Lace up your walkin’ shoes, Walking Town D.C. returns to Georgetown

Author: Soo Chae

Link: http://blog.georgetownvoice.com/2011/09/22/lace-up-your-walkin-shoes-wal...

If you happen to notice a hoards of people walking in groups through Georgetown this weekend, don’t be alarmed—you’re witnessing one of D.C.’s biggest fitness-friendly annual events, the cleverly-titled WalkingTown D.C., and slightly less clever BikingTown D.C. Hosted by Cultural Tourism D.C., a non-profit organization that offers these tours for free, the Fall 2011 edition of Walking Town is scheduled to, for the first time in the event’s history, take place for a total of 10 days, starting tomorrow, September 23, and ending October 2.

This annual event, composed of more than 175 tours through the district, is designed to celebrate the diverse culture, arts, and history of the District. Arranged by D.C.’s wards and guided by historians, tour guides, artists and community leaders of expertise, participants can either choose one ward to explore, or lace up their best sneakers to try and hit all eight. Participants can stroll through different neighborhoods throughout the city, including Georgetown. Highlights from our neck of the woods include a “Spies of Georgetown Walking Tour” on September 23 and October 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., which takes participants to the houses of the espionage specialists that have lived in the neighborhood, including that of “the auburn-haired American beauty who ‘used her charm’ during World War II.”

Although there is no need to pay for any of the events, some tours require prior reservations. The event is also on the lookout for potential volunteers, so if you’re interested in giving some time, you can consider signing up to be a Cultural Tourism D.C. ambassador or a tour guide.

And if you decide not to participate, at least try to stay out of the way of the walkers and bikers. Odds are they’re so pumped to enjoy the Georgetown scenery and architecture that trampling you will only be a minor inconvenience.