Weekend Now

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 to weekend getaways and kids' activities. We write about all kinds of fun things to do and we're happy to talk to you about it.

Cover Story: 10 Memorable Memorials (Weekend, July 25)

There's so much more to D.C.'s memorials than guys on horses--Michael O'Sullivan takes us on a tour of 10 really interesting ones. We also show you where to take your dog to have a beer (you, silly, not your dog), bring your kids to get wet and eat dinner for $15 or less. Come with your questions about what to do this weekend, and we'll help you figure it out.

A transcript follows.

Read about the staff of the Weekend section.

Weekend Now Discussion Transcripts

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Amy Joyce: Good morning, all. It's Friday! Which, natch, means it's time to discuss what's going on in and around town, what you're up to and what you want to be up to. Send your tips, questions and comments our way. Without further anything, let's talk about the best two days of the week...

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Amy Orndorff: Hey everyone, if you are headed to the Capital Hip Hop Festival (and you should because it sounds awesome) it is going to be tomorrow, not Sunday like I wrote in the paper. Sorry for any confusion!

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Washington, D.C.: I haven't seen this on any of your calendars, but tomorrow (Saturday) there's a funny event at Sticky Fingers Bakery: D.C.'s First Veggie Hot Dog Eating Contest! It starts at 6 p.m. The Web site VegDC.com has more info.

Amy Joyce: That's pretty funny indeed, and creative. And as for Sticky Fingers: Yum! Though we miss you on 18th Street now that you've moved to Columbia Heights.

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Arlington, Va. : The Victims of Communism Memorial is more than a "knockoff." It's a wonderfully accurate copy of a great symbol of freedom for millions who have none. Shame on you for using such language to describe something that hundreds of people spent years trying to build despite funding problems and bureaucratic red tape.

washingtonpost.com: 10 Memorable Memorials (Weekend, July 25)

Michael O'Sullivan: You're right. The Victims of Communism Memorial is more than a knockoff. The overall tone of the article--meant to be irreverent, rather than disrespectful--was not intended to offend.

Anyone out there know of any other interesting or offbeat memorials?

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Rockville, Md.: I'm in the mood for some bargain shopping. Is C-mart worth the trip? Is it really mostly clothes, or do they have housewares and furniture as well? I was thinking about checking out the Daedelus warehouse as well. Have you ever been?

Amy Joyce: I haven't been to either myself, but a friend who loves to shop has been to CMart and said she liked it. Good luck!

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Weekenders, Not sure if this is really your thing, but I'm hoping you or the chatters can help. Do you know of any Metro-accessible places for fencing lessons for adults, preferrably in D.C. or No Va. ? The only ones I can find really require a car. Thanks!

Tracy Grant: DC Fencers Club in Silver Spring (but just over the District line) is about a mile from the Forest Glen Metro stop, which is walkable in my book although perhaps not in some people's minds. The web site is www.dcfencing.com. My kids take fencing lessons there and we've been very pleased with the coaching and enthusiasm. Taught by former members of the Polish National Team.

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washingtonpost.com: DC Fencers' Club

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Amy Joyce: Talking about odd memorials around town, one of my favorites is the Khalil Gibran memorial on Mass Ave., near the VP House. It's nice to stop and sit on a quiet bench there while the traffic whizzes by.

Who else has one?

Alex Baldinger: Big fan of the Albert Einstein statue on Constitution Avenue. Never knew it was there until I was on a DC scavenger hunt, and one of the objectives was "Sit on Albert's Lap."

Ellen McCarthy: The Franciscan Monastery has some great statues. Including a lovely one of St. Christopher.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi. I'm looking for a one-night getaway with my wife. I'd like it to be within 1.5 hrs away, romantic, very clean hotel. We could go the city route or wilderness. I was thinking Baltimore, but all of the hotels are booked up for that particular weekend. Any specific hotel recommendations? Thanks!

Amy Joyce: Oh, good for you. My husband and I are doing our first getaway without our toddler, and heading to St. Michael's. We're splurging a bit on the Inn at Perry Cabin, which we have always heard great things about. However, it's two hours away. (More with traffic, I spose.)
I enjoyed a night at the Admiral Fell Inn in Baltimore about two years ago. However, I remember being upset at random charges, so be careful about that. But the location can't be beat.
You could also try the other direction and head out to West Virginia or Loudoun County. Any recommendations from anyone else?

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Answer for C Mart Shopper: Yes. C Mart has furniture. Lots of unique and interesting pieces, too.

Amy Joyce: Well, there you go. Thanks for the help.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi guys, I'm looking for a nice place for breakfast in the Dupont Circle/Logan Circle area next Saturday or Sunday to meet friends from out of town. Can you suggest any places?

Amy Joyce: Love the Tabard Inn (homemade doughnuts!). The outside patio is particularly nice if the day isn't too hot. Cafe St. Ex on 14th has a very good brunch, too. Or Logan Tavern on P Street by the Whole Foods.

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Washington, D.C.: Not sure if it's off beat in any way (although it's not a guy on a horse) but my favorite in D.C. is by far the FDR Memorial by the Tidal Basin. It's really amazing and a great place to just sit and watch, think or read.

Amy Joyce: That's for sure. I've been many times now... it's pretty big, too, so if you need a quiet place among the tourists, you can usually find one. (Wasn't it FDR who said he didn't want a memorial??)

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Yoga: Help! I think I am remembering correctly -- a few months back the Weekend section had a section on yoga classes in the District. I can't remember the context, but I do remember you listing a studio in Dupont that was for drop-ins and was relatively inexpensive. Any help? I hope I'm not wrong -- I really need some yoga!

Amy Joyce: You're not wrong. Our Ellen McCarthy wrote about how to get zen in the city on the cheap. We'll link to it here in a sec... (Enjoy!)

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Ballston Dude: I hope to get out and ride my bike after work today.

As for climbing on statues and the like, does anyone ever go back to the ones they climbed as kids? They aren't so large and intimidating anymore.

I think of the ones at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston.

Alex Baldinger: I dunno Ballston Dude, the last time I tried to climb up Lincoln's leg, it didn't end so well.

Amy Joyce: And those pesky Park Police are always chasing you away, right?

The Awakening used to be a climber. Has anyone visited it at its new home?

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Amy Orndorff: We are talking way off the beaten path, but I am a big fan of the war correspondents arch in Gathland State Park.

Amy Joyce: Wow, that is out there. But a good idea to try...

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washingtonpost.com: Chilling Out on the Cheap (Post, May 9)

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Washington, D.C.: Just a report back from my trip to Cunningham Falls State Park... It's a lovely setting and we had a good time, but I was a bit surprised at how little of the lake they actually allow you to swim in (I guess I am spoiled by growing up in the Wild West). They also shut down the swimming sections at various points throughout the day due to "unsanitary conditions" (diapers floating in the water, we think), which was disappointing.

So anyway, it's a nice park, but the swimming left something to be desired.

Amy Joyce: That's disappointing. I guess you'll have that unless, like you said, you're really out in the Wild West (or Wild West Virginia or the like).

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Silver Spring, Md.: Help! I need a nice dress to wear to two fall weddings: One in Cape Cod, one in Chicago. Where should I look? I want to buy one soon so I'm not scrambling at the last minute.

Amy Joyce: Wow, that's a wiiiiide open question. What sort of stuff do you like? What sort of price do you want? Hip or classic? Fancy or subdued? (You'd think I know what I'm talking about, right?)
I personally like the things at Nana on U Street. Pink November has some hip, pretty stuff, too. (It's about a block west of Nana.) You'll find things no one else is wearing.
A good source for good shops is the Sunday Source. They have a fun shopping column every weekend.

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Woodley Park, D.C.: For the place to stay for the couple nearby: We went to a wedding in St. Michaels and stayed at the Tarr House B and B. It was a lovely place with wonbderful owners. It is the oldest home in St. Michaels. They have a great breakfast in the am and only two rooms. Tarr House

Amy Joyce: Looks cute...

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Washington, D.C.: And the original FDR Memorial, which is barely more than a large desk-sized block on the grass by the Nat'l Archives.

Amy Joyce: Ah, good one that few people know about!

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Washington, D.C.: So I just googled "Muppets Smithsonian" to find the exact location of the exhibit that recently opened and was supposed to be open until Labor Day. The Web site says the exhibit is closed. What gives?

Michael O'Sullivan: If you google "Muppets Smithsonian," the first mention that will come up is for a now-closed show that was at the shuttered National Museum of American History some time ago. The current show you're looking for is at the Smithsonian's International Gallery, an underground space in the S. Dillon Ripley Center, between the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the National Museum of African Art at 1100 Jefferson Drive SW. Check out www.sites.si.edu/henson/

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Re: Alexandria: I've heard Antrim 1844 in Taneytown, Md., is really nice. It's in Carroll County, near farms and parks. Also, Southern Maryland has some nice places, including Brome Howard Inn. Feels like worlds away, though it's just an hour from D.C. Fredericksburg has tons of quaint B and Bs, too.

Amy Joyce: Great thoughts for the romantic getaway. Thanks.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Boyfriend and I are coming to D.C. the weekend of Aug. 16th.

Already have tickets to a reggae concert on Friday, but is there anything special going on that I should plan ahead for?

Thanks!

Alex Baldinger: You'll be able to catch the end of Restaurant Week, which runs from Aug. 11-17.

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washingtonpost.com: Jim Henson's Fantastic World

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Fencing: Hi Tracy, Thanks for the info. I had found the D.C. Fencers' Club too, but was worried about walking back to the Metro alone after a night class. I don't know that area -- do you find it safe/well traveled? Thanks.

Amy Joyce: Tracy stepped away for a bit. Anyone else know about this spot? (You could always carry your epee...)

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Arlington, Va.: I need a third date suggestion! What are your thoughts on Zanzibar? Any shows at Fringe Festival worth seeing, where we could grab a drink afterward?

Thanks!

Alex Baldinger: They say the third date is the make-or-break, don't they? No pressure or anything.

Here's the scoop on Zanzibar. Sounds like it can get pretty live there, so if you're looking for someplace to conversate and whisper sweet nothings, it may not be what you're looking for.

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Amy Hitt: Re walking to fencing: The walk is down Georgia Avenue which is a shopping district and has sidewalks and then through a residential neighborhood. The fencing club itself is in a small warehouse district. I would have no issues walking it during the day, early evening

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Amy Joyce: Well, that about does it. Have a great weekend, everyone. Join us again next week, same time, same place.

New addition starting Friday: We'll be giving away CDs to those with the best answer to a question we'll post at the start of the chat.

Join us for the competition, er, chat. See you!

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