| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2012 MEDIA CONTACT:
Pat Wheeler, 202-638-8368
PWheeler@CulturalTourismDC.org WALKINGTOWN DC AND BIKINGTOWNDC RETURNS SEPTEMBER 24 – OCTOBER 1 Over 100 Free Walking and Biking Tours Highlight the History, Art, and Culture
of All Eight Wards of the City Washington, DC – WalkingTown DC and BikingTown DC returns this fall for eight days of free guided walking and biking tours, September 24 – October 1. This popular event introduces DC residents and visitors to the art, culture, and history of Washington, DC through tours at lunchtime, during after-work "happy hours," and on the weekend of September 29-30. Five themes describe this year's WalkingTown DC and BikingTown DC, with something for everyone: · African American Heritage: Tours dedicated to the history and significance of DC's African American personalities, landmarks, and events. · Green DC: Tours exploring local sustainable development, natural resources, and nature. · Washington in Conflict: Tours exploring political unrest, social movements, and historically significant events including the War of 1812, Civil War, and Civil Rights movement. · Eye on the Arts: Tours bringing attention to DC's visual arts exhibits, performing arts venues, and public art installations, especially sculpture, murals, architectural symbolism, and pop culture. · Neighborhood History: Guided tours of the Neighborhood Heritage Trails, the Official Walking Trails of Washington, DC, lead participants through the history of the area. WalkingTown DC is the only time during the year that historians and community leaders conduct tours of these trails, which are otherwise self-guided. City explorers can get a small taste of this year's WalkingTown DC tours when Cultural Tourism DC launches its newest Neighborhood Heritage Trail; Hub, Home, Heart: Greater H Street NE Heritage Trail. Held in conjunction with the fifth annual H Street Festival on September 15, the Heritage Trail launch features the official sign unveiling ceremony. The celebration starts at 12 noon at the stage at 14th and H Streets, NE. To get walkers warmed up for WalkingTown DC, several guided mini-tours of the H Street Heritage Trail will be available. The complete schedule of WalkingTown DC and BikingTown DC tours and special events will be available in early September. Tours are led by professional guides, community leaders, historians, and others who volunteer their time and expertise to introduce residents and visitors alike to the riches of DC neighborhoods. All WalkingTown DC and BikingTown DC tours are free and open to the public. Many tours are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Tours vary in distance and pace, accommodating all fitness levels. Many tours require advanced registration, which will open on www.CulturalTourismDC.org in early September. High-resolution images are available upon request from Info@CulturalTourismDC.org. WalkingTown DC and BikingTown DC are sponsored by Events DC, Donatelli Development, and Stanton Development. About Cultural Tourism DC An independent nonprofit coalition of more than 230 culture, heritage, and community-based organizations, Cultural Tourism DC and its members help residents and visitors experience DC's authentic culture and heritage. Cultural Tourism DC is one of the best DC nonprofits listed in the 2013 edition of the Catalogue for Philanthropy. For more information, visit www.CulturalTourismDC.org or call 202-661-7581. ### City:
Washington, DC
Date:
July 25, 2012 | 
