Secret Service workers can tell you how to get into a undisclosed Washington, D.C., museum, but then they'd have to kill you. At least that's what we're thinking will happen if we try to gain entry into the top-secret facility that is inside the Secret Service's headquarters.

Even the name of the museum seems to be classified, since we can't find one listed anywhere. Here's what we do know: The small museum is only a few hundred square feet; it's in a six-story tan brick building; it's located on H Street; and only the agency's 6,000 employees and a select number pre-approved visitors can visit it. ]]> Jennifer Kester 2010-06-16T12:00:53-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/1/1/191925/9292

If you've found a place to rent in DC during inauguration, you've probably had to commit to a several-night stay, which means you'll be looking to fit in some museum time in between all the Obama-inspired eating and drinking.

Luckily, the Smithsonian Institute has jumped on this town's obsession with all things Barack, announcing 10 new exhibits tied into the inauguration. If you can't make it into an official Obama party, you can relive Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural ball with the new exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, while the National Portrait Gallery is showing off its vast collection of Lincoln images, and the National Museum of American History brings back its popular First Ladies exhibit.

All the museums plan to keep their regular hours on Inauguration Day itself, although details are still being worked out with the Secret Service and could change.

Related Stories:
· Smithsonian Institute [Official Site]
· For the Inauguration, 10 Smithsonian Exhibits [WaPo]
· Inauguration Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Smithsonian]]]> BS 2009-01-02T09:15:41-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/12/29/174034/18

Most non-political types traveling to DC for the great Obamafest will probably have their fill of the town's stuffiness in about five minutes, so we're betting many will be looking for the quickest route away from downtown once the swearing-in ceremony is over.

For a decidedly downscale inauguration night, check out the Common Man's Inaugural Ball at Wonderland Ballroom, a former residential home in Columbia Heights now operating as the district's hippest dance party and 20-something hangout. Required attire is "funky eclectic formal," the open bar lasts 'til 4 am, and FUNK DC will be on the turntables.

Unfortunately, hip as it is, Wonderland isn't immune from inaugural price-gouging. The entry fee is a cheeky $69--but it includes a limited edition t-shirt and poster.

Related Stories:
· Wonderland Ballroom [Official Site]
· Inauguration Drinks coverage [Jaunted]
· Inauguration Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Wonderland]]]> BS 2008-12-30T11:30:40-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/12/29/155427/93

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association wants to make attending the inauguration easy for people who'd rather ride their bikes than the metro. So the organization is setting up "bike valets" near the Mall so you can pedal to the festivities and stash your ride worry-free.

Volunteers will staff parking areas and hand out claim tickets so folks don't have to track down unsupervised bike racks and hope their transportation doesn't get stolen during the festivities. Political operatives should already be familiar with urban biking: They had the chance to try it out during the conventions this summer.

While WABA's official website says exact locations are still TBD--and the group asks bikers to RSVP so they can plan for crowds--a report on Fox News says McPherson Square and the Jefferson Memorial will have bike valets on January 20.

Related Stories:
· WABA Inaugural Bike Valet [Official Site]
· Bicycle Group to Offer Valet Service on Inauguration [Fox News]
· Inauguration Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: thepostalservice]]]> pbb 2008-12-29T16:00:38-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/12/28/17813/447

That's what it looks like from the elaborate (read: pricey) inaugural menus popping up at DC restaurants. The most lavish we've seen so far is the three-day extravaganza at the wine-centric Mediterranean spot Proof in Penn Quarter.

If you're in town early, Proof gets things going with a $120, four-course tasting menu and live jazz show on the evening before the inauguration. Cheapskates can view the show from the bar for just $40, but you don't get dinner, so we're not exactly sold on that idea.

On the afternoon of inauguration, Proof is offering a $75 buffet brunch, which includes tax, tip and unlimited Champagne, while the parade and swearing-in are broadcast on four flat-screen TVs.

Finally, for those who hoped to go to a swanky inaugural ball but didn't score an invite, Proof's Tuesday evening bash is a Cristal-and-caviar-until-3 am kind of deal, but it'll set you back $250 a head.

Related Stories:
· Proof [Official Site]
· Inauguration Eats [Jaunted]
· Inauguration Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Proof]]]> BS 2008-12-29T10:00:39-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/12/26/103528/61

Ironic, isn't it, that rental prices for inauguration 2009 are being governed by the free-market principles championed by the Bush Administration? Nevertheless, we managed to ferret out some decent deals that don't involve $25,000 deposits or a chauffeur, a chef and a masseuse. Here are six of the best:]]> pbb 2008-12-26T11:00:37-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/12/22/20195/109

Just about every watering hole in the greater Washington area is offering some kind of Obama cocktail or presidential wine special during inauguration, but not too many places can offer a beer brewed especially for the occasion.

The Penn Quarter outpost of mini-chain District Chophouse will be celebrating inauguration with a special brew called Barack Bock a "hoppy, amber colored strong lager," specially crafted in honor of the 44th President.

The Chophouse may not be DC's most inventive restaurant, but the steak-and-seafood menu is full of solid standbys, and the Seventh Street location is about as close as most people are likely to get to the actual inauguration parade.

Related Stories:
· District Chophouse [Official Site]
· TenPenh Has a Dream [Jaunted]

[Photo: cavalier92]]]> BS 2008-12-23T11:30:36-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/