Washington DC Bed and Breakfast | Visitor Info Blog | American Guest House

The Capital Fringe Festival is still here, until the 25th of July! The Festival serves as a way for local artists to showcase their work, which comes in the form of plays, poetry, comedy and musicals. The Fringe movement has a unique history dating back to its beginnings in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1947 and as of 2005, it’s here! Each show contains its own unique style as it is purely that of the artist who created it. This is a wonderful way to become familiar with local performing artists without being subjected to filtered art. The Fringe Festival in essence is about adventure, exploration and art!

Fringe showcases a wide array of performances and has a large selection to choose from. Please see the Show Listing for more information. Shows vary in audience and some are appropriate for all ages while others are strictly for a more mature crowd. Performances are also held at various locations, which you can find under the listing.

To obtain tickets, please see the Box Office Information. A great way to save some cash and view multiple shows is by purchasing a Fringe Button. It also gives the wearer special discounts at local shops, restaurants and museums.

If you have some spare time, this is a great way to enjoy some of what DC has to offer. If you’re really enjoying it, you may want to think about applying for the Fringe Fanatic award! Look no further for a grand adventure for it is here at the Fringe Fest!

-Vanessa, Innkeeper

Slapsticon is a film festival that strives to bring life back to some of the old silent comedies that paved the way for all our future films! On July 17th, their special feature will include three lost films created by one of the most prominent film pioneers of the 20th century, Sir Charles Chaplin. This is a real treat for any Chaplin fan! The films start at 8pm and include A Thief Catcher (1914), Mutual Outtakes (1916-17), and The Bond (1918).

Slapsticon

This festival also includes many other film shorts by other great comedians including Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, Hal Roach,  Harpo Marx, and Abbot & Costello. The festival runs between July 15-18 and is located at the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre in Arlington, Virginia. The film program runs all day. See the link for details on the films to be shown.

Film Program

To join, you must Register beforehand. This is a festival that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and is a great way to get out of the July heat! So, be sure not to miss out on the laughs. As the great Chaplin once said, “a day without laughter is a day wasted.”

-Vanessa, Innkeeper

Summers in D.C. are more than a lot of fun, activities are often FREE.  Did you know the Kennedy Center (yes, the one you watch on TV and read about in the papers) has a FREE SHOW from 6 pm - 7 pm everyday! They call it the “Millennium Stage,” and just like the far-reaching, lesser known meaning of millennium, your time at this Kennedy Center venue will bring you GREAT JOY! (In case you didn’t get that, millennium can mean more than a thousand years … it’s lesser known meaning is “a period of great happiness or human perfection” … no worries, we were surprised, too … LOL)

In the month of June, visitors to the Millennium Stage can look forward to performances from the Blue Eyed Soul Dance Company of the United Kingdom, the band Forró No Escuro playing Brazilian dance music, the Fairfax Wind Symphony, Deviated Theatre, the U.S. Navy Band, and so much more.  For additional information, visit http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/schedule.html.

(And don’t forget, if you stay at the American Guest House, you’ll be only a hop, skip, and a jump away from the fun.  Our convenient location near Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan makes us one of the best stops in DC!)

Enjoy your trip!

Your friends at the American Guest House

Free and fun for the whole family, come gaze at the stars and planets once per month at Rock Creek Park. 

The  FLEA MARKET at the Eastern Market in DC is located between the Capitol and Union Station and it has been around for the last 26 years.  The market is one of the most diverse in the nation where you can shop for antiques, arts, craft, collectables and imports from around the world.  The flea market operates every Sunday year round 10 to 5pm.

On April 14th 1889 President Lincoln was shot by Wilkes Booth while attending Ford’s Theatre.  

If lots of walking is not your cup of tea - a guided bike tour may be just what you need.  Rates are about $35 a day but please check the site below for updated information.

http://www.bikethesites.com/

Cultural Tourism DC’s Calendar lists a broad range of activities and special events for all ages and interests.  Just to name a few, Tour and Tea and the National Cathedral, Spring Garden Tours, Backstage Tour and many more…

Taxi Meters: Fines Begin June 1

For years Taxi Cab drivers in DC have used and abused the Zone System charges.   The abuse was even greater with tourists since they didn’t know how to fight off such abuses.  But now, finally, thanks to the City’s Mayor the system has been changed to what the rest of the world uses which is the the time-and-distance meters as of May 1.  Beginning June 1, drivers risk a $1,000 fine and a suspended or revoked license for not using a meter. Next time you take a taxi, look for the sticker with the District flag certifying that a meter is in use. Call 311 or visit the DC Taxicab Commission website to file a complaint. Read more.

You’ll Love DC!!!

DC is a great place to visit and 3 days is not enough to see all DC has to offer.  Great Night Life, Great Museums and Monuments, Politics, Family Activities, and you can find great hotel rates during July and August.  As always, here at the American Guest House we offer great summer rates, FREE Hot breakfast, free Internet and free use of a computer in case you did not bring one.  Check us out - You’ll be happy you did.