Weekend Now

A Weekend Is More Than Two Days

The staff of Weekend , The Washington Post's weekly entertainment guide, covers what's happening in the Washington area. We'll field your questions on everything in the section from performances and new DVDs to weekend getaways and kids' activities. We write about all kinds of tun things to do and we're happy to talk to you about it.

The Weekend staff was online Friday, June 23, at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions and comments.

This week in Weekend , it's time for wine, crossword puzzles and song. Washington is a wine town, and Ellen McCarthy offers suggestions for newbies and oenophiles alike to experience the best of the grape, from classes and house-parties to vineyard tours and store tastings. And with the documentary "Wordplay" opening this week, Michael O'Sullivan interviews Will Shortz , the crossword puzzle editor for the New York Times. Friday night, the free Weekend's Weekends concert series continues at Carter Barron Amphitheatre with Reggae Night.

Read about the staff of the Weekend section.

A transcript follows.

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Scott Vogel: We've all an intriguing assignment this weekend: bracing for the possibility of another round of thunderstorms -- anyone else bleary-eyed from last night's sound and fury? -- even as we know that weather prediction is far from an exact science in summer.

And so we press on -- to a discussion of the weekend's best entertainment options, and yet another chance to win a coveted pre-shrunk, Honduran-made Weekend T-shirt. We're looking for the most creative answer to this question: if everything else gets rained out this weekend, what's your Plan B?

Your Plan A, naturally, should be the Weekend's Weekends concert at Carter Barron Amphitheatre. For tickets to tonight's Reggae Night program, featuring Bambu Station and others, come to the Washington Post building during business hours or the Carter Barron box office.

Now, let's chat!

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Alexandria, Va.: I'm going to the Dave Matthews Band Concert on Saturday at Nissan. The Web site states that there is no alcohol allowed in the parking lot prior to the event. Is this really enforced? How do you tailgate without some "tasty beverages"? Thanks.

Richard Harrington: Theoretically, alcohol isn't allowed in any parking lots, which is a public space; According to Virginia's Alcoholic Beverage Control Act: Section4.1-308. Drinking alcoholic beverages, or offering to another, in public place; If any person takes a drink of alcoholic beverages or offers a drink thereof to another, whether accepted or not, at or in any public place, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

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washingtonpost.com: Weekend Section (Post, June 23)

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Bethesda, Md.: For those of us going to Rehoboth this weekend, would you tell me if it would be better to leave late this afternoon or tomorrow morning? I've never been and have heard the traffic is terrible. Thanks.

Twila Waddy: Hi,

I loved Rehoboth beach when I went. For traffic, if you go in the morning, it is best to head out early, before 7 a.m. For my visit, I went on a Thursday and around noon and had no problems with traffic. This afternoon my be tough.

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Arlington, Va.: I was thinking of renting a canoe this weekend (if the weather's okay!) but need to find somewhere metro-accessible. I was thinking someplace near Georgetown, so afterwards my date and I can stroll around, grab a bite to eat, etc. ... any suggestions? I've (shamefully) never been to the Millenium Stage, but was also thinking that could be part of our date. Is there a canoe rental place within walking distance of Foggy Bottom metro? Although I live in Arlington, I don't get across the river much (again, shamefully, shamefully!) on weekends and would LOVE your advice, since I'm trying to entertain a wonderful but similarly homebodyish lad. Thanks!

Ellen McCarthy: "...a wonderful but similarly homebodyish lad." I love that! Okay, sounds like you've got a great plan. Jack's Boathouse, on K Street in Georgetown's waterfront, rents both canoes and kayaks. $15 for one hour, $25 for two. Report back next week and tell us how it goes, will you??

Scott Vogel: Another idea: Thompson's Boat Center. P.S.: They rent bikes really cheap too.

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Bowie, Md.: Why is it that the only reggae Americans seem to know is Bob Marley? Why doesn't it get more love today?

Richard Harrington: That's a little too broad a brush stroke. Bob MArley is probably the reggae artists most Americans know, and that's probably true worldwide. But the frequent reagge concerts and club shows in this area suggest a broader knowledge and fandom. Incidentally, besides our Weekend's Weekend reggae night (free concert) at Carter Barron tonight and the DC Caribbean Carnival at Banneker Field Saturday and Sunday, there are a couple of major reggae shows coming to town; the return of Reggae Sunsplash Aug 15 at Nissan with UB-40, Maxi Priest, Toots and the Maytals, Third World and Rik Rok. and the Roots, Rock, Reggae Festival with Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley, Ozomatli and Bunny Wailer August 27 at Wolf Trap.

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Washington, D.C.: I keep hearing about the upcoming Fringe Festival in other publications but not in the Post. Is the Post planning to ignore this watershed moment for the city's theatrical community?

Christina Talcott: Not only are we not ignoring it, we're all working hard right now to put together an exciting cover package all about the festival. Look for it on June 21 when the festival starts. There will be theater, music, dance, performance art and a handful of puppet shows (!), with contributions from some local favorites and visiting artists. Get a peek at the schedule at http://www.capfringe.org/ .

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D.C. in the house: Does L L Cool J still matter anymore?

Richard Harrington: Maybe LL doesn't matter to you, but he's still widely respected for his role in popularizing hip-hop, his longevity in a field that doesn't often allow that, his diversification as an actor, author (with a fitness book coming out next year) and most recently fashion designer.

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Fairfax, Va.: Forget Superman. Whatever happened to the plan to make a movie of The Watchmen?

Curt Fields: It's still in the works. Apparently Warner Bros. has the rights now. I just saw a story that said Zach Snyder, who did "Dawn of the Dead" a couple of years back, has signed on to direct.

As a huge fan of that particular graphic novel (it's one of the best, ever, check it out if you have even a remote interest in the genre and haven't already read it), I'm awaiting the Hollywood treatment with a mixture of fear and expectation. If they treat it right (think "Sin City" or one of the -good- "Batman" flicks) it could be incredible. Of course, the odds of that happening are slim ...

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Northern Virginia: What's the best event downtown this weekend for a family with a couple of school age kids?

Joyce Jones: A great free option on Saturday afternoon is the World Refugee Day Festival at National Geographic. It's metro accessible (Farragut North) and the entertainment is quality and also not your run-of-the-mill kids' stuff. The afternoon event (from noon to 4) will also include a crafts market and ethnic foods (not free). Go here for more details.

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Member of the D.C. Cru: Loved reading your article "Vintage Tastes." As a member of a local group of wine nuts (I was going to say wine dorks, but ...) that meets regularly in D.C. restaurants to enjoy a good meal, share some good wine, and have a great time, it was nice to see the section about "offlines." We all met on an excellent wine board that was not identified in the article, ( Vino Cellar ) and have been doing offlines for several years. As an aside, you might want to point out that several restaurants have nights that they offer free corkage (usually on those nights that are slow in the restaurant like Sunday and Monday) that make an offline even more attractive.

I hope that this article is fodder for providing more, not less, emphasis on wine in the Food Section. I remember when there used to be a regular discussion here on wine and it appears to me that there has been a "rachetting down" of the amount of space given to wine in the Post.

BTW Ellen, since your bio says you are always looking, have you tried the wings at Urban BBQ in Rockville? They are my absolute favorite.

Ellen McCarthy: Thanks! I have to tell you, I had a blast reporting this story. Everyone I encountered in the Washington wine community was passionate and friendly and really wanted to share the gospel about how much fun wine can be. Thanks for your tips about the bulletin board--and the wings! I'll definitely check it out.

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washingtonpost.com: Thompson Boat Center

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Berryville, Va.: WINE EDUCATION VIA Local Colleges.

Sips of Wisdom:

Have you always wished to spend a day visiting local wineries and tasting the wines they have to offer, but you were too intimidated by the tasting process? Spend an afternoon with the Bogaty's of Veramar Vineyard in Berryville, and let them teach you a simple 1 - 2 - 3 system for wine tasting, Swirl, Sniff, Slurp. This short and casual seminar is geared toward wine tasting beginners. In addition to wine tasting basics, you'll enjoy lunch and learn a little about how wine and food are paired, plus you'll tour the vineyard and learn about winery equipment.

Sat., July 15, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Call Continuing Education at the NVCC Loudoun Campus, 703-450-2551

ALSO

Coming This Fall More Viticulture and Enology Courses

Northern Virginia Community College and Lord Fairfax Community College have partnered with area vineyards and wineries to provide classes in various aspects of vineyard management and wine making, as well as further explorations in wine tasting. Local experts from our region's wineries will share their knowledge, experience and passion in the unique experience of wine making from vine to bottle.

Joyce Jones: Thanks for sharing this. More wine education info is welcome....

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Bethesda, Md.: The little ones are driving me crazy wanting me to go to a water park this weekend, but I don't want to spend $1000 on admission to Six Flags. Aren't there any free water parks sponsored by the city or something?

Twila Waddy: Hello. I do not know of any free water parks in the area. But, there are alot community pools. There is the Bethesda Outdoor Pool, on Hillandale Road, 301-652-1598. They have a main, baby and lap pool. It is $6 for adults and $4 for kids. I hope this helps.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm a young professional who's really interested in learning more about wine, but can't afford to pay for classes or expensive tastings. Suggestions for restaurants or wine stores in the District that have free or discounted wine days?

Ellen McCarthy: Many wine stores have free tastings on Friday nights and weekends, and that can be a great way to try new wines and talk to knowledgeable shop owners. If there's one in your neighborhood, you should saunter in one day and just tell the salesperson that you're interested in learning new things, but don't have a big budget. I can almost guarantee they'll be thrilled to help. One store I mentioned in the story is Best Cellars, which has locations in Dupont Circle and Arlington and tastings every day at 5:30.

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Curt Fields: Speaking of World Refugee Day (we were, above)... the Refugee All-Stars of Sierra Leone are playing Sunday night on the Kennedy Center's South Plaza (mentioned on p.3 in today's section). A music-head pal of mine saw them in Florida in the past week or so and says they are well worth checking out.

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Rainyville: My Plan A and Plan B for the weekend is a bunch of competitive Scrabble and Monopoly playing. I know it's not video gaming or wine tasting, but it's always fun to have wholesome times with the family. Too cheesy for a T-shirt?

Twila Waddy: Family time can never be cheesy. Board games can be fun, especially if there are competitive players. Thanks for the idea.

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Shaw, D.C.: I really want to go swimming tomorrow. But I don't want to invest a lot of travel, since I'll probably end up getting rained on. Any recommendations? I haven't tried any of the D.C. public pools - are they adult-friendly? I just want to splash around, but I don't want to compete with too many screeching small children.

Christina Talcott: You're in luck - there are some nice public pools in D.C., perfect for a quick dip. I like the I like the Francis pool, which is a quick bus ride from Shaw on the G2 (P Street line). There are kids there, but the concrete "beach" is also full of lounging, sun-and-splash-seeking adults. It's also right next to Rock Creek Park, so if you feel inspired to go for a walk or a bike ride, you're right there. Here's a full list of D.C. public pools.

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New Jersey: My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to D.C. the last week of July. Anything especially good going on then that we should make plans to do?

Joyce Jones: In late July, one of the most intriguing options on the horizon is the DC Fringe Festival. It begins July 20 and runs for 10 days,so it should be in full swing during your visit. Lots of comedy, musicals, caberet, dance, performance art and some things that defy labels. Go here for more details.

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washingtonpost.com: Proper Link: Capital Fringe Festival

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Washington, D.C.: Adam Sandler is a complete joke. Thank you, Stpehen Hunter, for calling him on it.

Curt Fields: Ah, a little hateration in the morning. (And I tend to agree with you by the way. His movies are quite painful to endure.)

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Rockville, Md.: If the weather gets bad, I'm actually thinking of heading up to Balitmore to visit the aquarium. It gets crowded during nice weather, but since its indoor, I figure we can enjoy it, and hopefully it won't be crowded.

Scott Vogel: Water, water everywhere.... Good idea, thanks.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm going to the Allman Brothers concert at Nissan on Saturday ... can you bring alcohol in with you like at Wolf Trap or do you have to buy it there?

Richard Harrington: Don't even think about it and bring lots of money...

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Washington, D.C.: In Ellen McCarthy's article on wine-tasting, why did she feel compelled to set up straw-men in the form of imaginary "wine snobs" whom she then witlessly pilloried? ("Pinched-nosed friends"? "Smarty McSmarts"? Please. Stop. The Post's faux-"reg'lar folks" posturing has become grindingly tedious.)

Wine-tasting does have its own vocabulary. To characterize its use as "inane adjectives" with "pretentious fake accents"(?!) is simply cretinous populism. Were the author to fault literary criticism for employing "all'a that there high-falutin' phraseology" when, really, she just wants to "enjoy them purty words", she would be rightly marked as an idiot.

So, then, why did she subject this topic to the WashPost DumbDown Process?

washingtonpost.com: The Sipping Point (Post, Weekend, June 23)

Ellen McCarthy: Hey there, thanks for chiming in. My intention wasn't to dumb anything down, but to give people ideas on how to learn more about wine in environments that aren't intimidating. I appreciate your comments, though.

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Plan B? We don't need no steekin Plan B!: There is no Plan B. Old Dominion beerfest is a must. Rain just makes it better. Drunk people + muddy field = Hilarity

Curt Fields: Good to see there are people with persistence willing to brave a little rain for their fun.

The beer fest by the way starts tonight and runs through Sunday. Along with reps from a few dozen craft breweries there will be some excellent music from the likes of the Waco Brothers, Robbie Fulks (don't miss him, he's great), Last Train Home (featuring former Postie Eric Brace who's a fine singer), the Brindley Brothers, Karl Straub, Bruce Ewan & Miguel Botafogo, and some more.

This is the fest's 10th year and I've never heard a bad word about it.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Any fun events related to food/wine or lectures tonight in the Gaithersburg or Rockville area?

Ellen McCarthy: I don't know any off hand, but I bet there's someone out there who does...

Chatters, any suggestions for a fun wine time in Maryland tonight?

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Washington, D.C.: Do you know whether Heart of the Game is eexpected to have a wider distribution any time soon, or will it only play at the Dupont Circle theater?

Scott Vogel: Looks like it will be playing exclusively at the Dupont theater again this week. But who knows, word of mouth on this fine film is spreading, so perhaps it will indeed open wider eventually.

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Arlington, Va.: If Bethesda wants to venture down to Arlington for water fun, we'll now have two public parks with splash fountains -- the second one is being opened tomorrow. Like the water park, but much smaller. In fact, that's my Plan B, rain or no rain!

Scott Vogel: I like this idea. Can you give us any further details on the new park, Arlington?

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Arlington VA: Since you mentioned the rain, is there any way to find out how much it rained after a storm or rainfall? Just curious. I watched the beautiful lightning and don't know if it rained after I fell asleep.

Curt Fields: The weather page on the back of the Post's Metro section and local TV newscasts are a couple of places that provide that info.

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I want to go biking: Is there a place in the D.C. or NOVA region where I could rent bikes and head out onto a trail for a novice? Is theresuch a place on or near the teddy rooselvelt island?

and one more question ... I've never done the whole wine tasting thing and I would love to get into it but i don't drink anything with alcohol. Funny, I know. Do any of these places have non-alcholic wine selections available other than just being plain grap juice? Thanks!

Joyce Jones: My husband and I have had good luck renting bikes at Big Wheel Bikes in Georgetown (1034 33rd St. NW; 202-337-0254). They rent by the hour or all day. They're located close to the C&O Canal towpath which is an easy trail for a newbie. (If you're doing this rent a mountain bike or hybrid.) It's a beautiful place to bike and if you have the energy you can pedal to Great Falls and back in an afternoon. They have other locations: Bethesda (you could hop on Capital Crescent Trail), Old Town Alexandria and Arlington.

Regarding non-alcohol wines. I'm not an expert, but I there's a lot about them on the Internet. I poked around and found Ariel Vineyards in Napa, Calif., which seems to have a good rep for fine non-alcohol wines.

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Boyds, Md.: Greetings Weekend staff, both singularly and collectively.

I've got tickets to see Charlie Victor Romeo this weekend at the Studio theatre. What can I expect? Will we be able to have dinner and go dancing afterwards, or will it leave us so shaken we'll have to see a shrink? I'm taking my wife ... will she begin divorce proceedings on Monday?

Many thanks.

Ellen McCarthy: Don't lawyer yourself up just yet. I saw this a couple weeks ago and found it riveting. It's not the type of production you can say you "enjoyed," but I think you'll be glad you saw it. The play--which recreates the final moments of airplane disasters-- is very affecting and may change the way you feel about flying.

_______________________Out of town: Hi, we are visiting from New Orleans and are looking for a little taste of home right here in D.C. Where are the cajun places?

Curt Fields: In the District you might try Bardia's New Orleans Cafe or Lex Cajun Grill. There are others, both in DC and the 'burbs. Visit washingtonpost.com's "city guide" and search on cajun for a variety of other options.

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washingtonpost.com: City Guide: Cajun Food

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Arlington, Va.: Can you suggest some wine tours that are under $100/person. Ideally, it would have some sort of bus to take us to vinyards to avoid drinking and driving. I'm looking for something affordable to celebrate an anniversary.

Ellen McCarthy: You should definitely be able to do it for under $100 per person--unless there's only two or three of you going, which can make it more expensive. Most of the major bus lines are willing to charter trips to the vineyards, or you can go through Virginia Wine Country Tours. Have a great time! And thanks for not drinking and driving.

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High-falutin' phraseology: My all-time favorites are "steely waxy bacon fat," "barnyard," and "brambly soapstone." All of which I've heard used by a friend with an excellent palate and nose.

Ellen McCarthy: Ha ha ha. That's fantastic. Any other good ones out there?

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Anonymous: Adam Sandler's comedies are heinous. Have you seen Punch Drunk Love? Amazing, outstanding, heartbreaking, beautifully acted. He is also good in Spanglish, but it does not approach Punch Drunk Love.

Curt Fields: True, his turn in Punch Drunk Love won him lots of praise from critics (although I suspect some of it was because expectations were so low to begin with it was easy for him to impress).

I found Spanglish highly annoying, but I admit that Sandler was not the reason for that.

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washingtonpost.com: Virginia Wine Country Tours

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Washington: Two words: miniature golf. But where?

Twila Waddy: There are several places you can go for miniature golf in the area. The Gaithersburg Miniature Golf at Bohrer Park, 301-258-6445 and South Germantown Recreational Park (which has a splash playround) 301-601-3580. And, In D.C. there is the East Potomac Park Golf Course.

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New York: I've heard that the D.C. production of "Mame" is coming to the Palace Theater here on Broadway. Have you heard anything about that?

Scott Vogel: Any Kennedy Center insiders out there who can help us on this one?

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Wine event tonight in Gaithersburg: Finewine of Gaithersburg in Washingtonian Center (Rio) is having a tasting of the The Wines of Ch. Saint Michelle (4 wines) from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

If you want to spend a lot you could call Grapeseed in Bethesda and see if there are any seats left at their D'arenberg Wine Dinner.

Ellen McCarthy: I knew someone would have the scoop. Thanks.

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Re: Water Park for the Little Ones: How about Cameron Run in Alexandria? Great wave pool and water slides, plus batting cages and mini-golf. Not exactly Six Flags, but fun and clean.

Scott Vogel: Capital suggestion -- it's a big favorite in our house and very convenient to DC.

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Southwest D.C.: : The little ones are too young for the D.C. fireworks on the Mall (too crowded for them). Willing to travel outside D.C. for something a little less chaotic. Ideas?

Christina Talcott: Never fear - there are plenty of local fireworks displays and Fourth celebrations. A couple of my favorites are at Takoma Park Middle School and the Rockville celebration, which is being held this year at Montgomery College. There a great fireworks, and the atmosphere tends to be much more mellow than on the mall. Here's a link to all July 4 events around town.

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Arlington, Va.: If you only go to one day of the Old Dominion beerfest (i.e., Sunday), do you still have to pay $20?

Joyce Jones: Yes, I got clarification on this from Old Dominion Brewing Company. It's $20 whether you go one day or all three. If you can only go one day, for your money, I'd say make it Saturday. Be sure to arrive by 4 so you can catch Last Train Home, followed by Robbie Fulks and topped off by Jon Langford's Waco Brothers. That is a fine lineup to listen to while enjoying the festival's main fare.

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Washington, D.C.: Any thoughts on the Caribbean Festival this weekend? Anything else happening with it besidses the parade tomorrow?

Curt Fields: There are a couple of shows at the Crossroads club that are being billed as part of the Festival celebration. Traffik and Bunji Garlin tonight. Elephant Man tomorrow night.

Also there's an "international marketplace" in Banneker Recreation Park that will feature food, crafts and entertainment.

I'm sure there are more shows at various local clubs connected to it.

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New to D.C. : I'm looking for one of those sing-along piano bars, where they play show tunes and the crowd sings along. Is there such a place?

Christina Talcott: You can't go wrong with Mr. Smith's in Georgetown. Everyone sings along, you can pick what songs you want to hear, and sometimes the piano player lets you sing into the mike. It's fantastic. Plus, they have a "Beer of the Month" deal with $2.50 bottles. This month it's Sierra Nevada Summer Ale. Go, have fun, and sing your heart out!

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Washington, D.C.: Thanks for the great piece on wine in today's paper.

I'm excited for the big wine and food festival tomorrow, but I was wondering if you have any tips or suggested strategies for navigating the huge event and 1,200 wines in the 1-5pm timeframe of the event. I've been wondering how to make the best use of my time at the event in my wine blog: Winesmith

Ellen McCarthy: Your wine blog?! Wow. My understanding is that you can't really go wrong if you pick a few must-see demonstrations and spend the rest of the time just exploring. If any great game plans appear on the blog, I'd love to hear about them.

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Sterling, Va.: We would like to go Cherry picking this weekend. Can you recommend any places in the Virginia, Maryland area that are still available?

Thanks!

Twila Waddy: The Catactin Mountain Orchard has sweet and cherries15036 N. Franklinville Rd., on U.S. 15 a half-mile north of Thurmont. 301-271-2737. And Hartland in Virginia sour cherries, 540-364-2316.

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washingtonpost.com: Fourth of July Area Events:

Rockville, Md.

Takoma Park

City Guide Search

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Columbia, Md.: I have decided if it rains my plan B is to peruse the list of shows that are going to be at the Fringe Festival and figure out how to come up with the big bucks to see as many of the offerings as I can. It sounds like it is going to be alot of fun.

Joyce Jones: thanks for sharing

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Old Dominion Beer Fest -- getting there: Hey guys, Old Dominion has its beer festival this weekend and we'd like to go, but may have to resort to arm-wrestling to decide who is stuck sipping rootbeer all day. Are there any public transportation options at all? We're in Alexandria.

Joyce Jones: Hey, I talked to Ryan, the very nice bartender at the Brew pub. He says there is no mass transportation. However, I learned that if you drive out there and no one opts for a day of rootbeer, leaving you without a designated driver there is an alternative. A company called Scooter Cab will have a booth inside the festival. If you make arrangements with Scooter Cab, someone will be available to drive you home in your vehicle at the arranged time.

Have fun.

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Scott Vogel: Well, looks like that's it for another week. Thanks so much as always for your interesting questions and tips. We hope you have a stellar weekend whatever the weather...

Scott Vogel: oh, and congrats to Plan B? We don't need no steekin Plan B! Please e-mail me at vogelsi@washpost.com and I'll get that terrific Weekend Tee to ya as soon as possible.

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washingtonpost.com: Hartland Orchard and Cacoctin Mountain Orchard

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