New Year countdown to Obama inauguration

The countdown to the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama is underway and UK travellers who are planning to visit to be ‘part of history being made’ may wish to take advantage of these free and affordable experiences in Washington, DC.

1. Stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech and where Marian Anderson performed her historic 1939 Easter concert.

2. Catch a free concert featuring Aretha Franklin on January 19 at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.

3. Visit the newly remodeled National Museum of American History, where you can view a copy of the Gettysburg Address on loan from the White House. The theme of Obama’s inauguration, “A New Birth of Freedom,” is taken from the Gettysburg Address. Look for Obama’s name in the “American Presidents” exhibition.

4. See poignant images from the Civil Rights era on display in Road to Freedom, a special exhibition of more than 200 powerful photographs at the Smithsonian Institution’s Ripley Center, on display through March 9.

5. Make your way to Capitol Hill’s newest attraction, the state-of-the-art Capitol Visitor Center.

6. Check out the presidential portraits on display at the National Portrait Gallery.

7. Tour the magnificent Library of Congress and test out its new interactive exhibits, like the re-creation of Thomas Jefferson’s original library.

8. Whilst only Bill Cosby and the Obama Family can eat for free at DC’s legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl - visitors can soak in the local flavour and ‘chow down on the cheap’ with their signature half-smokes – for just $5 or a chili dog for $3.60.

9. Cheer on the Inaugural Parade along Pennsylvania Avenue on January 20.

10. Read the headlines from newspapers from around the world outside the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue.

11. Learn what it was like to be a guest at a past presidential inauguration through The Honor of Your Company is Requested: President Lincoln’s Inaugural Ball, a special exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

12. Say “Inauguration” at The Phillips Collection admissions desk during the entire month of January and receive two-for-one admission.

13. Be a part of history on the National Mall and witness Obama’s swearing-in on 20 January. The entire length of the Mall will be open to the public.

14. Stroll the cobblestone streets of historic Georgetown, once the stomping grounds of JFK and Jackie Kennedy. Locate the booth at Billy Martin’s Tavern where he proposed to Jackie.

15. Stop for a photo op in front of the White House, the new home for the new First Family.

16. Take a stroll through grand Union Station. What was once the Presidential Suite, where presidents waited to board trains and greeted foreign dignitaries, is now B. Smith’s Restaurant.

17. See breathtaking photos and fascinating exhibitions at the National Geographic Museum.

18. Explore the diverse cultures of Africa at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art.

19. Listen in on native folktales or catch a cultural performance at the National Museum of the American Indian.

20. Take a hike on Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Island and find inspiration in the quotes from the environmentalist president, engraved on the memorial plaza.

21. Browse local art and sample fresh fare at Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market (Sat. & Sun.)

22. See a public mural featuring Barack Obama outside neighborhood hotspot Marvin (at 14th & U), named for DC’s own Marvin Gaye.

23. Watch skaters glide on the ice (or join in the fun- adults $7/ 2 hours) as you take in the outdoor art at the National Gallery of Art’s sculpture garden and ice skating rink.

24. See the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights at the National Archives

25. Brush elbows with a genius with a visit to the Einstein Memorial.

26. Walk east of the Capitol to Lincoln Park to see the Emancipation Statue, the city’s first memorial to Honest Abe, along with a statue honoring African-American education pioneer Mary McLeod Bethune.

27. Experience one of the world’s most moving museums, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

28. Build your horticultural IQ inside the U.S. Botanic Gardens.

29. Find literary inspiration for your own presidential address at the Folger Shakespeare Library.

30. Climb inside a cockpit and touch a moon rock at the National Air & Space Museum.

America As You Like It (americaasyoulikeit.com) offer a seven-night ‘City Lights and Beyond’ itinerary, from £790* in 2009, featuring 2 nights in Washington, DC, 2 nights in Baltimore, 2 nights in St Michael’s and 1 night in Alexandria.
For more information, travel tips and advice, log on to Destination DC’s official inauguration website, Washington.org/inauguration.

*Supplements apply for dates coinciding with the Inauguration.