4th of july Celebrations in DC

Washington DC is a spectacular place to celebrate July 4th! The National Mall, with Washington DC’s monuments and the U. S. Capitol in the background, forms a beautiful and patriotic backdrop to America’s Independence Day celebrations. This is an all-day event in the nation’s capital, beginning with a parade along Constitution Avenue and ending with a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. Following is a guide to all of the 4th of July events on the National Mall.

For alternative fireworks locations around the region, see pages 2 and 3.

The 4th of July celebrations in Washington, DC are among the most attended events of the year and many people arrive early to stake out a seat on the lawn. There are plenty of activities scheduled throughout the day to keep the whole family busy.

Getting to the National Mall

Public access to the National Mall begins at 10:00 a.m., with all visitors required to enter via a security checkpoint. Read more about getting to the National Mall, public transportation, parking, security and road closures.

Washington, DC’s Independence Day Parade
Parade Start Time: 11:45 a.m.
Parade Route: Constitution Avenue and 7th to 17th Sts.
See a map of the parade route

Washington, DC’s 4th of July Parade features marching bands, military and specialty units, floats, and VIP’s. The parade draws a large crowd, so plan to arrive early to stake out a good viewing spot. Read more about the National Independence Day Parade

Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The annual event includes daily and evening music and dance performances, crafts and cooking demonstrations, storytelling and discussions of cultural issues. The themes of the 2009 program will be: Giving Voice: The Power of Words (African American Culture), The Americas and Wales. The hours on the 4th of July are 11 a.m to 5 p.m. Read more about the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

4th of July at the National Archives
The National Archives celebrates the 4th of July with special family programming celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Visit the National Archives Building for this special birthday party from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. See the schedule of events.

White House Visitor Center Family Events
Between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., stop at the White House Visitor Center and enjoy games, crafts and other activities celebrating America’s Birthday. National Park Service rangers and volunteers will give you the opportunity to sample the sights, sounds, activities and personages that helped finalize the Declaration of Independence and create the United States of America on July 4, 1776.

Concert on the Washington Monument Grounds
Beginning at 6:00 p.m. the U.S. Army Concert Band and the U.S. Army Band Downrange plays on the Southwest corner of the grounds of the Washington Monument.

A Capitol Fourth Concert
Time: 8 - 9:30 p.m. (Admittance begins at 3 p.m.)
Location: West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol

A 4th of July tradition in the nation’s capital includes a live concert by the National Symphony Orchestra and several pop artists performing patriotic music on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. The concert and show is followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary. The annual event is broadcast live on PBS with a repeat airing at 9:30-11:00 p.m. The concert will also be broadcast over National Public Radio on WAMU - 88.5 FM. See photos of A Capitol Fourth and performers for the 2009 concert.

4th of July Fireworks on the National Mall
Fireworks Time: At dark, usually around 9:15 p.m. Rain Date: July 5th
Launch Location: The fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and light up the sky over the Washington Monument. See Photos of the Fireworks

Best Places to View the National Mall Fireworks

Spectacular views of the fireworks can also be seen from the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) in Arlington, Virginia near the Rosslyn Metro station and areas along the Virginia side of the Potomac River that can be reached from George Washington Memorial Parkway. You may park at the Gravely Point parking lot, which is about a quarter mile from the 14th Street Bridge.

If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds of the city, there are plenty of alternative places to watch fireworks. See suggestions on pages 2 and 3.

For Fireworks in Maryland, See Page 2
For Fireworks in Virginia, See Page 3

See also, 4th of July Parades in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia

From: About.com > About DC

Hello Sunshine - Fresh-Cut Flowers

How can I make my flowers last longer?
Certain varieties of cut flowers last longer than others. Carnations, for example, can remain vibrant for long periods. Roses have a shorter vase life, but are prized for their special and delicate beauty. When buying flowers, be sure to ask your florist how long you should expect your arrangement to last. Whatever variety you choose, a little TLC will go a long way to keep your blooms looking fresh longer. Here are a few handy tips that can help add days to their beauty!
 
Essentials for your flowers:
Keep them in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit; 18 to 22 degrees Celsius), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, direct drafts from a ceiling fan, and the tops of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, causing flowers to dehydrate.)
 
When your flowers arrive in wet foam:
Keep the floral foam soaked in water containing floral food provided by your florist. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.
 
When your flowers are arranged in water:
Keep the vase filled with water containing floral food provided by your florist. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.  If the solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely. If possible, recut the stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife.  Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth that can harm the flowers.
 
When your flowers have woody stems and branches: (such as Quince, Forsythia, or Lilac)
Cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place in warm water containing fresh floral food to promote flower opening.
 
What is floral food and why use it?
Floral food is a combination of additives that help to nourish the flowers and discourage bacteria from growing in the water. It is one of the best, and easiest, ways to extend the life of your flowers. It is very important to follow the directions on the package correctly. Improperly mixed floral food can do more harm than good.

Remember Italy?   The whole experience, sights, sounds, smells, tastes…   Or perhaps Italy is on your list of places to visit when time or budget allows.   Whatever the case, creating a little Italy at home is not difficult.   Create an intimate atmosphere at home this weekend.   We break it down into two easy steps.

Step One: Plan The Menu

Italian food is rich with pasta, sauces, cheeses, wine, and eaten with laughter and celebration.  Keep it simple and order takeout from your favorite DC area italian restaurant, paired with a nice red wine, or embrace your inner Italian by cooking from scratch and offering several traditional courses. 

Traditional choices can include cured meats (prosciuito, mortadella, smoked ham and salami), marinated vegetables, olives, pepproni (marinated small peppers - not the meat called pepperoni) along with an assortment of cheeses (like provolone, bocconicini and mozzarella).

The first course primo piatto (also referred to as simply primo) or minestra may consist of soup (minestroni), pasta, gnocci, risotto or polenta - a small portion.

The second or main course is called secondo piatto or piatto di mezzo which usually consists or fish or meat. Traditionally veal, pork and chicken are the most commonly used meat.  The side dish is called contorno and may consist of a salad or cooked vegetables. A traditional menu features salad along with the main course.   Fresh italian or garlic bread, with olive oil and balsamic vinegar with grated herbs for dipping is a great addition.

The first dessert of cheese and fruit is called Formaggio and frutta - the cheese and fruit is usually served together.

Then it’s onto Dolce - dessert such as cakes, cookies or tiramisu.  You might also serve coffee or espresso known as Caffè.  Finally, Digestivo or “digestives” such as grappa, amaro or limoncello.

Step Two: Create the Atmosphere

Think italy.  Use a red and white checkered tablecloth with chianti bottles as candle holders with wax dripping down the sides, or simply use a plain white, or bare wooden tabletop.  Add real or silk strings of ivy around the room. 

Add flowers for an added layer of atmosphere and aroma.  We suggest our earthy Morning in Sorrento or our gorgeous Roman Holiday arrangement.  Both provide an extra touch to make the weekend special and most of the following week!

Add an auditory layer to your italian atmosphere by playing great italian background music.  Think opera for example. Some of Italy’s best singers include Enrico Caruso, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli (check out his album - Cieli di Toscana), Mina and Claudio Villa.

Keep it simple and focus on having fun.  Turrn off the television, the computers, and the cell phones.  Savor your time together and escape to Italy this weekend without packing or travelling!

Some tips in this article borrowed from:

How to Throw the Best Italian Dinner Party
Romantic Ideas

There is so much to see and do in Washington, DC that you can’t see it all in just one weekend. A well-rounded excursion should include exploring the National Mall and some other activities too! Here are some tips to help you get around the popular attractions and some suggestions of fun and more relaxing things to do in our area.

1. Visit the Smithsonian

Photo © Smithsonian Institution

Start at the Smithsonian Institution Building where you can pick up a map and information on all of the museums. These national treasures cover a wide range of subjects from art to space exploration. Plan to explore those you are most interested in, but don’t try to see everything at once. Be sure to save time to see an IMAX movie at the Natural History Museum or the National Air and Space Museum.

More Info

2. Tour the National Monuments and Memorials

Photo © Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.

Our national monuments are truly spectacular. The best time to see them is at night when they are illuminated, less crowded and parking is easier. During daytime visits, take a tour bus. Listen to informative park ranger talks and you won’t have to negotiate congested city traffic.

More Info

3. Tour the Three Houses of Government

¹Photo © Architect of the Capitol

Explore the U.S. Capitol Building, the White House and the U.S. Supreme Court and you will gain a fuller understanding of the division of power within our democratic government. Plan ahead and note that some tours must be scheduled in advance through your Congressional Representative.

More Info

4. Take a Walk Through Georgetown

Photo © Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.

Georgetown is the capital’s historic waterfront that today is bustling with activity. The area is a shopper’s paradise and the streets are lined with restaurants of every nationality. Take a tour of historic sites, do some shopping and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

More Info

5. Ride a Bike Along the C & O Canal

Photo © Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.

The Washington DC region is lucky to have wonderful bike trails¹⁷. Jump on a bicycle and you’ll quickly feel a relief from hectic city life. Take the whole family and explore the historic C & O Canal.

More Info

6. See a Show or Concert at the Kennedy Center

Photo © Carol Pratt

Live theatrical productions at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts are entertainment at its finest. Purchase tickets in advance for performances ranging from musicals to concerts by the National Symphony or see a free show at the Millennium Stage.

More Info

7. Attend a Concert at Wolftrap Farm Park

Photo © Wolf Trap Farm Park

Listen to all types of music at this national park dedicated to the performing arts. Outdoor concerts are featured in the summer and indoor performances are held the rest of the year. The park is located in Vienna, Virginia, just 20 minutes from Washington, DC.

More Info

8. Take a Hike at Great Falls Park

Photo © Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.

Take a picnic and enjoy spectacular views of the Potomac River at this 800 acre park, located just 14 miles from Washington DC.

More Info

9. Explore Mount Vernon

Photo © Mount Vernon Ladies Association

With the recent addition of the new museum and education center, Mount Vernon is now a full day excursion. Explore the state of the art galleries and theaters, visit the 500-acre estate of George Washington and his family, tour the 14-room mansion that is beautifully restored and furnished with original objects dating back to the 1740’s. Be sure to plan enough time to tour the outbuildings, including the kitchen, slave quarters, smokehouse, coach house and stables. The estate is located in Northern Virginia, just minutes from Washington, DC.

More Info

10. Take a Walking Tour of Old Town, Alexandria

Photo © Erik Kvalsvik/Courtesy City of Alexandria

Explore a quaint historic town just over the Potomac River from Washington, DC. Visit colonial houses, churches, and museums and shop for antiques.

More About Washington, DC

Looking for more Washington, DC information? Start with the Washington, DC Home Page, where you’ll find current features and an in depth guide to everything you want to know about the DC/Capital region.

From About DC

This weekend, try to recreate a wonderful island vacation or enjoy a taste of the tropics at home!  It’s fun to create a romantic date night using your imagination and ingenuity to arouse the senses with beautiful sights, sounds, flavors and aromas. 

Sights

Set the patio or dining room with colorful beach chairs and beach towels.  Buy a couple of coconut “glasses”.   Throw in a tiki torch, a hammock, and straw hats!  Light candles and place sand around the bases.  Light the fireplace to create a warm ambiance.

Sounds

Play soft, romantic music.  Choose your favorties among calypso, reggae or Hawaiian music.  If possible, add another layer of sound with an ocean waves soundscape CD.

Flavors

Plan and prepare a simple, elegant meal, or pick up good quality take-out. Try to find out beforehand which foods your date particularly enjoys and serve them.  Slice a pineapple into wedges and add kiwis and strawberries.  Serve drinks with lime wedges.

Aromas

Zen Artistry

Flowers are a staple of romance - feel free to use them liberally.  We have great tropical flowers - take a look at a couple of our favorites.

• Coordinate your plans with the weather or natural events such as a sunset or a full moon.  Be sure to check the weather forecast and have an alternate plan in mind, just in case.
• Build a fire if your location allows, or bring along some candles or torches to provide light and warmth. Citronella candles might be advisable for warding off insects.

The List

In summary, remember these items:

• Candles and/or Citronella Candles
• Flowers
• Pineapple and Strawberries (And maybe kiwi!)
• Corona & Lime, Pina Coladas in Coconut Containers, Soda or Wine
• Fine China and Flatware or Colorful, Tropical Paper and Plasticware
• Tablecloth (or clean sheet)
• Romantic Music
• Tropical Decorations on Hand.   Sand, seashells, driftwood, pebbles…

Some tips taken from eHow.

The first step is to consider the preferences of the person who is receiving the gift. For instance:

Second, take the Society of American Florists Floral Signature Quiz to learn more about your own floral personality or the floral personality of someone you love. By answering a few fun multiple choice questions, you can click to see examples of arrangements you or a friend might like. Floral Signatures include:

Classic Green Dish Garden NaturalPeople who are casual, earthy and prefer the outdoors. Flowering or green plants, meadow flowers and woodsy accents suit this personality best. Red Roses and Stargazer Lilies RomanticPeople who are generous, spontaneous and extravagant. Bouquets of soft colors, light fragrances and accents of lace or ribbon might suit romantics. Exotic Forest ExpressiveIndividuals who seek personal betterment and are attracted to the unconventional - from new age to the arts. Exotic flowers and unusual combinations of shape, color and texture will match their creativity and artistic bent. Simply Gorgeous TraditionalPeople who are trustworthy, family oriented and prefer classic styles. They appreciate lush arrangements with a great variety of flowers. Tulips Together ContemporaryIndividuals who are cutting-edge trendsetters and enjoy living in the moment. Vogue styles such as monochromatic bouquets or arrangements with a few, large vibrant flowers are favorites.

Finally, consult with your florist, who can help you create just the right gift, as well as explain the assortment of possibilities available.

From: About Flowers

Feeling a little stressed? Need an energy boost? Buy some flowers. Taking the time to stop and smell the roses could do more than you think.

According to a recent Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital study, people who made a point of looking at flowers first thing in the morning reported feeling cheerier and even more energetic throughout the day. Amy Brightfield, Health Director, Woman’s Day magazine says, “Combining the power of scent and colors that both relax and rejuvenate, flowers and plants are a fast and affordable pick-me-up.”

Beyond their physical beauty, flowers possess distinct sensory qualities that can boost energy, tame tension and brighten your mood. Essential oils derived from plants and flowers have been proven to increase oxygen flow to the brain, stimulating positive feelings that can balance energy levels or have a calming effect. These essential oils are often used in aromatherapy treatments to both soothe and stimulate the senses.

Here are some tips for choosing floral varieties and natural fragrances proven to help you de-stress and recharge.

Relaxation and Tranquility
Which flowers can help you relax and stay calm? By pairing floral scents with their rich natural colors, a number of floral varieties like lavender and lilacs can act as a relaxant and alleviate stress. Considered a natural remedy for a range of ailments, lavender’s scent and lush color can prompt your body to produce a calming compound, improving sleep and promoting relaxation.

Lilac is another stress-relieving scent. This flower is found to have a calming effect, which can promote a feeling of well-being and also increase relaxation.

Bring color and tranquility to your life with these additional flowers:

•Relax with Bells of Ireland: Green, a calming color, can help you relax and breathe slowly and more deeply, all of which can help slow the production of stress hormones according to the Society of American Florists.

•Get a good night’s sleep with delphiniums: The blue hue of this flower relaxes and naturally creates a soothing atmosphere that can help your body to wind down after a long day.

Awaken and Rejuvenate
For a floral pick-me-up, classic red roses, sunflowers and orange daisies awaken the senses and increase energy through their vibrant colors and potent aromas.

•Increase energy with red roses: Because the color red is energizing and we often associate the bright bloom with feelings of love, roses can work to boost mood and enhance energy levels.

•Enhance alertness with sunflowers: Bright and cheerful, the yellow hue of sunflowers enhances alertness by making those around them feel clear-headed and decisive. Since people generally associate yellow with the sun’s rays and daylight, it’s said to help people feel more optimistic.

•Convey confidence with orange daisies: The vibrant color of orange can convey confidence, show satisfaction and a passion for life.

Harvard Home Ecology Study
The Proof is in the Petals

Health Benefits of Gardens in Hospitals

Impact of Interior Plants on Human Stress and Productivity

Physical Discomfort Reduced by Interior Plants

Renaissance Woman

Artist 

After my Mom got the last of her 4 rug rats into school, she began to pursue her dream of a career in the fine arts (although a very fine student in high school her Victorian mother did not believe women should attend college – so she didn’t. However, all four of her children are college graduates – 3 of them women).

Studying on her own and taking lessons from accomplished artists she developed into a superb fine artist painting in the medium of pastels. Over the years she has won major awards both regionally and nationally, and in more recent years has taken up teaching as well. Now, 80 she still teaches year-round at the IS183 School for the Arts in The Bershires of Massachusetts while also continuing, with great passion and productivity, her own works.

Her love and enthusiasm for the arts, the beautiful, and life in general is a continuing inspiration to her students and her children. In short, she is my Renaissance woman!

Brad Parker
Owner

World Traveller & Horsewoman

Joan Ellen Halako
1-8-1930
6-5-2002

My mother was a gorgeous, strong willed, independent woman. She encouraged us in art, music, dance, sports & free thinking.  She was very glamorous. My father & she traveled all around the world & brought us back fabulous gifts from exotic places.

She sacrificed a lot for us. We had horses & she would take us to the barn everyday before & after school so we could care for them. She would take us on the show circuit & would hill top when we were fox hunting.  I can still see her watching high on the hill next to her 64 1/2 pale yellow mustang - no matter the weather - as I galloped by.

She was alot of fun & truly a great lady! She is always missed.

Iris
Design Consultant, Customer Service

Gardener

My mom was an avid gardener. She had multiple garden plots and grew bearded iries, tulips, daffodils, roses, hydrangeas, as well as vegetable and fruit trees. The peonies in her yard came from tubers that had been planted in her grandmother’s yard. Those same bushes now bloom in my yard also. How many people can say they have their great grandmother’s peonies still thriving after so many years? My mother’s love of gardening inspired me to also garden in life.

Growing flowers gave me the idea to work for a florist when I wanted to make a career change and here I am 11 years later at MyFlorist!
 
Kathy
Sales Director

Dreamer

My mother was intelligent and determined.  She was 90% deaf and, while she was able to hear most things with a high powered hearing aid, we laughed with her when she misunderstood something we said.   We often had to verify that what she heard was actually what we said!

The summer of my 9th birthday, Mom was driving a farm truck during wheat harvest in Southwest Kansas.  The wheat was dumped into an old tractor tire surrounding the bottom end of a grain auger, which lifted the wheat grains up a chute and into the farmer’s grainery.  She was wearing tennis shoes, her foot slipped and she lost her leg that day.

She was a single mother with an 8th grade education and two significant handicaps.  We lived in profound poverty.  Yet she never accepted defeat.  She gathered her children fiercely under her wings and taught us to hold up our heads and work hard and to believe that we had the power to be anyone we wanted to be. 

Later on in life, when things were much easier for all of us, she loved growing flowers.  She especially loved her roses, tea roses and purple irises.  She’d often call me in the mornings during the spring and summer announcing that she had rose blooms! 

Debra
Internet Marketing