Cherry Picking the Cherry Blossom!
Apr 1st, 2014, 10:09 AM
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Cherry Picking the Cherry Blossom!
My husband I are in Virginia. He can bike all over but can't walk very far due to some old-age related permanent injuries. Not totally incapacitated, but very painful to walk for more than 1/2 mile, especially on uneven terrain. Otherwise we are health nuts. Bummer, though, for the walking.
We would like to take Amtrak into Alexandria or DC. We could drive, but why would we do that other than to take our own bikes? I see there are lots of places to rent bikes or take bike tours, so that seems lots easier than the painful DC driving and resulting $$ for parking at whatever hotel.
Within normal people standards, money is way less of an issue than the "hurts to walk" to a long distance. So say under 300 a night for hotel. Or whatever!
We would like to rent bikes or take one of those bike tours of the blossoms.
We can go during the week.
We are thinking about staying 2 nights.
Without knowing the exact particulars, I am thinking: Train to Union (if staying in DC), then metro to whatever hotel you guys steer me towards. Get a bike (either by prior rental or prior tour arrangement) and tour the tidal basin or, again, whatever area you guys say.
I've stayed in in Alexandria recently and loved it, but was wanting a new experience of DC with staying somewhere where we can see the blossoms from the window of our hotel. HA! No really! And even if completely booked for this year, that is something that would be good to know for future years.
When I stayed in Alexandria, I took a food tour. Loved it. Any ideas of other things to do that don't require loads of walking?
Is this a doable shortie vacation? Or am I looking at the whole thing thru rose-colored glasses? If I've waited too late for this year, that's ok, could still do next year perhaps. Any biking suggestions or short walk or places to visit? It's really really hard to plan a vacation without having FEET!!!! This is a new situation, so I'm trying my best to find fun outdoors/indoors non-walking things to do that aren't completely sedentary.
Thanks. You guys always come thru for me.
We would like to take Amtrak into Alexandria or DC. We could drive, but why would we do that other than to take our own bikes? I see there are lots of places to rent bikes or take bike tours, so that seems lots easier than the painful DC driving and resulting $$ for parking at whatever hotel.
Within normal people standards, money is way less of an issue than the "hurts to walk" to a long distance. So say under 300 a night for hotel. Or whatever!
We would like to rent bikes or take one of those bike tours of the blossoms.
We can go during the week.
We are thinking about staying 2 nights.
Without knowing the exact particulars, I am thinking: Train to Union (if staying in DC), then metro to whatever hotel you guys steer me towards. Get a bike (either by prior rental or prior tour arrangement) and tour the tidal basin or, again, whatever area you guys say.
I've stayed in in Alexandria recently and loved it, but was wanting a new experience of DC with staying somewhere where we can see the blossoms from the window of our hotel. HA! No really! And even if completely booked for this year, that is something that would be good to know for future years.
When I stayed in Alexandria, I took a food tour. Loved it. Any ideas of other things to do that don't require loads of walking?
Is this a doable shortie vacation? Or am I looking at the whole thing thru rose-colored glasses? If I've waited too late for this year, that's ok, could still do next year perhaps. Any biking suggestions or short walk or places to visit? It's really really hard to plan a vacation without having FEET!!!! This is a new situation, so I'm trying my best to find fun outdoors/indoors non-walking things to do that aren't completely sedentary.
Thanks. You guys always come thru for me.
Apr 1st, 2014, 12:10 PM
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Apr 1st, 2014, 05:52 PM
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Well, it's not too late this year because they are going to be late this year -
http://www.nationalcherryblossomfest...t/bloom-watch/
I agree with Kimpton.
I don't understand about the bike thing though. He can bike but not walk? The actual walk is not much of a problem - at least around the tidal basin. It can be crowded along the water's edge but it is absolutely breath-taking to walk among the blooms. What about taking a cab down to the area and then call one to pick you back up? I'm confused about the bike part of it.
http://www.nationalcherryblossomfest...t/bloom-watch/
I agree with Kimpton.
I don't understand about the bike thing though. He can bike but not walk? The actual walk is not much of a problem - at least around the tidal basin. It can be crowded along the water's edge but it is absolutely breath-taking to walk among the blooms. What about taking a cab down to the area and then call one to pick you back up? I'm confused about the bike part of it.
Apr 2nd, 2014, 02:47 AM
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Thanks for the link, starrs. We are going to be in DC April 5-8 (first time) so it sounds like the blossoms will be lovely. I wasn't even thinking about cherry blossoms when I booked so this will be a bonus.
Any info posted here about cycling routes will be of interest to me as well.
Any info posted here about cycling routes will be of interest to me as well.
Apr 2nd, 2014, 03:38 AM
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Was there this weekend and reports are that they will be at peak around the 13th or so ... the first buds were appearing in the snow on Sunday ...
On weekends, FREE bike valet service is available at the Jefferson Memorial parking lot, south of the memorial. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Capital Bikeshare offers a 5-day membership priced at $15 and will provide a staffed location at 12th Street and Independence Avenue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the three Festival weekends. The National Park Service will also place extra bike racks at Independence Avenue & 15th Street, SW, near the Tidal Basin, which bikers with their own locks can utilize free of charge. offers a 5-day membership priced at $15 and will provide a staffed location at 12th Street and Independence Avenue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the three Festival weekends. The National Park Service will also place extra bike racks at Independence Avenue & 15th Street, SW, near the Tidal Basin, which bikers with their own locks can utilize free of charge.http://capitalbikeshare.com/
On weekends, FREE bike valet service is available at the Jefferson Memorial parking lot, south of the memorial. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Capital Bikeshare offers a 5-day membership priced at $15 and will provide a staffed location at 12th Street and Independence Avenue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the three Festival weekends. The National Park Service will also place extra bike racks at Independence Avenue & 15th Street, SW, near the Tidal Basin, which bikers with their own locks can utilize free of charge. offers a 5-day membership priced at $15 and will provide a staffed location at 12th Street and Independence Avenue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the three Festival weekends. The National Park Service will also place extra bike racks at Independence Avenue & 15th Street, SW, near the Tidal Basin, which bikers with their own locks can utilize free of charge.http://capitalbikeshare.com/
Apr 2nd, 2014, 04:07 AM
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Thanks to all. Looking into a Kimpton hotel now. I know it's crazy about the walking thing. W/O getting into it thoroughly, there's a torn tendon or something or the other than stabilizes his ankle and that makes his foot roll. Has boots, etc, but they cause swelling, they're hot and just not all that. Additionally, there are bad arthritic hips, bow-legs, but a good spirit. So the biking thing is great since he's off his legs and feet. And we WILL walk some amongst the trees, he just can't walk 5 or 6 long city blocks without it being painful. And that's just not fun.
Anyway, were thinking about using the bikes to get TO the tidal basin and other areas, and then walking around some on that nice flat paved area where the trees are. I assume it is nice paved flat, right? It's been a while since we've been there, I'm trying to use my wayback brain and remember how it was.
Thanks again everybody!
TMI from me I'm sure, but I know we're not the only people out there with a problem that surely has do-arounds. Maybe this will help them too!
Anyway, were thinking about using the bikes to get TO the tidal basin and other areas, and then walking around some on that nice flat paved area where the trees are. I assume it is nice paved flat, right? It's been a while since we've been there, I'm trying to use my wayback brain and remember how it was.
Thanks again everybody!
TMI from me I'm sure, but I know we're not the only people out there with a problem that surely has do-arounds. Maybe this will help them too!
Apr 2nd, 2014, 05:59 AM
#10
The Monaco would be a good choice for you given its proximity to the Mall.
However, make sure you ask for a room on the 1st floor (not basement). There are only two small elevators and some of the rooms are a long distance from those elevators and I'm sure you DH wants to save his comfortable walking minutes for the city. The 19th century marble building is gorgeous and the restaurant at the hotel, Poste, is fantastic but pricey. The Kimptons (Palomar, Topaz and Madera) located around Dupont Circle are all great places with individual personalities. I really like the Madera and its restaurant, Firefly which is more casual than Poste.
The only two DC Kimptons I don't love are the Helix (big time party clientele) and the George (great hotel, boring neighborhood).
And if you aren't already a member, join their In Touch loyalty program. Free wifi among other things.
Another hotel you might look at is the W on 15th St NW. It is close to the Mall and across the street from the White House. Even if you don't stay there, have a drink on the rooftop bar -- gorgeous view of the city including the cherry blossoms.
Regarding bikes, you're probably aware that the Cherry Blossoms plus school break vacations bring a lot of people into to the city, including locals with family visitors. The Mall, the memorials and the Tidal Basin can be a sea of people and biking isn't always a straight shot. Not saying it will be that way when you visit, but it can be that way. Weekdays, early morning before the museums open and very late afternoon even regulation dinner hour are going to be less of a zoo.
Finally, which hotel you eventually settle on may suggest whether you take the train to Alexandria or Union Station. Alex is on the Blue/Yellow line and Union Station is on the Red line.
However, make sure you ask for a room on the 1st floor (not basement). There are only two small elevators and some of the rooms are a long distance from those elevators and I'm sure you DH wants to save his comfortable walking minutes for the city. The 19th century marble building is gorgeous and the restaurant at the hotel, Poste, is fantastic but pricey. The Kimptons (Palomar, Topaz and Madera) located around Dupont Circle are all great places with individual personalities. I really like the Madera and its restaurant, Firefly which is more casual than Poste.
The only two DC Kimptons I don't love are the Helix (big time party clientele) and the George (great hotel, boring neighborhood).
And if you aren't already a member, join their In Touch loyalty program. Free wifi among other things.
Another hotel you might look at is the W on 15th St NW. It is close to the Mall and across the street from the White House. Even if you don't stay there, have a drink on the rooftop bar -- gorgeous view of the city including the cherry blossoms.
Regarding bikes, you're probably aware that the Cherry Blossoms plus school break vacations bring a lot of people into to the city, including locals with family visitors. The Mall, the memorials and the Tidal Basin can be a sea of people and biking isn't always a straight shot. Not saying it will be that way when you visit, but it can be that way. Weekdays, early morning before the museums open and very late afternoon even regulation dinner hour are going to be less of a zoo.
Finally, which hotel you eventually settle on may suggest whether you take the train to Alexandria or Union Station. Alex is on the Blue/Yellow line and Union Station is on the Red line.
Apr 2nd, 2014, 06:02 AM
#11
The information beachplum cut and pasted about bike valet & Capital Bikeshare came from this website:
http://dc.about.com/od/transportatio...FTransport.htm
Lots of other good info there about navigating the cherry blossoms.
http://dc.about.com/od/transportatio...FTransport.htm
Lots of other good info there about navigating the cherry blossoms.
Apr 2nd, 2014, 08:11 AM
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Re. Kimpton Hotels: Hotel Monaco IS a great choice but may betheir most expensive due to prime location. Another to consider is the Hotel Palomar. Great neighborhood, close to Metro and a block away from an entrance to Rock Creek Park where you can bike to many places "off-road".
Apr 4th, 2014, 11:09 AM
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THANKS! OBXgirl that's valuable intel! I'm really looking forward to this. Thanks to everyone.
Booked Amtrak to Union.
One thing....couldn't get into Kimpton w/out stupid big bucks, so I ended up with Liaison Hotel. Read good things (I'm not super picky, but do like clean and convenient), so I booked, then for some stupid reason, I checked again on yelp of wherever and starting reading some not-so-good things. So I stopped reading when I started second guessing myself and going crazy. It's just for two freaking nights; not a permanent home or kidney transplant!
So if any of you need to say " ew gross NONONONO don't stay there" please let me know.
Booked Amtrak to Union.
One thing....couldn't get into Kimpton w/out stupid big bucks, so I ended up with Liaison Hotel. Read good things (I'm not super picky, but do like clean and convenient), so I booked, then for some stupid reason, I checked again on yelp of wherever and starting reading some not-so-good things. So I stopped reading when I started second guessing myself and going crazy. It's just for two freaking nights; not a permanent home or kidney transplant!
So if any of you need to say " ew gross NONONONO don't stay there" please let me know.
Apr 4th, 2014, 02:27 PM
#14
At least you have a sense of humor about it all!
I've never stayed at that hotel so I can't comment but I like the Affinia chain and I enjoyed the restaurant a couple of years ago. That part of Capitol Hill isn't the most interesting neighborhood to me but it's very power DC (Newt Gingrich was in the dining room the day we were having brunch) and super well located for visiting the Capitol, the Mall, etc.
I hope you both have a great trip!
I've never stayed at that hotel so I can't comment but I like the Affinia chain and I enjoyed the restaurant a couple of years ago. That part of Capitol Hill isn't the most interesting neighborhood to me but it's very power DC (Newt Gingrich was in the dining room the day we were having brunch) and super well located for visiting the Capitol, the Mall, etc.
I hope you both have a great trip!
Apr 5th, 2014, 10:09 AM
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I agree, it's fine certainly convenient to sightseeing and Museums. Do walk down 1st street NW to the Capitol and Botanical Gardens - VERY close by.
Also consider Bikeshare to go the length of the Mall to the Memorials (and even Arlington Cemetary) they are a little too far to walk to, IMO.
Also consider Bikeshare to go the length of the Mall to the Memorials (and even Arlington Cemetary) they are a little too far to walk to, IMO.
Apr 7th, 2014, 06:17 AM
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Again, thanks! Bardo1 going to do what you say--thank GOODNESS for bikes. I think I've read it's a very bike friendly town with marked bike lanes. Is that really so? We are going to be doing the biking Thursday and Friday only, leaving Saturday, so maybe won't be completely zoo-ish.
Going to research the "Hop on Hop Off" thing now. Not our usual "style", but it's getting places on wheels and should be interesting to have a narrative along the way. What are peoples' thoughts on this?
Also, I've had recommendations on places to eat, but do I want to be that regimented that I have to be a X places at a certain time? Or are there plenty of maybe even funky hip sorta unknown but good places to eat where we could just drop in and not have to wait 2 hours to eat? "Hi my name is Crazygrl and I'm a recovering control freak", so I always plan everything TO DEATH. Trying not to do that this time so much, but since it's during a "festive" time, this may be a stupid move. Only need dinner THursday night and Friday night.
So here's the plan...
Day 1 THursday arrive around 11 a.m. In late afternoon (2 ish I think it is), do the Cherry Blossom Bike tour
P.m...????? no plans yet OMG!!!
Day 2 Hop on/off OR rent a bike and tool around ourselves OR another bike tour
PM NO plans yet, another OMG!!!
Sat a.m. : we leave Union at 2 pm. What are some things we could do after checking out of hotel? I'm thinking Botanical Gardens.
Thanks.
Going to research the "Hop on Hop Off" thing now. Not our usual "style", but it's getting places on wheels and should be interesting to have a narrative along the way. What are peoples' thoughts on this?
Also, I've had recommendations on places to eat, but do I want to be that regimented that I have to be a X places at a certain time? Or are there plenty of maybe even funky hip sorta unknown but good places to eat where we could just drop in and not have to wait 2 hours to eat? "Hi my name is Crazygrl and I'm a recovering control freak", so I always plan everything TO DEATH. Trying not to do that this time so much, but since it's during a "festive" time, this may be a stupid move. Only need dinner THursday night and Friday night.
So here's the plan...
Day 1 THursday arrive around 11 a.m. In late afternoon (2 ish I think it is), do the Cherry Blossom Bike tour
P.m...????? no plans yet OMG!!!
Day 2 Hop on/off OR rent a bike and tool around ourselves OR another bike tour
PM NO plans yet, another OMG!!!
Sat a.m. : we leave Union at 2 pm. What are some things we could do after checking out of hotel? I'm thinking Botanical Gardens.
Thanks.
Apr 7th, 2014, 11:03 AM
#17
Or are there plenty of maybe even funky hip sorta unknown but good places to eat where we could just drop in and not have to wait 2 hours to eat?
Not especially in the neighborhood of your hotel.
I have no idea if you want to be regimented or not but if I generally book for dinner in DC Thursday through Saturday night. The worst thing that happens is you cancel the booking.
Not especially in the neighborhood of your hotel.
I have no idea if you want to be regimented or not but if I generally book for dinner in DC Thursday through Saturday night. The worst thing that happens is you cancel the booking.
Apr 14th, 2014, 07:52 AM
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Did you go? How'd you find it? We went to the festival for the day on Sunday and I was thinking of this thread because biking in the huge crowds and traffic seemed unappealing. But the event was wonderful!
