January 20th 2009, Washington, D.C., 9:34 a.m.

"Twenty degrees up here feels a lot colder than twenty degrees in Birmingham," says Southern Living assistant travel editor Farrah Austin.  She called us this morning from her spot alongside thousands and thousands and thousands of people in front of the nation's capitol building.

There's a buzz in our magazine's offices, but it hardly compares to Farrah's perspective...

Yesterday I hit the red leather-bound volumes of Southern Living, starting at the top left corner of the shelves in 1966. What I found felt very much like a time capsule.

Last weekend, Union Station in Washington D.C. turned 100 years old. Though officially opened in 1907, the wonderful example of Beaux-Arts style celebrated its final completion a year later in 1908. Today, the white granite columns, cavernous barrel-vaulted ceilings, and marble floors echo a history of soaring American architecture as bygone as the train whistles just down the hall. If you've yet to experience this old-school grandeur in DC, make it this special year. Even if just for a movie (downstairs theater).

For more images taken by SL Editor Tanner Latham, read on.

(South Carolina's 1,500-year-old Angel Oak. Photo credit.)

When I think of trees, I think of the four spring-flowering Bradford Pears that made a square in my childhood backyard. How the trees formed a lane perfect for pitching baseballs (to my mother mostly). How I watched them, unknowingly, grow from weak treelings to wonderful, burgundy-leafed adults. And how they sort of watched me rise as well. Trees are markers of the changing seasons, givers of shade, reminders of time, and anchors to place.

Here are a few famous ones in the South that bring to mind the words of William Cullen Bryant, "The groves were God's first temples."

(Photo of Charleston's Beard-winner, Hominy Grill, by Shayna Anne)

Foodie powers-that-be recently announced this year's James Beard Awards, the highest culinary accolade out there, America's meal medal of honor. The shindig, which you can see via pictures on the JB Foundation website, looked to be a real tony affair, with the tops of our nation's restauranteurs/chefs/food writers toasting their love of cuisine. And once again the  contingent who call our proud region home showed up bigtime at the celebration.

I pride myself on being a good packer. I should be--I pack and unpack a suitcase about twice a week. This month alone, I've logged 26 days (out of 31) on the road. So I've pretty much got packing down to a science. Sure I've forgotten things before: toothbrush, running shoes (so much for that workout), sunscreen. All things that I can either go without or find a quick fix. But on my most recent trip to Alexandria, Virginia, I wasn't so lucky. Thank goodness for an understanding concierge at Kimpton's Hotel Monaco.

(Photographs by Scott Suchman)

In the May 2008 issue of Southern Living, we highlighted an urban chic pizzeria in Washington, D.C., called Comet Ping Pong, where you can get top-notch pies and practice your topspin at one of their three ping pong tables. With great food and a laid-back atmopshere that appeals to 20-something hipsters and Baby Boomers alike, this neighborhood joint is perfect for a Friday night out with the kids and for date night. How many places do you know that fit into both categories?  Chuck E. Cheese this is not. 

And it seems the District locals agree. Washington City Paper, in its annual "Best of D.C." edition, gives kudos to Comet Ping Pong for Best Family Restaurant. Well-done, Comet.

Here are a few more photos from the restaurant: