No-cost and low-cost ways to get some fun started
Ah, summertime and the living is easy. If only it wasn’t so darned expensive.
Not to worry. One of the best parts of living in a major U.S. city is the host of no- and low-cost events you can attend. And we’re not just talking about the Smithsonian Museums, the well-known National Parks and the Memorials. Of course you’ve been to those many times and will visit again with out-of-town guests.
You live in the D.C. Metro area, so it’s time to reacquaint yourself with some of the local favorites that won’t blow the budget. Here are a few to get your engine started:
Consider some of the events below:
Play on
Grab your sweetie — or just your car keys or Metro pass — and head to The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage any evening for a free concert. Performers range from youth orchestras to acoustic singer/songwriters and you can check out a full schedule online.
Details: Free; 6 p.m. daily; The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.; kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/; 202-467-4600
I Love a Parade
Every Friday evening during summer the U.S. Marine Band, Silent Drill team and Bugle Corps parades. Unclaimed seats are available at 8:15 p.m. If you want to ensure your spot, make reservations in writing three weeks before you want to attend.
Details: Free; 8:45 p.m. every Friday through August 28. Write or visit: The adjutant, Marine Barracks, Eighth and I streets SE, Washington, D.C. 20390-5000; 202-433-6060.
Let Freedom Ring
The Freedom Museum, just inside the Manassas Regional Airport, is one of the best-kept secrets in town. It’s small enough for kids to get a close-up view of the letters, photographs and memorabilia of soldiers that served in various U.S. conflicts. While there, keep your eyes open –there are often celebrities that fly their private planes into the area. Even if there aren’t, it’s a great chance for you and the kids to see all types of aviation up close.
Details: Free; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; The Freedom Museum, 10400 Terminal Road, Manassas; 703-393-0660; freedommuseum.org
Shop til you drop
The return of summer means brisk business at Eastern Market, the combination flea market/farmers market that offers some of the freshest produce and coolest home goods and accessories this side of Amish country. Get there early for the best selection and people watching.
Details: Free; Eastern Market, Seventh Street and North Carolina Avenue SE; hours vary, generally 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; see online schedule for details; easternmarket.net
The last page
You know that Quantico, Va., and the surrounding area is filled with U.S. Marines. What you might not know is that the National Cemetery in nearby Triangle, Va., offers plenty of history lessons. First, there’s the land, which has been used by the military for more than 200 years. And although it’s the final resting place of many U.S. Marines, some celebrities — including famed author Leon Marcus Uris who wrote acclaimed novels including “Exodus” — are buried there.
Details: Free; daily; Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road (Route 619), Triangle, Va.; 703-221-2183; www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/quantico.asp
See stars
The planetarium at Rock Creek Park is the only one operated by the National Park Service. With a dome-shaped ceiling designed to reflect light, the planetarium can duplicate the motion of the stars and planets as they might be observed from any point on Earth using a Spitz planetarium projector. Programs are usually 45-60 minutes in length.
Details: Free; 1 and 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, check schedule for specific programs and other events; 202-895-6070; nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/planetarium.htm;
Hello, Darth Vader
Yes, it’s true that the mythical Darth Vader is among the carvings in the stone at National Cathedral, the sixth largest cathedral in the world. See for yourself when you visit. Can’t find it? Take the Gargoyle Tour, a Behind-The-Scenes Tour or another docent-led walk. Tours aren’t every day, though, so check online before you head out.
Details: Free/various costs for tours; National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-537-6200; nationalcathedral.org
Tracing giant footsteps
Stand in the footsteps of great abolitionist Frederick Douglass at Cedar Hill, his recently renovated former home. While there, take in a great aerial view of the city.
Details: $1.50/person. 1411 W St. SE, Washington; 877-444-6777; nps.gov/frdo
