Every Thursday at 1 p.m. ET, washingtonpost.com's City Guide experts share their best bets for local flavor, great dates and family fun. Got plans? Great. Need plans? Just ask. We have the skinny on the bars and clubs, concerts, kitchens, theaters and special events that keep life interesting. We're going out gurus, and we're at your service.

Of course, we're happy to answer questions about local entertainment, but we need to hear from you, too. Introduce us to the coolest DJ or the fastest bartender you've encountered. Sound off on the week's best concert or the city's best burger. Tell us about the best place to amuse little kids or a big art fan. Together we can plan fun ways to spend weekdays, weekends, dates and holidays. The pleasure is ours, and yours.

Each week a different guru will act as host or hostess, but the entire staff is at your service. If you're looking for more ideas, see the City Guide or read transcripts of past Got Plans? discussions.

washingtonpost.com: The Gurus have spring fever today. And by that I mean Fritz's eyes are watering. But seriously, folks ... we are genuinely excited about the nice weather and the fact that summer is just around the corner. And, as always, we are excited to take your questions. A programming note: If for some reason the chat page isn't refreshing for you, just hit the 'ol Shift-F5 and you should see all the new questions and answers. Also, if you enter the numbers from "Lost" at any point during the discussion, you will automatically beam yourself to the weekend. Try it -- it really works! All right, let's chat.

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Dupont Circle: I'm thinking of checking out the burlesque show tomorrow at Palace of Wonders -- thing is, I've never been to a burlesque show OR Palace of Wonders -- what can I expect?

Fritz: The only dancer on tomorrow's bill that I remember seeing is Gigi La Femme, who I caught -- where else? -- at the Palace of Wonders. I'm not super familiar with the Wasabassco Traveling Burlesque Revue, but if it's anything like the other shows that stop in at the Showbar, expect an artfully louche host, '50s-style bump-and-grind dance routine that stop just this side of nakedness, plenty of corny jokes and an evening that's not like anywhere else in D.C.

You'll probably want to stop in early to make sure you get a seat -- sightlines are okay, but stools and chairs are limited -- but leave time to check out the Palace itself, which is full of old sideshow "exhibits" like a five-legged dog, an "ancient Peruvian mummy" and the taxidermied Ringling Brothers unicorn.

Oh, and they have a great back patio with a resident ginger cat.

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Rosslyn: That time of the year is once more upon us, Mother's Day and I need your help. Please!

Is there a garden around the area (willing to travel up to an hour) where you could visit the grounds and take a picnic?

Or

What are your recommendations of nice, not too pricey brunch? Spring-like setting a plus.

Thanks bunch!

Julia: I would check out Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna. So pretty. Hillwood's another option.

As to your other question, here's my list of places to get brunch on Mother's Day. Indigo Landing's got that spring-like vibe. Sabores and LebTav are on the cheaper end of the spectrum.

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Alexandria, Va.: I have to ask early as I'll be in a meeting during the chat: Where can a group of ladies go to see some male strippers in D.C. or close to it? A couple of recently divorced and almost divorced people will be a part of the group so we really need to cheer them up!

Thanks!

Jen: I can tell you where to see "Zombie Strippers." But that's probably not what you're looking for.

I turn you over to the readers, many of whom, I have no doubt, might have some good ideas about nekkid men. (Just keep it clean-ish, kids.)

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Gaithersburg, Md.: My husband and I have our one-year anniversary coming up in May. We were looking into a weekend getaway or a day trip. We were hoping to stay in the metro area (PA, MD, DC, VA) to minimize cost and travel time. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Keep up the good work--love reading the GoG.

Janet: I've heard very good things about the Inn at Montchanin Village in Delaware, near Brandywine country. Check it out.

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Washington, D.C.: Dear Fritz:

So, all the nice weather has got me thinking about sitting outside. Do you know if Morrison-Clark is doing its Thursday happy hours again this year? Do you know when it starts -- I can't remember if it begins after Memorial Day or something like that. Also, do you know what the specials are?

Thanks!

Fritz: Ah, I love the veranda at the venerable Morrison-Clark Hotel. The happy hour is indeed happening on Thursday afternoons -- it started last week -- and includes free appetizers from 5:30 to 7:30. You do have to buy a drink if you want snacks, but the Juleps and highballs have been pretty darn tasty in the past.

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Need a Vacation: This isn't your typical "going out" question, but I'm hoping one of your readers may have a suggestion. I am trying to help plan a group vacation in September for approximately 15 families with what will then be 10-month old children. We are thinking the Delaware beaches but aren't set on that. I think we are more interested in individual rooms than a shared-house situation, although that's not set in stone either. Any specific suggestions or other areas we should be looking at? We are a bunch of new moms in serious need of a break!

Jen: 15 families? Wow. That sounds like a National Lampoon's movie waiting to happen. Seriously, you should invite Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo just for the heck of it.

I would recommend getting a house, or really, houses. With that many people, it will be much more economical. And in Rehoboth/Dewey/Bethany, there are definitely houses for rent that can accommodate many people. Some even promote themselves as being ideal for reunions, etc. You should check out Web sites like vrbo.com, which list vacation spots for rent.

And you might consider the Outer Banks, too. Lots of big 'ol houses just perfect for what it sounds like you want to do.

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Dupont Circle: Like everyone else, I'm planning on happy hour on this gorgeous day. What's your favorite place for a drink on the water?

Fritz: The only waterside place in D.C. that's worth visiting for a drink is Cantina Marina. Love the canned Tecate with house-made Michelada sauce. (That's a mix of hot sauce and lime juice that you mix with the beer. It's very popular in Mexico.) And you're right on the water.

If you must do the Georgetown scene -- which is good for the people-watching and very little else -- Sequoia's patio is the way to go.

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New York, NY (formerly of D.C.): Hi GoGs: I'll be back in DC this weekend after moving up to NYC last summer. What should I be sure to check out since I've left? My old haunts were of the St.-Ex/Wonderland vibe. I checked 930 and Black Cat for shows but nothing appeals. Anything good going on at H Street this weekend? Thanks!

David: Man, but the Black Cat has a killer schedule this weekend with Destroyer and then Jay Reatard! I guess iconoclastic, wordy art-rock and/or full-speed-ahead punk rock isn't your thing. Rock and Roll Hotel has local bands both Friday and Saturday, and some pretty good (and free) DJ things going on upstairs. So if you just want to get a feel for what's going on out there, that could work for you and the upstairs usually has a decent crowd on the weekend. Plus you can bounce around to the Pug, Palace of Wonders, etc., if you just want to mix it up.

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Filmfest DC: I'd like to check out one of the international films. Do you have any recommendations/know if they often sell out in advance? Thanks!

Jen: I know this is going to sound wishy-washy, but I think it really depends on the film. With a semi-rainy weekend on the horizon, there may be more people going to the fest than usual. I am an err-on-the-side-of-caution gal when it comes to movies: If I think there is a chance of a sell-out, I buy tix in advance. I also get there way early because I hate to get a bad seat or miss a second of the previews or the film. Yeah, it's fun going to the movies with me.

Anyway, if you're at all concerned, I would look into getting them ahead of time so you don't have to worry about it.

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Rosslyn: What's the most efficient way to get to the Nationals stadium from Rosslyn?

Fritz: Metro to L'Enfant, then Green Line to Navy Yard.
Or, if you get out of work well before the game, I love to take the Kegbus from Capitol Hill. Very convenient for happy hour, since the area around the stadium is 99.9 percent bar-free.

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Lynchburg, Va.: So fiance and I are coming into town this weekend (hotel deal and great Nats tickets, hooray!), and staying at the Liaison Capitol Hill. We'd like to meet some friends for brunch near the hotel on Sunday, but it's the blind leading the blind (they're also out-of-towners). Suggestions for someplace fun, tasty and semi-cheap?

Julia: Tunicliff's is a good cheap bet. Market Lunch and Starfish Cafe are other options.

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Dupont Circle: Happy spring! Does DC have a Cubs bar? If not, can you suggest any places downtown, Dupont, Adams Morgan, U St area to watch Cubs games? If you can help me, you'll make my Cubs-rabid friend very happy.

Fritz: You can get your Cubbies fix this weekend at Nationals Park.

Oh, you want to watch some other time? The Billy Goat Tavern near Judiciary Square is a Chicago institution with good burgers, outdoor seating and TVs showing the action from [Soon-to-be-known-as-something-other-than-Wrigley] Field.

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Downtown D.C.: Hey Gurus! Any good ideas for a 20-something couple celebrating a birthday tonight? We're pretty familiar with the city's best offerings (we never miss a Gurus post or chat), but we always keep our eyes and ears open for something new. While we appreciate tasty food and drinks, we're more interested in a unique/memorable experience. Along the same lines, any activities or events that could fill the evening? Thanks!

Anne: Hey, happy birthday! Your stars must be aligned, because I was just thinking of all the offerings available today. For example, you could audition to be a hotel's celebrity impersonator (but better hurry for that), see a Martin Scorsese-edited roller derby film starring a Playboy model or, a little more highbrow, help kick off the citywide reading assignment with jazz, '20s fashion and a performance of "The Great Gatsby." Those are all free. Filmfest DC, which isn't, starts tonight, too.

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Colesville, Md.: I want to give my husband a gift before our baby is born and send him to a performance driving class. I can't seem to find any in this area and wondered if you all might have any ideas. Thanks.

Janet: Fun idea, Colesville. Our fab colleague here, Matt, suggested you look at the Web site for the Skip Barber Racing School (www.skipbarber.com). The closest location is in western Maryland.

Good luck!

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Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Hey Gurus,

I have a friend having a birthday next week and I thought it would be fun to pick up some dessert to take over to his place. Something in the big piece of chocolate cake family! I have done this from Filomena's before. Any other suggestions from a place in D.C.? Thanks!

Julia: If you want to be oh-so-trendy and go the cupcake route, Georgetown Cupcake is as good as they come. I was turned away from that place on my first few visits -- ran out of cupcakes, were closed for catering, etc -- but I'm glad I persisted. They really are *that* good. So moist.

Heidelberg Pastry Shop's another good bet, but it's a hike from the Hill.

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D.C., baby!: Hey Fritz, thanks for the Gold Cup blog post -- it's great, and answered a ton of my questions as a first time Gold Cupper. One other question, though: How lenient are these groups about letting people into their tents? For example, I'm going with a state society, but have friends going with University Row. Are we going to be able to hang out, or will we have to wave at each other from afar as we're on our cell phones saying "Do you see me? I'm waving at you! I'm the one in the big hat!"

Fritz: University Row has a biiiiig disclaimer on its Web site about how it's illegal to crash its tents. To quote: "Crashing is trespassing and theft wrapped into one; Trespassing is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia (§18.2-120 and §18.2-23) and theft is universally illegal. Crashers are essentially stealing from the organizers and diminishing the rightful supply due to paid guests. Do not assist crashers. Our policy is to expel anyone who assists crashers, including paid guests."

If you want to make sure you get into University Row, you can buy a tent-only ticket for less than the cost of the full bus/food/drink package.

In my experience the smaller tents -- run by private companies, used for networking, etc. -- are much more amenable to gate-crashers. It's the big-ticket tents like University Row or various bar-sponsored areas that have heavy-handed bouncers. (And when people inside are paying $110 for the day, you can understand why.)

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Washington, D.C.: I am purchasing my boyfriend Shakespeare Theater tickets for his birthday, and was wondering which of the pre-theater dinner specials in the area you would recommend. We're pretty adventurous eaters, so type of food isn't a terribly big concern, but I would like somewhere with a nice atmosphere for celebrating his birthday. Thanks!

Julia: Tom Sietsema just gave a big old shout out to the bar menu at 701.

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RE: we are genuinely excited about the nice weather and the fact that summer is just around the corner.: Okay, that's nice and everything and we're all excited for Summer to arrive. But why don't we just be happy that it's Spring and enjoy the moment?

Jen: I could answer this question, but I'm too busy fixating on my future and not relishing what's happening right now.

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Nearly-Nekkid Men: Thunder From Down Under! Sounds like these ladies could use a trip to Vegas and hotel rates in late May/June are pretty reasonable.

Jen: Well, sure. Vegas is always the answer to questions like that.

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Middleburg, Va.: Gold Cup suggestion: Stop at the Middleburg Creamery for homemade ice cream or a box lunch to go. They offer several tailgate options and the homemade ice cream is to die for. My husband and I stumbled in there three years ago and we have found it to be the perfect option. Get your sandwiches; send the person who latched on to your $75 car pass across to the Safeway to score the beer and wine and you're done.

Anne: Thanks for the suggestion! The Creamery will be doing box lunches again for Gold Cup, and there should be at least eight ice cream flavors, plus a truck at Gold Cup itself. Fresh strawberry sounds delicious to me.

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Haven't been clubbing in a really long time: So I walked by platinum the other day and saw it's closed? and it seems that all the big clubs these days are all out in the boonies near Love or the waterfront. Are there any left around chinatown? Just wondering. Which of all these places in all of DC are the best for a saturday night, if looking for a mixed 20-something crowd with hip hop, top 40 and lots of dancing? Maybe i should just stick with the more low-key dancing type bars like my fave, the Rhino.

Rhome: Platinum is on the ropes these days. Although the official story isn't out yet, you're definitely not going to be able to party there this weekend. You can go next door to Ultrabar but other than that and Avenue you won't be dancing in Chinatown, just lounging.

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Washington, D.C.: Cinco de Mayo's coming up. (fyi, May 5th). Where can a group of 10 or so go have some margaritas outside of the usual La Loma or Lauriol Plaza? Gracias.

Fritz: Es verdad? "Cinco de Mayo" es en cinco (5) de Mayo?

For margaritas, you're not gonna do better than Oyamel, especially now that Will "Blackbyrd" Earls has left Hudson and is crafting cocktails there. (The one with Hibiscus juice and Herradura Silver is the absolute bomb.)

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Re: Billy Goat Tavern...: I forgot to add, though, as a corporate-run pale imitator of real things, the Billy Goat Tavern in DC is PERFECT for Cubs fans.

Fritz: Zing! Let me guess: You're from the South Side.

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Greek festivals: Hey Gurus,

I know there are a couple of Greek Orthodox churches in the area that typically do Greek Festivals in spring -- any idea when those are scheduled? Thanks

Julia: Fritz and I are both big fans of the Greek Festival at St. Sophia's. It's scheduled for May 16-18. We'll post more information in City Guide once we have it -- just called St. Sophia's and details are scarce at this point. It's always a good time, though. The food is delicious.

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Looking to Be a Regular: I'm moving to Arlington in the summer from out of state and want a bar stool to call my own. I like low key, locals-favorite, dark hole in the wall bars with friendly bartenders who can remember your name. Any thoughts?

Fritz: Jay's Saloon is #1 -- everything you describe, plus dead-cheap beers served in frosty mugs and an astroturf covered porch. Galaxy Hut or Kitty O'Shea's if you want something younger and/or more trendy, but with the same general locals-only feeling.

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Okay, I'll try it.: 4 8 15 16 23 42.

Happy Friday!

Jen: Are you there yet? Are you having a beer? Can I have some?

Sorry, fixating on the future again. Just call it a flash-forward.

Love,
Benjamin Linus

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Arlington, Va.: I'm meeting a friend for happy hour in Alexandria- any suggestions? Outdoor seating?

Fritz: Where in Alexandria? Rustico for beers (near Braddock Road), Vermilion or Daniel O'Connell's in Old Town, Mango's Mikes for Mai Thais among the palm trees (on Duke Street) ...

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Temple Hills: Hi. I have a friend visiting next weekend from NYC. In his earlier days, he spent time in the Howard U area, but things have changed a lot since he was here last, especially in the U Street area. Could you recommend a "lots of bang for our buck" kind of evening in that corridor? Preferably catering to a slightly older crowd (we're mid 30s-mid 40s), good jazz and good food on a moderate budget. Thanks so much!

David: You might just want to grab a spot at Twins Jazz for the evening. Nasar Abadey is playing there next Friday and Saturday, he's one of the go-to jazz drummers in D.C. and always has a fine band with him. Tickets are only $15, and the food is relatively inexpensive, although I can't speak to how good it is.

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Northwest D.C.: Random question, Gurus. My girlfriend raves about the fruit carts that dot Philadelphia streets like hot dog stands. Any idea why D.C. doesn't offer a similar option?

Julia: Kind of a long story . . . but here's the short version.

If you're looking for a non-hotdog vendor. Check out the On the Fly food cart. If you're looking for fresh-from-the-farm fruit, check out one of the city's many farmers markets. This totally cool interactive map (that took me forever to make) lets you sort by day of the week. Monday's kind of lacking, but the rest of the weekdays are pretty packed.

Know of a market that's not listed here? Let me know at restaurants (at) washingtonpost.com. We'd love to add it.

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Dupont: Hi Gurus,

Happy (almost) Friday! You guys are the best and I could use a suggestion.

So Sat is girls night out. A group (3-7?) of us are planning on hitting the dance floor in DC. We're in our mid-twenties and prefer to dance to hip-hop/top 40. We'd prefer something maybe with some perks (guest list without bottle service, free drinks even). What should our top choices be?

Thanks!

Fritz: Try Ultrabar (ultrabardc.com) for free admission and an hour of open bar; it's a four-floor club with DJ Enferno's awesome turntable skills keeping the party live. Over at Avenue (www.primop.com), DJ Geometrix mixes up mashups and hip-hop. Again, it's free to RSVP for guest list and there's an hour of open bar.

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Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.: Help! I moved away about 2 years ago and will be back in town this weekend to meet up with girlfriends at Local 16 this Friday. We want to go dancing afterward. We are in our mid to late 30s and like techno and house mixes. I used to love Funktion, but it isn't on Wonderland's schedule. Is the Science Club DJ up our alley? Anything on U Street we can go to? Oh wise gurus, I need your sage advice!

Rhome: I don't know who is at Science Club on Fridays these days but the quality control is in effect there. Management has good taste in DJs. If you want some electronica near U Street with some curve balls thrown in, you can try Will Eastman at Napoleon.

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Del Ray: We were planning on taking a friend to Russia House next weekend to celebrate his engagement (he is a big Russian studies guy and misses his adopted motherland). The reviews I've seen are mixed, but he is really excited about the vodka selection and Baltika beer. Is Russia House a place for a decent night out or is there another place in DC where my friend can get his rare Russian vodka fix?

Fritz: There is nowhere like Russia House in the area -- around 100 different vodkas, served chilled as shots or in cocktails, and Baltika on draft. The crowd is a weird mix of Eastern European emigres and locals who dig the scene. You may even see a Caps player or two in the marble-walled lounge...

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Are you there yet? : I am there, and I'm enjoying a beer with Christopher Lloyd. Signal fading....

Jen: I'm hitting the gas, getting up to 55 and firing up the flux capacitor. See you in a few...

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15 families with what will then be 10-month old children: I don't think of this as a vacation! Oh my goodness.

Jen: Yeah, I am starting to wonder if it's one of the people from the polygamous compound writing in to Got Plans?

(Kidding, previous reader. If you want to go on vacation en masse, you go right ahead.)

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Columbia, Md.: 4 8 15 16 23 42

Jen: Your weekend starts now, John Locke.

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Club Platinum: Rhome, you said Platinum was "on the ropes." Do you know if something else is going to replace it, or it's just going to be gone?

Rhome: As soon as we know you'll find it here.

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Columbia Heights (Targetville), D.C.: I was thinking about going to the Modernist Society bit that Fritz wrote about at some point. Should I get there early to secure seating? Is this a packed house kind of thing? Is it really free? Thanks!

Fritz: It's really free and it's really packed -- or was last month, when Eric Hilton of Thievery Corporation/Eighteenth Street Lounge was the featured guest. For tonight's screening of "A/K/A Tommy Chong," I expect it to be busy, but you should be able to grab a good spot 15-30 minutes before it starts. (Shoot for the mezzanine level and you'll be fine.) The Q&A with the director starts immediately after the movie.

And man, a free movie, DJs and $3 for your choice of Brooklyn and Bells beers or a mystery bourbon all night long. Can't beat that.

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Annapolis, Md.: In two weeks, I'm meeting a friend to see a performance at the GALA theater at Tivoli. Any suggestions for a relatively inexpensive, quiet restaurant nearby where we could grab a bite and possibly a drink or two while we catch up? Bonus points for a place where I can eat well on a restricted calorie diet.

Julia: Logan at the Heights is probably your best bet. They have good, full salads, including this one with crab that's just delish. You can spend up to $25 on entrees there, but if you stick to burgers, salads and pasta, you could skate by on $12-$18 per person. Mayorga Lounge could be another good bet.

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Adams Morgan: A few weeks ago I stumbled upon a free vodka martini promotion at Indebleu. Is there any way to hear about these in advance? A girl could always use more free cocktails.

Fritz: So could I, after having to cut a check last week. The best way to do that is to be on a bar's email list of preferred customers or to be on the liquor company's e-mail list -- I've heard about a few that way.

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Threading the Red Line?: So, not so much Going Out, but Getting Ready to Go Out. I know a couple years back you did an article on threading (as an alternative to waxing). I used to go to Threads on L St., but the office has moved over to Union Station area, and it's hard for me to get back that direction.

Do you know of any place(s) that offer threading either on the Red Line or out in Vienna/Tysons Corner (where I live)?

My eyebrows thank you...

Janet: Could you make it to U Street? There's D'Brows on 1203 U St.

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Petworth: The Russophile dude should also come uptown and check out Domku. Not the big vodka selection, but he would probably appreciate the beer choices.

Fritz: I was just getting nagged about not going to/writing about Domku by a friend the other day, and now this pops up. Yes, Domku is fantastic: Funky furniture, good aquavits (maybe your friend is a closet Finnophile?), good food. The neighborhood crowd is relaxed and friendly, especially at the bar.

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Dupont Circle, D.C.: I'm going to the Preakness with friends but don't want to worry about drinking and driving. Are there any services that I can use that will get me there and back? (and may turn a blind eye at tasty beverages I bring)

Fritz: Argh. The Boomerang Bus, which I was going to recommend, is already sold out. And getting to that part of Baltimore via public transportation is an absolute pain.

Anyone have any bright ideas?

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The FC, Va.: My friends from New York City are coming into town this weekend. They are in their early 30s and I want to show them a good time. However, we want to stay close to home base in Falls Church. Suggestions for Friday, Saturday day, or Saturday night for Tysons, Falls Church or Arlington?

Anne: For general going out, you could hit Iota, Galaxy Hut, Eleventh or Tallula/EatBar in the Clarendon strip, and there are a fair number of sidewalk seating restaurants up there. Julia was just saying she's on an Evening Star kick, pointing out that's a sweet patio for Del Ray people-watching. I know these aren't in the towns you mentioned, but they struck me as good options for Saturday day, depending on your mood: either sample wines at Reston's Great Grapes festival or, if you're into mid-century modernist style, pretend you're walking through the pages of Dwell on the Hollin Hills house tour. The size of living space there would be sure to wow anyone living in an NYC shoebox.

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Farmer's Market Gratitude: Thanks Julia for the great farmer's market database! The interactive map is the greatest thing ever. Just want to let you know it's very appreciated by this farmer's market fanatic.

A related question: Is there a "best of the best" farmer's market? Which one has the most (or most interesting) vendors?

Julia: You just made my day! I'll pass your comments along to the Food Section crew as well. They did the research.

I do most of my farmers marketing within the city, so I'm kind of biased in that regard. Dupont's a great go-to, I think. It's got the best selection of vendors within the city. At 14th and U, Elaine Faucher sells such beautiful flowers that I talked her into doing my wedding.

In the 'burbs, I know my mom's a big fan of the Reston market at Lake Anne. Goes pretty much every week.

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re: Ft. Lauderdale: Meistro and Tom B are @ ESL on Friday. Two sure-shot winners.

Fritz: While neither Meistro and Tom B. would fit into the "techno" end of the field, they're both really, really solid on the decks and a trip to ESL is almost always a blast. (Besides, you can enjoy the weather out on ESL's patio.)

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Spring Cleaning: Gurus,

I'm hoping you can help. I'm in the midst of massive spring cleaning, which means taking care of all those little fix-its and repairs. Specifically some clothing fixes - I have a sweater where I managed to gash a huge hole in the elbow. I think it's beyond repair, but since it's a relatively new sweater, I was wondering if there was a dry cleaner/tailor that you would recommend to turn it into a short-sleeve sweater? Thanks.

Janet: There's a place called Parkway Custom Dry Cleaning in Chevy Chase on Connecticut Avenue that has staff that might be able to handle that task.

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Arlington: To the girls looking to dance to techno/house remixes on Sat night. Try the main room at Josephine.

Rhome: Yup. Try it.

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The Hill: Why is the weather always beautiful when I'm sitting in my cube at work, and miserable when I can actually go outside?

Fritz: This is when I miss college and we could convince our professors/TAs to hold class outside. Got Plans? apparently can't be done alfresco ... or can it?

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Washington, D.C.: I'm meeting some friends at Clarendon Ballroom for a few drinks, but have heard some dreadful things about the place - what should I expect?

Fritz: I'm curious about where you heard these "dreadful" things -- on Late Night Shots, perhaps?

The Ballroom is what it is: A nightclub with an enormous rooftop deck that attracts young professionals from all over Arlington and NoVa. Most have come straight from work, but lord knows I'd want to be on that huge patio, especially on a day like today. It's not trendy or even consciously hip. It's just a place to chill out and drink beers and margaritas.

I can say that the singles scene is very cliquey and the women roam in packs. Not super social until much later in the evening.

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Bethesda, Md.: Hi,

I'll ask the question everyone has. What are some options for drinks after work tomorrow, outside, where I won't feel totally crushed by the crowds coming out for the good weather? Somewhere off the red line, but not Adams Morgan.

Thanks!

Fritz: Check back on the City Guide before you leave work today -- Julia and I have been working on just such a list.

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Georgetown: Have you guys heard about this dessert bar in the Penn Quarter opening up? I think it is called CoCoSala? I keep reading blurbs about it opening but can't seem to find any more information about it.

Julia: Word is that it's supposed to open "end of April, early May." The bar/lounge/coffee shop/restaurant was supposed to open a while ago, but, such is the way of all restaurant openings in D.C.

I'm particularly excited for this one. In addition to having coffee drinks in the morning, it'll transition into a chocolate bar/lounge at night.

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Fruit stands: This just reminded me -- there used to be a fruit stand at the corner of 14th and L, NW but I haven't seen it in years. It -is- surprising that D.C. doesn't have street fruit vendors.

Julia: Just got an e-mail about a fruit stand sighting at 17th and I. Can anyone confirm?

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Washington, D.C.: My brother is coming to town for the weekend - Any cool exhibits or festivals going on? I'm taking the day off on Friday so we have plenty of time to explore. Also, what are the best Thursday night spots in the Adams Morgan/U St area? And please nothing too fratastic.

Fritz: The coolest thing going on this weekend -- other than Filmfest D.C. -- is WalkingTown, DC. Choose from over 80 tours in 18 neighborhoods, covering everything from the secret history of the Mall to the history of the Temperance movement to music in Mount Pleasant. You can even see art in Metro Stations.

As far as tonight in Adams Morgan, it's the Tommy Chong documentary at Bourbon's Modernist Society, the international beats and cocktails at Metropolitain, the rooftop at the Reef or old-school hip-hop night at Chief Ike's. Check the Nightlife Agenda column for the full rundown of tonight's (very busy) calendar.

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Horses?, D.C.: Thanks for the useful links in the City Guide about horses - my new neighbors just moved to D.C. from where they had horses their children could ride. I've offered to help them out, and thought you had put together some kind of a "guide to horse riding in the area" a little while ago? Can you link to it or guide me to it? Thanks!

Julia: 'Twas a long, long time ago that we had such a guide on the site. I can't find anything recent enough to be reliable. I'd tell your neighbors to check out the Rock Creek Horse Center and the Potomac Horse Center for a start.

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17th and I: YES. He's there in the morning anyway. Across the street from the Farragut West metro.

Julia: Nice! And there you have it, folks. Farragut fruit for everyone.

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Stuck in a cube: As someone who works right above it, I can confirm that there is an AMAZING fruit vendor at 17th & Eye. I just chomped down on some fresh pineapple and a 35-cent banana from that incredible little man.

Julia: Wow, another enthusiastic response. So wish I knew about this guy back when I used to work in the city.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm not going to be able to join the discussion at 1 due to a work conflict, but I was wondering about a good place to go for happy hour tonight. Specifically a place that has outdoor seating, preferably with a bar outside too and a good crowd. It's me and my 3 single girlfriends so we want a good spot for mingling. To make it extraordinarily difficult to recommend a place, we'd prefer a crowd of 30-somethings and not the typical 24-year-olds usually at happy hour. Suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!

Fritz: Ah, see, MINGLING outside is the tricky part here, because so many bars just have seats outside, which cuts down on the opportunity to talk to someone new. A few places with outdoor bars and standing-room sections designed for interaction:
The rooftops at the Reef and Clarendon Ballroom (open at 5)
The dock at Cantina Marina
The courtyard patio at Tommy Joe's (and maybe Poste; not sure about how mingle-y the crowd will be)

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Washington, D.C.: Hi. My (old, stodgy) parents are coming to town next week. They have been here multiple times, and have done the standard museum tours, etc. Any ideas of fun activities or unique things for them to see?

Anne: Whoa, don't put your parents in a box just for me. So they've seen a lot, but have they been to the Cathedral or Annapolis? Next weekend is jammed with festivals, making it the perfect time to see some D.C. spectacles you might otherwise skip. For example, Flower Mart showcases the Cathedral in its springtime glory (and even climb to its top). Eastern Market Day on May 4 usually brings bands to an already bustling area. The Library of Congress recently jazzed up its "Experience" for visitors ... maybe they'd dig that?

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washingtonpost.com: It seems like we just started this wonderful chat. But look at that, it's already almost 2:30. The future really is now. Thanks for your questions, apologies to readers who didn't get answers and see you next week at 1. Adios.

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