Ways to Celebrate July 4th in DC

This Saturday, July 4, the United States of America will celebrate its 239th birthday! Because we live in city of such strong historical and political significance, there will be no shortage of ways to celebrate this Independence Day in the District. With an extra long weekend ahead, get ready to do some celebrating, American style!

Fireworks
What would the Fourth of July be without a fireworks spectacular? According to Washingtonian Magazine, some of the best views in the city that are nearby your apartment home at The Louis can be found on the DNV Rooftop, Brixton and Satellite Room. If you're seeking a more exclusive experience, head up to the rooftop at The Louis or purchase a ticket for the W Hotel's annual "Boom with a View" fireworks and cocktail event.

Image courtesy Pixabay

National Independence Day Parade
Parades have become an American tradition and the National Independence Day Parade will surely get you into the patriotic spirit! The parade begins at 11:45 AM at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, and continues down Constitution to 17th Street.

National Archives
Home to the Declaration of Independence, the National Archives is holding several events to get visitors involved in their celebration of the historical document. From 10 - 11 AM, join the Archives for a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by costumed interpreters Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Ned Hector. Following the reading, and through 4 PM, visitors may visit the Boeing Learning Center for crafts and other activities.

BBQ
Fire up the grill and have an all-American cookout! If you don't want to do the cooking yourself, head down to City Tap House for the Beer-B-Q Battle from noon to 5 PM. Guests will vote for their favorite beer and barbecue pairings, play cornhole and enjoy $5 drafts. Tickets cost $15.

Of course, there are many more events taking place throughout the holiday weekend. Where will you be? At home baking an apple pie and grilling, or on a rooftop bar in the city? Share you plans with The Louis on our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter. Happy Independence Day! Have a safe and happy holiday!

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!

Where to Spend Spring in DC

Even though it snowed earlier this week, it is technically spring. When you think of spring in the District, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is the cherry blossoms. Of course, this is something worth seeing, but if you've lived here long enough, you're probably ready for a change of pace. Thrillist has compiled a list of 11 springtime events that are sure to be a good time, and even better, you'll be away from cherry blossom tourists.

MAR 25 - APR 8
Union Market’s Test Kitchen
Union Market’s free demo series (yes, FREE), helps you up your culinary skills by learning from top talent, Wednesdays from 6-8pm. Spring classes include smoking meat with The BBQ Joint on March 25; knife skills with DC Sharp and Bidwell on April 1; and "something fishy" with District Fishwife on April 8. Reserve a spot, because they fill up.

APRIL 4
Braustomp II
Hit DC Brau for its fourth anniversary party, featuring food trucks and the DC Brau tapwagon, from 4-8pm. Of course while you’re there, you can fill up a growler, sip some pints, and go on a brewery tour. Pietasters and Frum the Hills will provide live music. Tickets are $15 and sell out quickly.

APRIL 6
Washington Nationals Home Opener
Everyone’s undefeated on opening day, so show up at the ballpark ready to officially welcome spring and a ball club full of hope. The home team takes on the New York Mets at 4:05pm. In other words, the Nats are guaranteed to go 1-0. Check out the full schedule for April.

APRIL 9
Best of D.C. 2015
Washington City Paper’s big blow-out celebration is back. Party at the Carnegie Library by visiting stations from more than 50 restaurants, plus 20 breweries and mixologists. Six entertainment stages will liven things up from 6-10pm. VIP tickets are $100; general admission $65.

APRIL 11
Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival
For one day only, Pennsylvania Ave gets transformed into a sprawling Japanese street festival, complete with two beer gardens. Don’t miss your chance to pound chicken yakitori and takoyaki to the tune of J-POP and Taiko drumming while ogling Americans dressed up the Harajuku girls. Show up between 10:30am-6pm.

APRIL 13
Taste the Nation
Elastic waistbands are a must, because your goal is to try a dish from all 80 restaurants represented. Bid on silent auction items before your sobriety gets more serious than a buzz, which will be challenging given 20 hot mixologists will be slinging cocktails. Tickets start at $120, and the party kicks off at 6pm for VIP ticket holders; 7pm for general admission. The event benefits No Kid Hungry.

APRIL 16
Sugar Showdown
The region's top pastry chefs will engage in a dessert battle using root vegetables -- think beets, parsnips, and ginger. For $25 you can try them all paired with sparkling wine from 6-8pm. There will be representation from host restaurant, Poste, plus 2941 Restaurant, RareSweets, Pearl Dive Oyster Bar and more. Tickets are $25 and benefit Brainfood DC. They’ll be available to purchase on the Poste website.  

APRIL 19
Crawfish Boil on the Bayou
Get to Pearl Dive Oyster Palace to throw down some sea critters at its Lowcountry crawfish boil house-party. Go back for seconds and thirds of Louisiana crawfish, suckling pig, grilled oysters, crawfish hushpuppies, pulled pork sammies, and Southern desserts from Chef Colleen Conrad. Tickets are $55 for unlimited food; $90 for unlimited food and drinks, like Abita beer, Hurricanes punch, and wine. The party runs 12-5pm.

MAY 2
Virginia Gold Cup
The Virginia Gold Cup brings people together who pretend to like steeplechase racing so they can toss on wild hats and drink juleps in Virginia horse-country. The fun runs from 10am-7pm. And yes, in addition to horses, Jack Russell terriers will also take to the track (sort of). Tickets are $85 (includes parking).

MAY 3
The Bloody Mary Festival
Let’s start by pointing out that something called "The Bloody Mary Liberation Party" exists. It's hosting The Bloody Mary Festival at Blind Whino, bringing together the DC-area’s top Bloodys. Think Range, Del Campo, Founding Farmers, and more. This is the perfect opportunity to party in a technicolor church. Tickets are $50 and include three hours of unlimited tastes (1-4pm), lunch, and live music.

MAY 25
Oyster Shuckfest
City Tap House’s first ever oyster bonanza focuses on the cool pairing of oysters and mead (booze made from honey) such as Charm City Mead mignonettes and mead shooters. There will also be $1 raw oysters, fried oyster po' boys, and grilled oysters on the patio. In between slurps, take in the bluegrass band and play some corn hole from 2-6pm. 

DC Area March Film Festivals

If you consider yourself a film fanatic, then you will be quite busy this month! Our area is offering several film festivals throughout March, ranging from the environment to documentaries. Some of these include panel discussions and Q&As afterwards. Washingtonian highlights this month's festivals:

Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital
Various Venues
This year’s festival goes on thanks in part to a $15,000 contribution from the National Endowment for the Arts. More than 150 films, including several DC, US, and world premieres, examine climate change, endangered wildlife, clean-water issues, and related topics. A highlight: Filmmaker Luc Jacquet presents a survey of his films, including the Oscar-winning March of the Penguins and Ice & Sky, a new work. March 17-29; selected films $10 to $12, others free.

Northern Virginia Jewish Film Festival
Opening night, Theater J; other screenings, Angelika Mosaic
See 16 contemporary films focused around the Jewish faith or made by Israeli artists. Top picks include The Green Prince, a thriller based on the memoir of Mosab Hassan Yousef, a Palestinian who spied for Israel; Arlo & Julie, a quirky tale of a couple who become obsessed with the mysterious daily delivery of puzzle pieces to their doorstep; and Above and Beyond, about the early days of the Israeli Air Force. March 19-29; $12; festival pass $64.

Bethesda Film Fest
Imagination Stage
Filmmakers from the Washington area will be around to answer questions after their five short films at this festival, making it an excellent chance to familiarize yourself with local talent. Be sure to catch The Stillbrave 100, which chronicles Springfield runner “Tattoo” Tom Mitchell as he completes a 100-mile trail, dedicating each mile to a different child with cancer. March 20-21; $10.

Annapolis Film Festival
Various Venues
Catch 70 documentaries, narratives, and shorts, plus Q&As and panel discussions. Don’t miss the searing Oscar-nominated documentary The Act of Killing, in which members of an Indonesian death squad reenact the murders they committed. March 26-29; $12; festival pass $105.

Weekend Events March 6-8

TGIF! After an appearance from Winter Storm Thor, we are ready for it to be the weekend so we can get outside and socialize! One of the perks of living in a city like DC is that there is always something going on or something to celebrate. From pop-ups to early Saint Patrick's Day parties, here is a brief rundown of what is going on in the city this weekend, courtesy of Thrillist:

MAR 4 - 26

Yona Pop-Up at G by Mike Isabella
You don’t have to wait until Yona opens to try Jonah Kim’s creations. G by Mike Isabella will host a month-long pop-up preview of what to expect at the forthcoming Ballston Japanese restaurant. We’re talking "Miso Porky Ramen," dry-fried wings, steamed buns, and Korean beef tartare. Make a reservation Wed-Sun from 6-10pm.

MARCH 7

Whisky Live DC 2015
Whiskey Live attempts to save you thousands of dollars in traveling the globe to try the world’s best whiskey by gathering them into one peaty place. Sample rare and highly sought-after tipples (plus some old favorites) from 6-10pm inside the Grand Hyatt Washington. A $129 ticket gets you a tasting glass, dinner buffet, and entertainment like live music.

Leprechaun Lap
You’ve been practicing all year with little do-it-yourself bar crawls all to prepare for the return of the Leprechaun Loop. Okay, maybe not, but you can still try to hit 15+ participating bars clustered around Dupont Circle from 1-9pm. You bet there will be roving bagpipers, giveaways, and beer specials.

MARCH 8

New Belgium Presents: The Slow Ride Sessions
You can learn how to pickle, braise meat, and shoot photos while drinking a tasty IPA from New Belgium Brewing at Slow Ride Sessions. The event is in honor of the brewery’s new session brew, Slow Ride IPA. A $45 ticket gets you two beers, a biscuit sandwich, a slow-cooked meat tasting, take-home goodies, chef demonstrations, and more. Move on to Brookland Pint for an after party.

Commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's Assassination

On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln, our nation's 16th president, was assassinated at Ford's Theatre. Throughout 2015, various events throughout Washington will mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's assassination and death. Many of these events (courtesy of about travel) will be held at Ford's Theatre, located in downtown DC.

The Widow Lincoln
January 23-February 22, 2015. Ford’s Theatre. Set during the weeks following Abraham Lincoln’s murder at Ford’s Theatre, the world premiere drama  portrays Mary in the aftermath of her husband’s death as she mourns the post-war life they will never share. A post-performance discussion will be held on February 3. Theater tickets should be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster.com.

Through Lincoln's Words: Target Oratory Residency and Festival
February 10-11, 2015, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Ford’s Theatre. More than 375 local elementary and middle school students will perform a selection of President Abraham Lincoln’s speeches. This year’s program features students who have benefitted from the integration of historical speeches and letters into History and English classes to help strengthen their understanding of history and improve their public-speaking skills. Tickets will be available on a first-come basis on the day of event.

President Lincoln Is Dead: The New York Herald Reports the Assassination
February 13, 2015. The Newseum, 6th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington DC, opens an exhibit featuring an unparalleled collection of all seven editions issued by the Herald on April 15, 1865, chronicling the shooting of Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre, his death, the hunt for his assassin and the swearing-in of the new president.

Second Inaugural Address Panel Discussion
Civil War to Civil Rights: The Last Great Speeches of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr.
March 4, 2015, 7:30 p.m. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC. Moderated by MSNBC’s Chris Matthews, the panel discussion focuses on Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. This event explores how the powerful words of these men and their final great speeches recognized the polarizing divisions of our nation and called for a unified American identity. Free tickets will be available beginning January 26, 2015.

Second Inaugural Address Commemoration Ceremony 
March 7, 2015. Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC. Enjoy Civil War music, a recreation of Lincoln taking the oath of office and reciting his Second Inaugural Address, learn more about the meaning of the address itself and how its meanings connected the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Free event, no tickets required.

Freedom’s Song: Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War
March 13-May 20, 2015. Ford’s Theatre. This epic musical features the words of Abraham Lincoln and music inspired by the letters of those who lived through the Civil War. With rousing music, stirring speeches and rich, historic costumes Freedom’s Song evokes the soaring hopes and tragic losses of the real people of Civil War America. Lincoln’s inspirational words intermix with these stories, imagining a bloody nation once again unified and the return of a truly United States.

Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium
March 21, 2015. Ford’s Theatre. Noted authors and historians Terry Alford, Richard Wightman Fox, Stephen A. Goldman, Martha Hodes and Jonathan W. White will discuss aspects of our 16th president’s leadership, his vision for Reconstruction and the effect his assassination had on American society. See the full schedule. Tickets will be available on the day of the event on a first-come, first-served basis.

History on Foot Walking Tours
March-October 2015. Join Detective James McDevitt for a first-hand look at the investigation into the Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy and the events of April 14 and 15, 1865. Led by an actor in costume, the outdoor walking tour lasts approximately two hours and makes at least eight stops in downtown Washington related to Lincoln, the assassination and the Civil War. See more information about History on Foot Walking Tours.

One Destiny
March-May 2015. Ford’s Theatre. The 35-minute play explores the key facts of the assassination while capturing the emotions of that fateful night. Tickets are $7.50 in advance or $5.00 the day of the performance. Tickets can be reserved throughTicketmaster.com.

Silent Witnesses: Artifacts of the Lincoln Assassination
March 23-May 25, 2015. Center for Education and Leadership, 514 Tenth Street NW, Washington, DC. This special exhibition will commemorate the assassination and death of Abraham Lincoln by reuniting—for the first time since April 1865—an extraordinary collection of artifacts that were in Ford’s Theatre or carried by Lincoln the night of the assassination.

The Road from Appomattox
April 9, 2015, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Ford’s Theatre. A dramatic imagining of the meeting between Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant on the day after Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, The Road From Appomattox explores how two great and very different generals ended the war with mercy and the best interests of the country in mind. For more information, visit www.fords.org/event/road-appomattox.

The Lincoln Tribute – Two Day Commemoration of the 150th Anniversary 
April 14-15, 2015, Ford’s Theatre Campus, 10 Street NW Washington DC. During the day, visitors can explore the Ford's Theatre Museum, hear a ranger talk, watch a performance of the one-act play One Destiny, take a self-guided tour in the Theatre, or visit the Petersen House and exhibitions at the Center for Education and Leadership. Outdoor History on Foot walking tours led by costumed actors and guided tours of Ford’s Theatre also will be offered. On the street outside, throughout the day and night, actors will share first-person accounts about the end of the Civil War, the experience of being inside the theatre at the moment of the assassination, medical reports from the Petersen House, and the impact of Lincoln’s life and death. On the evening of April 14, Ford’s Theatre will host Civil War living historians on 10th Street to recreate the all-night vigil for Abraham Lincoln. The public will be able to visit the Ford’s Theatre campus throughout the night. The morning of April 15, Ford’s Theatre Society and the National Park Service will mark Abraham Lincoln’s death at 7:22 a.m. with a wreath-laying ceremony; church bells will toll across the city, just as they did in 1865. Tickets are required for entry to the Ford’s Theatre campus and available through Ticketmaster.com.

Now He Belongs to the Ages: A Lincoln Commemoration
April 14, 2015, 9:00 p.m. Ford’s Theatre. Live streamed online and at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard. Event to include readings of Lincoln’s words and stories, Civil War-era music, excerpts from Lincoln’s favorite theatre and operas, and more. The event seeks to remind us that we not only lost a president; we lost a man who treasured his family, his friends and his country with a love so strong it could hold the Union together. Tickets are limited.

National Park Service Commemorative Wreath Laying
April 15, 2015, 7:22 a.m. Petersen House (the house where Lincoln died) The National Park Service will lay a wreath at the Petersen House marking the moment when President Lincoln passed away 150 years ago. A short speaking program will be followed by a moment of silence and church bells tolling across the city, just as they did in 1865. Additional details will be announced in March 2015.

Free Lincoln Assassination Walking Tours
Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. The one-mile free walking tour, given by DC by Foot, examines historical facts and explores many of the famous sites where Lincoln walked himself in Washington, DC. Learn about the assassination plot that changed the nation. Reservations are required. Visit www.freetoursbyfoot.com.