FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Catherine Llamido, Communications Associate cllamido@culturaltourismdc.org 202-661-7581 WalkingTown DC Returns September 15 — September 21 More than 50 Free Walking Tours Highlight the History, Art, and Culture of the District of Columbia Washington, DC (August 27, 2014) – This fall, Cultural Tourism DC and its presenting partner, Events DC, will host its 15th annual WalkingTown DC, returning with more than 50 free, guided neighborhood walking tours from September 15 to September 21. This popular event introduces DC residents and visitors to the art, culture, and history of Washington, DC featuring a series of "bite-size" lunchtime tours, after-work "happy hour" tours, and tours throughout the day on weekends. Since 2000, WalkingTown DC is an eagerly anticipated annual event in the community, expanding to highlight new development and neighborhood changes within the District. Dozens of city explorers can experience these one-of-a-kind strolls and discover the insider's scoop of the city's heritage. As one of Cultural Tourism DC's signature programs, it has attracted culture enthusiasts, local residents, and visitors to the city's historic neighborhoods. "WalkingTown DC is one of my favorite activities. Whether walking along as a participant or volunteering, I've always learned a lot about the soul of Washington. The guides have a way of weaving time, place, and people into wonderful stories as they share their passion for their subject matter," Steve Shulman, executive director of Cultural Tourism DC, said. "Several of this year's selections caught my attention but I don't know that I will have enough time to join them," he continued. WalkingTown DC's New Tours Several exciting, new tours this fall include: • DC By the Book is a set of four new tours featuring crowd-sourced passages from fiction novels set in the District. Explore DC through fiction brought to life! For more information about DC By The Book, click here. • A History of DC Retail: Relive the Downtown Shopping Experience, September 16 and September 18. Native Washingtonian Edward Levi leads lunchtime and after work tours. Perfect for the downtown crowd! • At the Heart of Hip: H Street NE, September 19. Take a stroll with WashingTours and Events' Kate Denson and explore one of DC's up-and-coming neighborhoods, recently experiencing an economic and social revival. • Shepherd Parkway: A Ward 8 Wilderness, September 21. Explore one of DC's most unique wooded areas — home to two Bald Eagle nests and the remains of two Civil War forts! WalkingTown DC tours are led by professional guides, community leaders, historians, and others who volunteer their time and expertise to share the richness of DC neighborhoods. All WalkingTown DC tours are free and open to the public, and require advanced registration. Many tours are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Tours vary in distance and pace, accommodating all fitness levels. For more information about WalkingTown DC and to view the complete tour schedule, visit www.CulturalTourismDC.org. High-resolution images are available upon request from Media Contact, Catherine Llamido at CLlamido@culturaltourismdc.org. WalkingTown DC is made possible thanks to support from our sponsors Events DC, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Destination DC, The George Washington University, and Stanton Development Corporation. # # # |