Anyone from around Washington DC area?

[wazoo]

Originally Posted by Bestdj777

Hi Leon,

I second Jeff's comments. I lived in DC for roughly five years and my fiance was born and raised there. It is a fun city with a lot of great things to do. I'd try to stick to NW to the extent possible, unless you are heading to Nationals stadium, some of the monuments, or to the Wharf for crabs right off the boat (one of my favorite adventures).

There are a lot of fun things to do in DC and some awesome places to eat.

Some recommendations on things to do/see/eat:
1. The Wharf: you can buy blue crabs on a barge, they will cook them up, and you can eat them right there on the Anacostia River. It is an eclectic crowd and the food is great.
2. The zoo: It is located in Woodley Park (red line on the metro) and is a very safe area. I've always had fun.
3. The National Cathedral: It is in a safe area but a little difficult to access by public transportation from what I can recall.
4. The Smithsonian Museums: the natural history one's gem collection is one of my favorites.
5. Nationals Stadium: great stadium, cheap seats, mediocre baseball, and always a nice time.
6. The Mall/Monuments: I think these are worth a visit while you are in town. They are beautiful at night as well.
7. The White House: no real explanation needed.
8. Georgetown: Has some great shopping and is a really neat neighborhood to walk through. Not sure whether your family is in to shopping, but is has a lot of great places. Plus, there is the very popular Georgetown Cupcakes (can be ordered online in advance to avoid the ridiculously long lines).
9. Ethiopian food: DC has some of the best Ethiopian restaurants. I used to go to Zed's in Georgetown, but it is a bit upscale and, from what I have heard, not nearly as good as the ones on U Street.
10. Ben's Chili Bowl: It is located on U Street. I'd recommend going during the day if you are going to. U Street is up and coming. It is a relatively safe neighborhood now from what I have heard, but there is still some crime there. Plus, at night, you may have to deal with some of the drunks from the bars on the street. I would recommend against venturing north of U Street. Ben's is a DC staple though. It's got a great history, and the president ate there a few years back adding to the popularity.
11. Burgers: If you like Burgers, I highly recommend Ray's Hell Burger in Arlington (awesome place) or Black & Orange Burger in Dupont (one of my favorites).

For hotels, I'd also recommend considering Northern Virginia. DC hotels are very expensive. If you find deals in DC, please check the neighborhood though, as there are several really far out of the way in South East, etc.

For transportation, the metro is very convenient. it will take you almost anywhere you want to go. It is also a very walkable city and there are cabs everywhere.

I made sure to hit Ben's Chili Bowl during my school trip! I second that!

[barrysloate]

I know the Smithsonian has a virtually complete collection of American coins, and nearly the same of American stamps, but do they have anything at all baseball related?

[Leon]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

I know the Smithsonian has a virtually complete collection of American coins, and nearly the same of American stamps, but do they have anything at all baseball related?

This trip will be more about what my daughter and wife want to do than what I want to do. I am not a big vacation fan personally. I am content on my couch at home with my clicker in hand. So whatever they want is what we will end up doing. I am sure the Smithsonian is on the list but probably only the history parts of it. My daughter said she definitely wants to go to the Spy Museum, so I am sure that will be done. I appreciate all of the tips and printed this thread out too.....
Baseball will take a back seat on this trip...

[barrysloate]

I'm with you Leon, not a vacation guy either. But should you end up in the Smithsonian, there are a lot of interesting collections to see. Problem is, the place is so big you may never find what you're looking for.

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

I just moved to Fairfax, VA. You can get to downtown from here in 20 minutes if you take the metro.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by Leon

This trip will be more about what my daughter and wife want to do than what I want to do. I am not a big vacation fan personally. I am content on my couch at home with my clicker in hand. So whatever they want is what we will end up doing. I am sure the Smithsonian is on the list but probably only the history parts of it. My daughter said she definitely wants to go to the Spy Museum, so I am sure that will be done. I appreciate all of the tips and printed this thread out too.....
Baseball will take a back seat on this trip...

My wife is from near DC, and I've made a few visits there.

The spy museum is very interesting. Lots of nice stuff, and apparently has a limited access museum for those with clearance. They have signs up reminding people that they're in sections open to the public. It may just be for atmosphere, but if so it's very well done.

There's a ton of stuff at the Smithsonian. It really depends on what they're into. The first ladies dresses were interesting, and there's so much just plain history. With several buildings worth it's probably asking one of the staff about a particular interest.

The White house was nice, but not the most impressive thing.

The Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam memorial are impressive in different ways.

I personally liked the Udvar-Hazy facility of air and space that's out at Dulles. If you like planes and rockets just go. If not, it's skippable.

The stamp museum is a separate building. I've been and the collections they display are impressive. But again, if you're not into it you could spend the time better somewhere else.


I've been to a few reastauraunts along the canal near Georgetown. The Ethiopian one was excellent even if it was just lots of different versions of chipped beef on toast served on a huge pancake. Different meats and sauces, but that's the general concept.- And FAR better than I make it sound.

Steve B

[RichardSimon]

Leon,
I have been to DC several times, always enjoy the trip.
Be sure to catch the Newseum.
And the Smithsonian Museum of American History and chuckle at the Brooklyn Dodgers signed ball they have on display. (it is a clubhouse signed baseball).
And going to Monticello should be on your must see list, it is an amazing place.