Urban Discoveries Living .

ULI Washington invites you to come aboard the Odyssey for the 2^nd Annual "Cruise of the Capitol" Real Estate Boat Tour on Thursday, May 29th. This unique and educational boat tour of the greater Washington, DC waterfront will showcase new developments on the shores of our nation's capitol from fascinating perspectives along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers.

Public agencies and companies active in DC Southeast & Southwest markets, National Harbor, and the Virginia side of the river will offer key highlights of their projects. During the cruise, they will expand on last year's tour and will emphasize the progress made in the year on one of the most exciting projects under development. Among others, speakers will include:

•· Mitch Bonanno, Senior Vice President of Development, Vornado/ Charles E. Smith

•· Jeff Barber, Managing Director, Gensler

•· Monty Hoffman, Chief Executive Director, PN Hoffman, Inc.

•· Michael Stevens, Executive Director, Capitol Riverfront

The Odyssey itself is a luxurious, air-conditioned yacht, with generous outdoor decks and a comfortable climate-controlled interior. Dinner and drinks will be served throughout the three hour tour, and on the return trip attendees will be able to take in the stunning DC skyline after dark. Attire is business casual

Come see changing landscape of the DC regions' waterfronts! For questions about registration or special needs requests, please call ULI Customer Service at 800-321-5011, or at 410-626-7505 if calling from outside the United States.

Artomatic brings the work of visual artists, musicians, and performers to the community, free of charge. With more than 100 free events, activities and performances planned over 28 days and nights May 9 through June 15, the Artomatic experience will be unique for each attendee. The hundreds of displays of visual art alone generally take several visits to experience thoroughly (there are more than 1,100 visual and performing artists signed up to participate in Artomatic 2008!), and there are also two music stages, a theatre, a dance space, a poetry room, a film room, and a classroom. Every space has a busy schedule of events to engage, enchant, and entertain visitors. Artomatic also hosts performance art, fire dancing, burlesque, workshops, lectures, children's activities, tours, shopping, and much more.

Artomatic is open Friday, May 9 through Sunday, June 15, 2008, with times as follows:

Artomatic is free to the public, and donations are always welcome. Check out the Events Schedule and more at http://artomatic.org.

On May 22, the Corcoran Gallery of Art will commemorate the return of its world-renowned American Collection, with "Celebrate America." This elegant event will provide a chance to explore our nation's art, food, and ideas, while enjoying a glamorous cocktail (Cosmopolitan, Gibson, or Hollywood Martini) and sampling scrumptious hors d'oeuvres. It's an evening not to be missed.

Details:

May 22, 2008, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Information: 202-639-1786

Price: $25

Advance reservations are recommended

Passport DC kicked off with the EU Open House (May 3) and Europe Week (May 3 - 10) where 26 embassies showcased European art, dance, music, food, culture, and film. The International Children's Festival was held on May 10 and provided an opportunity for participants of all ages to learn more about Washington, D.C.'s embassies and international culture via authentic dress, cuisine, music, and art and engaging hands-on displays.

If you have missed these opportunities, World Week is being held this week and will include embassies from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas presenting a variety of cultural programs and events showcasing ethnic dance, art, jewelry, music and food. Passport DC will culminate on May 17 with an Around the World Open House at 24 embassies and the National Asian Heritage Festival - a street festival not to be missed. What an opportunity to learn more about the District's diplomatic community and the world!!

In April I blogged about the Design House which was open through May 11, 2008. For those individuals who were unable to attend, you have been granted a reprieve... Come visit the Washington Design Center on Saturday, May 17 for their Design House Consumer Day. Not only will you have the opportunity to tour the design house for an up-close look, but you can also meet the designers and discuss your design needs on the spot! In addition, you can spend the day shopping ten beautiful luxury kitchen, bath, stone, tile, and appliance showrooms. Throughout the day there will be product cooking demos, speakers, and more. Buyers and sellers alike can get a lot out of an event like this. Come see for yourself!