Nightlife
<ro>Take a Sip, Watch a Flick
<lst>Arlington Cinema 'N Drafthouse
2903 Columbia Pike
www.arlingtondrafthouse.com
<bt>The theater is old, the movies are second-run, and there are always people walking up and down the aisles. Yet for some reason, watching a film at the Cinema 'N Drafthouse is better than watching one at the local megaplex. Food ranging from pizza to popcorn is available before and during the movies, as is a steady flow of beer in pitchers and glasses. Smoking is allowed in parts of the theater, which features tables, chairs, and some long counters for patrons to relax on when the lights go down. Movies run all week in the evening. Other events include stand-up comedy, live music, wine tastings and screenings of games during the 2006 World Cup. Call 703-486-0345 for more information.
<ro>Grab a Doctor-Prescribed Beer
<lst>Dr. Dremo's Taphouse
2001 Clarendon Blvd.
www.drdremo.com
<bt>Located two blocks from the Courthouse Metro Station is Dr. Dremo's Taphouse, home to an amazing variety of beer on-tap. The bar carries the traditional favorites (Guinness, Foggy Bottom) and its own collection of off-beat beers, like Dremo's Chocolate Donut Beer and Dremo's Mountain Beast Ale. The Taphouse, which also features a full menu of food, opens at 5 p.m. and closes at midnight from Sunday through Wednesday and at 2 a.m. from Thursday through Saturday. The bar also features pool tables (free Friday through Sunday), open mic comedy and live music. Call 703-528-4660.
<ro>Hang at Whitlow's
<lst>Whitlow's on Wilson
2854 Wilson Blvd.
www.whitlows.com
<bt>Many bars boast a proud history; Whitlow's actually has one. It began on the corner of 11th and E Street in the District, opening in 1946 before closing in 1989 — the first time in 18 years the bar was closed outside of Christmas and for the filming of a scene for the Oscar-winning "Broadcast News." In 1995, Whitlow's reappeared in Arlington, featuring some souvenirs from the old location (a stove they used to cook turkey dinners) and from around the region (chairs from the old Arlington Courthouse building). Great cheap eats and an award-winning brunch highlight this popular spot, which also has frequent live music acts that begin around 9:30 p.m. Call 703-276-9693.
<ro>Dance at the Ballroom
<lst>Clarendon Ballroom
3185 Wilson Blvd.
www.clarendonballroom.com
<bt>This gorgeous art deco ballroom usually gets booked for special events, but it is open to the public on Thursday night and Friday night from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Check the Web site calendar to find out what style of music (club or swing) or type of music (live band or DJ) will be featured. But one of the real appeals of the club is its rooftop deck, which features some great views and its own bar. The deck, where smoking is permitted, is open 5 p.m. to midnight on Wednesdays and then concurrently with the ballroom on Thursdays and Fridays. Dress to impress, and there usually is a small cover charge after 8 p.m. Call 703-469-2244.
<ro>Whoop It Up with Hooligans
<lst>Soccer at Summers
1520 N. Courthouse Rd.
www.summers-restaurant.com
<bt>Summers Restaurant has become famous as the home for international soccer fans eager to watch matches on the sports bar's multiple TVs. The bar is packed during the World Cup with fans sporting face paint and colorful patriotic garb. The atmosphere is casual dining. Call 703-528-8278.
<ro>Shoot Pool in an Old Garage
<lst>Carpool
4000 Fairfax Drive
www.carpoolweb.com
<bt>There are 16 pool tables in this Ballston bar, made up to resemble an old service station. On top of a great ambiance, lively young crowd, and a solid selection of beer on tap, Carpool also offers a kitchen full of food. Pool tables are on a first-come basis. The bar is open from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. from Monday to Friday, noon to 2 a.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 1 a.m. Sundays. There is no cover charge. Call 703-532 7665.
<ro>Explore the Galaxy
<lst>Galaxy Hut
2711 Wilson Blvd.
www.galaxyhut.com
www.myspace.com/galaxyhut
<bt>"Cozy" is the word for Galaxy Hut, a club that features 15 brews on tap, 35 styles of beer in bottles, and live music on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights. If the intimate setting of the club isn't your thing, grab a table on the patio outside. The club's booking policy brings in local stars and interesting bands from across the country and Canada. Upcoming bands include The Drugstore Cowboys, the Sons of Disobedience, Alice Despard and many more. Call 703-525-8646.
<30hdr>Theater
<ro>Rediscover Classic Theater
<lst>American Century Theatre
Gunston Arts Center
2700 S. Lang St.
www.americancentury.org
<bt>A professional nonprofit theater company, the American Century Theater (also known as TACT) performs five shows over the course of the year at Arlington theaters. The group focuses on reviving productions of great-but-forgotten plays of the 20th century. TACT currently is showing a stage version of "U.S.A.", based on the trilogy by John dos Passos, which runs from June 22 to July 15. Call 703-553-8782.
<ro>Become Master of Puppets
<lst>Classika Theater
4041 S. 28th St.
www.classika.org
<bt>Inspired by a Russian traditional form of theatre, Classika puts on productions that utilize dance, pantomime and puppetry. The puppet shows, held on Saturdays and Sundays, are targeted at ages 4 and up. Currently on stage, a production of "The Little Mermaid" is running from June 3 to Aug. 20 at noon. Another show, titled "Galaktika," is an original production formed as a partnership with NASA. "Galaktika" runs from June 10 to July 16. Call 703-824-6200.
<ro>Experience Classic Drama
<lst>Washington Shakespeare Company
Clark Street Playhouse
601 South Clark Street
www.washingtonsakespeare.org
<bt>Presenting both timeless classics and contemporary plays, the Washington Shakespeare Company performs "classic theatre with an edge." Run by a mix of promising newcomers and seasoned veterans, the WSC has been a starting point for lots of new talent towards a professional career. If money is a little tight, the WSC offers pay-what-you-can performances, on Saturday matinees and Monday nights. Currently running, Lillian Hellman's "The Children's Hour" shows Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. until July 2. Also showing is Julie Jensen's "Two-Headed" on Sundays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. until July 9. Call 703-418-4808.
<ro>Theater for Children, by Children
<Ist>Encore Stage and Studio
2515 N. Randolph St.
www.encorestage.org
<bt>Encore Stage and Studio brings the theatre to children with a two-fold approach. It offers year-round educational programs in drama and performs four shows per year. These productions are for children and put together entirely by a cast and crew between the ages of 9 and 18. A fifth show for adults, always a musical, is offered as a summer program for ages 15 and older. Call 703-548-1154.
<ro>Laugh for Charity
<lst>Hexagon
Lubber Run Amphitheatre
North 2nd and North Columbus St.
www.hexagon.org
<bt>Hexagon is billed as Washington's only original, political, satirical musical comedy revue. Every summer — usually in July or August — the show hits Arlington for a charity event. This summer, on July 22, Hexagon will be performing its show "You Only Run Twice" at Lubber Run Ampitheater. The revue skewers everything from politicians to the arts in a hilarious showcase performance. Call 703-228-1850.
<ro>Celebrate Hispanic Theater
<lst>Teatro De La Luna
Gunston Arts Center
2700 S. Lang Street
www.teatrodelaluna.org
<bt>Looking for Latin American theatre? Teatro de la Luna is a theatre group of professional actors frequently performing at the Gunston Arts Center and other venues in the District and Maryland. The performances are in Spanish, but live English dubbing is offered during the mainstage productions and large events, such as the International Festival of Hispanic Theater in February. This season just closed with "Guachos (Desclasados)" or "Who Am I Anyway?" at the Gunston Arts Center. Call 703-548-3092.
<ro>Learn Some Theatre
<lst>Educational Theatre Company
1318 S. Pollard St.
www.educationaltheatrecompany.org
<bt>ETC is a group of professional performers who seek to educate children in the art of theatre through interactive programs and classes. The Shakespeare in Schools program, for example, helps students to better understand classic drama by bringing professional actors into the classroom to perform and get the students to perform as well. They also offer extra-curricular after-school programs and a two-week summer camp in drama. Call Executive Director Stan Kang at 703-271-0222.
<ro>Catch Theater on the Run
<lst>Theatre on the Run
3700 South Four Mile Run Drive
www.arlingtonarts.org
<bt>When smaller theatre troupes in Arlington need a stage to perform on, Theater on the Run accommodates them. Theater on the Run is a small, government-operated theater. Over the next year, it is hosting productions by a number of the best theatre groups in the area, including Charter Theatre, Trumpet Vine Theatre, Firebelly Productions, and Keegan Theatre. Call 703-228-1850.
<30hdr>Music
<ro>Beat the Tax Day Blues
<lst>Tax Blues Night
3118 Washington Blvd.
Clarendon Post Office
www.clarendon.org
<bt>April 15 is a day notorious for bringing on the blues (along with the panic, the sweat, the frustration and other IRS-influenced emotions). Clarendon offers an annual farewell to tax season with a collection of local rock, blues, rockabilly, mariachi, youth singers and belly dancing acts, as well as food vendors. The event has not been held for the last two years, but it will begin again in 2007. Admission is free, and it is held near the post office.
<ro>Medieval Music, Silent Film
<Ist>Hesperus
www.hesperus.org
<bt>Early music and American folk music fuse together in Hesperus, a musical group that travels worldwide, but flourishes in the Metropolitan area. Their next performance is a showing of the 1923 silent film, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." The film will be shown in its entirety, with the members of Hesperus performing the score live. Call 703-525-7550.
<ro>Listen to Ladies' A Cappella
<Ist>Potomac Harmony Chorus
<bt>The Potomac Harmony Chorus is a four-part harmony, barbershop-style chorus. It performs at the Arlington County Fair on Friday, Aug. 18 at 9 p.m. For anyone interested in joining, all ladies over 13 can come to rehearsals on Monday nights at 7 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of Faith Lutheran Church, 3313 Arlington Blvd. in Arlington. Call chorus agent Janell Tuttle at 703-333-5808.
<ro>Jammin’ in the Woods
<lst>Potomac Overlook Regional Park
2845 N. Marcey Road
<bt>Every other Saturday night in the summer local musicians rock out on the outdoor stage at Potomac Overlook. Concerts are free, but donations are requested. The park also holds an annual open house and heritage festival on the first weekend in May with entertainment and food. This year, on Saturday, July 22, the park will host a "Living Green Energy Fair" to educate citizens about becoming more environmentally friendly. Some exhibits will include electric and hybrid vehicles, and home energy innovations. Call 703-528-5406.
<ro>Enjoy Open-Air Jazz
<lst>Rosslyn Jazz Festival
Gateway Park
N. Lynn St. and Lee Highway
www.rossren.com
<bt>Great jazz doesn't have to be confined to a dark, smokey bar room. This annual free event, held every September, features an afternoon of music from a variety of jazz influences. Co-sponsored by the Rosslyn Renaissance, the 16th edition of the Jazz Festival was scheduled for Sept. 9 this year. Call Roni Freeman at 703-812-8881.
<ro>Arrive Early at Iota
<lst>IOTA Club and Café
2832 Wilson Blvd.
www.iotaclubandcafe.com
<bt>Is the room small? Sure, but that's the point: IOTA offers a singular music experience in Arlington, with familiar names (Drive-By Truckers, Juliana Hatfield) punctuating the club's musical lineup of alt-country, roots rock, jam bands, indie and alt-rock local and national acts. Open Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. The club features a full bar and a bistro-style with American and International flavor. There is no advance ticketing to the club, which offers seating on a first-come basis. Call 703-522-8340.
<ro>Ring in Summer with Carillion Bells
<lst>Netherlands Carillion Concerts
Carillion, Route 50 and George Washington Memorial Parkway
<bt>Beginning in early June and through the summer on Saturdays, enjoy guest artists playing the 50-bell carillion in free concerts. Concerts are held from 6-8 p.m. The carillion, a keyboard instrument that uses a range of bells, was given to the United States during World War II, in appreciation for the liberation of Holland on May 5, 1945. Concerts are free. Call 703-289-2500.
<ro>Rock at the Row
<lst>Rock at the Row Summer Concert Series
Pentagon Row Plaza
Army Navy Drive and South Joyce St.
www.pentagonrow.com
<bt>From June through the beginning of August, local rock, blues, and cover bands play a series of concerts on Thursday nights at the popular shopping center. And yes, dancing is encouraged. The shows run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
<30hdr>Arts
<ro>Master Artistic Craft
<lst>
Lee Arts Center
5722 Lee Highway
<bt>This fully equipped professional studio offers workshops every season in ceramics, printmaking, and other artistic forms. Earlier this year, the center offered classes on porcelain vase-making, silkscreen printing on clay, and non-toxic methods used in transferring text and photo imagery onto paper. These in-depth classes are a highlight for the center, which also includes a gallery that features regular exhibitions of the works of resident and national artists. Call 703-228-0560.
<ro>Catch an Off-Beat Flick
<lst>Cineplex Odeon Shirlington 7
2772 South Randolph Rd.
<bt>A perfect place for film buffs — bring a date to see one of the theater's mainstream movies, and then trick him or her into watching one of the indie films that fill out the cinema's schedule. And if the date needs a little "smoothing over" afterward, hit the various restaurants right down the street. Call 703-333-FILM for tickets.
<ro>Get Silly at Slapsticon
<lst>Rosslyn Spectrum
www.slapsticon.org
<bt>A four-day festival that celebrates the pioneers of cinematic comedy, featuring tributes to such legends as Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. But what makes Slapsticon a special event is its commitment to recognizing lesser-known artists from the development of film comedy as well as the stars. Every July, the festival features screenings of rarely seen comedies as well as memorabilia from the silent and early sound eras. There are also thematic workshops, like this year's "Stan or Ollie: The solo films of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy." Keep an eye on www.slapsticon.org for details on the 2006 festival.
<ro>Appreciate the Arts at AAC
<lst>Arlington Arts Center
3550 Wilson Blvd.
www.arlingtonartscenter.org
<bt>"The goal is to increase awareness, appreciation, perception, and involvement for the public here in Arlington County and throughout the area," according to the "AAC" Web site. Founded in 1976 and housed in the historic Maury School, the Center offers seven galleries with work from regional artists. It also has dozens of classes for different levels of artists and extensive children's workshops that offer everything from crafts to comic book art. Classes typically run between $60-$125 for multi-week sessions. Call 703-248-6800 or visit the Web site.
<ro>Appreciate Art, Al-Fresco Style
<lst>Arlington Arts Al Fresco
Various Locations in Arlington
<bt>This summer, arts celebration features performances at locations around the city from the genres of dance, music and theater. Schedules can be picked up at public libraries and local rec centers or by calling 703-228-1850 and requesting one by mail. Or visit www.arlingtonarts.org for a complete schedule.
<ro>Get a New Leash on Art
<lst>Museum of Modern ARF
1116 N. Hudson St.
2nd Floor
www.modernarf.smugmug.com
<bt>A canine-themed alternative art gallery that connects creativity with local community life. It manages to have children drawing on the streets of Clarendon with colored chalk under the same creative tent as provocative political commentary amongst the gallery's pieces — like, for example, a porcelain caricature of Donald Rumsfeld encompassed by a serpent, complete with a background of nuclear mushroom clouds. Along with the gallery, the ARF also holds art classes and workshops for anyone looking for a creative outlet. Classes in 2-D art are offered on Tuesdays from 7-10 p.m., and sculpture classes are offered on Mondays from 7-10 p.m. Call 703-528-4800.
<ro>Study in the Studios
<lst>Thomas Jefferson Art Studios
3501 S. 2nd St.
<bt>These art studios offer classes in photography, woodworking, jewelry and ceramics. Classes can run as long as nine weeks — two and a half hours each week — and cost around $60 and up. Call 703-228-5925.
<ro>Collect Some Art
<lst>The Art Market in Ballston
www.arlingtonarts.org/art_comm/artmarket.htm
<bt>Artists from around the area offer original art, photography, quilts, giftware, clothing and jewelry at the Art Market and Ballston. The market is the second Saturday of each month between May and October. The artists rotate each session, making each market different from the next. Music and special promotions are also present. Call 703-228-0560.
<30hdr>Community
<ro>Enjoy the County Fair
<lst>Arlington County Fair
Thomas Jefferson Community Center
3501 South 2nd St.
www.arlingtoncountyfair.org
<bt>Now entering its 30th year, the Arlington County Fair is one of the biggest annual events in Arlington. The fair boasts countless attractions, including carnival rides, international cuisine, pony rides, pig races, a petting zoo, and a rock-climbing wall, just to name a few. The creative talents of Arlington residents are also showcased at various booths, showing off ceramics, photography, food, creative writing and much more. In case transportation is an issue, the fair offers complimentary shuttles every 30 minutes that pick up at the Ballston Metro, Arlington Career Center, 816 South Walter Reed Dr., I-66 Parking Garage, and the corner of North Quincy and North 15th St. This year, the event runs from Aug. 17-20.
<ro>Sunset Serenade
<lst>Marine Corps Sunset Parade
Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial
<bt>The famous Silent Drill Corps performs with U.S. Marine Bugle and Drum Corps every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. in the summer at the Iwo Jima Memorial — weather permitting, of course. There is lawn seating, which means concert-goers can bring blankets and food. Parking is at Arlington Cemetery, and shuttles bring people to and from the memorial for the event. Call 202-433-6060.
<ro>Run in the Marine Corps Marathon
<lst>Iwo Jima Memorial
www.marinemarathon.com
<bt>Advance registration is required for this much-anticipated annual event. Runners make their way around Arlington and the District, passing many monuments, including Lincoln, FDR, and the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials. The 2006 marathon will be held on Oct. 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The race is in its 31st year, and a large turnout is always expected. If running a whole marathon seems to be biting off more than you can chew, on the same day, the marathon offers a 10K as a more easy-going alternative. For more information, or to register, call 1-800-RUN-USMC.
<ro>Learn About Lee
<lst>Arlington House
Arlington National Cemetery
www.nps.gov/arho
<bt>Arlington House was the home of Robert E. Lee and his family for 30 years. The house is now a memorial to Lee and is open all year from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Robert E. Lee Museum and the grounds around the house are also open to the public. On the first Friday in October, the Arlington House opens its doors giving visitors a chance to see the Arlington House and National Cemetery at night. Call 703-235-1530.
<ro>Division 1 Baseball
<lst>Barcroft Park - Field #4
4200 South Four Mile Run Drive
<bt>Take in a Division 1 Baseball game in the heart of Arlington County. Since 1993, the George Washington University Colonials have played 15-20 opponents every year on their home field in South Arlington. The park seats 1,000 and admission is free. For scheduling information, call the GW athletic office at 202-994-7399 or visit http://gwsports.cstv.com.
<ro>Twilight Tattoo
<lst>Jefferson Memorial
East Basin Drive, S.W.
Washington, D.C.
<bt>Soldiers marching and good music are all part of the annual Twilight Tattoo performance, a local tradition presented by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. Twilight Tattoo is an hour-long sunset military pageant on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. during May and June, held at the Jefferson Memorial. Participants include the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) troop units, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, along with The U.S. Army Drill Team, and others.
<ro>Party in the Streets
<lst>Clarendon Day
Several blocks around Wilson Blvd.
www.clarendon.org
<bt>Billed as "Arlington's biggest street party," this event is held every October and has something for everyone. The 2006 edition will be on Oct. 21st. There's food from local eateries and major chains like The Cheesecake Factory. There are live local bands on three different stages playing throughout the day. Also, there are local craft makers and artists peddling their wares at "Art Vendor Row." Activities are provided for children including a moon bounce and a climbing wall. The event is accessible by Metro.
ro>Party at Blocktoberfest
<lst>Ballston Entertainment Zone
www.blocktoberfest.com
<bt>Five city blocks. Five indoor bars. Four outdoor stages. Twenty bands playing rock, Bavarian, blues, retro and folk music. Twenty thousand free Souvenir Mega-Cups to the first 20,000 guests. Ten dollars for advance tickets, $15 at the gate. Children ages 13 and under get in free. One event: Blocktoberfest. Call 571-333-HiBall.
<ro>Select Veggies in Clarendon
<lst>Clarendon Farmer’s Market
Clarendon Metro Station
www.clarendon.org/farmers.html
<bt>Modern day Clarendon doesn’t necessarily inspire visions of rolling fields of farmland. But a little bit of country flavor invades the area around the Metro station every Wednesday from late May to mid-October. It’s a producer-only market, meaning everything sold must be grown or produced by the seller. Farms represented at the market must be within a 125-mile radius of Washington. The market has produce, herbs, meat and a delicious assortment of baked goods.
<ro>Run To Rosslyn's Farmers' Market
<lst>Area near 1735 North Lynn Street (Adjacent to Metro Park)
<bt>This farmer’s market, featuring fruits, vegetables, herbs, baked goods, jams and jellies, as well as many artists' booths, is held every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from early May to early October. Call 703-522-6628.
<ro>Fleece the Flea Market
<lst>Georgetown Flea Market
Wilson and Clarendon Blvds. (At Veith St.)
<bt>Georgetown’s name is on it, but this flea market is an Arlington experience. Located only one-half block from the Courthouse Metro Station, the market features furniture, art, rare china, jewelry, books, vintage clothes, antiques and plenty of other hard-to-find treasures. On Sundays, the market boasts more than 100 vendors, while the Saturday crowd is smaller. There is free parking available at the county office garage at 2100 Clarendon Blvd.
<ro>Discover Hidden Treasures
<lst>Arlington Community Garage Sale
N. 15th Street (Between N. Quincy and N. Stafford St.)
<bt>These one-day "flea market" events are held on the first Saturday of every month from April through November. The markets run in the morning until 1 p.m. The events are held on the I-66 parking deck of the Arlington County parking garage adjacent to Washington-Lee High School. Call 703-534-9268.
<ro>Eat Arlington
<lst>Taste of Arlington
Ballston
<bt>This annual event — the 2007 edition is scheduled for May 20 — brings the community together for a day of food, drink and local entertainment. There are also plenty of activities for children as well. Taste of Arlington benefits Community Residences Inc., a leading nonprofit provider of programs and services for individuals with mental retardation, mental illness, developmental and physical disabilities, as well as the homeless. Visit www.tasteofarlington.com for tickets.
<30hdr>Recreation
<ro>Become a Mini-Nicklaus
<lst>Upton Hill Regional Park
Wilson Blvd. and Patrick Henry Drive
<bt>This 26-acre park features what is touted as "the world's longest miniature golf hole." It's open daily, from dawn to dusk, and along with the mini-golf course features swimming pools, batting cages for both softball and baseball, and a nature trail. Call 703-534-3437.
<ro>Celebrate the Spirit of Freedom
<lst>Freedom Park
1100-1101 Wilson Blvd.
<bt>Freedom Park is Arlington's enduring tribute to freedom around the world and offers several stirring symbols of that freedom. There are segments of the Berlin Wall and a headless statue of Lenin. There is a giant ceramic mural called "Spectrum of Freedom," created in part by 270 schoolchildren in Arlington. There is also the Freedom Forum Journalists Memorial, a glass and steel monument dedicated to reporters, editors, photographers and broadcasters who died or were killed while on assignment. As of 2006, there were 1,665 names on the monument. Freedom Park is located on the overpass between 1100 and 1101 Wilson Boulevard. Enter the park from North Kent, North 17th or North Lynn streets, or from the buildings at 1100 and 1101 Wilson Boulevard from the Mall level. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Thirty-minute guided tours are available. Call 703-284-3710.
<ro> I Call Caboose!
<lst>Bluemont Park Caboose
601 N. Manchester St.
<bt>Stuck in traffic? Why not hop on a caboose?! Now through Sept. 30, come on out to Bluemont Park to see the Big Red Caboose. No registration is required, and the tour is free. The Caboose is open on weekends, including Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. A park official will be on site to teach residents about Arlington’s Iron Horse past. Call 703-525-0168.
<ro>Explore a Roosevelt Island Resort
<lst>Roosevelt Island
Located Near Rosslyn
<bt>This 88-acre island on the Potomac River offers 2 1/2 miles of wooded trails to hike, bike and relax. Located near Rosslyn, the island is dedicated to our 26th president and includes a memorial and statue. Call 703-285-2598
<ro>Move Knights around during Nights
<lst>Arlington Chess Club
Lyon Village Community House
Lyon Village
1920 N. Highland St.
<bt>This club has more than 400 members. Players gather from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday nights at the above address. One does not have to be a member for at least the first night one plays. The club hosts tournaments. Annual membership is $50 for adults and $40 for those 18 and under. Call John Campbell at 703-534-6232. Or go to the Web site at http://members.cox.net/arlingtonchessclub
<ro>Star Gazing
<lst>Arlington Planetarium
1426 N. Quincy St.
<bt>Want to spend a night under the stars without braving the elements? The Arlington Planetarium puts on weekly shows and programs throughout the year. From September to June, on the first Monday of the month, "Star’s Tonight — What’s Up in Your Arlington Skies" is offered so you and your family can track all the changes in the cosmos. The program is $2 for kids and seniors and $3 for adults. Other multimedia programs are offered on Friday and Saturday nights along with Sunday afternoons, including a holiday show called "’Tis the Season" in December. Call 703-228-6070.
<ro>Game, Set, Match
<lst>Arlington Table Tennis Club
Madison Community Center and Gunston Community Center
<bt>Originally established in 1989, the Arlington Table Tennis Club changed its name in 2005 to the Northern Virginia Table Tennis Club and created an Arlington and Fairfax Chapter. The Arlington Chapter meets up to six days a week at Madison or Gunston. This club held its first USATT-sanctioned tournament in May and plans to hold one every year. Anyone can join for $25/year. The club provides most equipment, but you must provide your own paddle. Skill levels range from novice to advanced. Contact Enrique Matta, Club President at 703- 442-9633 or Kim Phan, Club Vice-President at 703-228-3317.
<ro>Live Like a Kingpin
<lst>DEA: Air, Land and Sea
The DEA Museum & Visitors Center
<bt>Check out some of the items DEA agents have seized from notorious drug traffickers, including a drag-racing car and a Jet Ski. There's also a history of drugs, including an advertisement pitching cocaine as a cure for toothaches. Call 202-307-3463. The exhibit has been extended to run until the end of 2006.
<ro>Solve a Murder Mystery
<lst>Murder Upon Request
Dan and Brad's Restaurant
901 North Stuart St.
<bt>Live participation mystery theater featuring murder, theft, extortion, and a three-course meal at one of Arlington's top steakhouses. Dan and Brad's at the Arlington Hilton offers this special event every other Saturday. Check out www.hiltonarlington.com, or call 703-812-5114 for reservations.
<ro>Grind at Powhatan Springs Park
<lst>Skate Park at Powhatan Springs Park
6020 Wilson Blvd.
<bt>When it opened in 2004, this skate park — the first in Arlington — featured several enhancements over other parks, including a drainage system to remove excess water after storms. The park is close to 15,000 square feet large, with bowls and half-pipes for adventurous skaters. There are set times for free skate, managed sessions and BMX bike sessions. There is a small fee to use the facilities, although Arlington residents get a discount. Yearly passes are also available. The park also offers group skating classes for novice grinders. Call 703-533-2362.
<ro>Flip a Switch, and say Happy Holidays!
<lst>Light Up Rosslyn
WJLA Building
1100 Wilson Blvd.
<bt>Welcome the winter season with a bright and festive start during the "Light Up Rosslyn" celebration each December. The event features the Beltway Brass and Metropolitan Chorus as musical entertainment all leading up to the flipping of the ceremonial light switch. Call 703-522-6628.
<ro>Celebrate a Family-Friendly Mardi Gras
<lst>Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade
Along Wilson Blvd. in Clarendon
<bt>Go all out in the revelry that is the annual Mardi Gras Parade organized by the Clarendon Alliance. The boisterous event celebrates in a family-oriented style with beads, candy and balloon hats for the kids. The parade also features more than a dozen floats and a vibrant display of colorful costumes.