Shutdown 101: Here’s What You Can Still Do In D.C.

While it's only been roughly 12 hours, the effects of the government shutdown are rippling through our city — barricades surround monuments and memorials, the National Zoo's Panda Cam has gone dark, and 700,000 federal employees are creating a midday rush hour as they head home for, well, who knows how long. But even though this disruption could have a tsunami-sized effect on the DMV, ultimately costing as much as $200 million a day, there are still some ways to enjoy what the city has to offer.

Depending on how long the shutdown lasts, you can use the weekend to explore off-the-beaten path, privately owned attractions like the Alexandria Black History Museum, the Textile Museum, Brookside Gardens, or the Folger Shakespeare Library — you know, all the ones you've passed up for the Smithsonian's free-and-easy options. (Obvi, if you're a federal employee, you don't have to wait until the weekend...although we know that's not much comfort when you're not getting a paycheck.) For an extensive free-time agenda, check out the full list of creative alternatives to closed museums, compiled by the Going Out Gurus at the Post. (Going Out Guide)