Day trips: Salute to the kings, MLK or Elvis

Convention Center on 40th Street.

The festival is Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for students ages 13-17 and free for children age 12 and younger with a paying adult. One admission covers both shows.

Richmond, Va.

'Elvis at 21'

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death, but an exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts lets visitors go back in time to when the legendary performer was just a youngster. "Elvis at 21" explores more than 50 images taken by photographer Alfred Wertheimer in 1956. The Jefferson Hotel is offering a package rate of $265 per night that includes two tickets to the exhibit, a guest room, traditional Southern breakfast for two, breakfast gratuities, a bottle of Elvis Blue Suede chardonnay, valet parking and complimentary transportation to and from the VMFA.

"Elvis at 21: Photographs by Alfred Wertheimer " is on display through March 18. Go to jeffersonhotel.com for reservations or go to vmfa.museum for more information on the exhibit.

Washington, D.C.

King celebrations

Commemorate the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday with a range of activities in the nation's capital. This year marks the first celebration of the civil rights leader's birthday at the MLK National Memorial. Other celebrations include a Family Festival at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, Jan. 14-16; "King in Our Midst," a musical and dance performance at the Washington National Cathedral at 2 p.m. Jan. 16; and "Let Freedom Ring," a free concert featuring Bobby McFerrin at the

for the Performing Arts at 6 p.m. Jan. 16.

Kennedy Center event requires tickets, which will be distributed on the day of the concert, beginning at 5 p.m. For more information, go to kennedy-center.org. For information on "King in Our Midst," go to nationalcathedral.org. For information on the national memorial, go to mlkmemorial.org.

Atlantic City, N.J.

Clarkson, Valli and hip-hop

Atlantic City isn't Las Vegas, but when it comes to entertainment, the East Coast destination continues to ramp things up, drawing top names on a regular basis. If you want a show this weekend, head north to New Jersey for Kelly Clarkson's Stronger Tour performance at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort on Jan. 15. If that's not your speed, catch Frankie Valli at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Jan. 13-15. Or you could get your groove on with the All-Star Hip Hop Concert at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall on Jan. 15. For something sure to appeal to everyone, catch "Thriller: The Michael Jackson Tribute Show" at the Dante Hall Theater of the Arts.

For ticket prices, show times and hotel package deals, go to atlanticcitynj.com.

Seven Springs, Pa.

Under Armour 3rd Rail Jam

The weather is making things difficult for ski fans, but resorts are still open – and there's always artificial snow. Seven Springs Mountain Resort is hosting the Under Armour 3rd Rail Jam on Jan. 14. The event pairs a snowboarding competition with art, music and fashion activities. Seven Springs offers six terrain parks and will soon launch The Streets, a park dedicated to urban snowboarding, built to mimic the look and feel of riding in a city.

Seven Springs is one of Pennsyvlania's largest ski resorts, offering skiing, snow tubing, a spa and more. Go to 7springs.com.

—Michelle Deal-Zimmerman