Have you ever entered a fancier doctor's office and been directed to "take a seat," and then looked around and thought, "hey, this isn't all that bad?" Of course you have; an experience like this is common enough, but what isn't so common is finding that exact same feel in an airline lounge.

Every so often we fly through Washington DC's Reagan National Airport and, this last time, we actually had enough of a layover to warrant spending some time drinking the complimentary coffee and soaking up the tarmac views from the US Airways Club in Concourse C.

Getting there: The lounge is after security, but up an elevator before you head down the concourse to the gates. A simple silver plaque lets you know this, and upstairs you'll hit the regular reception desk. It's here however that you may encounter problems if you're a Star Alliance Gold member, but not with US Airways. The receptionist at first wouldn't allow us entry, because we weren't traveling on an international ticket.

WRONG. Star Alliance Gold members (*of airlines other than Continental, United and US Airways) are allowed up there, so long as they're traveling on a Star Alliance flight in any class that day. Explaining the right to enter a lounge is not only embarrassing but it also immediately sours our impression of the place.]]> JetSetCD 2011-11-29T16:00:14-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/9/18/202850/608

Stupid Hurricane Irene has no respect, and because of her wind and rain the dedication of the new Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial has to be pushed back. Organizers have finally been able to get everything in place again for a second try of the dedication, and it looks like they’ve selected October 16 to do so.

Originally like 250,000 folks were expected to show up, and we’re thinking the take-two will bring out just as many when the memorial is formally dedicated on the National Mall. President Obama is expected to be just one of the many in attendance, so if you’re planning to visit be prepared for an extra security patdown or two.

If you’re not able to attend the official ceremony next month, no problem, as you can go and check it out right now. It’s not exactly possible to keep the 30-foot statue totally covered up until October, so make sure to add it to your tourist checklist next time your in Washington, DC.

[Photo: tedeytan] ]]> kjb 2011-09-19T09:15:58-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/9/7/113229/6551

This weekend The DC Shorts Film Festival will present the largest audience-driven collection of short films in the country. The fest will show 145 films from 23 nations screened in 17 90-minute showcases followed by Q & A sessions with the filmmakers.

After all of the films have been screened, they will be screened again and remixed, before the best are shown in the “Best of DC Shorts” screenings on September 17 and 18 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center.]]> cmb 2011-09-07T12:11:31-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/8/31/94941/8218

Who likes free stuff? Everyone, duh. Who like free frequent flyer miles and free stuff? Hopefully you've got your hand raised in the air, saying "me me me" like an anxious little know-it-all in an elementary classroom, because if you're in Chicago or Washington DC select days in the next few weeks, United Airlines would like to give you some.

On August 31 (that's today) through September 1 (tomorrow), Chicagoans should head to Pioneer Court to meet Olympic athlete Dan Jansen and try their luck at picking a bag off a pop-up baggage claim carousel to win everything from 1 Million MileagePlus Bonus Miles to DSLR cameras, to trip giveaways and Tumi gift cards. You're not guaranteed to win anything, but it can't hurt to try—plus it's free.

The Washington DC event is a repeat of the Chicago fun, just September 19 and 20 in the Main Hall at Union Station with Olympic athlete Kerri Walsh. It's all a celebration of the new United MileagePlus Explorer Card with Chase Bank. No, you don't have to sign up for the card to try your luck, but in case you are ready to sign some paperwork to get the new United/Continental merger credit card, they'll be ready for you.

The event details: ]]> JetSetCD 2011-08-31T09:55:59-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/6/20/62252/9753

While this won't do much to undermine rumors that Washington, DC is a city of frat boys and sorority girls pretending to be adults, we have to confess that we find ourselves a little bit intrigued. The city's Dirty Martini bar—utterly predictable slogan, "Come Clean. Leave Dirty"—has unveiled their new "Big Dirty" martini option, which allows customers to supersize any cocktail on the menu to 48 ounces.

That's 3 lbs of alcohol served in what seems to be some kind of giant reinforced martini glass, all for the relatively affordable price of $79.99. ]]> Omri 2011-06-22T12:34:11-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/6/16/7282/67974

The Smithsonian Institute has plenty of museums and history to explore the best America has—and had—to offer, but unfortunately the museum gift shops weren’t necessarily showing off some of the country’s finest collectible thimbles and overpriced t-shirts.

Senator Bernard Sanders—he’s an Independent from Vermont—wasn’t too pleased about all the products made in China and elsewhere, so he kind of flipped out, saying that items sold at the National Museum of American History should probably be made in America. ]]> kjb 2011-06-16T09:27:37-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/6/1/1010/45149

Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

The best thing about summer is that you can do everything outdoors, and that includes watch movies. Seeing a flick under the stars while huddled on a blanket is a favorite summer pastime, especially since the screenings are usually free. Pack your picnic baskets and pop a squat at one of these outdoor film festivals.

Check out the top five alfresco film festivals after the jump.]]> Jennifer Kester 2011-06-01T08:39:35-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/