Wondering where to watch the Inauguration Day festivities? If you want to feel a part of the Inauguration Day festivities, but are feeling a little squeamish because of the crowds and the cold, you have some options.
- Old Town Alexandria will have a jumbotron in the middle of Market Square for residents and visitors who want to watch and a be a part of history, but not necessarily part of the crush-level crowds. Old Town's Market Square can accommodate 4,500 people and the celebration will be shown on the jumbotron from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Is the cold what has you worried? Beginning at 11:30 a.m., the Inaugural swearing-in ceremony and parade will be shown live in the William G. McGowan Theater at the National Archive (Constitution Ave. NW between 7th & 9th St., Washington, DC 20408; 866-272-6272). The theater is small, 290 seats, so plan on being there early.
- Consider watching the event in the warmth and comfort of one of DC's finest while eating an early lunch; the Hawk N Dove is a great place for this as is Tortilla Coast, both on Capitol Hill.
- The International Spy Museum (800 F St, NW, Washington, DC 20004). Inauguration Day festivities, including the swearing-in ceremony and parade, will be shown on screens at select locations throughout the complex, including the Spy City Café.
Destination DC will be hosting the Inaugural Power Spot Lounge on January 20. This reserved lounge (Horizon Ballroom, Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004) will serve as a mix & mingle, resting sanctuary for you to recharge from the crowds of the Inaugural Parade while enjoying the comfortable atmosphere, catering service and television coverage of the celebration. The cost is $250 per person. (This event does not include tickets to the 2009 Inauguration or parade).