Black Friday 2018

Saturday, December 03, 2016

US Botanic Garden: A Washington Holiday Tradition



Each year the US Botanic Garden puts on a holiday exhibit featuring models of local landmarks made from plant materials and model trains. This year's exhibit is Season's Greenings and it is in recognition of the National Park Services' 100th anniversary. Models of landmarks from parks throughout the country are on display. Above is a plant-based replica of Mt. Rushmore. For the train lovers, model trains include Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends Toby and James. 

When our family went on the day after Thanksgiving the line to enter exhibit was long. And you must enter the exhibit from its own entrance to the building. There's no admittance for those visitors who enter through the Garden's main entrance. If we were to visit again, I'd go on a regular weekday in an attempt to avoid crowds.

Some of the many models that we saw were the US Capitol, the Supreme Court, and Martin Luther King's birthplace, all made from plant materials. My favorite train was super fast and fashioned after a lady bug.

Seasons Greenings
US Botanic Gardens
Through January 2, 2017
100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001
Open Daily 10 am to 5 pm
Admission is free


Marshall's Joins the Shops at Dakota Crossing



On November 3rd, Marshall's opened at the new Shops at Dakota Crossing. (The other shops are Lowes, PetSmart, and Dick's Sporting Goods.)  The large selection of toys for boys and girls of all ages shown above is impressive. The prices are reasonable. My favorite was a Discovery Kids Aquarium Lamp for $7.99. The same lamp is going for over $20 on Amazon right now. In addition to the toys, there is a huge selection of Christmas-themed merchandise, including chocolates and holiday decor. Since this Marshall's has been open for only a month, I was surprised to find clearance items. Of course, there's of  Marshall's usual fare: clothing, furniture, and home accessories. My cousin found a set of modern lamps for her living room. My other cousin couldn't get over that bags of Ghirardelli chocolates were selling for $4.79.

Marshall's
Shops at Dakota Crossing
2480 Market St NE
Washington, DC 20018
Open Daily 9:00 am - 10:00 pm