Weekend links: Come see DC

DC almost top vacation spot

Washington is likely to be the #2 US travel destination this summer. The American Public Transport Association places DC ahead of New York City, LA, and Miami, and behind only Chicago. (TBD On Foot)

Right-wing group fighting Silver Line

A Koch brothers-funded group has been making robocalls to Loudoun residents asking them to oppose the Silver Line as a “bailout to rail-station developers.” (Post)

Take the boring out of transit

Transit may be relatively unpopular in the United States because it is boring and lacks the inspirational mythology of cars. Can cycle tracks and riding the bus be made more fun? (Next American City)

Kwame divides, Brown unites

Kwame Brown uses Chuck Brown’s funeral to stoke divisiveness between longtime and new residents and use dogwhistle racial politics, while DC’s historian notes that Brown united races rather than dividing them. (Post)

Restaurant pavilion right for St. E’s?

DC wants to bring a restaurant pavilion to St. Elizabeths. The idea faces significant hurdles to success, including passing the Historic Preservation Review Board. (City Paper)

Who doesn’t want Alexandria bikeshare?

A member of Alexandria’s Waterfront Commission criticized plans to bring bikeshare to Old Town. Another resident notes that the bikes will bring more patrons to the waterfront businesses. (TheWashCycle)

Fewer, smaller gulps?

To reduce high levels of obesity and its associated costs, New York mayor Bloomberg wants to ban the sale of most sugary drinks above 16 ounces. The soda industry is already moving to counter the proposal. (NYT)