10 Things to Do in DC During the Shutdown
By Jess Fetrow
During the government shutdown, popular D.C. “go-to’s” such as the Smithsonian National Zoo, the Smithsonian Museums, National Parks, and Monument Visitor Centers are unavailable to the public, but don’t let that ruin your weekend! Here are 10 things to do in Washington, D.C. this weekend as the government shutdown goes into its fifth week.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Hours: Monday- Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: $8.00 with a Student ID
How to Get There: Take the Red Line to Metro Center, take 13th St. Exit, walk 2 blocks North
Why You Should Visit: Current Exhibitions are Rodarte fashion exhibition, New York Ave Sculpture Project, Ambreen Butt’s reimagined traditional Indian and Persian miniature paintings
Newseum
Hours: Monday- Saturday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Admission: $21.25 with a Student ID; Free admission to federal workers during the shutdown
How to Get There: Take the Red Line to Judiciary Square, the museum is within walking distance
Why You Should Visit: Journalist Memorial, Berlin Wall Gallery, 9/11 Gallery, “1968: Civil Rights at 50;” The Unabomber
Union Market
Courtesy of dc.eater.com
Hours: Market Hours Monday Closed; Tuesday – Wednesday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Thursday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Restaurant hours vary by restaurant
Admission: Free!
How to Get There: Take the Red Line to NoMa-Gallaudet U, Turn Right one Florida Ave NE, Turn Left on 5th St NE
Why You Should Visit: Union Market is made up of a food market, retailers, and several restaurants; a quaint not-so-little market, there is something for everybody, especially those tired of Pryz grilled cheeses. Various special events hosted, regular workout and yoga sessions, and a “Watercolor Cocktails” event beginning February 13th for individuals over 21!
Library of Congress
Hours: Monday- Saturday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Admission: Free!
How to Get There: Take the Red Line to Union Station and walk .5 miles; Capital South Metro stop (Orange/Blue/Silver Lines) and walk two blocks north on First St NE
Why You Should Visit: Want a change of scenery from Mullen Library? Venture to the Library of Congress and get your homework done surrounded by rich history and beautiful architecture!
Biking Around the National Mall
Hours: Any!
Admission: Companies such as Capital BikeShare offer $2 rides for under 30 minutes or $8 rides for 24 hour access
How to Get There: Smithsonian Metro stop (Orange/Blue/Silver Lines) takes you directly onto the National Mall, a bike rack is directly next to the exit
Why You Should Visit: The monuments themselves may be closed due to the shutdown, but they are still easily accessible for a quick look around! Take some of your friends down to the National Mall, rent a shared bike or scooter, and take a look around at the trademark sights of D.C.
Brunch Brunch Brunch!
Hours: Varies upon restaurant
Admission: Food/drink prices vary upon restaurant
How to Get There: Varies upon restaurant
Why You Should Visit: Treat your friends and yourself to a yummy brunch and drinks (if you’re 21, of course) in the city! Popular brunch places in the city include HalfSmoke near Howard University ($30 brunch entree + bottomless mimosas), Roofers Union in Adams Morgan ($15 bottomless mimosas), Alba Osteria in Dupont ($35 bottomless brunch and mimosas) or Red Rocks on H Street ($25 bottomless brunch drinks).
The Washington Harbor Ice Skating Rink
Hours: Monday-Tuesday 12 p.m.- 7 p.m.; Wednesday- Thursday 12 p.m.- 9 p.m.; Friday 12 p.m.- 10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Admission: $10 Adult Admission (Thursday 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. $2 off with valid Student ID); $6 Skate Rentals
How to Get There: Your best bet is to Uber; Take the Red Line to Metro Center and switch to either the Orange, Blue, or Silver Line to Foggy Bottom Metro stop, which is a .7 mile walk to the Waterfront
Why You Should Visit: Take a trip to the Georgetown Waterfront for skating with a view! Just a couple of blocks away from popular bakery Baked and Wired and surrounded by restaurants on the Georgetown Waterfront, this is a fun activity for ice skating pros or newbies! (Penguin skate aids are available on a first come first serve basis!)
Karaoke Sushi
Hours: Varies upon restaurant
Admission: Food/drink prices vary upon restaurant
How to Get There: Varies upon restaurant
Why You Should Visit: A little known gem in D.C are Karaoke sushi restaurants!
Popular restaurants to order sushi while you rock out to some Queen or Bon Jovi with your friends include Wok and Roll in Adams Morgan, Wok and Roll on H Street, and Sticky Rice on H Street.
Snack and Shop Your Way Through Georgetown
Courtesy of winstonhouseapartments.com
Hours: Varies
Admission: Varies
How to Get There: Uber; Take the Red Line to Metro Center and take the Orange, Blue, or Silver Line to Foggy Bottom Metro stop
Why You Should Visit: Located in northwest D.C., Georgetown is home to countless restaurants and shops. Take a stroll through Georgetown and drop by one of the bakeries or sweet shops such as Georgetown Cupcakes, Baked and Wired, Ladurée, or Crepe’s n Cream. After snacking the day away, stop by one of the hundreds of shops in Georgetown, or stop by the famous “Exorcist stairs” featured in the 1973 horror film The Exorcist.
Attend this Week’s House Event: Cardstock
Courtesy of nest.cua.edu
Hours: Friday January 25 6:45 p.m.- 10 p.m.
Admission: Free
How to Get There: On-Campus Event Why You Should Visit: Description from The Nest: “The house is proud to host it’s first ever in house music festival! We are collaborating with CUA Swing Kids (Swing Dancing), BSA (Black Student Alliance), SOL (CUA Student Organization of Latinos), the jazz band and the Irish band to offer students a unique night full of good music.”
