Have you heard about the WalkingTown DC fans? You know, the ones who look forward to the bi-annual event that features more than 100 walking and biking tours throughout the city. This year, I thought I would give it a try and see what all the fuss is about. As a WalkingTown DC first-timer I didn’t know what to expect. Normally, I only participate in guided tours when I am entertaining guests. As a native Washingtonian, I feel pretty knowledgeable about my city, I mean I took DC history for an entire semester in the 9th grade!

However, during my walking tour, I was shocked and amazed by what I didn’t know about my hometown, especially when it concerned prohibition. Did you know that DC has a Temperance Fountain? My tour was led by Garret Peck author of The Prohibition Hangover and tour guide extraordinaire to all things prohibition-related in DC. Garret started the tour the Cogswell Temperance Fountan, where we learned about the California dentist who funded the fountain and protested alcohol in DC. We discuss the temperance movement and its religious origins and I’m very impressed by how knowledgeable he is about the subject. The next two hours go by quickly as we visit various other prohibition sites like the Smithsonian American Art Museum / National Portrait Gallery, Calvary Baptist Church , Woodrow Wilson House, and The Brickskeller. I would tell you more, but I can’t resist recruiting more WalkingTown DC fans. Mark your calendars (like I have) for the fall edition of September 25 & 26. Visit Cultural Tourism DC’s website for more info. See you there.