Memorial Day Weekend Is Here!
By Kirstin N. Fuller

Memorial Day Weekend is Here!  This national holiday was created to honor veterans from previous wars and the men and women currently serving in the armed forces.  The country will celebrate the holiday in a variety of ways.  Here in the nation’s capitol this Sunday, the National Memorial Day Concert will be held on the US Capital grounds and features none other that legendary R&B singer Gladys Knight.  So, grab a friend and hop on the metro and enjoy this free concert honoring our military heroes!

Gladys Knight 
Have a few extra dollars lying around?  If you do, you can hop on a flight to Aruba for the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival.  This 5-day soul party officially kicks off today and the party continues through Monday, May 26th.  This year’s festival features comedian Sinbad performing at the Friday night comedy show. The unstoppable Wyclef Jean and Ledisi get the party started on Saturday night.  The festival headliner is none other than the amazing Erykah Badu.  Erykah takes the main stage Sunday night with newcomer Sean Kingston.  Ticket prices range from single night tickets for $65 and packages start at $180.00.  If you are feeling adventurous, book your trip now! Right Now!

For more information on the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival, visit www.soulbeach.net.

Feeling more laid back?  Bed and Breakfast Anyone?  Do you just want a quiet getaway by yourself or with that someone special?  A Bed and Breakfast is a great way to relax and rejuvenate your inner spirit. The Akwaaba Bed and Breakfast in Dupont Circle is the perfect place for that weekend retreat.  The B&B welcomes guests with its eight literary themed rooms.  My favorites are the Walter E. Mosley room, the Zora Neale Hurston room, the Langston Hughes room, and the Romance Suite.  My personal choice is the Inspiration room, which is beautiful and quaint enough to inspire its guests to write their own novel.    
 The Akwaaba Bed and Breakfast DC is the vision of husband and wife team Glenn Pogue and Monique Greenwood (formerly of Essence Magazine).  The first bed and breakfast opened in 1995 in Brooklyn and the DC location welcomed its first guests in 2003.  All rooms feature the most elegant literary inspired décor and modern amenities.  Amenities ranging from private in suite baths/showers, king/queen size beds, massages upon request, luxury robes for lounging and scheduled author readings in the parlor.  Room rates range from $150-$265 (for two) and include a hot homemade breakfast during your visit.  Once you have enjoyed the DC location, venture off and enjoy the NY, New Orleans or Cape May locations.  Remember to take your favorite book!

Akwaaba’s Inspirational Room/Suite 

For more information or to reserve your own literary inspired room, please visit www.akwaabadc.com or www.akwaaba.com.    For  a listing of bed and breakfasts locations in the DMV and surrounding areas, please visit:  www.bedandbreakfast.com. 

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

The Travel Diva
For more great travel information, please visit www.reservationsmagazine.com!