Heading to D.C.

**ISU4ME** · 07-31-2009, 09:17 AM

I heard they have a great big white house there that is worth seeing.

**Angie** · 07-31-2009, 09:17 AM

The Washington National Cathedral is gorgeous, as well - it might be something to do if you're going to stay longer, but it's breathtaking even just as a piece of architecture.

We also did a tour of the FBI building. That was awesome - that was with a big group, though, so I don't know how that works.

**cybsball20** · 07-31-2009, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by CIVILCY

I think my sister-in-law was actually up for going to a ball game, but no one really wanted to get good seats. The only problem is the Red Sox are coming to town I think and I don't know how bad the view is from the nose bleed section.

There are no bad seats at Camden and the atmosphere for a Red Sox game will be worth it. Go up early thoughband spend some time in the inner harbor area, it's amazing!

In DC we loved the Holocaust museum and the spy museum. I would also recommend just walking around and shoppin in the Georgetown and Adams Morgan districts. Go to Grandville Moores on H street for sone moule frites.

**bleedcardinalandgold** · 07-31-2009, 09:26 AM

Check out the rooftop restaurant/bar at the Hotel Washington. It overlooks the National Mall and the White House.

**pulse** · 07-31-2009, 10:16 AM

It all depends on what you like.

Cool Museums: Spy Museum
Air and Space Museum. There are 2 of them, the one on The Mall, and the one out by Dulles Airport. If you like this sort of thing definitely get out to the one by Dulles.

If you have a car and are there for a week, check out Great Falls Park. There are 2 sides of the national park, in Virginia and Maryland. Go to the Maryland side. Its only about 15 min from DC.

The Kennedy Center has free performances every day at 6pm.

**frontrangeclone** · 07-31-2009, 10:20 AM

forget about the white house if you're only there for a week, my brother is a congressman and the best he could do was a 6 week waiting list.

The war memorials are a must, to me each of them evoke a certain emotion or "feel"... the Korean War memorial is probably my favorite, the way they imprinted images of soldiers into the marble was just amazing.
Besides the usual stuff mentioned in other posts, I'll suggest a few other tips... Check out Mt. Vernon, G. Washington's mansion and plantation, about 15 mi. south of the district. For a local pub fav, check out the Hawk'n'Dove on PA avenue a few blocks east of the Library of Congress. Great food and atmosphere. Also, you can rent sea kayaks in Georgetown and kayak the Potomac, which is a blast and a unique way to see the monuments. One of my other favorite non-governmental buildings is Union Station, just a beautiful structure, it's just north of the Capitol. And, last but not least, get a burger and fries at Five Guys, the famous east coast burger chain joint. There is one in the DuPont Circle area near a metro stop.

Have comfy walking shoes when doing the mall and museums, and avoid the metro at rush hour times.

**LetsPlay2** · 07-31-2009, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by clone2011

The monuments--but try to see if the people you are with are interested in going at night. They're cool during the day, but when they're lit up at night they're awesome! FDR Monument is a big open space that you can walk through, and one of my favorites out there.

Arlington National Cemetery--watch the changing of the guard. They do it every half hour IIRC.

I love DC...so much to see, so little time!

This...Arlington is sweet and the changing of the guard is pretty awesome to watch. I think you are right about the half hour deal.

I like how all the museums are free to get in to.

**The_Architect** · 07-31-2009, 10:28 AM

Try not to get The HIV. There are freakishly high HIV rates in the DC area.

**CIVILCY** · 07-31-2009, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by The_Architect

Try not to get The HIV. There are freakishly high HIV rates in the DC area.

well I guess that would make for a memorable trip

**jumbopackage** · 07-31-2009, 01:52 PM

A week isn't nearly enough time to take in just the Smithsonian museums, IMO, let alone all the other stuff to see.

I highly recommend going to the national archives if you've never been.

**isucyc** · 07-31-2009, 02:15 PM

I liked the Iwo Jima Statues Exhibit. I thought it had the most memorable exhibit. It isn't too far from Arlington if I remember. It seemed so real.

**cybsball20** · 07-31-2009, 02:19 PM

There's a sweet bar called the H street country club that has a mini golf course in it...

**CIVILCY** · 07-31-2009, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

There's a sweet bar called the H street country club that has a mini golf course in it...

Is that an actual bar where you have to be 21. My youngest sister-in-law is only 17, but that sounds fun and I know my wife and her family would like that.

**cybsball20** · 07-31-2009, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by CIVILCY

Is that an actual bar where you have to be 21. My youngest sister-in-law is only 17, but that sounds fun and I know my wife and her family would like that.

Ya, its a bar,probably not the most 'family friendly'.

actually, just went on the website. They serve food and minors are ok if accompanied by an adult.

**CIVILCY** · 07-31-2009, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

Ya, its a bar,probably not the most 'family friendly'.

actually, just went on the website. They serve food and minors are ok if accompanied by an adult.

I'll have to see if I can get the family to go.

Thanks everyone for your opinions.