Helping make your transition to the District seamless

Before you move to Washington, D.C., make sure to read this.
If you're interning in D.C., check this out first!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

We are excited to announce that our blog has now moved to http://www.new-todc.com/blog/, as part of our website. This should make it easier for readers to find information all in one place on relocating to the District. We look forward to helping you through this exciting time!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Best Tour Companies in D.C. Part 1

The sun is shining in D.C., daylight savings is right around the corner, and everyone is in a good mood. Spring is just about here. That means it’s time to turn off the space heater, throw off the heavy blankets, and get outside. We’ve already discussed a number of fun sightseeing activities in D.C., although some people might feel overwhelmed at the thought of approaching it all on their own. If you’re only in Washington, D.C. for a few days, how can you possibly get everything in? Well, you can’t. Don’t even try or someone’s bound to end up in tears, threatening to go home early. So don’t do it – it’s not worth it. One option you may want to consider is letting a tour company do the heavy lifting for you. There are several reputable tour companies in the District that offer a variety of fun tours.

Old Town Trolley Tours has almost become an icon in D.C. You can’t walk down the mall without seeing at least one of their trams narrating the highlights of D.C. What makes Old Town Trolley a great option is their “hop on, hop off” policy, where you can purchase a full day ticket (or even up to 3 days) and get on and off the trolley as much as you would like to. There are 3 routes that stop at major Washington, D.C. sites such as monuments, museums, and other historical landmarks. Hop off the trolley at whatever piques your interest, spend as long as you like there, then just head back to the trolley stop and wait up to 10 minutes for the next trolley to pick you up. Tours begin daily at 9:00am and end at 5:30pm. The one-day ticket price runs at about $35 for an adult, though you can get discounts by purchasing tickets online!

For you night owls out there, there are evening bus tours as well, with a similar “hop on, hop off policy.” D.C. Tours offers a double-decker bus tour of D.C. (as well as during the day). Evening tours will allow you to view all the monuments lit up, making for some great pictures. Evening tours last for one hour and depart from Union Station.

Bus tours are a great option for those with limited time in the city, wanting to pack as much in as possible. They are also a good option for those who cannot walk long distances. If you’re feeling adventurous, however, another fun way to cover some ground is by segway. Segs in the City offers a variety of tours featuring the monuments, city highlights, food, and more. Tours run both at night and during the day. A two-hour tour will put back about $70 per person and tours depart from different locations throughout the District. Another option is Capital Segway, where you can take a “Masonic Tour,” featuring several sites mentioned in Dan Brown’s Lost Symbol. Capital Segway also has tours of the traditional sites as well. The cost of a two-hour tour starts at $65 and goes up depending on the day and time you choose to tour.

Another way to tour the nation's capital is by a WWII amphibious vehicle, otherwise known as D.C. Ducks. The Duck Tour is great for families with kids, though be forewarned that everyone is provided with a duck quaker, which could drive you crazy by the end of the day. If you can put up with that, then this tour is otherwise a blast. D.C. Ducks departs from Union Station and drives you around to some traditional sites, before plunging into the Potomac River for a boat tour! Along the way, you will learn some interesting facts and stories about our nation’s history.

Before you commit to touring with one of these companies, first check out Living Social or Groupon because they frequently promote specials that you could take advantage of. There’s no point in paying full price when you don’t have to!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Best St. Patrick’s Day Activities in D.C.


March is here, which means that it’s time to start making plans for St. Patrick’s Day in Washington, D.C. This holiday is not just celebrated on March 17th in the District, but all month long! So you don’t have to worry about committing to just one fun activity this year – you can celebrate the holiday to the fullest extent possible throughout the entire month of March.

Check out the District’s 41st Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 11 at noon. Grab a spot along Constitution Avenue, between 7th and 17th Streets, NW or better yet, purchase grandstand tickets through the link above. This year’s grandstands will be located between 15th and 16th Streets, next to the judges’ stands so you will get to hear each group announced and enjoy their performances. The parade for this festive holiday will feature marching bands, school groups, dance troops, floats, and a variety of other community organizations. Because the streets will be blocked off, parking will be difficult so driving is not recommended. Buses will also have a hard time getting around, which means that Metro is your best bet or if you are able to walk there, then that’s even better since Metro will probably be packed.

Shamrock Fest 2012 is back at RFK Stadium this year and you won’t want to miss it! Block off your calendar on Saturday, March 24 from 1:00pm – 9:00pm to check out over 50 bands and DJ’s including Gavin DeGraw and Dropkick Murphy’s. This year’s fest also includes games, beer trucks, food vendors, contests, and more. Tickets start at $24.99 per person and group discounts are available for parties of 5 and up. You can purchase your tickets ahead of time here.

St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, which means that you have no excuse to stay in! Stop by Shamrocks & Shenanigans at Rumors in Dupont Circle. Get there early (11:30am) to take advantage of $1.17 Coors Lights and $2.17 Blue Moons. Don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes and festive green gear because there will be contests for “Most Irish Garb” and “Best Irish Jig.” Rumors will also have a DJ and free souvenirs. There’s a $5 cover for this event.

Contrary to popular belief, drinking isn’t the only way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. On Sunday, March 11, the Capital Running Company will hold the St. Patrick's Day 8k at 9:00pm in Freedom Plaza. The start and finish lines are on Pennsylvania NW between 12th and 13th Streets. The event will feature bagpipers, Irish dancers, and a DJ. Prizes will be awarded throughout the day – including a 4-day cruise for 2! Same day registration begins at 7:00am, or you could register online in advance and pick up your packet at 1427 P Street NW on Friday, March 9 from 11:00am – 9:00pm. There is a bag check service for runners at the 14th Street side of Freedom Plaza, though to avoid the chaos you may want to leave your stuff with friends or in the car.

If you’re in the U St. area, stop by Duffy's Irish Pub which offers a full week of St. Patrick’s activities. Starting on Sunday, March 11, the pub will supplement the parade celebration with an Irish buffet noon – 3:30pm and live Irish music. Monday, March 12, Ronan Kavanagh will perform 9:00pm – midnight. Wednesday, March 13, is trivia night at Duffy's, with a St. Patrick’s Day theme, starting at 8:00pm. Thursday, March 14, you can drink green beer while watching the NCAA tournament or listening to live Irish music at 9:00pm. On the big day, Duffy's will have bagpipers, Irish dancers, and Guinness girls. Doors open at 11:00am and there is a $5 cover all day.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Internship Programs in Washington, D.C.


As the days begin to get longer and the weather warms up, intern season lies right around the corner in Washington, D.C. Every summer, the District hosts somewhere around 20,000 interns from all over the world. Student, and even non-student, interns flock to the nation’s capital in pursuit of their big dreams to change the world. And they’re coming to the right place – D.C. is brimming with opportunity in every field imaginable. Most people think that you only move here to work for the government, but that’s not true! Interns and career professionals move here for any and every professional pursuit such as non-profit work, journalism, lobbying, consulting, law, and the list goes on! If you are considering an internship in D.C., I hope you will realize what a rewarding and thrilling adventure it truly is. The experience you’ll have working in the nation's capital will forever change the course of your career, providing you with rich opportunities you wouldn’t be able to obtain anywhere else.

For those flirting with the idea of an internship in D.C., the first thing you need to know is that there are three main ways you could approach it. First, if you’re a college student, then you can check with your academic advisor to see if your university offers any sort of formal internship program that you can go through. The benefit of participating in your university’s internship program is the reassurance that your course credits are all guaranteed to transfer. Sometimes your university will accept credits taken through outside programs, though you need to verify this with your academic advisor.

Not all interns are college students, however, so not everyone has access to university internship programs. If you find yourself in this camp, don’t give up! You still have several other options. You could consider going at it alone, which means that you would have to find your own internship (Yes, it is possible to apply to internships as an individual and not through a program, though there may be exceptions). Keep in mind there are several other factors such as housing, making friends, acclimating to a new city, etc. that you would have to coordinate on your own as well. Though one benefit to pursuing the internship on your own or through your university is that it tends to be a bit cheaper than going through one of the larger programs based here in D.C. At the same time, there are a number of perks to enrolling through a formal program, so your decision will just have to be based on your personal priorities.

The Washington Center is a prestigious internship program where many leaders in both the public and private sector got their start. This program helps to connect students with internships in a number of fields such as international affairs, business, public policy, and more. But The Washington Center is so much more than just an internship. It supplements your real-world experience with classroom learning that you may be able to transfer over to your university for credit. The Center holds cutting-edge seminars on relevant topics, taught by industry leaders. Upcoming seminar topics include the 2012 political conventions and the 2013 presidential inauguration. The Washington Center recruits students from all across the country and even the world. They help accommodate students’ housing needs by offering placement in shared apartments. If you are intimidated by the hassle of organizing all the moving pieces of the process by yourself, then The Washington Center is a great solution. It takes care of all the details for you, while providing you with a solid launching pad for your career.

Another excellent internship program to consider is The Fund for American Studies. It has been around since 1967, providing patriotic youth with the opportunity to start building their career in public service. They offer a variety of programs including “Capital Semester,” which involves an internship, briefings with movers and shakers at a variety of hot-spots such as the State Department and White House, as well as a semester of classes at Georgetown University. If you participate in Capital Semester, then you will also get to attend networking events and hear lectures from leaders across the District. The program helps to coordinate housing for participants. Another great thing about The Fund for American Studies is that they offer scholarships to deserving students.

Since 1990, The Washington Internship Institute has been helping students obtain real-life experience in both the public and private sector. The Washington Internship Institute offers several programs including: The Capital Experience, Embassy Scholars, Go Green, and Faculty Fellows. This organization has an active alumni network which participants are able to take advantage of.  You can find a blog of students’ internship experiences on The Washington Internship Institute’s website. Check it out to get a picture of participants’ day-to-routine and see if it might be something that you’re interested in.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Best Mardi Gras Celebrations in D.C.

As we’re all stocking up on mattresses and flooring this President’s Day in Washington, D.C., we have another holiday right around the corner: Mardi Gras, which will kick off the Lent season. You don’t have to make the trip out to New Orleans for a fun Fat Tuesday celebration. There are plenty of fun activities celebrating the debaucherous holiday right here in your own backyard.

Club Liv in the U St. Corridor is going all out with a Louisiana-style party this year. Make sure to wear your best masks and costumes because they will be holding a costume contest with prizes. Club Liv will have authentic Cajun food, music, and dancing. Doors open at 6:30pm and there is a $20 cover charge, $10 if you sign up in advance.

If you like parades, then you cannot miss the 15th Annual Clarendon Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade at 8:00pm, featuring performances from over 40 community groups including the Jim Moyer Circus Group, DC Roller Girls, local bands, and more. The parade runs along Wilson Boulevard from North Barton Street to North Irving Street. The parade will be a family friendly event and the best part is that it’s free! If you’d like to enjoy the parade from a distance, then head over to Whitlow's on Wilson Bar & Grill, where you can watch the parade from a heated environment. Whitlow’s will offer Cajun specials and feature Matt Waller Trio after the parade at 9:30pm.

Right in the heart of downtown D.C. is Central Michel Richard's, which will be holding its 5th Annual Mardi Gras celebration this year. Not only will you get to enjoy Creole creations by a world-renowned chef, but you will get to celebrate with live music from the Dixieland jazz quartet Laissez Foure, specialty cocktails, and free beads.

The Anacostia Community Museum will be hosting a family-friendly Fat Tuesday party on Saturday, February 25 from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Bring the kids out to enjoy live music, arts and crafts, storytelling, and a costume contest with prizes.

If you’re trying to impress a date, then take them to Acadiana which features a fixed price menu of crawfish, rabbit etouffee, jambalaya, and more – all for only $45! The special runs from 5:30pm – 10:30pm Beginning at 3:30pm, Acadiana will offer $5 specialty cocktails such as Dark and Stormy and Louisiana Tea. If you don’t want to opt for the fixed price menu, you can still enjoy festive appetizers at the bar such as southern sliders and Louisiana crawfish bread.   

Check out the crawfish boil at Hot n' Juicy in Woodley Park. For every pound of seafood you get, they’ll give you a free beer or order of Cajun fries. And be sure not to miss the Crawfish eating contest at 8:00pm, where the winner will take home $200!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Best Free Activities in D.C.

Because the cost of living is so high in Washington, D.C., many residents here find themselves living life on a budget. But if you plan ahead and do your research, then you don’t have to let that limit your fun. It is absolutely possible to have a great time here without even touching your wallet! While we’ve already reviewed some of the sightseeing highlights in the District, it’s important to point out some of the free activities in particular that are right at your fingertips. The great thing about this city is it has so much going on, that there is no need for overlap.

When people are exploring D.C., I think it’s common for them to have a national focus since this is where much of our country’s ‘coming of age’ took place, but it’s important to zoom in our lens and consider the city’s local history as well. A great way to do so is by following the African American Heritage Trail. The trail consists of 98 historical sites, all of which have historical significance for African Americans locally and nationally. 13 new sites were just installed this past year and that number will continue to grow over time. Cultural Tourism D.C. offers a free booklet that outlines walking and driving tours for the trail. You can download the booklet here or pick one up at a neighborhood location.

Since we’re in the throes of winter, it might be good to have some affordable indoor options in your back pocket too. The National Gallery of Art offers free concerts weekly on Sundays at 6:30pm. The music ranges from classical piano, to string quartets, to vocal performances. Doors open at 6:00pm and guests are seated on a first-come first-serve basis. Once spring rolls around, National Gallery of Art hosts Jazz in the Garden, a popular event featuring live jazz music in the sculpture garden right outside the museum. Many visitors pack a picnic to enjoy while they listen to the music. It’s a great summer activity that you can’t miss, but in the meantime be sure to check out one of their excellent indoor performances.

One of the many things that the District is known for is the number of universities that it hosts. We often hear about research these local institutions are conducting, and even see their professors on national news, so it could be interesting to see where all the magic happens. While some of the universities here are small and esoteric, (i.e. the National Defense Intelligence University – though I hope I don’t get taken away for simply implying they have a small campus), there are certainly others with campuses worth checking out. Make your first stop Georgetown University. With its manicured lawns and old Greek architecture, Georgetown has the quintessential university feel. Another good one to see is American University, which has a quad where you can throw the Frisbee around or even just relax and people-watch.

Another fun, affordable idea is to head over to the U St. corridor and check out Meridian Hill Park. With its beautifully manicured landscaping and large cascading fountain, it’s easy to see why this park has hosted a number of local weddings over time. On your visit, you can take a guided tour or explore on your own. On Sundays, 3:00pm – 9:00pm, don’t miss the drum circle and African dancing. You’re even welcome to bring your own drum and join in the fun!

If you’re new to the area or haven’t had much time to tour it yet, then take a walk, run, or bike-ride along the National Mall. This is a must-do if you have not done it before. With the Washington Monument at one end and the Capitol Building at the other end, the experience is almost humbling. On your walk, you’ll pass a number of Smithsonian Museums, where you can stop to eat, use the bathroom, or of course view the exhibits – all for free! Some of the museums you’ll pass by include: Hirshhorn, National Museum of the American Indian, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, Natural History Museum, National Gallery of Art East and West Buildings.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Best February Activities in D.C.

Washington, D.C. has been graced with some beautiful warm weather this winter, which serves as motivation to stop hovering over the space heater and start enjoying some fun activities! During the month of February in particular, there are several exciting events occurring throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area.

For all you car lovers, the Washington Auto Show will be at the Convention Center through February 5. This is your opportunity to check out over 700 new makes and models of vehicles from 42 foreign and domestic automakers. A number of celebrities will make appearances at the Auto Show including:  Redskins Cornerback DeAngelo Hall, WWE Superstar Randy Orton, Washington Caps Center Brooks Laich and Defenseman John Carlson. The show will also feature innovative exhibits on alternative energy. Tickets will cost you $13 and the hours are as follows:
Mon. Jan. 30 - Thur. Feb. 2, 2012 - 12:00 - 9:00 pm
Fri. Feb. 3, 2012 - 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sat. Feb. 4, 2012 - 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sun. Feb. 5, 2012 - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Have you ever done a scavenger hunt before? As an adult? They are just as much fun as when you were a kid. Actually, maybe more! And now’s your chance with the 6th Annual Lindy 600 DC Limo Scavenger Hunt on February 11. Teams of 10 will each get their own limo and compete by visiting local establishments to find clues, take pictures, and solve puzzles. Although it’s pretty pricey at $625 per team, the event will be tons of fun. So pull together 9 friends and reserve your spot before they fill up. 

You can't miss the Washington, DC International Food & Wine Festival 2012, which kicks off with a "Sommelier Showdown" at Thursday, February 9 at 7:00pm. The amount of tickets released to the public are limited and will cost you about $150. But don't worry - there are some more affordable features of this event. On Friday, February 10, Federal Triangle's Aria Pizzeria will host "Cupid's Not Stupid," a mixology contest among local bartenders. Then the "Grand Wine Tasting" will occur on February 11 and 12 from 2:00pm - 6:00pm at the Ronald Reagan Building for $85 per person.

Once you've kicked your wine hangover, you can check out DC Fashion Week February 20 - 26. Festivities include a fashion show at Woolly Mammoth Theatre,a fashion networking party at Dirty Bar, a fashion concert at the Washington Post Conference Center, and more. Whoever said that D.C. had no fashion sense? Let's prove those fools wrong!

By the end of February, you'll probably be ready to crash from all the drinking and partying you've been doing, so it's the perfect time to relax in front of a movie. February 29 - March 4 is the D.C. Independent Film Festival. The festival includes a variety of activities such as film screenings, seminars, workshops, lectures, and more. Most of the festivities are targeted towards both beginner and advanced filmmakers. The D.C. Independent Film Festival is a non-profit all-volunteer event, so they are always looking for extra help if you are interested in pitching in!