Growing up I remember my neighbors going all out for Christmas. We'd walk through our neighborhood to check out the nicely decorated houses and see which of our neighbors successfully outdid everybody else. We even strolled around as a group singing Christmas carols, boy have times changed.
Now for the holidays, when I look around and I may see one or two houses on my way home that have decorations and lights, and I live in the suburbs. What happened? Every year when I'm feeling a little holiday spirit deficient, I head to Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
This year Watkins Park celebrates it's 24th Annual Winter Festival of Lights. It's a driving tour and only costs $5 per car. You slowly drive throughout the park which is filled with various displays of lights. It's fun for a family visit or even a date. Typically, I'd say the drive takes about 20-30 minutes depending on the day and the traffic. See below for more information.
Friday, November 26, 2010 – Sunday, January 2, 2011
5:00 - 9:30PM (nightly) Watkins Regional Park301 Watkins Park Drive (Rte. 193)
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
301-699-2456
http://www.pgparks.com/Festival_of_Lights.htm
Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!
The Ninth Annual Holiday Gift Market: Celebrate the Season
On December 15 and 16, join the National Museum of Women in the Arts and experience shopping in the great hall from a select group of women artisans and designers including jewelry, international crafts, gifts, personal accessories, and home accents. FREE admission to the museum and gallery tours will be available.
Hours
December 15, 2010 10:00AM – 8:00PM
December 16, 2010 10:00AM – 5:00PM
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20005-3970
202-783-5000
http://nmwa.org/
A fellow tweeter, Melanie Spring, aka @Sisarina, came up with an amazing idea. She's hosting a FREE blind wine tasting at her office in Bethesda, MD. The event/tweetup will be held on Sunday, December 12, 2010 from 5:00-9:00PM.
All participants are asked to bring 1 or 2 bottles of wine ($8-$25). The labels will then be covered to allow guests to do a "blind" taste testing and vote on their favorites. After the event, all of the participants will receive a listing of the top choices, along with how much each of the wines cost and where to buy them. Additionally, food will be provided by Chef Tony's Restaurant in Bethesda.
For those of you who tweet, use the hashtag, #DCTweetup...
"#DCTweetup is a ‘non’-networking event for locals to put a face to a Twitter handle. It’s a relaxing evening of networking with your neighbors, local business owners and meeting new friends. This is not your typical ’state what you do & hand over your business card’ event. #DCTweetup is for the introverted & extroverted alike to share in great conversation, relationship-building and fun."
For more information and to register, http://dctweetup19.eventbrite.com/
Sisarina Headquarters
4925 St Elmo Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
240.479.9743
http://www.sisarina.com
I admit I've been a little out of the loop over the last month or so with my thoughts focused elsewhere and I've neglected to play the role of social butterfly but don't worry I'm back in full force for the holidays.
Well, it's that time of year again. Time to spread a little holiday cheer, by doing a little schmoozing with friends, family, and coworkers. Why not take some time out to support a worthy cause or two?
Recently, one of my favorite local dance groups, Step Afrika, sent an email saying they are having their first Holiday Party called "'Stepping' Into the Season." It will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 from 7:00-10:00 at the Washington Design Center. There is a suggested donation of $20 and it will entitle guests to hors d'oeuvres, music, raffles, a cash bar, and swag bags (who doesn't love swag!!)
For more information, click here.
Art Gallery at the Washington Design Center
300 D Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
