Take It to the Streets for Real D.C. Tours

Source: The Washington Post

Author: Stephanie Merry

Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/18/AR2009091803320.html

There's a lot to Washington beyond politics, and there's no better time to remember that than during the fall edition of WalkingTown D.C. This weekend's array of historical tours put on by Cultural Tourism D.C. sends locals to the streets, from Georgetown to the Atlas District. And the best part: You get a little exercise and a lot of knowledge free of charge. Just book your spot soon because some of the tours fill up fast.

With more than 100 tours to choose from, here's a sampling of some standouts:

Speakeasy-style bars like the Gibson give a sense of what D.C. life was like during the Prohibition, but they're nothing like the deep dive you'll get from the "Temperance Tour." Check out the Baptist church that was home to the Anti-Saloon League's 1895 national convention and grab a drink afterward with tour guide Garrett Peck, who wrote "The Prohibition Hangover."

Free. Noon-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cogswell Temperance Fountain, Seventh Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Nature lovers can take advantage of lovely surroundings and moderately strenuous exercise during "Get Back to Your Roots," a five-mile hike at the Arboretum. A staff member will recount the history of the 446-acre site that's served as a reprieve from city life since 1927.

Free. 10 a.m.-noon Saturday. National Arboretum, 24th and R streets NE, off Bladensburg Road.

Georgetown might call to mind images of popped collars and high-end shopping, but it turns out there may be darkness lurking below those adorable cobblestone streets. See for yourself at "Scandals, Scoundrels & Scallywags: The Seamier Side of Georgetown." Tour guide Bill Brown will embody police officer Ernest Brown, who was a patrolman in Georgetown around the turn of the 20th century and saw all kinds of crazy things.

Free. 10-11:30 a.m. Sunday. C&O Canal Lock 3, at 30th Street NW.

Despite its name, WalkingTown isn't just about pounding the pavement. Cyclists can also get in on the action. "Anacostia by Bike" gives you a chance to check out how much the Southeast Washington neighborhood has changed in recent years, from real estate developments to the progress on the Anacostia Riverwalk. And don't worry, you don't have to be too hard-core for this tour. The whole thing is 11 miles along flat terrain, with lots of opportunities to stop.

Free. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. Washington Fish and Seafood Market Place, 1100 Maine Ave. SW.

For more details on all tours, see http://www.culturaltourismdc.org.