DC Jazz Festival Cherry Blossom Festival Iwo Jima Memorial National Cemetery Kennedy Center Lincoln Memorial Military Community

Fun Family Things to Do in Virginia & Washington, DC

Enjoy dozens of fun family things to do in Virginia when youre a guest at the Best Western Rosslyn / Iwo Jima. Our conveniently located Arlington, VA hotel puts interesting things to do in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC at your fingertips.

Discover all types of top tourist attractions, everything from the Iwo Jima Memorial to Arlington National Cemetery to the Lincoln Memorial.

The holidays are upon us and what better way is there to get in the holiday spirit than attend one of a number of tree lightings we have here in the Washington, DC area. These events are filled with great musical acts, inspirational speeches, caroling and more! Two of our favorite lightings are the National and Capitol tree lighting. Check out the details:
 

Since 1923, the United States has held a tradition of lighting a National Christmas Tree in Washington, DC. In 1978, a live 40-foot Colorado blue spruce was transplanted from York, Pennsylvania to its present site on the Ellipse, the grassy area south of the White House. In 1954, a "Pathway of Peace," 56 smaller, decorated trees representing all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia were planted surrounding the National Christmas Tree.

Each year sponsoring organizations from each state provide tree decorations that are encased in a protective plastic globe to shield it from the weather. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree is the beginning of a three week Washington, DC Christmas tradition.

Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on December 3rd and will offer an all-star lineup of stars will offer a diverse program of holiday music, including traditional songs with dashes of pop, folk and hip-hop. This years lineup includes Maroon 5, BB King and Sara Bareilles. A Capitol Christmas Tree has been an American tradition since 1964. The first tree was a live 24-foot Douglas fir planted on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The original Capitol Christmas Tree died after the 1968 tree lighting ceremony due to a severe wind storm and root damage. The tree was removed and the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service has provided the trees since 1969.

The 2010 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will be harvested by Bridger-Teton National Forest in the State of Wyoming. Schoolchildren from Wyoming will make 5,000 ornaments reflecting the theme of Wyoming- Forever West that will be used to decorate the tree.

The Capitol Christmas Tree should not to be confused with the National Christmas Tree, which is planted near the White House and lighted every year by the president and first lady. The Speaker of the House officially lights the Capitol Christmas Tree.

The tree will be lit on December 8th by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, with the Arizona congressional delegation, Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl along with Arizona Governor Jan Brewer in attendance. Music will be provided by the U.S. Navy Band Washington DC Ceremonial Brass.

DC Jazz Festival -

Come and celebrate music in DC at the DC Jazz Festival taking place June 1st through June 13th. DC Jazz Fest will feature artists that are celebrated around the world! DC Jazz Fest line up includes Paquito D'Rivera, Dianne Reeves, the Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Band, the Roy Hargrove Big Band, James Moody, Claudio Roditi, Edmar Castaneda, Michael Philip Mossman, Akua Dixon and Quartette Indigo, the Berklee World Jazz Nonet, Roberta Gambarini, the Marshall Keys Quartet, the Marian Petrescu Quartet featuring Andreas berg, Tony Madruga, Uri Gurvich, and many artists.

The Best Western Iwo Jima is located near all of the DC Jazz Festival events and activites and has all of the amenities to make your stay a enjoyable! Call 866-757-8616 to make a reservation

DC Jazz Fest June 1st through June 13th.

Here is just a glimpse of the incredible scheduled performances for the Washington DC
Jazz Fetival

• June 8:

  Rising Star concert at the 6th and I Historic Synagogue, A Tribute to Oscar Peterson featuring pianist Marian Petrescu with Special Guest guitarist Andreas berg

• June 9:

  Rising Star concert at the Washington DC Jewish Community Center featuring saxophonist Uri Gurvich

• June 13:

  Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Paquito D’Rivera and The Jelly Roll Morton Latin Tinge Project with Akua Dixon and Quartette Indigo, Michael Philip Mossman, Music Director, and Pernell Saturnino, percussion, a commissioned National Endowment for the Arts American Masterpieces concert (performances at 5:30pm and 7:30pm)

National Cherry Blossom Festival -

Washington, DC welcomes the arrival of spring with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a tradition that showcases the beautiful gift of 3,000 cherry trees that the city of Tokyo gave to our nation’s capital. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week, city-wide event featuring more than 200 international cultural performances and over 90 other special events. From arts and exhibits to cuisine and sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

The 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held between
March 27 and April 11.  Signature events celebrating Spring will take center stage on the following dates.

• Family Day & Opening Ceremony - Saturday, March 27
• Fireworks Show - Saturday, April 3
• Lantern Lighting Ceremony - Sunday, April 4
• Gala Dinner Cruise aboard the Odyssey - Thursday, April 8
• National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® - Saturday, April 10
• Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival - Saturday, April 10
• Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run - Sunday, April 11
• Daily Cultural Performances on the Target Stage at Sylvan Theatre - Saturday, March 27 - Sunday,
  April 11

For a full schedule of the cherry blossom events, click here.
To make your accommodation reservation for this event, click here or call 1-866-757-8616.

Iwo Jima Memorial -

While it represents a very important and historic World War II battle, the Iwo Jima Memorial, also known as the United States Marine Corps War Memorial, is dedicated to every single marine who has died in the course of duty. The bronze sculpture is located near Arlington National Cemetery. For more information, visit http://www.aviewoncities.com/washington/iwojimamemorial.htm.

Pentagon -

Tour this world-famous five-sided structure and learn all about the history of Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps. Stop along the way include the Pentagon Memorial near the 9/11 crash site and the 9/11 Memorial Chapel. In the Hall of Heroes, visitors will discover the names of every person whos received the illustrious Medal of Honor. A tribute to Native Americans is also part of the Pentagon tour. For more information, visit http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil/tours.html

Arlington National Cemetery -

Situated in Arlington, Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for everyone from Revolutionary War veterans and U.S. presidents to U.S. Supreme Court justices and astronauts. There are almost 100 graveside services performed every week. For more information, visit http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/.

Georgetown -

Experience this historic section of Washington, DC that features century-old homes, impeccably maintained gardens, and inviting paths and waterways. Plus, you'll find galleries, quaint shops, and more than 100 restaurants representing a wide range of ethnic cuisines. For more information, visit http://www.georgetowndc.com/.  

Kennedy Center -

Since 1971, the Kennedy Center, which was named in honor of President John F. Kennedy, has presented some of the worlds greatest performers in music, dance, and theatre. Amazingly, there are more than 2,000 performances each year. For more information, visit http://www.kennedy-center.org/.

U.S. Capitol -

The United States Senate and House of Representatives conduct the business of the people in the U.S. Capitol. Construction began on this storied structure in 1793 and since that time, the Capitol has been burned down, rebuilt, and restored. Guided tours are available Monday-Saturday and tickets are on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, visit www.aoc.gov/cc/capitol/index.cfm.

Lincoln Memorial -

Located on the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is an impressive attraction. It stands nearly 100 feet high and is 190 feet long and 119 feet wide. Thirty-eight columns encase the Memorial. There is one for each of the 36 states that were in existence when Lincoln was assassinated, plus there are two at the entrance behind the colonnade. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/wash/dc71.htm.

National Cathedral -

There is much to see and do at the majestic National Cathedral in Washington, DC. Tour the gardens, visit the Pilgrim Observation Gallery, take a family scavenger hunt, find out all about stained glass, gargoyles, architecture via Cathedral guides, and check out exhibits like the centennial exhibit and the annual crche exhibit. For more information, visit http://www.nationalcathedral.org/visit/.

Fort Meyer Military Community -

Fort Myer, Virginia began as a Civil War military post. Over time, it has been a major Signal Corps post and a showcase for Army cavalry. Today, its the home of the Armys model installation. For more information, visit http://www.fmmc.army.mil/sites/local/.

The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City -

From Macys, Bloomingdales, and BCBG to Victorias Secret, Bath and Body Works, and Swarovski, the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City in Arlington, VA is your one-stop shopping destination. Add in great restaurants and a comedy club and youve got a great night out. For more information, visit http://www.simon.com/MALL/default.aspx?ID=157.