Nestled between Maryland and Virginia, on the Potomac River, the District of Columbia is the epicenter of all three branches of the federal government of the United States: the Congress, the President and the Supreme Court. However, aside from politics, the U.S. capitol has a lot to offer tourist and its American citizens.
With its many nicknames—“Washington,” “D.C.” or “the District”—the 68.3 square miles city offers a number of attractions that is sure to educate and entertain. If you’re into cultural institutions and exhibitions, then you’ll find yourself overwhelmed by the plethora of museums in the city like the International Spy Museum, which tell the stories of intelligence operations and deceptions that changed the course of history, and the Newseum, an interactive museum of news with behind-the-scenes views of how and why news is made.
If you’re a foodie, D.C. has you covered. With its close proximity to waterfronts, the city has an abundance of seafood eateries that is sure to whet your palate. Local favorites include high-end eateries like BlackSalt, DC Coast and The Oceanaire Seafood Room. The city also has a great number of restaurants for the meatatarian. Locals will attest, one cannot visit the city without visiting Ben’s Chili Bowl, a landmark restaurant in the capitol. In addition, there are a number of mobile food vendors that serves even more creative and tasty fare.
The U.S. capitol also runs the gamut for the swankiest affairs. After all, it is the city where politicians, socialites and high-profiled community members come together in their impeccably tailored suits as well as plush, over-the-top gowns. Every year, the city hosts some of the best galas, balls and events that raise money for a number of charities as well as awareness. We’ve compiled a list of our must-attend galas in the city. That is if you can get on the list, of course.
The Inaugural Ball
At the top of everyone’s list is the nation’s inaugural ball. The event, which debut in 1789 following the inauguration of George Washington, quickly became a highly anticipated party for Washington society. Inaugural balls now include performances from music’s most adored songstresses including Beyoncé, who performed Etta James “At Last” at the 2009 inaugural ball. At the 2013 inaugural ball Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Chris Cornell, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson and Marc Anthony, to name a few.
Fashion for Paws
The Fashion for Paws Runway Show is considered an acclaimed one-of-a-kind luxury brand event to benefit the Washington Humane Society. For models to be concerned to participate they have to raise at minimum at least $3,000 in just 12 weeks. The top fundraiser, winning “Model Washingtonian of the Year.” For the runway show that took place earlier this spring, model Donald Hoffman fundraised $29, 585, making him the Model Washingtonian of 2015.
The Leukemia Ball
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services. This year more than $2,000 guests attended the ball, which took place in March, where they enjoyed entertainment by Michael Cavanaugh and comedy by Howie Mandel. The 2015 Leukemia Ball raised $3.15 million to benefit LLS and to help in the fight against blood cancer.
The Meridian Ball
The 47th annual Meridian Ball is swiftly approaching. With just little more than two months left to purchase tickets, the Meridian Ball is considered one of the most prestigious events in the capitol. This event brings together members of the public and private sector to celebrate Meridian’s ongoing efforts to prepare leaders for a complex global future. It is attended by public officials including Cabinet secretaries, members of Congress, prominent media figures, foreign ambassadors, and representatives from the international business and cultural communities. The Meridian Ball will take place Oct. 16th, 2015. Tickets are $650 for the Ambassador-hosted dinner, while it’s only $450 to attend the White-Meyer Dinner.
Fight for Children’s Fight Night
Commencing Nov. 5th, 2015, Fight Night, which will be presented by Under Armour, will bring together 2,000 heavyweights of business, government, and philanthropy for an exciting knockout evening featuring live boxing bouts and world-class entertainment. The funds raised will go to transforming the lives of at-risk youth, by providing school leaders and teachers the training needed to help students.
For ticket information click here.
(Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
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