How to Safely Celebrate the Biden-Harris Inauguration in DC

Crack an Amtrak Joe Pilsner or Madame Veep IPA.

By austa somvichian-clausen

Published on 13/01/2021 at 03:33 PM

The 2021 presidential inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will take place on Wednesday, January 20, starting at 12 pm eastern time, following Biden’s train journey from his home in Wilmington, Delaware to the nation’s capitol-a trip the President-Elect took daily for 36 years while he was a U.S. senator.

Biden will then take his oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, the same building that just last week was attacked by a mob of Trump supporters, leaving five dead. Thus, in the interest of public safety, the Biden Inaugural Committee has not only scaled back the day’s events, but actively urged Americans to watch the inauguration festivities from home rather than risk journeying to Washington.

For those already inside the city, public access to the Capitol grounds will not be available during the ceremony, and The National Parks Service has said that they would close the Washington Monument to tours through January 24 due to “credible threats to visitors and park resources.” Keep in mind that roads, parking areas, and bathrooms near the National Mall might also be closed, and that DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has extended the public emergency she declared last Wednesday for an extra 15 days to ensure the safety of all Washingtonians.

“Our goals right now are to encourage Americans to participate virtually and to protect the District of Columbia from a repeat of the violent insurrection experienced at the Capitol and its grounds on January 6,” Bowser said during a news conference on Monday.

It helps a bit that House Majority Whip James Clyburn, who chairs the inaugural committee, said last week that a whopping 80 percent of the festivities that would normally take place in Washington surrounding an inauguration would actually be taking place virtually this year, giving Americans the perfect opportunity to stay safe while they witness history in the making.

How to watch and schedule of events

To watch the inauguration events simply flick on any major news network such as ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS, Telemundo, Univision, CNN, and MSNBC. Pre-inauguration festivities are expected to begin at 9:30 am eastern time, while Biden and Harris are scheduled to be sworn in at noon.

For those without cable or a television, you can also tune in via the above networks’ YouTube channels, or on the official White House website. Livestreaming from your television sans cable is also possible if you own a device like the Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, or Xbox One. Following Biden’s speech, a wreath laying ceremony and “Pass in Review,” a virtual parade will replace what traditionally would have been thousands of Americans gathering on the National Mall for in-person festivities.

Inaugural planners have said that the parade will be a celebration of America’s heroes, highlighting Americans from all walks of life in every region of the country. It’s a fitting celebration to match Biden’s chosen theme of “America United,” which his inaugural committee has said “reflects the beginning of a new national journey that restores the soul of America, brings the country together, and creates a path to a brighter future.”

Celebrate from home with inauguration specials

Just because you can’t attend the presidential inauguration in-person this year doesn’t make the occasion any less a cause for celebration. Instead, don your best red, white, and blue loungewear and nestle up on the couch with housemates and local inauguration specials, such as Atlas Brew Works presidential new beers.

The solar-powered craft brewery has just rolled out their brand new Amtrak Joe Pilsner and Madam Veep’s IPA ahead of the festivities, a limited edition cheers to the president-elect and vice president. The two celebratory beers are made in collaboration with OccasionAles.com. Orders are available for pickup at Atlas Half Street Brewery & Tap Room starting January 16.

Not a beer person? Whiskey and cocktail bar Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Adams Morgan is also lifting a glass to the occasion with a special Inauguration cocktail kit-for-two. Available to-go, the kit is being called Jack Rose’s A Boozy New Deal and features a four-course cocktail tasting showcasing American-made spirits. Order via Tock now through the 20th.

Those ready to order some food in for the festivities can get lunch easily sorted with Immigrant Food‘s new bowl launching on the 14th called Madame VP’s Heritage Bowl. An ode to the soon-to-be vice president Kamala Harris, the dish pays homage to both Harris’ Jamaican and Indian cultural backgrounds with flavorful coconut-milk curried chicken, chickpeas, potatoes, pineapples, plantains, and a hint of spicy peppers served over turmeric rice and baby spinach.

Sandwich lovers can get their fix from Capitol Hill’s Fight Club, which is also rolling out Inauguration food and drink specials from January 13-20 that will be available for patio service, carry out, and delivery. Brand new sandwich specials are inspired by President- and Vice President-elects’ go-to sandwiches.

The Biden’s Bobbie is loaded with turkey, sausage stuffing, potato mayo and cranberry sauce on a hoagie roll, and the PED of JOE is a chocolate-peanut butter ice cream sandwich that plays on Biden’s love of the frozen confection. Harris, who schooled a fellow senator in the art of making a “mean tuna melt” last year, gets her own Fight Club version of the classic sandwich featuring tuna salad, spicy chips, American cheese, and a hard-boiled egg on country white bread.Sign up here for our daily DC email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun in town.

Austa Somvichian-Clausen is a freelance food and travel writer, as well as a staff writer for The Hill where she covers the topics of diversity and equality. Follow her on Instagram.

Washington DC

15 Totally Free Things to Do in DC

A full itinerary, completely free of charge.

By madeline weinfield

Published on 23/08/2022 at 09:39

Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery

Washington DC is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, and for those of us who call the District home, it’s easy to see why. With dozens of world-class museums, murals that transform streets into galleries, and sites brimming with history, DC offers a full agenda-completely free of charge. Whether you want to try a new farmer’s market, explore a new hike, or polish off your roller skating or canoeing skills, here are some of our favourite free things to do in the District.

Hike, bike, or stroll along the C&O Canal

The historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is one of the most accessible nature escapes from the District. Thanks to a multi-year restoration project, the first mile of the canal is an idyllic walk that’s easy to access in Georgetown. Stick to a short stroll there, or grab a bike or lace up your hiking shoes for a longer adventure along the 184.5-mile canal.

Jump on the pickleball craze

Pickleball is working its way up the ladder past kickball and softball as one of America’s favourite games. Jump on the craze and practice your paddling at one of the District’s pickleball courts in Takoma Park, the Palisades, and more. Plus, Washington DC Pickleball invites guests to drop in to beginner sessions to try their hand at the sport before signing up for a $30 annual membership.

Bike the Mount Vernon Trail

DC is incredibly bike-friendly, and luckily that applies to the land immediately outside of the city as well. Start in the city and bike along the Mount Vernon Trail, a scenic route that hugs the water and cuts through the woods. It’s about a 10-mile trip from DC to Mount Vernon, but you can cut the trip slightly short and end at the Old Town Alexandria waterfront-just make sure to factor in time for ice cream before pedalling home.

Explore a sculpture park

While not located in the District proper, Glenstone, an expansive sculpture park in Maryland, is worth the 45-minute drive. Tickets to the park are free (just be sure to reserve several weeks in advance), and the 300-acre space offers stunning art, architecture, and open land. In addition to its indoor gallery spaces, you can spend hours walking on paths that wind through sculptures, meadows, and forests.

See the monuments at night

When the sun goes down-and the summer humidity somewhat dissipates-head to the National Mall for the rare chance to see the monuments without busloads of tourists. Moonlight will give you a different perspective as you traverse the marble steps of the Lincoln Memorial or gaze up at the Washington Monument set aglow with lights.

Museum hop the day away

One of DC’s greatest strengths is its world-class Smithsonian museums that are open to the public free of charge. There is no shortage of options, from the intimate Renwick Gallery, to the sprawling National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonians offer something for everyone. Pro tip: Some of the museums are open late in the evenings, making for an ideal date night.

Explore the city’s murals

Washington is home to hundreds of murals that are becoming as much a part of the city’s landscape as the monuments on the National Mall. Take a self-guided tour of these colourful creations no matter which neighbourhood you happen to be in. MuralsDC, the organization behind 150 of the District’s public artworks, is a great resource for mapping out a route to explore the city’s street art.

Take in a birds-eye view of the city

Washington looks pretty stunning from up high, and there are few spots within the city that make for phenomenal vantage points. Rooftop bars and restaurants offer epic views for the price of a drink or two, but there’s no more iconic sight than seeing the city from the top of the Washington Monument, which is completely free. Book a ticket ahead of time and ride an elevator all the way to the top of the monument and step out on the 500-foot observation deck.

Wander through a garden

DC is home to some of the most beautiful urban gardens in the country, and many of them are open to the public for free. There is nothing like an afternoon spent strolling through, or picnicking, at the expansive 446-acre United States Arboretum or wandering through the Botanic Garden on the edge of the Mall. For something a bit smaller, explore the grounds at Tudor Place or Dumbarton Oaks (free in the winter), both of which are in Georgetown.

Hike the Billy Goat Trail

You can catch one of the District’s most popular hiking trails, the Billy Goat Trail, from the C&O canal. The full trail is 4.7 miles and ranges from easy to strenuous, so hike a section in and back or make the full loop for the variety.

Pay your respect at Arlington National Cemetery

Just across the Potomac from DC, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 veterans. The cemetery is an expanse of 639 hallowed acres and the ANC Explorer allows visitors to locate graves, notable sites, and take self-guided walking tours to spots including the tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the final resting place of President John F. Kennedy.

Lace up your roller skates

When was the last time you went roller skating? Chances are it’s been too long. So get back into this nostalgic activity at the Anacostia Park roller skating pavilion. You can rent skates for free, just show proof of a government-issued ID, and the skating pavilion is open from 9 to 5 every day.

Help clean up the Anacostia River

We all know there’s a lot of work to be done to keep our waterways clean. Do your part, and have some fun, by participating in the city’s Green Boat initiative. On select weekends, DCers can join a two-hour guided paddle along the Anacostia River to collect trash and monitor the river’s progress.

Stroll your local farmer’s market

DC’s close proximity to the farms of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and beyond mean that the city’s farmers’ markets always have something to offer. Check out the year-round markets like Eastern Market in Capitol Hill and the Sunday market in Dupont Circle or head to seasonal markets like the pop-up in front of the White House that draws vendors like Cucina al Volo and Call Your Mother Deli.

Play tourist all around the city

It’s easy to forget that all those traditionally touristy activities can be fun for locals too. If you haven’t been on a tour of the White House, the National Archives, the Library of Congress, or the Capitol, this is your sign. All are free with advanced reservations. Plus, tucked in the northern quadrant of NW, the Washington National Cathedral is free and open to all. Tour the cathedral’s impressive architecture, 215 stained glass windows, 112 Gothically-inspired gargoyles, and enormous pipe organ. See if you can spot the sculpture of Darth Vader.

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Madeline Weinfield is a Thrillist contributor.