WalkingTown DC Returns September 17 — September 25
More than 50 Free Walking Tours Highlight the History, Art, and
Culture of the District of Columbia
Events DC presents Walking Town DC 2016, A Cultural Tourism DC Signature Event, this September 17-25. Now in its 17th year, WalkingTown DC returns with more than 50 free, guided walking tours that showcase unique aspects of the District of Columbia. This popular annual event introduces DC residents and visitors to the culture, history, and stories of Washington’s neighborhoods through a series of “bite-size” lunchtime tours, after-work “happy hour” tours, and tours throughout the day on weekends.
Cultural Tourism DC (CTDC) has organized WalkingTown DC since 2000. WalkingTown DC is an eagerly anticipated annual event in the community, expanding to highlight new development and neighborhood changes within the District. Dozens of city explorers can experience these one-of-a-kind strolls and hear the stories of the city’s heritage. As one of Cultural Tourism DC’s signature programs, WalkingTown DC has attracted culture enthusiasts, local residents, and visitors to the city’s historic neighborhoods.
“WalkingTown DC is one of my favorite activities. Whether walking along as a participant or volunteering, I’ve always learned a lot about the soul of Washington. The guides have a way of weaving time, place, and people into wonderful stories as they share their passion for their subject matter,” Steve Shulman, executive director of Cultural Tourism DC, said. “Several of this year’s selections caught my attention but I don’t know that I will have enough time to join them,” he continued.
WalkingTown DC 2016 has several exciting new tours this fall, among them:
• Netwalk the Murals of Greater Shaw. Netwalkers will enjoy a 1.5-mile mini adventure along U Street NW and learn about the history of its DC murals, including the interactive augmented reality mural dedicated to the life of the actor Paul Robeson and designed by artist Corey L. Stowers of ART B.L.O.C.
• Buzzard Point: Its History and Future. Buzzard Point in southwest Washington was once the center of garden farms in DC. Slated to become the site of the stadium for DC’s soccer team, now is the time to walk through this neglected area of southwest and learn about its history. Hear contemporary accounts, view photos, and see what little is left of its various stages before massive development forever changes the area.
• The People of Pineapple Place: A Walking Tour for Children, on Sunday, September 25. Based on the places featured in the children’s book by Anne Lindbergh, this tour features the sites around Georgetown that are mentioned in The People of Pineapple Place. Visit the statue of Archbishop Carroll at Georgetown University, the old street cars that used to run through the neighborhood, Anthony Hyde Elementary School where the main character August goes to school, Dumbarton Oaks and Montrose Park where the characters play, and the site of Sugar’s Drugstore (now Saxby’s Coffee) where the characters stop for snacks. Although Pineapple Place is an imaginary street, its address is 3415 P Street NW. Participants also may download the book’s smartphone application from the DC Public Library.
Professional guides, community leaders, historians, and others who volunteer their time and expertise to share the richness of DC neighborhoods lead the tours. All WalkingTown DC tours are free and open to the public, but require advance registration. Many tours are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Tours vary in distance and pace, accommodating all fitness levels. The roster of tours highlights portions of seven of Cultural Tourism DC’s seventeen (17) DC Neighborhood Heritage Trails.
In addition to recruiting tour guides to lead the walking tours, CTDC also recruits and trains volunteers to serve as its ambassadors during each tour. Volunteers may register now to help make this year’s WalkingTown DC the best one yet! Interested persons can visit CulturalTourismDC.
Click here or visit http://www.culturaltourismdc.
WalkingTown DC Sponsors
Walking Town DC is made possible through the generous support of donors to Cultural Tourism DC and its sponsors Events DC, Downtown DC, and the Washington DC Economic Partnership.
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