Places to go in DC:

• The Brewmaster’s Castle
• Ben’s Chili Bowl (1213 U St., NW; 202-667-0909; benschilibowl.com) “has been around for 50 years and was the only neighborhood restaurant to stay open during the 1968 riots, which began a few blocks away. During inauguration week, expect long lines and jubilation, especially late at night—the best time to indulge in a chili half-smoke and cheese fries.The Lincoln Theatre is one of 14 stops on the Greater U Street Heritage Trail, a walking tour of historic sites. Other nearby spots on the trail include the African American Civil War Memorial and Howard University. You can download a map of the trail online at culturaltourismdc.org or ask for one at Ben’s. While in the neighborhood, look for the Duke Ellington mural (1200 U St., NW) by local artist G. Byron Peck and the new Barack Obama mural (2007 14th St., NW) by Shepard Fairey.”
• Old Post Office Pavillion: “Crummy shops and what not, but go down to the bottom level in the corner and the Park Service runs an elevator up to the top of the tower. Great photos of DC if it’s a clear day.”
• Frederick Douglas’ house in Anacostia: “The tour is great, and the view of the city is lovely. Especially appropriate for this weekend.”

Inaugural Events:

• Presidential Inaugural Committee Announces Whistle Stop Train Tour Events (Saturday)
• We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration “NPR Broadcasts A Star-Studded Concert; President-Elect Obama Speaks Live Sunday: Listen to the concert here on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m.
• The president, vice president and their families will participate in a prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral.

Museums:

• “Smithsonian Exhibits: Inaugural and Otherwise:” open at 10 a.m. Visitors to the Mall will be able to go into the Smithsonian museums throughout Inauguration Day. The museums close at 5:30 p.m.
• The original portrait of Mr. Obama used in his “Hope” poster will also be displayed at the National Portrait Gallery.
• “Presidents in Waiting” (On Inauguration Day, the National Portrait Gallery opens “Presidents in Waiting,” an exhibition that focuses on the office of the vice presidency and the individuals who first served in that office and then later became president. It continues through Jan. 3, 2010).
• National Museum of African Art. DJ Adrian Loving mixes African percussion and hip-hop. (Sun., Jan. 18, 2-4 p.m.)
• The National Archives (700 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; 202-357-5000; archives.gov) “has an inauguration exhibit January 12 through 25 that includes the first printed draft of the Constitution with George Washington’s handwritten notes. Elsewhere in the archives, you can see the original Bill of Rights, the Emancipation Proclamation, and more. On Inauguration Day, the swearing-in ceremony and parade will be shown live in the archives theater starting at 11:30 am. Seats are first come, first served.”
• The Spy Museum
• The Newseum

Restaurants, Bars, Shops:

• Local 16 for a hip hop-type scene
• Spanish food: Great tapas restaurant called La Tasca
• Full Kee Resaurant
• Georgetown Cupcake

It may not be much, but it’s a place to start. Is there anything to add? Tomorrow, I’m off to NYC and Saturday, we’re going to Washington DC. I have my iPhone handy and my Canon ready to go.