Paris.

My eyes were filled with panoramic views of majestic buildings, wide tree-lined avenues and rainbow colored tulips.

Just when I thought I had seen the most beautiful part of Washington, I caught sight of a spectacular cupola rising in the distance – Capitol Hill.

If you are not good at making decisions, Washington will leave you in indecisive limbo.

The monuments are beautiful day and night, with hundreds of fabulous restaurants and a metro that will challenge you to explore even the most hidden treasures.

What’s my favorite thing about DC? Free museums!

Into music? Then catch a free concert at the Kennedy Center.

Into more progressive sounds? Then check out these websites for upcoming concerts and hotspots.

Want to just sit and relax?

Then find your way over to the Washington Monument, plop down your backpack, take out your favorite book and watch the world pass before your eyes.

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