Unique things to do in Arlington

Experience this 2.5 hour guided walking tour of the National Mall. You will get to experience the nation's capital through the practiced poetic gaze of a local. First, we'll meet on the corner of 15th St NW & Madison Drive NW. Bring something to drink and some comfortable shoes. We will begin our walk to the first stop on the tour, The Washington Monument or as I like to call it, The Eiffel Tower of DC. Then, we will proceed to the World War II Veteran's Memorial where an amazing little secret lies. Before we head to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, we will make a bathroom stop for all those who might need it. Then, we will continue on to the Lincoln Memorial (a personal favorite) and finally end our tour with the Korean War Verterans Memorial. Throughout this tour, guests will be encouraged to participate. I will pose a few DC-specific trivia questions that will keep you engaged and whose answers will come into as the tour progresses and your knowlegde of DC grows. Be prepared to learn well kept secrets and interesting facts, little known even to most DC locals. Guaranteed to leave you feeling in awe of our resilience as a nation. You are in for a treat.

Tours include stops at three of DC's best cocktail bars, the price of your first drink and a one-way metro pass (if needed) to the 3rd bar. Each location visited will feature a craft cocktail available for purchase. Participants are urged to bring spending money as they will have the opportunity to purchase additional food, beverages, gifts and souvenirs on the tour. Participants MUST be 21 years of age or older and have a valid Photo ID.

This is a walking and history tour that walks the complete outside circumference of the gated portion of the White House. Prior to 09/11, as a former White House staffer, I could simply show my ID and take visitors in for a tour. That perk evaporated on 09/12/2001, and inside tours must be requested through a member of Congress. An external, walking tour is the next best thing to a tour inside, with my sharing features of major rooms in the White House, the West Wing, and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where my office was when I worked at the White House. In addition to the history of the building and stories about some of its occupants, you get the perspective of a former White House staffer who worked for two US presidents and on the campaigns of two candidates who did not win the presidency. I have met every president who has served during my lifetime, from FDR through the current president. The meet place is outside the White House Visitor Center, on Pennsylvania Avenue, between 14th and 15th Streets, NW. The walk begins by passing through the recently dedicated National World War I Memorial, and proceeds past the Sherman Monument to the Ellipse on the side of the White House, with stories, photographs, and opportunities for questions. Continuing toward the official front of the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, we pass the first headquarters of the America

Join me with an exciting journey of the PPE --- Politics, Power & Espionage --- associated with the US Capitol. From my years as chief of staff to a powerful US Senator, we discuss success & survival on the Hill. The title of the Experience is a play-on-words of my Oxford university degree, where I studied PPE - Philosophy, Politics & Economics. POLITICS This is not a political advocacy tour, but stories of how elections are won (or lost?), from the perspective of one who has managed a successful US Senate campaign. POWER This is my wheelhouse. A chief of staff to any Member, an objective is to maximize your boss' success. I will take you on a journey of high-wire balancing between sometimes competing objectives needs --- to legislate and/or to get reelected. Think Senator JFK's, Profiles in Courage. ESPIONAGE This is the underbelly of Congress. I have seen both political and national security espionage. I was a Senate staffer during the Watergate Hearings --- political espionage. I was a Senate staffer on the day my boss got an intelligence update on the damage resulting from the Brits Burgess & Maclean who defected to Russia --- national security espionage. While I could talk 'Hill' PPE for hours, I love your questions to help focus the tour on what you are most interested in.

What's better than a walking tour? A walking tour between local neighborhood watering holes. Experience the bars in DC from a whole new perspective with Neighborhood Bar Golf! Go places you've never been. Eat and drink things you never have. Meet people you'll never forget. There are several courses to "play", but no greater way to get to know the most unique city in America. Our hosts have taken the time to curate eclectic groups of the bars and restaurants tourists don't often find out about, and everyone can appreciate. We will meet you at the starting point to give you the materials and the map. There are nine places on every trip, but how many you visit is up to you. There is no specific end time to this experience, and that's definitely why its so much fun. The game of a lifetime is waiting for you!

We will start with instruction in hip-hop history and then will teach you how to set up and use technique 1200 turntables to play the beautiful vinyl! You will select from our tremendous record collection and start to scratch and blend right away - from Marvin Gaye to the current hits, you'll be able to mix your favorite tracks like a professional DJ! This is as much about learning the history of DJing as it is about you having your own expierence of the culture and technology. Other things to note Our organization is proud to have worked with the community over the past 17 years. We are unapologetic advocates for the hip-hop arts and we welcome you to join our educational Experiences. In an abundance of caution we are requiring all experience participants to present proof of vaccination to enter our experiences.

Learn everything in this comprehensive class on mastering the Art of Croissant making. From proper mixing of the dough, lamination and folding in of the butter, make up the individual pieces, to proper resting of the dough, proofing, baking and eating! In this all inclusive class you will also learn to make a Pain a chocolat along with an added bonus exclusive to this class, a creme brulee Brioche. All products are yours to take home with you.

Washington, DC was dubbed Chocolate City due to being a major center of Black population, political leadership, culture, arts, and wealth. A big part of that story involves Pennsylvania avenue. Walk the Avenue and learn about the emancipation of enslaved DC residents, a grand march for the women's vote, the infamous Snow Riot, the evolution of Home Rule, local DC history, and much more. This tour focuses on the Black history of DC and the country as a whole! Stops include Old City Hall, the National Council of Negro Women, National Archives (outside), FDR's original memorial, the FBI, Newspaper Row, Freedom Plaza, and the new World War I Memorial. Other things to note: This tour ends at the intersection of 14th & Penn Ave NW, 11 blocks from the starting point. Typically I hold tours rain or shine, unless the weather posses a safety hazard (lightning, ice, tornado, etc). If a weather-related emergency arises, I will be in contact with the group to cancel, delay, or reschedule.

*Bring a camera of any kind (DSLR, Mirrorless, Phone, iPad, GoPro, etc.) *1.5 hours – If another time works better for you, message me directly or request another time. All you need is a camera and a little bit of time! Walk along the National Mall with me and witness the constant movement and grandiose architecture that fills the land in between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. Whether you’re just visiting Washington, D.C. or are a local looking to see their backyard in a new way, this private photo walk will teach you how to take beautiful and unique pictures with your camera. (No skill required, just bring your gear and eyes!) Over the course of 1 hour and 15-30 minutes, we will walk from the Washington Monument to the World War II Memorial. Then we will move to the quieter side of the mall and see the DC War Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at the tidal basin, and end at the iconic Lincoln Memorial. I will be photographing alongside you, providing tips to take great photographs that you’ll want to share with others and consider turning into a print for your home. You will capture the beauty of each memorial while learning about the city of D.C. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the start time. We will meet at the Washington Monument. Let’s go explore D.C with our camera!

Don your chef aprons, grab your whisks and lets get baking! In this fun and interactive class, you will learn the fine art to making these mouthwatering morsels that are easy enough to be done in your own kitchen! The classic 'Gerbert' or 'Paris Macaron' is a French meringue-based almond sandwich cookie. Macarons have been produced in the Venetian monasteries since the 8th century during the Renaissance, French queen Catherine de’ Medici’s Italian pastry chefs made them when she brought them with her to France in 1533 upon marrying Henry II of France. Chef Michael of Pastry Codex personally guides you as your ambassador into all of the subtle nuances of Making them, from proper development of the the Meringue, the development of the Macaronage mixture, demonstrating a folding technique, how to pipe them, differences of Silpat vs. parchment paper, explanations of color types gels vs. powders drying techniques and proprietary baking techniques to preserve color integrity. Several flavors and types of fillings are available, seasonal themes. a genuine French buttercream is demonstrated, addition to ganaches, and flexi gels. This has become an amazingly popular class! It comes with a 100% success rate guarantee, in other words if for whatever reason your Macarons do not come out correctly, you get a full refund with no questions asked!

From spies to secret passageways put your super sleuth skills to the test as you search for over 80 secret doors and explore our themed rooms. We would never give you a map - this would ruin the surprise of finding a secret door but you will have a Q & A with one of our docents before you start your journey. It’s not in the finding, it’s in the seeking that is important. Experience the magic! Your self-guided experience will begin with an in-depth video introduction to our history and our secret doors, as well as what to look for as you go. Then, we will send you off on your own to search for the secrets and treasures that are everywhere to be found. As you explore the mansion, which is steeped in history and intrigue, you'll be walking in the footsteps of presidents, freedom fighters, G-Men, historians, famous musicians, and fiction writers. Built 125 years ago, nearly every President since Teddy Roosevelt has visited. Things to note We guarantee you can see at least 60 of our legendary rooms — but be warned secret doors are tricky to find —if you find 2 or 3 you are an above average sleuth All ages can attend. If you have a short attention span, this is the place for you because there is so much to see and do. If you are a minimalist, you will be overwhelmed. Museum closes: Sunday - Tuesday at 6pm and Wednesday - Saturday at 9pm.

Experience the heart of Washington, DC with us on a guided 3-hour journey through the National Mall. This dynamic tour seamlessly blends driving and walking to ensure you "SEE IT ALL." Starting at the Washington Grand Hyatt, our adventure begins right in front of Starbucks. Meet your knowledgeable Tour Guide, board our comfortable van, and set off for the National Mall. With live commentary from your guide, immerse yourself in the stories behind the monuments, memorials, and other captivating attractions that define the National Mall's significance. Throughout the tour, you'll have the opportunity to disembark and explore several of DC's major attractions for 15 to 25 minutes at each location. Our drop-offs and pickups are strategically situated as close as legally feasible to each site, ensuring convenient access. As the tour concludes, we return you to the Washington Grand Hyatt. And to cater to your comfort: - Stay refreshed with complimentary water. - Keep your phone powered up with our charging equipment, simply inform your driver. - No need to worry about the weather – rain or shine, we've got you covered with umbrellas.

**I'm leaving America again after October so the dates available are all I have.** This experience takes place at the National Mall. We'll stroll past a few landmarks and monuments and get some amazing photos of you and your family or friends! (**The Lincoln Memorial is closed for photos due to construction. We shoot at other locations on the mall. ) **All photoshoots are private and not a group experience. **No outfit changes for 1hr shoots **Kids and pets are welcome. (No charge for pets or kids 2 and under.) **You will receive your photos the SAME DAY! **Discount for 3+ people ----------------------------- Please be on time! Arriving after 15 minutes will result in you forfeit​ing your session. If you shoot me a message I'm happy to wait for you! Anyone being photographed needs to pay for a slot. I don't allow people to just hop in a few photos. We will be walking the entire time so wear comfortable shoes & dress appropriately for the weather :)

If you enjoy real-life spy stories, covert operations, and international intrigue, this tour is for you. All of our tours are developed and delivered by former intelligence officers. Learn spy mindset as you explore the hidden history of Georgetown. Hear about the crucial role residents played in espionage during WWII and the Soviet Era. And…conduct a secret operation! Hint: Bring your map reading skills. This tour is ideal for groups and teams. Don’t forget your walking shoes, bring water, and dress for the weather. Not seeing a tour on the calendar that works for your schedule? Submit a request for a new date/time. We'll work with you and do our best to accommodate your needs.

Treat yourself to great pictures as a souvenir while experiencing DC landmarks. The photo session starts at the Lincoln Memorial which has great views of the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument. *** The Lincoln Memorial is currently undergoing renovation, which unfortunately restricts photography around most of the exterior. However, there are still other areas where we can capture some great photos. *** Then we have the option of taking a 10 minute walk to take more photos at either a beautiful park or at another Memorial on the National Mall. This photo session can be adapted for engagements, elopements, families, graduating seniors, maternity, surprise proposals and business headshots. In a non-private session, another person may book and join you. We will walk together as a group and rotate between who is taking pictures. Select the private option if you do not wish to share your session with another person. Photos are typically delivered in 1 to 3 days. 10 edited high-res photo downloads are included. Additional photo downloads can be purchased for an additional cost. After signing up, check your Airbnb messages to answer a short questionnaire and to receive the prep guide. Message me if you wish to have a session for a time not listed or if you have any questions.