Washington D.C. - things to visit

[PeppyGPhiB]

When I went to DC, I enjoyed the following the most: the monuments at night, the National Gallery of Art, the Pentagon tour, the FBI tour, and the special congressional tour you could go on if you got a ticket from one of your state's U.S. senators. Not sure if you can still do the latter three (especially the pentagon tour, but it sounds like you've got a VIP), but I'd try if you can. It was pretty cool to go onto the floor of the senate and house chambers and sit in the chairs.

I didn't make it to the Library of Congress, but I hear it's not to be missed.

[NUBlue&Blue]

I've taken my kids a couple times in the past few years, but when I was 17 on my first big trip to DC, my favorites were the National Cathedral, Arlington Cemetary and Mt. Vernon. I also liked the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Our favorites on our recent trips were the Moonlight and Monuments tour out of Union Station, the Spy Museum and visits to the White House, Senate and House chambers (we had great tours because one of our Senator's chief of staff teaches my daughter's Sunday School class and our US Rep lives down the street).

Of course, with teenagers, shopping in Georgetown was probably the top attraction, even though we have every one of those stores here. We rode the metro to GWU and walked.

No help w/restaurants, I never remember the names of anything.

I love DC. If I hadn't gotten married right out of college and my husband already lived here, it would've been my first choice.

My next trip, I'm leaving the kids at home and I'm going to spend as much time in every art museum as I wish and never eat anything off of a tray...it's white tablecloths all the way!

[Reds6]

Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB

When I went to DC, I enjoyed the following the most: the monuments at night, the National Gallery of Art, the Pentagon tour, the FBI tour, and the special congressional tour you could go on if you got a ticket from one of your state's U.S. senators. Not sure if you can still do the latter three (especially the pentagon tour, but it sounds like you've got a VIP), but I'd try if you can. It was pretty cool to go onto the floor of the senate and house chambers and sit in the chairs.

I didn't make it to the Library of Congress, but I hear it's not to be missed.

Anyone can do the Pentagon, White House, and Capital Tour.
I would recommend the National Catherdal, my aunt's funeral was held there last year and it's absolutely beautiful! You may als be interested in the :

• Fredrick Douglas Museum
• I agree with Adam's Morgan
• The Waterfront
• Arena Stage seating is great for all shows.
• S.E. DC the architeture of some of the oldest and biggest homes in DC are beautiful
• If you like living on the edge Barry Farms
• Ben's Chili Bowl near Howard
• Underground Railroad Tour
• Mt Vernon

[NUBlue&Blue]

Isn't the FBI the only one you can't do anymore? But my foggy memory has me thinking that's because they are renovating the HQ.

They are stingy with White House tickets because they only let in so many per day, and once they're gone, they're gone. They (Senator's office staffers) said bus and tour groups make it more difficult for individual families trying to get tickets. I remember walking through the WH when I was a teenager--it was like Versailles in the middle of the summer. Basically it was a long line and you shuffled through, look left, look right, follow the line out the door. Our tour a couple of years ago was pretty good and we spent a lot of time in each room. The WH visitors center across the street is interesting, too. I thought so anyway, but I like museums.

[alum]

If you are willing to cross the Potomac:
Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetary, Old Town Alexandria (there are historic house tours).

Back to the District:
What's nice about all the Smithsonians is that there is no admissions charge. So if you only want to see one particular exhibit at a museum, you don't feel as if you are wasting money by skipping the rest.

I love the Botanical Gardens near the US Capitol and the Indian Museum (only a couple of years old). There is an Arboretum somewhere in Eastern DC that is quite nice as well.

Catch a Nationals game if you can.

I would also take a tour of Georgetown University. It's a beautiful campus.

[shinerbock]

When I was working in DC and the last time I visited, the FBI live fire exhibit was closed. Not sure if its reopened or not.

[honeychile]

You have all mentioned most of the places I'd suggest - good call on Bullfeathers, shinerbock! If you're going to Old Town Alexandria, Gadsbys Tavern is great place to have lunch. It's good for dinner, too, but it's the exact same food at double the prices. There's a small museum there, and needless to say, George Washington hung out there.

Since you're taking the kids, they would enjoy The Silver Diner.. I'm only familiar with the one at Tyson's Corners, but it's fun for the kids.

One of my favorites is The HillwoodMuseum. It was the home of Majorie Merriweather Post (heir of the Post Cereal fortune), and she designed it to be used as a museum after her death. There's lots of Faberge, incredible artwork, the Hapsburg Wedding Veil - lots of things like that. You can have High Tea on the premises. One restriction is that all children must be over six.

If you're into Lincolnalia, PM or email me - there's SO much to see on that angle, and I don't want to bore anyone. I wouldn't even bother with the White House unless you have the personal tour - you'll feel like the Griswolds in European Vacation.

And by all means, let me know how it goes - I'm in charge of a convention there next summer for a lot of people who have never been to DC, and I'd love to hear that perspective!

[neosoul]

Originally Posted by Reds6

• The Waterfront
• S.E. DC the architeture of some of the oldest and biggest homes in DC are beautiful
• If you like living on the edge Barry Farms
• Ben's Chili Bowl near Howard
• Underground Railroad Tour

ROTFL @ Berry Farms... they aint ready for soufeast Reds

but mos def go to the Waterfront and the Wharf, eat at Phillips AND Ben's Chili Bowl is a mos def as well...

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by Reds6

[*]Ben's Chili Bowl near Howard[/LIST]

So overrated.

Originally Posted by alum

I would also take a tour of Georgetown University. It's a beautiful campus.

We thank you.

[Xylochick216]

Go to the FDR Memorial. I didn't even know it existed and we happened upon it in January. It was beautiful.

I think the American History Smithsonian is closed for renovations. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought it was going to be closed for most of 2007.

Get reservations for the Holocaust Museum so you can do the good tour. It's very somber but an incredible experience.

[Tom Earp]

F the FBI! They are parasties!

OOPs I am on their radar now!

The District, The Smithsonian as there are a lot.
Walk the Mall, Start with Lincolns, and walk towards trhe Wahsingtom Monument! It leads to everywhere!

There is so much to see, spend time, it is worth it!

Enjoy it is worth it!

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally Posted by Xylochick216

Go to the FDR Memorial. I didn't even know it existed and we happened upon it in January. It was beautiful.

I think the American History Smithsonian is closed for renovations. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought it was going to be closed for most of 2007.

FDR memorial is awesome. I have done the Monuments by Moonlight tour twice, I think it's really a great way to take in all the major ones in one night.

When I was there in February it was closed but I'm not sure when it's reopening - I think most of the highlights are temporarily in Air & Space.

[PiKA2001]

Originally Posted by Xylochick216

Go to the FDR Memorial. I didn't even know it existed and we happened upon it in January. It was beautiful.

I think the American History Smithsonian is closed for renovations. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought it was going to be closed for most of 2007.

Get reservations for the Holocaust Museum so you can do the good tour. It's very somber but an incredible experience.

From what I heard it is going to reopen late summer /early fall.

[Sugar08]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

So overrated.

I hate it when people say that! Ben's is NOT overrated!

Ok, so maybe I'm a little too attached, but those chili half-smokes, man...

Check out Thaiphoon, a great Thai place in Dupont.

[Tom Earp]

Oh, do not forget THE Cemetary !!!

It is one of the most sacred places on earth!

So many things to see there! Sad but is what Our Country is about!

Just see everything you can!

You will always rember it!