BootsnAll Travel Network

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.

Washington Monument

Washington DC's resources are endless, and I will do my best to share them all with you.

Accommodation
Youth Hostels
Capitol Hill Guest House
Hotel Information

Shopping
Sorry – I refuse to send anyone to a mall other than the Washington Mall but if you cannot resist the urge DC CitySearch should lead you to some shopping links.

Miscellaneous
If you have bad knees or are not into walking – here is a tourmobile site that will take you to all major monuments. It will cost between $25 – 32 USD, but is worth it if you don't have much time to spare.

I want my Internet!!!
Cafemyth.com - hottest new cyber caf้ in Georgetown gives students free computer usage with I.D.
3241 M. Street, NW 202.625.6984

Brief Trivia

  • Did you know that we have Thomas Jefferson to thank for American's daily use of tomatoes...?

    Yes, it's true. It was 1701 when Jefferson took the first bite of the fruit that was then believed to be poisonous.

  • Each day in Arlington, Virginia, 15,000 meals are served at The Pentagon.

    The Pentagon is also the world's largest office building, encompassing more than 583 acres.

  • What do presidents Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Harrison, Tyler, Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson have in common?

    They were all born and raised in Virginia. More U.S. Presidents were born in Virginia than any other state.

    Did you know that if you turn the Kennedy Center on it's side, it is taller than the Washington Monument?


  • Washington DC - July 1999
    By Mercedes Vinciguerra

    If any city knows how to throw a 4th of July blowout, it’s DC. Being the Nation's Capital, they not only have to throw one helluva party but also need to put all our hard-earned tax dollars to good use. With so many events, I guarantee you’ll find something to make this day unforgettable!

    Single, carefree and know how to hold your beer? 1st stop...

    DC’s Largest Street Festival

    Freedom Fest '99
    Sunday July 4th, 11am thru 9:30pm
    Inside/Outside MCI Center
    F Street from 6th to 9th Avenue N.W.
    Metro: Red Line to Gallery Place/Chinatown
    4 Stages, 20 Bands, $10 Bucks

    Current Band Line-Up: (Say Who????)
    Violent Femmes; Fighting Gravity; 2 Skinny J's; Jimmies Chicken Shack; The Ernies; Fetish; Modern Yesterday; Mary Prankster; SEV; Mile Post Nine; Carbon Leaf; Soul Purpose; Colouring Lesson; Citizen Cope; Sampson; Good Night Gracie; Gonzo's Nose and more to be announced!!!

    Ticket Info Tickets: $10.00 with Can Goods/$12.00 without . (Can goods benefit The DC Central Kitchen) All tickets sold at the entrance (no advance sales).

    Are you a little hungry or just wanna go crazy? 2nd stop...

    July 4th Backyard Barbecue
    11am – 9pm
    19th & M Street, N.W.
    Metro: Red line Dupont Circle

    Bands, Bikini Fashion Shows, DC’s Mr. Buns Contest (I’ll let you know who wins!); Skate and Bike demos; Watermelon seed spitting contest ($500 cash prize).

    For more information go to www.dc101.com

    Want a PBS family oriented good time? – then the Congressional Concert at Capitol Hill will fit the bill. Right on the steps of the Capitol, thousands of people gather for a free concert (4 – 7pm). An eclectic mix of jazz, country, gospel and Navy/Army bands will keep you musically challenged.


    Fireworks
    July 4th Fireworks
    Hang out with friends and get a good spot for the most incredible fireworks display ever, down by the Washington Monument. Concerts begin at 4pm and the fireworks start at 9:30pm. Alcohol is prohibited but last year I mixed pineapple juice with rum and hid them under my subway sandwiches and no one was the wiser! Bring lots of sunscreen – all the shade is located away from the action.

    Word of warning – there are over 100,000 spectators and you will have a very long wait (2 hours) to get on the metro – good excuse to check out the local pubs in the area!

    DC’s Largest Street Festival - Pubs
    DC Live – 932 F Street. NW
    Fado’s – 808 F Street, N.W.
    Irish Times – 14th & F Street NW
    The Rock – 717 F Street NW

    Capital Hill - Pubs
    Politiki – 319 Pennsylvania Ave SE

    July 4th Backyard Barbecue - Pubs
    Tequila Grill – 1990 K Street NW
    MadHatter – 1831 M Street NW

    Art Night - every Thursday until 8pm

  • Freer Gallery of Art – Celebrate the Chinese Culture with new films from Hong Kong, and 14th Century Chinese Paintings

  • Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden – Celebrate their 25th Anniversary with films and Latin music outdoors.

  • National Museum of African Art – July 22nd, hear the joyful music of Southern Africa, make your own colorful headwrap.

  • Arthur M. Sackler – Experience a little piece of India with the great goddess Devi. Chitra Krishmanurti and company perform classical dances or take an ImaginAsia tour with your 6-12 year old children.

    Capital SoulFest
    July 17 – 18
    Bull Run Park – Fairfax, Virginia
    A weekend of classic soul jams featuring James Brown, Ashford & Simpson, The S.O.S. Band, Peabo Bryson, The Commodores as well as a live DJ, Arts & Crafts and ethnic foods.


  • Home | Email BootsnAll | Become a Member | Top of page
    Travel Guides, Stories, Information, and Newsletters Africa Travel | Asia Travel | Australia Travel | Europe Travel | Middle East Travel | New Zealand Travel | North America Travel | Central America Travel | South America Travel | Caribbean Travel | Pacific Islands Travel | Insiders | Travel Blogs | Travel Newsletters
    Book Tickets, Hostels, Hotels and more anywhere in the world Youth Hostels | Europe Hostels | New York Hostels | Paris Hostels | London Hostels | Amsterdam Hostels Cheap Hotels | Cheap Hotels in Amsterdam | Hotels in Paris | Hotels in New York | Cheap Hotels in San Francisco | Cheap Hotels in Las Vegas | Cheap Hotels in Sydney
    Travel Insurance | Learn Foreign Languages | Cruise and Vacation Packages
    Travel Cell Phones, SIM cards & calling cards Prepaid SIM Cards | Phone Cards | International Cell Phones
    Around the World Travel Around the World Tickets | Around the World Travel | Cheap International Plane Tickets | Around the World Travel Tips | Cheap Tickets
    Airport Parking Philadelphia Airport Parking | Newark Airport Parking | Oakland Airport Parking | San Diego Airport Parking | Phoenix Airport Parking | SEATAC Airport Parking | Atlanta Airport Parking
    BootsnAll World Adventure Travel Tanzania Safari | Viet Nam Tours | Thailand Tour | China Tours | New Zealand Adventure | Australia Tours
    Eurail Eurail Passes | Britrail Passes | Eurail Travel | Eurail Tips
    BootsnAll Travel Community websites, blogs and About the Company BootBlog | Bali Travel | Australia Travel | BootsnAll Travel Blogs | Travel Writer's Resource | Travel Gear Blog | Eurail Blog | London Blog | Hong Kong Blog | World Travel Watch
    BootsnAll in Other Languages Chercher des Auberges De Jeunesse | Ricercare gli Ostelli di Gioventù | Busque para Albergues Juveniles de Juventud | Suchen Sie Jugendherbergen