Still Traveling

By Keith

April 16, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

I wanted to give any potential DC vacationers a heads up that the AJC will be running a family travel guide this summer. The guide will include an article about traveling with three young children to Washington, DC, written by MOMania columnist, Theresa Giarrusso.

By DT

April 16, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

Take the Metro to get around DC. It’s wonderful and you don’t have to worry about parking and traffic.

By Keith

April 16, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

Also, I know a lot of Atlanta travelers are closely following the news of the Delta-Northwest merger. If you’re interested in commenting on Delta or the merger, check out the blog the AJC has set up on that topic here.

By GaPeach

April 16, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

I’m an Atlanta native but recent transplant 2 Dc for a job transfer. It took me a minute 2 get use 2 living here in Dc (actually Fairfax, Va) but I would have 2 say the new Harbor & Gaylord Hotel, Phillips Seafood Buffett on the waterfront, Chinatown (via metro exit chinatown), and check out the new Nationals stadium 2 watch a baseball game.

By Anne

April 16, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Tips for D.C. - Try to take the Metro because parking is usually at a premium and the traffic can be confusing. Take good walking shoes. We walked everywhere once we got off the Metro at the Smithsonian castle. We hit all the memorials, walked around the White House. There’s a great small museum behind the White House, I’m sorry I can’t remember the name. Try out the Spy Museum and Holocaust Museum. Head over to Olde Towne…lots of great restaurants and cute shops. If you’ve never been, the trolley tours are great for getting your bearings. They also have “duck” tours which are similar to the trolley tours, but end up with the “duck” going into the Potomac and giving you a boat ride! And….if you can, tour the memorials at night. They are absolutely breathtaking. My favorite is standing on the steps of the Jefferson memorial and looking towards the White House. Oh yeah…don’t forget the new part of the Air and Space museum out near Dulles Airport (I believe). Have a great trip. It is well worth it.

By NICK

April 16, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Good Guys, in Georgetown, on Wisconsin Ave.

By Andyman

April 16, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

If you want to go to the Smithsonians, enter from the non-mall side. There is rarely a line for those entrances as the tour buses let people out only on the mall side.

Take one of the tours

By Jane

April 16, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Hit up the Zoo and Georgetown in the same day. Georgetown has a lot of overpriced boutiques but it also has an indoor/outfoor shopping mall that is reasonably priced.

The Metro is VERY user-friendly - the first time I rode, I was by myself at 6am on a weekday (I just followed the crowd).

If you get the chance and are in to it, go to the Supreme Court to hear oral arguments. You have to get up pretty early to get in line, and they only ever do it on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (you can look in the Sunday/Monday Post to see if there’s anything scheduled for that week, and I’m sure the info is online somewhere too), but it is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.

Many people don’t tour the Frederick Douglass House (which is in the upper right quadrant of the city…accessible by Metro but in a different part of town than the other musuems). It was the best tour we were given in D.C. by far. Check it out.

If you want to tour Mt. Vernon in Alexandria VA, get there early in the AM because the line starts to get really long throughout the day.

By CD

April 16, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Went to DC for a conference last September - I hadn’t been there in over 20 years (back when it was scary to leave your hotel after dark) and I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was. I stayed in a small boutique hotel near Dupont Circle, walked to the neighborhood restaurants and pubs after dark and felt totally safe. Every morning I got a big coffee and walked to GW University for the conference (about 9 blocks) and saw so much construction, renovation, and overall improvements being made eveywhere. Would recommend eating at the following places: Firefly Bistro in the Hotel Madera and the Afterwords Cafe (located in a glassed in atrium adjacent to a bookstore called Kramerbooks) - really cool place and great food.

By RK

April 16, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

That’s Old Town Alexandria. And don’t forget Georgetown, and its waterfront. For a great time, though, catch a DC United game!

The Dulles museum is the only Smithsonian museum to charge (either for parking and/or admission), btw.

And do what you can to fly into Reagan.

The metro may be good, but it is expensive.

Go to Adams Morgan on a weekend night…

By Andrea

April 16, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

In addition to using METRO, I love the DC Circulator. For one dollar, you can get to most of the city. I also pop into the National Botanical Garden when in the city. It is small but there are lovely displays contained in the limited space. The FDR Memorial is great, too.

By james

April 16, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Crime is BAD

Cost of living is EXTREMELY HIGH ($1600 for a one bedroom condo)

Dont visit suburbs with the names “hill” or “heights” in the name or u may be shot (oxon hill, capital heights,etc)

High HIV rate

Metro rates are HIGH. $3.50 to go to work. $3.50 to go back home. $3.50 a day to park. Over $10 a day to take the train into the city

Great Museums but thats about it

By james

April 16, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Crime is BAD

Cost of living is EXTREMELY HIGH ($1600 for a one bedroom condo)

Dont visit suburbs with the names “hill” or “heights” in the name or u may be shot (oxon hill, capital heights,etc)

High HIV rate

Metro rates are HIGH. $3.50 to go to work. $3.50 to go back home. $3.50 a day to park. Over $10 a day to take the train into the city for work

Great Museums but thats about it

By Robert

April 16, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Alas, the Hotel Washington has closed so visitors to the city right now can’t enjoy the incredible views from the rooftop terrace. The hotel is set to reopen early next year as a W Hotel.

Go to the National Portrait Gallery on 7th Street. If you have an interest in presidential history, a little-visted gem is the Woodrow Wilson House, where the former President lived after leaving office.

By Robert

April 16, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

James @ 10:18 and 10:20:

Most tourists would have no reason to go to the more dangerous parts of Washington. Just as Atlanta’s crime rate is increased by certain areas while some areas are perfectly safe, there are huge parts of DC (where tourists are likely to go) that are fine.

A one-way Metro fare for a trip to most areas within the city center costs $1.35, not $3.50 as you indicated.

With regard to housing costs, this blog is intended for tourists, not for those looking to move to DC.

By Gil

April 16, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Definitely take Metro, especially since parking will be at a premium now that spring has arrived and there is a massive influx of tourists going into town. Personally, compared to driving, gas and the expense of hassles and parking, Metro is more than worth it. Metro also takes you to many shopping, entertainment and dinning venues that would be a hassle in your car.

Check out all of the museums and definitely be sure to stop by the newly opened Newseum..Admission is $20, but well worth it.

Also take a tour through the “U” St. corridor..Not only is it a newly revitalized area, but a major center for Dc’s African-American culture.

Be sure to stop by Old Town Alexandria. Metro accessible as well, and a beautiful walk.

By james

April 16, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

@ Robert

My sisters works in DC and she has to pay over $10 a day to ride to and from work. Several tourists were robbed and killed at the National Mall. Hotels cost over $300+ a night. Traffic is horrible. DC residents are rude, try speaking to them and they will not speak back but they city has good musuems. A new musuems opened up last week I heard

By wehave2boyz

April 16, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

james - you’re killing me! i grew up around the corner from “capital heights” and frequented “oxon hill” a lot - especially in high school days. it’s true, folks. unless you know what you’re doing, stay away. if you go put on your in-the-hood-face and don’t act scared.

seriously, d.c. is an amazing place in the spring and autumn. i’m a native and owe my political and cultural sides to my home town. no better place to grow up back in the day. it’s a bit more crowded now, but when i go home to visit a few times a year i ALWAYS take a day or 2 to be a tourist. do take metro. believe me it’s cheaper than a parking ticket, tow fee and/or boot on your rental car. the blocks downtown are short so you really won’t feel the walk. in addition, there’s so much to see on the streets you’ll enjoy walking. can’t offer any suggestions on lodging since i stay in my own bed at the old homestead. catch ford’s theater and the home across the street where lincoln died. oh, and ladies - pentagon city for your shopping.

my one “off the beaten path” must-see would be frederick douglass’ home in anacostia. you’ll have to drive there but you’ll never forget the experience and it’s just across the bridge from the navy yard. enjoy!

By Gil

April 16, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

James..There are rude people everywhere. Secondly, all hotels do not run 300 a night.There are many places where one can get a decent room for 100+ a night, maybe a little higher. As for crime, yes, DC has it’s fair share of crime, but overall, it is a safe place, especially for tourist. Like with any large city, you have to use caution.

By Robert

April 16, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

James, although, I am from Atlanta originally, I live in DC and would disagree with your sister’s assessment of people here. They are perfectly friendly.

I don’t doubt that your sister pays over $10 a day if she is commuting into the city from the suburbs, but if she lives in the city and is using the Metro to get about she is not spending that much money. As I said before, a one-way Metro fare for city center trips is $1.35. It increases as you go farther outside the city.

Yes, hotels are expensive, as they are in any city. However, I just checked and you can get a room at the Hotel Madera, a nice boutique hotel in Dupont Circle, for $209 per night for this weekend.

By robert

April 16, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

James, although, I am from Atlanta originally, I live in DC and would disagree with your sister’s assessment of people here. They are perfectly friendly.

I don’t doubt that your sister pays over $10 a day if she is commuting into the city from the suburbs, but if she lives in the city and is using the Metro to get about she is not spending that much money. As I said before, a one-way Metro fare for city center trips is $1.35. It increases as you go farther outside the city.

Yes, hotels are expensive, as they are in any city. However, I just checked and you can get a room at the Hotel Madera, a nice boutique hotel in Dupont Circle, for $209 per night for this weekend.

I also just checked, and the property and violent crime rates are higher for Atlanta than for Washington.

By Robert

April 16, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

The Kennedy Center has free performances every day at 6pm at the Millenium Stage in the center’s Grand Foyer. You get to enjoy some culture, see the Center, and also if the weather is nice enjoy a drink on the terrace overlooking the Potomac River.

By dekalbgirl

April 16, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

METRO, METRO, METRO goes about anywhere you need in the city and surrounding. Unlike gridlock atlanta and go no where MARTA, when I lived there 5 years a go I rarely drove my vehicle. METRO got me everywhere I needed to go. Crime rates are higher here in atlanta.

By Becky

April 16, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

James, I’ve been to DC many, many times & trust me the people are not rude..To me all of DC is worth seeing. I love the Zoo, Phillips Buffet..I have visited all of the musuems there..As for the metro, I don’t remember it costing that much.Of course my sister lives in VA. so we usually drive in..

By MrLiberty

April 16, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

First, start off by driving there. No point in putting up with the NAZI’s at the TSA when you will be dealing with enough useless government thugs once you get to DC. Besides, the drive up the Shenandoah Valley or up the coast is quite wonderful and full of history.

Once in town, and throughout the trip, keep reminding yourself and the members of your goup, especially the kids, that as beautiful as everything in the capitol looks, it was all paid for off the hard work of american citizens - folks who likely had better things to spend their money on. Be sure to point out all of the security and police everywhere all over the city. You won’t see this kind of militaristic presence in other world capitols, but then other countries don’t occupy over 150 foreign countries with troops.

If you haven’t been for a while, the mall will look a bit different. They finally completed the WWII memorial - probably the most disgusting edifice to man’s inhumanity to man ever. In advance of the trip, make sure everyone takes some time to look over images from Nazi rallys at Nuremburg and other places. It will make the WWII memorial seem all that more familiar. Don’t miss out on the Vietnam memorial - probably the only war memorial that gets it right - dead people, plain and simple. Also don’t miss the Jefferson Memorial. His inspiring words will hopefully stick with everyone during the trip and beyond. But don’t dance while there, a group did the other day and one person was arrested - another example of freedom. The memorial was built on swamp land, much like the entire capitol, and it is supposedly sinking into the muck - much like the wonderful concepts of freedom he fought for and tried to promote.

See the museums, see the botanical gardens, but don’t spend too much time in the city - it has a way of tainting anything that stays there too long (just look at our elected officials).

Get down the road aways and see Mt. Vernon, Williamsburg, Monticello, and Jamestown. Celebrate what american used to be when it was free. DC is no place for such sentiment.

By Omega

April 16, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

@ James & Robert

Crime is VERY bad in DC, but Atlanta is not much better. As a DC native who grew up in the rough S.E. section (Rhode Island Ave.) of DC I can assure you that Atlanta is just as bad if not worse than the DC .

By Omega

April 16, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

@ James & Robert

Crime is VERY bad in DC, but Atlanta is not much better. As a DC native who grew up in the rough S.E. section (Rhode Island Ave.) of DC I can assure you that Atlanta is just as bad if not worse than the DC .

By nono

April 16, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Other recommendations no one has mentioned yet—visit the national cathedral and adjacent gardens—stunning! And there are plenty of other beautiful churches in the downtown adjacent to the Spy Museum that are fun to just walk in and admire the architecture. Also, if you want a spectacular and moving tour, don’t miss “Monuments by Moonlight”—there’s nothing like seeing the memorials at night when they’re lit up and there are a LOT fewer people. And if you love The Exorcist, the tall steep stairs in the final scenes of the movie are located in Georgetown, and the tourist bureau in that part of town will be happy to give you a map. Get a gourmet picnic at Dean and Deluca then walk around the neighborhood boutiques and enjoy the architecture. Finally, visit Mount Vernon, but try to approach it on a boat—we took a cruise up to it (I think it was on Spirit Cruises) and got there early enough to enjoy it without tons of people, plus we got to go in from the river side through the working farm area with crops and live farm animals, which I don’t think most people realize is even there, there is a small cemetery where slaves were buried as well, plus the gardens there are beautiful, so don’t miss seeing the house and grounds if you have a day where you want to enjoy the countryside and the water—it’s the best of both.

By DC Citizen

April 16, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Wow, I hope MrLiberty stays home!!

And for the record, DC was NOT built on a swamp. That is an oft-repeated myth.

By Andrea

April 16, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

A hidden gem is the National Building Museum. It is a beautiful building with a rich history. They have a great tour if you are interested in architecture and/or DC history.

Also, take a drive through East Potomac Park. At the end of the park is a really interesting sculpture called the Awakening. It also will give you a different view of the city and the river. This is a great thing to do during cherry blossom time—-hardly anyone knows that there are more cherry trees in East Potomac Park than around the Tidal Basin.

Go to the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington for one of the best views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol.

As for parking and driving around the mall area, it’s always easier to get around and find parking on the south side of the mall (the Independence Ave side).

If you’re up near the zoo in the Cleveland Park neighborhood, go to Vace pizza for excellent pizza (there’s something special about their crust). It’s just a carry-out place, but you won’t need to sit for long to eat the pizza; it’s so delicious that you’ll finish it in a hurry.

By LC

April 16, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

@ Anne 9:08am - The museum behind the White House is called the Renwick and it’s small but great. I interned on the hill in college a few years ago and tours of the Capitol are by far one of the best things to do. The portrait gallery is also spectacular. I t not only has the presidential exhibit, but also a number of other 19th and 20th century exhibits…old and modern people in politics, sports, fashion, music, civil rights, etc.

I’m traveling up there in May, does anyone have any good restaurant recommendations? I want classic DC for my family who hasn’t visited there that much but nothing too too pricey…

By FarLeftLoons

April 16, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

See the Holocaust Museum. Tickets are free and it is a true highlight of the trip. Very worth seeing.

By Jeff

April 16, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

One off-the-tourist-map place I like to go when I hang out there is Kramer’s on Dupont Circle. It is a bar/coffee shop/bookstore, and typically has live music on the weekends (at least the two weekends I was there 4 years ago).

Other than that, is the Hotel Washington the one directly across the street from Treasury?? I remember having dessert there on one of those weekend trips, and that really was a sight!

As far as getting around: Metro for long (re: more than a couple of miles) distances, walk anywhere else. Cabs fares are based on the number of ‘zones’ you cross rather than actual mileage, so the same distance trip could be vastly different prices, depending on where you are going.

If you’re flying, and particularly if you’re flying from the ATL area (as I don’t know about this from other areas), fly into Reagan and make sure you have a window seat on the left side of the plane (as you face the front). When you come into Reagan, it looks like you’re landing on the river! (I thought that was pretty cool!)

Of the two times I went 4 years ago, one was for 8 days in the summer, the other was for MLK weekend. I would say based on that experience to go in the summer. The buildings are BEAUTIFUL, and you don’t have to worry about dirty sludge ice everywhere.

By DC

April 16, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Stay at the Holiday Inn on C Street. It’s really nice! Also, you are by a lot of tourist attractions that you can walk to. Had a GREAT TIME!!!!!!

By RK

April 16, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

DC is a fantastic restaurant city. The Washington Post’s dining critic Tom Sietsema is a good reviewer, and has a chat online every Wednesday if you wanted…

By Lucky Yankee

April 16, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

By Robert

April 16, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Andrea, The Awakening sculpture was just moved in February from Hains Point (East Potomac Park) to the National Harbor development just down the river in Maryland. It turned out that most people never knew the sculptue was just on loan to the park all those years it was at Hains Point.

LC, at the expense of alerting even more people to one of the best restaurants in DC, you should check out Lauriol Plaza in Dupont Circle. It is a huge tex-mex, cuban, latin-inspired restaurant that is crazy busy. Good food though, and reasonably priced. On weekend nights, plan to settle in for a wait for a table and have a few of their great margaritas.

Jeff, yes the Hotel Washington was over by the Treasury building.

By Becky

April 16, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Can you still go & watch them print money? I did that years ago & thought that was worth the trip..

By RK

April 16, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Lauriol Plaza is a great scene, but the food tends to be overrated. That said, I’ve been there quite a few times, and enjoyed it. The price point is good for that area. It’s a good place to go to before walking up to Adams Morgan, but it is a bit of a haul from the Dupont Circle station.

By HB

April 16, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Lots of great suggestions here. Sadly, through, “The Awakening” that someone mentioned earlier isn’t there anymore :(. It was moved from Haines Point a few months ago. I think it’s over by a new development in PG County, Maryland now. Here are tips (more how-to, than where-to-go):

Wear good walking shoes and metro, metro, metro! If you can, visit in September/October when the weather is decent and there aren’t a lot of crowds. August also is a good time to avoid crowds, but it can be awfully hot.

I’d double check about getting Wash Monument tickets through Congressional offices (hadn’t heard that before). You can “purchase” advance tickets through the National Park Service. They are still considered “free”, but you pay $1.50 handling charge.

You do need to set up Capitol (if you want a staff-led tour), White House, and Bureau of Engraving (I think) tours through your Cong. office, but do NOT set up anything else through them. They can arrange Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and Kennedy Center tours, but have very limited scheduling options (I think they’re all at 2pm). Some Cong offices will tell you they are setting up “special” tours for you at those places, but you get the same tour as walk-ins, except that walk-ins can go anytime and in the off-season, their tours tend to be less crowded than the “special” Congressional ones. I’ve seen so many poor families run themselves ragged hopping back and forth across town trying to stick to a ridiculous itinerary that a staffer created just for them, when they could have seen all the same stuff on their own at a leisurely pace in half the time.

And as stated above, the people here are not rude; they just aren’t on vacation. Locals tend to be very good about helping with directions, etc when asked, but remember to do your part too and try to stay out of locals’ way. We often need to move faster than our visitors!

Basic city etiquette: 1) if you don’t wish to walk up a Metro escalator, please stand single-file on the right, so those of us late to work can rush past 2) if you can’t find your Metro card, please don’t stand in a clump in front of multiple gates digging through your pockets/purse/stroller looking for it. Step over to the side to search so that others may pass through. 3) when a train comes to a stop, line up to the side of the doors, so thant people may easily exit before you attempt to enter (same as your basic elevator rule) 4) All sidewalks are 2-way. Please walk in groups of no more than three across and stay a bit to the right. Locals get very frustrated when people walk 10 across making it nearly impossible for people to walk in both directions.

Follow these simple rules, and locals will appreciate you more than you can posssibly know.

By Love to Travel

April 16, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

I used to live in Baltimore and I went to DC alot. Contrary to what everyone says, I never had a problem finding a place to park. If the spots on the street were full there were alot of pay lots, especially around the mall and the Smithsonian. And I used to go at peak times for parking. It is always easier when you have your car with you. Be careful of the Georgetown area on week-end nights…traffic can be heavy. If you go to DC in the summer it is VERY HOT AND HUMID. If you go to the Smithsonian buildings it gives you an opportunity to cool off and still see exciting exhibits. For you people who don’t know, the Smithsonian is composed of many different themed buildings but they are on the mall and close to each other. The zoo is free but they charge you to park.

By DCResident

April 16, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Ceiba for latin food and the best mojitos. Rasika for excellent fusion Indian. Charlie Palmer for the best foie gras. Central. Ten Penh. Matchbox for GOOD moderate priced American. Oh man the list of great restuarants goes on and on. The only thing you will need is a big wallet as this city caters to big wigs and expense account types.

By DCresident

April 16, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

There are some wonderful suggestions here. I grew up in Atlanta and have lived in DC for a few years now myself. Suggestions about taking METRO and staying just outside the city in Crystal City, VA (Arlington) are definitely on point. Visitors should try to find time for brunch and seeing local vendors and artists in Eastern Market. The original building is still being renovated following a fire, but the market is going strong in a temporary facility next door to the original buildings. It should be noted that the awakening is moving to a new location and is no longer in East Potomac Park. If you have a vehicle when here there is parking on base and a wonderfully interesting museum called the National Museum of Health and Medicine. It is near Walter Reed Medical Center and well worth the trip. The museum has many examples of how medicine has progressed through the years and some fascinating examples of how injuries have been treated on the battlefield.

By DCist

April 16, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Rent a kayak or canoe at Thompson’s Boat Center in Georgetown and enjoy the Potomac River.

By FarLeftLoons

April 16, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

See a performance by “The Capitol Steps.” Well worth it. Hilarious take on current events and politics.

By CD

April 16, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

One thing a true Southerner from Atlanta shouldn’t miss is the huge, much larger-than-life statue of General William Sherman on his horse atop a huge pedestal located adjacent to the White House grounds on 15th St. Makes you want to visit Stone Mountain again just to gaze at Lee, Jackson, and Davis.

By Robert

April 16, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Good one CD! I always have mixed emotions when walking past the Sherman statue. On one hand, it’s such a nice little park — on the other, I feel a sudden urge to spit.

By Jeff

April 16, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

CD:

Are you talking about the park directly across the street from the White House on the north side?

I walked through that park at night - it was the first DC trip, we had just been at the Washington Hotel, and were going back to our rooms in the George Washington U dorms. I saw the big horse statue, but didn’t realize it was He Who Shall Not Be Named.

By HB

April 16, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Jeff, that’s Lafayette Park, and I’m pretty sure the statue in the center is Andrew Jackson. The Sherman statue is on 15th, just South of the Treasury Building and east of either the Ellipse or White House South Lawn, I think.

By Cranberry

April 16, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

My family did DC July 4th last year. What a wonderful time to be in our nation’s capital! We hit everything we could in 3 days, which wasn’t nearly enough time. I would allow at least a week if you can. Aside from all the other great tips contained above, my biggest recommendation is to take at least 2 changes of clothes per day, or perhaps be sure you have access to a washer/dryer. We walked so much we sweat through our clothes on a regular basis. DC is every bit as humid as Atlanta in the summertime! Wear yourself out - it’s worth it, and my kids loved it!

By Cranberry

April 16, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Also, the DC Metro is AWESOME - so easy to figure out. And the trolley around the Mall is worth the small fee.

By lesa

April 16, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

We love DC, love that so many things are free or low cost, and our children have learned so much. Our memories include ant farm at the zoo, rose window at the cathedral, interesting neighborhoods, the Boy Scout monument in front of their headquarters, sitting in the senate gallery, crying at the Vietnam wall -I could go on. No one has mentioned Union Station, the view from top of the Old Post Office, the new Museum of the American Indian, changing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Last spring we drove west to tour Civil War battlefields in Virginia, then down Blue Ridge Parkway. Every time I visit our capital I am overwhelmed with emotion.

By Jessica

April 16, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

I’ve been to DC two or three times now. Once with teens, the rest it was just me and my spouse.

I highly recommend the metro, buy a metro rail card at the beginning of your trip, it’s easy to get around and to figure out what’s where. Follow the ettiqutte of standing to the right if you’re not walking up the steps.

Take walking shoes, you’ll do lots of walking, be it in the museums, around the memorials or whatnot.

If you want to tour the White House, make sure you check out their rules about doing so, as it requires some things in advance of your trip.

Know that metal dectectors and security are part of seeing the museums. Side and back entrances do help with this.

As far as time to visit, I have personally found that the time period in between the Cherry Blossom Festival and the hot summer months is a good time.

By Jessica

April 16, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

I’ve been to DC two or three times now. Once with teens, the rest it was just me and my spouse.

I highly recommend the metro, buy a metro rail card at the beginning of your trip, it’s easy to get around and to figure out what’s where. Follow the ettiqutte of standing to the right if you’re not walking up the steps.

Take walking shoes, you’ll do lots of walking, be it in the museums, around the memorials or whatnot.

If you want to tour the White House, make sure you check out their rules about doing so, as it requires some things in advance of your trip.

Know that metal dectectors and security are part of seeing the museums. Side and back entrances do help with this.

As far as time to visit, I have personally found that the time period in between the Cherry Blossom Festival and the hot summer months is a good time.

By Lou Hall

April 16, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

We just were in DC 4 weeks ago and had a marvelous time. The highlights for me were the National Cathedral and the Library of Congress. We enjoyed the trip to the top of the Washington Monument and our tour of the Capital Building. The National Portrait Gallery was great. A repeat for us was looking at the gemstones in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. I am already making a list of things to do next time!

By andyman

April 16, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

If you are there on a Sunday, go to Eastern Market (convenient to Metro). Think high end flea market mixed with a great farmer’s market. Good antique shops and restaurants nearby.

By DBR

April 16, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Just returned from a long weekend in DC during the cherry blossom festival. A great town, a great time! Priceline is good for hotel deals…Zagat is good for restaurant choosing. Stick to the tourist areas, Embassy Row, downtown, etc. & there appears to be less security/crime issues than expected. Don’t miss the Holocaust Museum…it is a highlight for all 12 and older.

By james

April 17, 2008 6:25 AM | Link to this

Good musuems and good goverment jobs are in DC but I would hate to live in DC. Crime is horrible, HIGH cost of living, traffic is horrible, high aids rate, HIGHEST car theft numbers in the country, close to 200 murders on last year (and thats considered low) nobody speaks to you in public, too cold in the winter, horrible roads, criminals can carry guns but u cant have a gun in your own house, HIGH dropout rate, bad MS-13 gang problems, etc. Nice to visit but thats about it

By Will

April 17, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this

The best advantage to the Metro is that the streets are very confusing. Remember that DC is a spiderweb and a grid. Streets are often closed randomly, but Metro helps avoid that quite easily.

By lovelyliz

April 17, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

Spend the extra $$ and get a hotel in the District. You can save money by staying on the outskirts, but the drive into the DC isn’t worth it.

You will be surprised how much is free: the Simthsonian, the Mall and other sights. Buy a one day Metro pass and you can go just about anywhere for a low price.

Take advantage of the ethnic cuisines. You’ll find foods that you won’t see anywhere else in th USA outside of DC, NYC and perhaps LA.

As far as the crime/violence goes, obey the same rules you would in any big city. I lived in Alexandria and worked in the District NW in an area with an open parking lot. I never had any problems. Not that they don’t exist, but if you have big city sensibilities, you do fine.

By lovelyliz

April 17, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

I forgot one thing. The last time I flew into National Airport for a weeklong trip, we had to remain in our seats for about 30 minutes before we were due to land. Security issues. So if you have a weak bladder, use the facilities on the plane before then.

By lovelyliz

April 17, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

If you insist on driving, remember that DC is split into 4 quads: NE, NW, SE, SW. Just because you are going down the correct street name in one quad doesn’t mean you can drive all the way through to the same steet on the other side of the city.

Carry a city map and remember that there are a lot of one way streets/crazy signs and the local cops will write traffic tickets in a heartbeat. Ignorance of the traffic laws and difficulty in understanding all the signs won’t get you out of anything.

Take the METRO

By james

April 17, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

Make sure if u are on a street and the sign says “S.E. or N.E” make sure u run the other way before you get killed. Can’t see why my sisters pays all that money for her condo, prices are crazy!

By c mitchell

April 17, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

we visited DC the summer of 2006 during the 4th of july holiday. it was absolutely magical being at the mall listening to stevie wonder singing live and seeing the fireworks above the washington monument. didn’t realize that it got SO hot in the north though. it was almost unbearable until after a good rain shower. plan way ahead for sure if you plan to tour the white house capital, etc. we planned a few months in advance and were able to arrange a visit to the capitol with out local congressperson but weren’t able to tour the white house. we mostly did the metro to get around but i’ve never walked so much in my life! my daughter and i gave up about halfway between the veteran’s memorial and the lincoln monument so my hubby (and 2 boys) walked back to get us and he carried my daughter (about 70 lbs at the time) on his shoulders the rest of the way and ALL the way up the lincoln memorial steps!

great trip though - a MUST visit for families. the museums are wonderful and FREE and seeing the history of our nation is great!

funny story - security was pretty tight everywhere and while entering one of the festivals my little pair fold-up scissors in my purse was confiscated. HOWEVER, my husband (a cop) breezed through the festival security AND the metal detectors at about 3 or four of the national museums with a little something else!

By Paul

April 17, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

After living in Metro DC for 14 years, it’s really difficult to express many tips about the Nation’s Capitol - many books have been written on the place.

Some of the better comments I have read:

1.Stand on the right on the Metro Escalators. Locals will love you for it. (If the escalators work - METRO is notorious for non-working escalators.) Check out WMATA for advisories of maintenance work. Avoid METRO during morning rush hour, lower your voice ( instead of pointing to things on the map and yelling “Three more stops, Ethel.” Don’t be surprised if you are looking at a map confused and are offered help from a local to get where you want to go.

By Craig

April 17, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

If you want a close-in hotel go for the Capitol Hill Suites. It’s on Capitol Hill right around the corner from the Capitol building itself. In passing you may see some Reps on their way to work if in session. It’s a short walk to the Mall, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, etc. and is right around the corner from the Capitol South Metro station. The Metro is definitely the way to go. Much safer than MARTA and it gets you everywhere.

By curious

April 17, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Hello all,

I’m a resident of Alpharetta and interested in hearing from others who take trips to North GA using backroads. Not much of a highway driver myself.

I wanted ot know if it was possible to get to Helen and then north to Toccoa without getting on I-985 or I-85.

I did take a look at the maps :) but it always better to confirm with someone who has been there, done that…

I’d also like to avoid steep roads if possible. I actually do like US 441.

Is there another blog or forum I could use for these questions. Thanks much!!

By curious

April 17, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Hello all,

I’m a resident of Alpharetta and interested in hearing from others who take trips to North GA using backroads. Not much of a highway driver myself.

I wanted ot know if it was possible to get to Helen and then north to Toccoa without getting on I-985 or I-85.

I did take a look at the maps :) but it always better to confirm with someone who has been there, done that…

I’d also like to avoid steep roads if possible. I actually do like US 441.

Is there another blog or forum I could use for these questions. Thanks much!!

By csbg001

April 18, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

I am going to DC in June and just returned from a trip a couple months ago.

Olde Town Alexandria is a wonderful place with shops and dining. The museums in DC are amazing and most are free. The highlight was the spy museum which is across from the National Potrait Gallery. The spy museum costs a few bucks but the gallery is free. Both are “must” see sights.

Hotels can be listed at regular rates as being on the “high” side but a little effort can result in a great deal. In June we are staying at a four star in Olde Town for $78 per night. Using Priceline or Hotwire can mean great savings and there are even deals on the regular travel sites. It is all about planning the trip in the beginning and relaxing when you get there.

Check out prices in all three major metro airports to get the best rate and even look at the airport in Richmond if you want to look at less air traffic and a nice ride to the city (lots of wineries and historical places along the way to DC).

DC has problems similar to Atlanta in regards to crime but as long as you stay in the tourist areas, you’ll stay safe.

By Keith

April 18, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

Hi Curious — I like to stay off the interstates as well, if I can. From Alpharetta, you could take Ga. 400 north — or Ga. 9 north if you want a smaller road — up to Hwy 369 in north Forsyth County. Take 369 east over Lake Lanier into Gainesville, and then pick up Hwy 129 north in downtown Gainesville. That will take you to Cleveland, and from Cleveland you can shoot over to Helen on Ga. 75. You could also take Hwy 306 in north Forsyth County to get to Gainesville and follow the other directions from there.

I have taken this route before and it’s a pleasant drive. I don’t remember how long it took me, though, to get there.

From Helen, I think you can take 17 down to Clarkesville, which is a nice town. And Clarkesville is not too far from Toccoa.

Good luck! Also, I will try to post a blog soon on backroads traveling.

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