During this festive season, I always try to make it down to the White House front lawn to pay my annual visit to the National Christmas Tree.

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As the leaves begin to change color and sweaters replace sunglasses, Washington, D.C. transforms into a city full of fall-friendly activities for tourists and locals alike to enjoy.

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Tired of looking at all the monuments and walking through the museums? Or maybe the esteem of all the marble is making you feel a little deflated? Admittedly, the grandiose nature of our nation’s capital can get a little boring if you’re there for more than a few days. Here are some mroe exciting interesting places within and surrounding DC.

1. U Street—Hit the metro Red Line and get your fanny up to the U Street Stop, the down home African American historic district of town. This is where the civil rights movement really made headway in Washington and where some of the greatest African American achievements still stand today. Eat a chili dog and hit up a couple of dance clubs to get a break from the sights. This is the perfect compromise between history and ragers.

2. Adams Morgan—Right near U Street, Adams Morgan is the “hippest” district of DC. And you better bet all the “hipsters” know it. Only in Adams Morgan can a DC visitor find hookah bars on every street corner, dine with no possibility of finding matching silverware (because that’s too mainstream, of course), and walk through a glittering mosaic of pink and purple painted buildings.

3. Georgetown—Party with the frat boys and shop with the sorority sisters, because Georgetown has everything you need for an uptown experience. Buy a Gucci bag, some Versace glasses, and dine with  brilliant wine glasses, because Georgetown is fancy when it comes to shopping and dining. Georgetown is also great if you're into the bar scene. Hit up Mr. Smith’s or Bagoda, or you could always swagger your way into a college party up the hill at the university.

4. Alexandria—Okay, this is in Virginia… were you really that bored? Even though I wouldn’t recommend this for travelers without wheels, those who've got 'em shouldn't miss this pristine river town. It’s cobblestone streets are always filled with a few neat musicians pandering for tips and are lined with a ton of great restaurants and cheap, vintage stores. Alexandria is for anyone who is in need of a break from their DC engagement.

So you’re overwhelmed by the wealth of knowledge the Smithsonian scene presents to you, and you aren’t sure how to cover everything during your stay in DC—if only you knew which museums should make the cut and which shouldn’t. Well, I’ve put myself through the agony that you can now avoid, and I’ve compiled this list so you waste no time (or money) on worthless museums in DC.

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The day after Christmas is normally spent traveling: to the airport, train station, bus terminal, or even to the mall to exchange that heinous sweater your Auntie Ruth got you. Mother Nature had other plans this year, as the East Coast of the U.S was hit with a major snow storm. From the state of emergency in New Jersey to the snow flurries in Florida, major airports along the East Coast remain closed as workers attempt to clear the snow.

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Of the millions of tourists who visit Washington, D.C., annually, the overwhelming majority come to the National Mall in the heart of downtown. After all, in addition to its grassy expanse, the Mall is home to Washington’s most famous historic monuments and civic institutions. But more often than they expect, visitors can find Honest Abe’s metallic gaze falling upon a forest of white tents, part of one of the many festivals that call the Mall home. Here are five events not to miss:

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