Culture

Not THAT D.C.

For many, Washington is all about the moribund statues, buttoned-up bureaucrats and power politics. But our new online series reveals a place where real people actually live, create and have fun in bizarre, diverse and unexpected ways. We're going out into the national capital region to highlight some of the most interesting and under-the-radar activities -- stuff that is decidedly, Not THAT D.C.

Vintage Game Night

2m 36s

The Woodrow Wilson House Museum serves up a dose of historic preservation with fun and games during Vintage Game Night. See how locals take in tidbits of political history while enjoying 100-year-old board games as the museum transforms into a window to the past.

Episodes

  • Vintage Game Night: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Vintage Game Night

    2m 36s

    The Woodrow Wilson House Museum serves up a dose of historic preservation with fun and games during Vintage Game Night. See how locals take in tidbits of political history while enjoying 100-year-old board games as the museum transforms into a window to the past.

  • Opera On Tap: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Opera On Tap

    3m 2s

    As Carla Rountree puts it, "You don't ever just walk into a bar and think, 'I wonder if someone's singing Puccini up in here.'" But, that's exactly what you might find at Wonderland Ballroom and other bars around D.C. thanks to Opera on Tap. The group seeks to bring opera back to the people with free shows that entertain and also give vocalists to a chance to try out new musical styles.

  • Rock of Ages Music: Alexandria's Rock School: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Rock of Ages Music: Alexandria's Rock School

    4m 15s

    When he was touring with his band, John Patrick never thought he'd become a teacher. But in 2011, he was ready for something new. Spying a building for lease in his hometown of Alexandria, Patrick opened Rock of Ages Music, a center that trains the rock stars of tomorrow. The career change has given him more fulfillment and satisfaction than he ever imagined. Music: WAVES by Whalitzer (ROAM)

  • Weekend Royalty: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Weekend Royalty

    2m 55s

    As Fred Nelson describes it, the Maryland Renaissance Festival is "overwhelming to the senses." He should know, having played the role of King Henry VIII at the festival since 2002. Nelson offers a glimpse of what it's like to be royalty and why so many people like to lose themselves in fantasy.

  • The Escape Lounge: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Escape Lounge

    4m 6s

    Washington, D.C.'s Escape Lounge tests the wit and creative thinking of participants who have 60 minutes to solve puzzles and find the key to escape.

  • Civil War Reenactors: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Civil War Reenactors

    4m 2s

    As Civil War reenactor Scott Sturdivant says, "It's not for everybody. Not everybody wants to dress up in wool and run around in the 90 and 100 degree weather. It takes a special kind of person to want to do that." But, for Sturdivant and his mates in the 8th Virginia Infantry Reenactors, turning back the clock is a way of life.

  • Vintage Base Ball: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Vintage Base Ball

    4m 8s

    Ever tried to catch a baseball bare-handed? Well, 150 years ago that's how the sport was played. These days, the Chesapeake and Potomac Base Ball Club keeps the vintage game alive with matches throughout the summer. With steamy wool uniforms and battered hands, this sport is not for the faint of heart!

  • Maryland's Ping Pong Academy: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Maryland's Ping Pong Academy

    4m 8s

    On the outside, it's a nondescript brick building but inside you'll find an Olympic training ground. Gaithersburg's Maryland Table Tennis Center is the home of some of the top young table tennis players in the world including U.S. age group champions Crystal Wang and Derek Nie. Under the tutelage of coach Larry Hodges, Crystal and Derek are preparing for their shot at the Olympics.

  • Sneakerheads: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Sneakerheads

    4m 8s

    As Michael Bartee puts it, "It's always been about your kicks here in D.C... Always." He should know. Five years ago, he and several friends turned their personal sneaker collections into Kick Spott, a specialty consignment shoe business in Georgetown. It's one of a number of local hotspots for D.C.'s passionate sneakerhead community. What's a sneakerhead, you ask? Join him for an insider's view.

  • D.C. Rollergirls: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    D.C. Rollergirls

    5m 27s

    Condoleezza Slice... Stabigail Adams... Marion Barracuda... DC Rollergirls has a history of awesome roller derby names. But the league is so much more than fun and games. For skaters like Adrienne Schreiber (A.K.A. VelocityRaptor) derby has been a life-changing experience. Tighten your chin strap and learn why as we take a peek inside the league.

  • Floating Yoga: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Floating Yoga

    3m 55s

    For most of us, practicing yoga on solid ground is hard enough. But not so for Jessie Benson and a growing number of FLOYO enthusiasts who take to the waters of Annapolis, Maryland for an additional challenge. FLOYO, short for "floating yoga" is a vinyasa style yoga class performed on standup paddleboards. A full mind-and-body workout, it challenges your muscles and your concentration.

  • D.C. Tweed Ride: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    D.C. Tweed Ride

    4m 8s

    Who says Washington, D.C. doesn't have style? Certainly not Eric Channing Brewer and the dapper folks that come out for the D.C. Tweed Ride. The ten mile bicycle trek through the city attracts hundreds of Dandies and Quaintrelles, all dressed to the nines. Combine the stunning attire with old-timey bikes, pie and a roaring after party, and it’s truly a sight to behold!

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