By Bob Kohn

Say “Washington” and a lot of thoughts come to mind... but sports? Washington is a true five-sport city, one of the few in the nation with all of the major professional sports represented. From national powerbrokers to suburban families, DC comes together to watch the players on the arena floor (as well as the “players” in the expensive seats) at FedEx Field and the Verizon Center whenever the NFL redskins, NHL Capitals or NBA wizards are in action.

FedEx Field in suburban Maryland is the home of the redskins. This year will see a team coming off of a tough season, but with head Coach Mike Shanahan in control things are looking up for the Burgundy and Gold. Like all Shanahan led teams, expect the biggest impact player on the field to be the featured running back, in this case Tim Hightower. On the other side of the ball, the Skins added by subtraction with the departure of the hugely paid but poorly played Albert Haynesworth and the addition of several new players who should rejuvenate the Redskins’ defense.

The secondary market is the way to go for Redskins tickets. The NFL’s ticket exchange is a great place to start, and any of the other online classified sites and brokerages will always have tickets available. The Washington Metro is the best way to get to Fed Ex Field if you don’t have a pre-paid parking pass.

Downtown, hockey fans make the Penn Quarter a party on Caps game nights. Led by superstar Alex Ovechkin, the Caps are a threat to bring home Lord Stanley’s Cup every year. Expect them to be atop the NHL’s Southeast Division and fighting it out with the rival Penguins all season.

Few venues in the NHL offer a better gameday experience than the Verizon Center. Individual game tickets are available directly from the Capitals; ask about discount specials on “Eagles Nest” tickets in the upper tier of the arena. The Verizon Center is located directly over the Gallery-Place/Chinatown Metro station. Insiders frequent the free Caps practices at the Capitals Kettler Iceplex (627 N. Glebe Rd., Ballston VA-- Metro to Ballston).

Sharing the Verizon Center with the Caps are the Wizards, DC’s NBA club. After the current NBA labor dispute ends, the Wizards’ season will be about building a solid club around John Wall while putting last year behind them. New team owner Ted Leonsis, who also owns the Caps, will work the formula with the Wizards that helped him make the Caps a success-- internal player development matched with the willingness to take a chance on big signings. Wizards tickets are available from the Wizards website and the Verizon Center box office with little difficulty.

Almost every night of the year Washington rocks with sports action and the scene extends out to many great sports bars. The Rock, located just behind the Verizon Center (717 6th St., NW) and the Penn Quarter Sports Tavern (639 Indiana Ave., NW) are two of the most popular sports bars in town, along with Mr. Days (3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA) if you’re in Northern Virginia or the Greene Turtle chain located throughout the area.

Washington is an especially great place to see a game for out of town fans; so many current DC residents hail from other parts of the nation that every game will see many visiting team fans in the stands with no problems. Similarly, many bars will “feature” an out of town team; a quick web search will turn up your favorite’s gathering spot.

Politics isn’t the only game in this town.

Mount Vernon Fall Festival

Autumn is a special time at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, as this historic site hosts a delightful array of seasonal events that are sure to capture the interest of every visitor.  The pleasant days of fall are the perfect time to explore the home and grounds of the “Father of Our Country” while rediscovering history in new and unique ways.

Saturday & Sunday Through October 30

Historic Mount Vernon Civil War Walking Tour

Experience a unique side of Civil War history at George Washington’s home through this walking tour.  With President Washington greatly revered by both North and South and soldiers eagerly visiting the estate, Mount Vernon has its own Civil War history to share.  Listen to dramatic war stories, learn about the changing role of African Americans on the estate, views on Washington from the perspective of Union and Confederate supporters, and the interesting Washington-Robert E. Lee connection.  Tours are limited in capacity and cost $5 in addition to Estate admission. 9:30am and 3:30pm.

October 8

Mount Vernon Slave Memorial Commemoration Ceremony

The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association joins Black Women United for Action to honor the slaves who lived at Mount Vernon with a program and wreath laying ceremony. This event features dramatic readings, African drumming and uplifting music in recognition of the slaves’ sacrifices and contributions to the early formation of this nation.  Tours are limited in capacity and cost $5 in addition to Estate admission. 11:00am-1:00pm.

October 22-23

Fall Harvest Family Days

Mount Vernon welcomes the autumn season! The entire family will enjoy fall activities including wagon rides, wheat treading, 18th-century dancing and blacksmithing demonstrations, a straw bale maze, apple-roasting, corn husk doll making and early-American games and music. Enjoy Potomac River sightseeing cruises at half-price.  Fall Harvest Family Days are included in regular Estate admission. 9:00am-5:00pm

November 11

Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans

In honor of our nation's veterans, Mount Vernon admits FREE all active duty, former, or retired military personnel. Honored guests are also invited to place a flower at Washington’s Tomb where the Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution present a wreath laying ceremony in honor of our nation's veterans. Special activities include a free patriotic community concert in the Robert H. & Clarice Smith Auditorium at 11am. 9:00am-4:00pm

Weekends, November 25-December 18

Mount Vernon by Candlelight

Enjoy a traditional yuletide evening with “Mrs. Washington” as she welcomes guests to tour the first and second floors of the Mansion by candlelight, sing Christmas carols by the fireside and partake of holiday refreshments.  Mount Vernon's modern buildings include merry music and the opportunity for holiday shopping until 9 p.m.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight is not included in daytime admission or annual pass. Adults: $20; Children 11 and under: $14.  Tickets available starting November 1. 5:00-8:30pm

Beginning November 25

Christmas at Mount Vernon

The halls will be decked for Christmas at Mount Vernon, with a dozen themed Christmas trees, a gingerbread Mount Vernon baked by the former White House pastry chef, and historical holiday entertainments.  You’ll also get a peek at the rarely seen third floor of the Mansion! Christmas at Mount Vernon has been named as one of the "12 Places to Catch the Holiday Spirit" by AAA!  Activities are included with regular admission. 9:00am-4:00pm

Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens

Admission: $15 adults; $14 Seniors 62yrs+; $7 children 6-11; free for children 5 & under.

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA

www.MountVernon.org