“Museum Moonshine” Offers Spirit Tasting and Stargazing

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and Smithsonian Gardens present an exclusive after-hours, behind-the-scenes experience in the museum’s rooftop terrace garden Saturday, Nov. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. Naturalists will discuss the flora and fauna of Washington, D.C., after dark, while specialists from the museum’s Phoebe Waterman Haas Observatory guide telescopic stargazing. Bloomery SweetShine of Charles Town, W.V., will provide samples of moonshine cocktails crafted from local botanicals. Capitol Hill creamery Sona will offer cheese pairings and discuss the process and history of cheese making. Tickets are $35 ($30 for National Air and Space Society members) and include two moonshine samples, cheese pairings and a tasting of light harvest-inspired fare.

All participants must be 21 or older. A valid ID is required for entry. The program will occur on a non-public floor, and museum exhibits will not be open. See Smithsonian Security and Policies for more information. Because this program will occur after public hours, entry after 7:30 p.m. is not permitted. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the museum’s website. This event will be held rain or (moon)shine.

The National Air and Space Museum is on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., at Sixth Street and Independence Avenue S.W. The museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Va., near Washington Dulles International Airport. Regular daily hours for both facilities are from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25).

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SI-507-2014