Beat the DC Heat

Picture courtesy The Louis Photo Gallery

If you have lived in Washington DC for a while, you know how serious the summer heat and humidity gets in the city, especially when you're underground waiting for the Metro. Since we are currently in the midst of a heat wave, there is no better or more necessary time for us to explore the options of how to say cool and beat the summer heat!

Smithsonian Museums
When was the last time you had the chance to explore DC as a tourist? Take advantage of the free air conditioning provided at the Smithsonian Museums, primarily along the National Mall, and see the newest exhibits! Most of the museums are open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, with the exception of The American Art Museum and Portrait Gallery, which operates from 11:30 AM to 7 PM. Explore new exhibits like the "Eye Pop: The Celebrity Gaze" at The National Portrait Gallery or "National Geographic Into Africa: The Photography of Frans Lanting" at The Natural History Museum.

Get Out on the Water
Pack the sunscreen and enjoy DC from on or alongside the Potomac River! Thompson Boat Center, located in Georgetown, offers boat rentals through October. Rentals include kayaks, canoes and rowing shells (to certified patrons) that range in price from hourly rates to daylong rates. If you're not feeling quite as sporty, rent a paddle boat at the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial. Please note, Tidal Basin rentals are not permitted on July 4 for security reasons.

Lounge at The Louis
There's no place like home, right? For those times when you desire a lazy weekend, head up to the rooftop and The Louis' gorgeous pool and lounge area! When you have had enough of the sun, continue to relax in the air conditioning of your apartment home or in our resident lounge. You could even have a little barbecue and crack open some ice cold drinks! You could also take a short walk to one of the U Street Corridor's nearby restaurants for a refreshing beverage!

As the temperatures rise, residents of The Louis can stay cool both at home or by visiting one of the city's attractions. What are your favorite ways to beat the summertime heat? Share your thoughts on The Louis' Facebook and Twitter pages! Stay cool!

Additional sources consulted:
Examiner

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in DC

When May 5th rolls around on the calendar, do you think of it as just another day, or as Cinco de Mayo? Whether you're of Mexican descent or just love a good margarita, living in a city as diverse as Washington DC allows us to celebrate many different cultural holidays. Whether you seek a large, national festival or a bar scene celebration, there are events close to The Louis at 14 apartment homes for you!

National Cinco de Mayo Festival
The National Cinco de Mayo Festival takes place this Sunday, May 3 at the Sylvan Theater on the National Mall.  The fiesta will be held rain or shine from noon to 6 PM. This will be the 23rd annual event held by the Maru Montero Dance Company. The event, also known as "Latin America's Family Reunion," is free to the public to attend!

Here's what you can look forward to: music, dance, arts and crafts for the kids, art exhibits, a mercado (market) and more! So whether you love to dance salsa or consume salsa, your cravings will be satisfied! For more information on this event, visit the Maru Montero Dance Company website, About.com or Party Earth. To get to this event from The Louis, take the Green or Yellow Line Metro from U Street to Archives.

El Centro D.F.
If you're seeking something a little more "fiesta-like," El Centro D.F. has become known throughout the district for its authentic Mexican cuisine and its fun Cinco de Mayo atmosphere. This year's celebration includes an all you can eat taco buffet, $5 drink specials and a DJ! The celebration will last almost the entire day, running from noon through 11 PM. The first 250 attendees will receive a gift. Please note, tickets are only available at the door and must be paid for in cash. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit El Centro D.F.'s website. Guess what? This event is just a 2-minute walk away from your home at The Louis!

Have you gone out for Cinco de Mayo in Washington DC in year's past? Where are your favorite spots to celebrate? Share you thoughts and comments with us on The Louis at 14 Facebook and Twitter pages. Feliz Cinco de Mayo!