D.C. Expert: Please Comment on Itinerary
Feb 19th, 2008, 04:37 PM
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D.C. Expert: Please Comment on Itinerary
Hello fodorite!
We are off to a five day/night trip to D.C. later this month. The trip is part work and part vacation for me, and all vacation for my wife and two kids (7 and 10). During the tirst three days, I simply won't have any time at all because I will be in one meeting after the other. Fortunately, since my kids are really well behaved and are "trained" to survive half a day long museum visits without complaint, my wife has no issues being alone with them
Some of what I outline below may simply not be doable, and we weren't able to get tickets for W.H. so it will be "Oh, this is the white house" from the outside tour. This is my fourth trip to D.C. and my wife's second.
Please review and tell me if something sticks out and then see if you can answer the questions at the bottom:
Day 1:
Arrive at 11 am at Reagan National. We won't have a rental car (simply didn't make any sense). We are staying at a pricey enough but very nice, boutique hotel very close to Dupont circle.
- Lunch near Dupont Circle to be determined
- National Air and Space Museum
- Walk the mall
- International Spy Museum
- Dinner location to be determined
Day 2:
- Breakfast @ Vradenburg Café at Phillips Collection? (or is this just a lunch joint?)
- Phillips Collection
- Window shopping etc @ Embassy Row and Dupont Circle
- Lunch at Pizzeria Paradiso
- Renwick Gallery
- Walk by White House
- Corcoran Gallery, if possible at all
- Dinner
Day 3:
- Breakfast place near Dupont Circle to be determined
- National Museum of Natural History
- Lunch location at mall to be determined
- National Muesum of American Art & Renwick Gallery
- Dinner: Gerard’s Place (French)
- Moonlight Tour or walk and shoot pictures?
Day 4:
(Yes, this is hectic and likely tiring)
- Breakfast location... please suggest near Dupont Circle or the Mall
- Lincoln Memorial
- Korean War Memorial
- Vietnam Memorial
- Washington Monument
- Lunch: Bombay Palace (Indian)
- National Gallery of Art
- Dinner: Jaleo (Spanish Tapas restaurant)
- Walk and shoot pictures?
Day 5:
- Breakfast location to be determined (near Dupont Circle or the Mall)
- Capitol
- Supreme Court
- Lunch: Le Bon Café or the Monocle
- Library of Congress (either Supreme Court or the Library of Congress... both is too much)
- Fly out at 6 pm
Questions:
- Does the above make sense or is anything too far apart? Remember we won't have a car
- Any suggestions for breakfast places near Dupont Circle or the Mall? Yes, I can review Washingtonian.com but I am looking for typical-D.C. locations
- A lunch or two suggestions near the Mall would be most welcome too
- Any suggestions for a Moonlight tour or should we just walk with our camera. I like taking pictures and don't want to do a tour unless they stop and let me shoot pictures
Thanks so much!!
We are off to a five day/night trip to D.C. later this month. The trip is part work and part vacation for me, and all vacation for my wife and two kids (7 and 10). During the tirst three days, I simply won't have any time at all because I will be in one meeting after the other. Fortunately, since my kids are really well behaved and are "trained" to survive half a day long museum visits without complaint, my wife has no issues being alone with them
Some of what I outline below may simply not be doable, and we weren't able to get tickets for W.H. so it will be "Oh, this is the white house" from the outside tour. This is my fourth trip to D.C. and my wife's second.
Please review and tell me if something sticks out and then see if you can answer the questions at the bottom:
Day 1:
Arrive at 11 am at Reagan National. We won't have a rental car (simply didn't make any sense). We are staying at a pricey enough but very nice, boutique hotel very close to Dupont circle.
- Lunch near Dupont Circle to be determined
- National Air and Space Museum
- Walk the mall
- International Spy Museum
- Dinner location to be determined
Day 2:
- Breakfast @ Vradenburg Café at Phillips Collection? (or is this just a lunch joint?)
- Phillips Collection
- Window shopping etc @ Embassy Row and Dupont Circle
- Lunch at Pizzeria Paradiso
- Renwick Gallery
- Walk by White House
- Corcoran Gallery, if possible at all
- Dinner
Day 3:
- Breakfast place near Dupont Circle to be determined
- National Museum of Natural History
- Lunch location at mall to be determined
- National Muesum of American Art & Renwick Gallery
- Dinner: Gerard’s Place (French)
- Moonlight Tour or walk and shoot pictures?
Day 4:
(Yes, this is hectic and likely tiring)
- Breakfast location... please suggest near Dupont Circle or the Mall
- Lincoln Memorial
- Korean War Memorial
- Vietnam Memorial
- Washington Monument
- Lunch: Bombay Palace (Indian)
- National Gallery of Art
- Dinner: Jaleo (Spanish Tapas restaurant)
- Walk and shoot pictures?
Day 5:
- Breakfast location to be determined (near Dupont Circle or the Mall)
- Capitol
- Supreme Court
- Lunch: Le Bon Café or the Monocle
- Library of Congress (either Supreme Court or the Library of Congress... both is too much)
- Fly out at 6 pm
Questions:
- Does the above make sense or is anything too far apart? Remember we won't have a car
- Any suggestions for breakfast places near Dupont Circle or the Mall? Yes, I can review Washingtonian.com but I am looking for typical-D.C. locations
- A lunch or two suggestions near the Mall would be most welcome too
- Any suggestions for a Moonlight tour or should we just walk with our camera. I like taking pictures and don't want to do a tour unless they stop and let me shoot pictures
Thanks so much!!
Feb 19th, 2008, 05:13 PM
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I just moved to DC in July so am still a novice. Where will you be staying in Dupont? For breakfast in Dupont Circle, I really like Teaism (sort of an Asian-fusion cafe, but they have scrambled eggs and pancakes for brekkie). I've never been there, but Kramer Books Cafe does a brisk breakfast business. And I've read recent raves about the Tabard Inn for breakfast.
One lunch spot that I recently tried and loved is CF Folks. It's a luncheonette (ONLY open for lunch) in Dupont Circle, on 19 and M/N. A very casual, order at the counter type place. But their crabcake sandwiches have been voted best in Washington (and they are good, I can attest to it). Also (haven't been there but) Five Guys burgers are renowned and beloved.
Can't offer much help on the Mall, though I've read good things about the cafeteria at the Museum of the American Indian. Around Penn Quarter there's another Teaism (try the Salty Oat cookie - mmm!), Chopt (a fast-food salad place). In China"town" Full Kee ain't half bad if you stick to the right items, like chow fun.
I'm sure other more expert Washingtonians will have many more ideas; these are just a few places to get you started.
One lunch spot that I recently tried and loved is CF Folks. It's a luncheonette (ONLY open for lunch) in Dupont Circle, on 19 and M/N. A very casual, order at the counter type place. But their crabcake sandwiches have been voted best in Washington (and they are good, I can attest to it). Also (haven't been there but) Five Guys burgers are renowned and beloved.
Can't offer much help on the Mall, though I've read good things about the cafeteria at the Museum of the American Indian. Around Penn Quarter there's another Teaism (try the Salty Oat cookie - mmm!), Chopt (a fast-food salad place). In China"town" Full Kee ain't half bad if you stick to the right items, like chow fun.
I'm sure other more expert Washingtonians will have many more ideas; these are just a few places to get you started.
Feb 19th, 2008, 05:32 PM
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Petitepois, Much appreciated. I will stay here http://www.hotelpalomar-dc.com/.
Okay, your post is fantastic and I am begining to think. This is exactly the sort of post I need so thanks again.
Okay, your post is fantastic and I am begining to think. This is exactly the sort of post I need so thanks again.
Feb 19th, 2008, 06:14 PM
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CF Folks suggestion for lunch is a great one; truly a hidden gem in DC. For Dupont breakfast, the restaurant in the Jury's hotel is good (if a bit pricey). Kramer books and Afterwards is good for breakfast. Marvelous Market on Conn. Ave. has great pastries, as does Firehook Bakery.
Your itineray is agressive, but with the exception o fhte first day seems do-able.
FDR Memorial, allong with Lincoln and Jefferson are amazing at night.
Your itineray is agressive, but with the exception o fhte first day seems do-able.
FDR Memorial, allong with Lincoln and Jefferson are amazing at night.
Feb 19th, 2008, 06:26 PM
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I agree that while your itinerary is full, it is doable. Second Teaism, KramerBooks and Firehook for b'fast/lunch/snacks and Jaleo for dinner.
I think you've obviously already done lots of research, so good for you, and have a great trip!
I think you've obviously already done lots of research, so good for you, and have a great trip!
Feb 19th, 2008, 06:27 PM
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On day 3 I think you might mean the Reynolds Center: American Art and National Portrait Gallery vice Renwick Gallery. It's directly across from International Spy Museum, so you might save some travel time by doing them on same day. Reynolds is open from 11:30 to 7 p.m., and we spent four hours at Spy Museum.
You might also want to think about Arlington Cemetery and changing of the guard (accessible by Metro) as well as Mount Vernon. The addition cost million and was worth every penny for young kids. Have some cherry pie.
From perspective of a mom, I think you might be scheduling too many art museums (and I visit all you mentioned on regular basis.)
You can get tickets to Washington Monument for a small service fee through the web. You should try both senators and your congressman to see if they can set up special tours of National Printing and Engraving (something mesmerizing about sheets of money flowing from machine.) I'd also be very early in line for National Archives for Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights, especially if they've seen National Treasure.
Like Disneyworld, you want to guard against fatigue. Both Natural History and Air and Space have great IMAX which will allow you to get off your feet.
Hope you love every moment of DC. My favorite city.
You might also want to think about Arlington Cemetery and changing of the guard (accessible by Metro) as well as Mount Vernon. The addition cost million and was worth every penny for young kids. Have some cherry pie.
From perspective of a mom, I think you might be scheduling too many art museums (and I visit all you mentioned on regular basis.)
You can get tickets to Washington Monument for a small service fee through the web. You should try both senators and your congressman to see if they can set up special tours of National Printing and Engraving (something mesmerizing about sheets of money flowing from machine.) I'd also be very early in line for National Archives for Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights, especially if they've seen National Treasure.
Like Disneyworld, you want to guard against fatigue. Both Natural History and Air and Space have great IMAX which will allow you to get off your feet.
Hope you love every moment of DC. My favorite city.
Feb 19th, 2008, 06:39 PM
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I don't think that Day one works, because you want to do a LOT after lunch and before dinner. The Spy Museum, esp. with kids, takes 3-4 hours. Better to pair that and the new Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum with the Spy Museum that afternoon and move the Air and Space Museum to Day 3. You can walk the Mall whenever you get a free moment, since you won't have to be "out" by a certain time.
Also, it appears you might have the Renwick twice here.
I also think that some of your days are too art museum centric for children of that age - I'd break it up, if possible.
Also, check to see if the Caps are in town during your stay. You often can get cheap family tickets, and it's a lot of fun.
Also, it appears you might have the Renwick twice here.
I also think that some of your days are too art museum centric for children of that age - I'd break it up, if possible.
Also, check to see if the Caps are in town during your stay. You often can get cheap family tickets, and it's a lot of fun.
Feb 20th, 2008, 04:18 AM
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Unless your kids really enjoy them, I agree that your trip is a little heavy on the art museums. I suggest going to the Air & Space Museum in the morning on Day 2 (skip it on Day 1). From there they can go next door to the Museum of the American Indian to get lunch. After lunch they can visit the beautiful US Botanic Garden, then walk past the Capitol Building to the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art. The very contemporary East Wing is dramatically different than the original Natl Gallery in its architectural style and exhibits.
You can still see the White House on Day 4 if you start your day at the McPherson Square Metro Station and walk down 15th Street to the White House Visitors Center at E Street. You'll pass the White House on the way. After that you can continue on your tour of the memorials and the Washington Monument.
I hope this doesn't veer too much from your original plan. You might even still have some time on Day 3 for some shopping around Dupont Circle. (The Renwick on Day 3 was a typo, wasn't it?)
You can still see the White House on Day 4 if you start your day at the McPherson Square Metro Station and walk down 15th Street to the White House Visitors Center at E Street. You'll pass the White House on the way. After that you can continue on your tour of the memorials and the Washington Monument.
I hope this doesn't veer too much from your original plan. You might even still have some time on Day 3 for some shopping around Dupont Circle. (The Renwick on Day 3 was a typo, wasn't it?)
Feb 20th, 2008, 04:59 AM
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Excellent plan. Can certainly be done and I wouldn't change a thing. So... I'll just comment on the eating....
Day 1:
- Lunch near Dupont Circle to be determined If it's a weekday, go to CF Folks. Everything is great (and cheap) but the daily specials are the BEST
- Dinner location to be determined Just wander the 5 or 6 blocks of 7th St. NW between D St. and I St. Endless options in that stretch, including many family friendly
Day 2:
- Dinner Head back to your hotel neighborhood - nothing good near the Corcoran.
Day 3:
-Breakfast place near Dupont Circle Luna Grille is a option. Also good for Day 4 or 5
Day 4:
-Breakfast place near Dupont Circle Tabard Inn for a change of pace?
Day 5:
-Lunch: Le Bon Café or the Monocle NOT THE MONOCLE - not all that and definately not for a 7 and 10 year old. If you want Le Bon Cafe, then you must arrive by 11:50 am or forget about sitting down. There is also the Rayburn House Office Building Cafe as well as other options along Penn. Ave. between 2nd and 7th SE as backups.
http://www.cffolksrestaurant.com/
On 19th St. just south of N St.
Weekday lunch only - get the specials which change daily.
http://www.lunagrillanddiner.com/
Conn. Ave & N St.
http://www.tabardinn.com/hours.html
N St. between 18th & 17th
Day 1:
- Lunch near Dupont Circle to be determined If it's a weekday, go to CF Folks. Everything is great (and cheap) but the daily specials are the BEST
- Dinner location to be determined Just wander the 5 or 6 blocks of 7th St. NW between D St. and I St. Endless options in that stretch, including many family friendly
Day 2:
- Dinner Head back to your hotel neighborhood - nothing good near the Corcoran.
Day 3:
-Breakfast place near Dupont Circle Luna Grille is a option. Also good for Day 4 or 5
Day 4:
-Breakfast place near Dupont Circle Tabard Inn for a change of pace?
Day 5:
-Lunch: Le Bon Café or the Monocle NOT THE MONOCLE - not all that and definately not for a 7 and 10 year old. If you want Le Bon Cafe, then you must arrive by 11:50 am or forget about sitting down. There is also the Rayburn House Office Building Cafe as well as other options along Penn. Ave. between 2nd and 7th SE as backups.
http://www.cffolksrestaurant.com/
On 19th St. just south of N St.
Weekday lunch only - get the specials which change daily.
http://www.lunagrillanddiner.com/
Conn. Ave & N St.
http://www.tabardinn.com/hours.html
N St. between 18th & 17th
Feb 20th, 2008, 05:04 AM
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Re: Vradenburg Café
Our new café is now open!
Relax with a cup of coffee, delicious pastry, or fresh sandwich or salad. With views of the Hunter Courtyard, it's the perfect place to take a break!
Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday, 11–4 p.m.
http://www.phillipscollection.org/html/visit.htm#cafe
There is also a place called Luna Café and Diner which is good for breakfast
http://www.lunagrillanddiner.com/about_us/about_us.html
1301 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Our new café is now open!
Relax with a cup of coffee, delicious pastry, or fresh sandwich or salad. With views of the Hunter Courtyard, it's the perfect place to take a break!
Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday, 11–4 p.m.
http://www.phillipscollection.org/html/visit.htm#cafe
There is also a place called Luna Café and Diner which is good for breakfast
http://www.lunagrillanddiner.com/about_us/about_us.html
1301 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Feb 20th, 2008, 05:06 AM
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One other thing: If you find you have time left after the Spy Museum on Day 1 consider visiting the National Archives Building (personally, I would choose the Archives Bldg over the Spy Museum, but both are worthwhile). You'll have lots of dinner options in the area.
Feb 20th, 2008, 07:38 AM
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Meant to post this HERE:
I just noticed you are at the Palomar - that area of P St. is an epicenter of great dining in DC. Here are a few more options (as if you needed MORE...) to consider. All of the below are within a block or so of your hotel:
http://www.markandorlandos.com/
(American and Continental)
http://www.pescebistro.com/ (seafood)
http://www.altiramisu.com/ (Italian)
http://www.eatyourpizza.com/ (Great pizza and more)
Montsauris
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp...file&id=800493 (French, their sister restuarant on Capitol Hill, Montmartre at Eastern Market is also great)
Finally....the restaurant AT your hotel, Urbana, is also great.
http://www.urbanadc.com/index.html
Maybe you'll just need to return...
I just noticed you are at the Palomar - that area of P St. is an epicenter of great dining in DC. Here are a few more options (as if you needed MORE...) to consider. All of the below are within a block or so of your hotel:
http://www.markandorlandos.com/
(American and Continental)
http://www.pescebistro.com/ (seafood)
http://www.altiramisu.com/ (Italian)
http://www.eatyourpizza.com/ (Great pizza and more)
Montsauris
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp...file&id=800493 (French, their sister restuarant on Capitol Hill, Montmartre at Eastern Market is also great)
Finally....the restaurant AT your hotel, Urbana, is also great.
http://www.urbanadc.com/index.html
Maybe you'll just need to return...
Feb 20th, 2008, 08:49 AM
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I think you're really ambitious about museums and your kids. My kids go to museums a lot too but we always found one a day kept up everyone's mood. Of course , you know best but I would drop the Renwick , Phillips and the Corcoran, and focus on Air & Space, Spy Museum (get tickets in advance), Natural History, American Indian, and maybe National Gallery just because it is such a super art museum, but choose one area. If you really want to add American Art/Portrait Gallery I would choose that over Renwick. My kids visit DC at least twice a year and always ask to go back to Air and Space, while their parents request the National Gallery. Bureau of Engraving and Printing was fascinating but we had a long wait even though we arrived very early. Mount Vernon also a good idea. We still love going to the National Zoo which has lots of indoor areas in case of cold weather.
Feb 20th, 2008, 02:28 PM
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I must say the advice on fodors is really quite amazing. I mentioned it to someone at work, and he seemed surprised that people would actually spend time giving to-the-point advice and wanted to know if it is mostly stay-at-home spouses Frankly, a year ago when I stumbled on to this site, that would have been my reaction too. Whatever the case is, it is much appreciated by me.
tburke99/NewbE, Believe it or not, I put the itinerary together after looking at a DC map for less than an hour and some occasional browsing of couple other threads I just have been extremely busy at work lately.
kdappleton, Point well taken about kids and museums but believe me, my kids actually enjoy it if we keep it to 2-3 hours and then have a break (w/food) between two museums. May be I have slightly "odd?" kids but they are great kids and I love them kgh8m, I changed day one. No time for Caps this time around but good advice.
Devonmcj, Yes, a typo. I changed it too. Thanks for the remainder of your post. Bardo1 and vjpblovesitaly, Great advice! I will post a final itinerary later this week and you will see many of your suggestions.
sms73, Thank you. I have included your suggestions. My wife nixed Mount Vernon, Arlington Cemetary and the Zoo so they are out for this trip. May be next time around.
Okay, so this was a pretty easy itinerary to put together. My last two questions before I post the final itinerary later this week:
- The night shots.... Any specific suggestions of a moonlight tour that will allow me to stop and shoot pictures? Seems unlikely but you never know.
- Any museum combo tickets?
Anyway, amazing amount of places to visit in this city. I guess I will have to go back for more sight seeing and trying the many other restaurants that I will simply miss.
Frankly, a year ago when I stumbled on to this site, that would have been my reaction too. Whatever the case is, it is much appreciated by me. tburke99/NewbE, Believe it or not, I put the itinerary together after looking at a DC map for less than an hour and some occasional browsing of couple other threads
I just have been extremely busy at work lately. kdappleton, Point well taken about kids and museums but believe me, my kids actually enjoy it if we keep it to 2-3 hours and then have a break (w/food) between two museums. May be I have slightly "odd?" kids but they are great kids and I love them
kgh8m, I changed day one. No time for Caps this time around but good advice. Devonmcj, Yes, a typo. I changed it too. Thanks for the remainder of your post. Bardo1 and vjpblovesitaly, Great advice! I will post a final itinerary later this week and you will see many of your suggestions.
sms73, Thank you. I have included your suggestions. My wife nixed Mount Vernon, Arlington Cemetary and the Zoo so they are out for this trip. May be next time around.
Okay, so this was a pretty easy itinerary to put together. My last two questions before I post the final itinerary later this week:
- The night shots.... Any specific suggestions of a moonlight tour that will allow me to stop and shoot pictures? Seems unlikely but you never know.
- Any museum combo tickets?
Anyway, amazing amount of places to visit in this city. I guess I will have to go back for more sight seeing and trying the many other restaurants that I will simply miss.
Feb 21st, 2008, 07:05 AM
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I think most of the moonlight tours stop at several major monuments long enough to get some good tourist shots, but not longer than 15 minutes or so. Do call ahead and ask the providers whose tours interest you; there may be significant differences in their itineraries and stops.
As for museum combo tickets, I don't think so -- because so many are free (major exceptions being Phillips, Spy, and Building Museums).
As for museum combo tickets, I don't think so -- because so many are free (major exceptions being Phillips, Spy, and Building Museums).
Feb 22nd, 2008, 02:17 PM
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Okay, guys, here is the final itinerary. Bardo1, what do you think of Palomar? Still need to nail down a moonlight tour but otherwise it seems complete.
Day 1:
- Lunch: CF Folks Restaurant (daily specials)
- Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum
- International Spy Museum
- Dinner: Ask concierge for recommendations on restaurants between wander the 5 or 6 blocks of 7th St. NW between D St
Day 2:
- Breakfast @ Vradenburg Café at Phillips Collection
- Phillips Collection
- Embassy Row and Dupont Circle
- Lunch at Pizzeria Paradiso
- Renwick Gallery if possible
- White House
- Walk the Mall
- Dinner in Hotel restaurant (Urbana)
Day 3:
- Breakfast: Luna Grille
- N.M. of Natural History (IMAX)
- Lunch: Tabard Inn
- National Air and Space Museum (IMAX)
- Dinner: Gerard’s Place (French)
- Moonlight Tour or walk and shoot pictures?
Day 4:
- Breakfast: Kramerbooks & Afterwards
- Lincoln Memorial
- Korean War Memorial
- Vietnam Memorial
- Washington Monument
- Lunch: Bombay Palace
- National Gallery of Art
- Dinner: Jaleo (Spanish)
- Walk and shoot pictures.... (FDR Memorial, Lincoln, Jefferson are must do’s)
Day 5:
- Breakfast: Firehook bakery
- Capitol
- Supreme Court
- Lunch: Le Bon Café
- Library of Congress
- Fly out
So.... (spoken with french accent) ju like, no? Thanks a bunch!
Day 1:
- Lunch: CF Folks Restaurant (daily specials)
- Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum
- International Spy Museum
- Dinner: Ask concierge for recommendations on restaurants between wander the 5 or 6 blocks of 7th St. NW between D St
Day 2:
- Breakfast @ Vradenburg Café at Phillips Collection
- Phillips Collection
- Embassy Row and Dupont Circle
- Lunch at Pizzeria Paradiso
- Renwick Gallery if possible
- White House
- Walk the Mall
- Dinner in Hotel restaurant (Urbana)
Day 3:
- Breakfast: Luna Grille
- N.M. of Natural History (IMAX)
- Lunch: Tabard Inn
- National Air and Space Museum (IMAX)
- Dinner: Gerard’s Place (French)
- Moonlight Tour or walk and shoot pictures?
Day 4:
- Breakfast: Kramerbooks & Afterwards
- Lincoln Memorial
- Korean War Memorial
- Vietnam Memorial
- Washington Monument
- Lunch: Bombay Palace
- National Gallery of Art
- Dinner: Jaleo (Spanish)
- Walk and shoot pictures.... (FDR Memorial, Lincoln, Jefferson are must do’s)
Day 5:
- Breakfast: Firehook bakery
- Capitol
- Supreme Court
- Lunch: Le Bon Café
- Library of Congress
- Fly out
So.... (spoken with french accent) ju like, no?
Thanks a bunch!
Feb 22nd, 2008, 04:23 PM
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I think your second day doesn't have much content in the p.m. The Renwick is not one of the strong Smithsonian museums. I'd not try to cover Natural History and Air and Space in one day, but instead switch one of them to second afternoon and combine the Renwick with the one left on the third day.
On the first day, good restaurants around Spy Museum and AA/NPG (where I work) are District Chop House, Clyde's or Tony Cheng's Mongolian Barbecue. All within two blocks.
At AA/NPG, I'd make sure to visit the aluminum foil throne in folk art on first floor and the third floor electronic map of US. The people at info desk will be glad to help. I'm also partial to the presidents' portrait, the only place in the United States other than the White House, that has all of them. Also, Martha Washington and an elderly Dolly Madison, both rare.
Sounds like you'll have great time. Be sure to tell the kids on night tour that when Jefferson Memorial was built, FDR had trees cut down at White House so he could see Tom just before he went to sleep.
Hope you love DC. People tend to.
On the first day, good restaurants around Spy Museum and AA/NPG (where I work) are District Chop House, Clyde's or Tony Cheng's Mongolian Barbecue. All within two blocks.
At AA/NPG, I'd make sure to visit the aluminum foil throne in folk art on first floor and the third floor electronic map of US. The people at info desk will be glad to help. I'm also partial to the presidents' portrait, the only place in the United States other than the White House, that has all of them. Also, Martha Washington and an elderly Dolly Madison, both rare.
Sounds like you'll have great time. Be sure to tell the kids on night tour that when Jefferson Memorial was built, FDR had trees cut down at White House so he could see Tom just before he went to sleep.
Hope you love DC. People tend to.
Feb 22nd, 2008, 07:25 PM
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Hello kdappleton,
Thank you for the good advice. I have switched Air and Space to the second day, with Renick on the third afternoon. I have also made a note of visiting the throne art on the first floor and the map on the third. Since my family will be doing these on their own, harder to stop and say hello to you so I say it right now
Regarding history, I should tell you that I once confused Roosevelt's portrait on the wall as that of an elected official's grand father (much to my embarrassment and the official's amusement!! he still teases me about it). So I am afraid I need to brush up much of it. With growing kids, it is trickier. Yesterday, my 7 year old asked me if I knew what "Opportunity Cost" is after he heard it in his class, and then went on to tell me that it is when you want to play a car game on the computer and watch cartoons at the same time, and can't do both so you feel bad about not doing one!
Regarding DC, I have been there before. I like it. Specially since I don't have to pay its unbelievably high real estate prices
Anyway, in exchange for this excellent help from all of you, IF I get good pictures (I never have time to do trip reports lately), I will try to post a link when back. In the mean time, good health, happiness, prosperity, and all that
Thank you for the good advice. I have switched Air and Space to the second day, with Renick on the third afternoon. I have also made a note of visiting the throne art on the first floor and the map on the third. Since my family will be doing these on their own, harder to stop and say hello to you so I say it right now
Regarding history, I should tell you that I once confused Roosevelt's portrait on the wall as that of an elected official's grand father (much to my embarrassment and the official's amusement!! he still teases me about it). So I am afraid I need to brush up much of it. With growing kids, it is trickier. Yesterday, my 7 year old asked me if I knew what "Opportunity Cost" is after he heard it in his class, and then went on to tell me that it is when you want to play a car game on the computer and watch cartoons at the same time, and can't do both so you feel bad about not doing one!
Regarding DC, I have been there before. I like it. Specially since I don't have to pay its unbelievably high real estate prices
Anyway, in exchange for this excellent help from all of you, IF I get good pictures (I never have time to do trip reports lately), I will try to post a link when back. In the mean time, good health, happiness, prosperity, and all that
Mar 2nd, 2008, 05:11 AM
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi Guys,
Thanks to all of you, we enjoyed the trip. This was a part-business part-vacation for me, and I only had the last two days free but it was a welcome change from the usual. I did go to Kramerbooks/Afterthoughts (fantastic breakfast), Firehook bakery (cozy but nice), Jaleo (this was really quite a hit with the family.... great tapas), Le Bon cafe (really cozy but nice sandwiches), etc. The monuments/memorials and museums etc make it a great vacation spot with the kids. I specially enjoyed the National Gallery of Art (again!).
Anyway, here are my top fifteen shots from D.C.. I am NOT a professional photographer but I like'em and hope you do too!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cs10/sets/
Thanks to all of you, we enjoyed the trip. This was a part-business part-vacation for me, and I only had the last two days free but it was a welcome change from the usual. I did go to Kramerbooks/Afterthoughts (fantastic breakfast), Firehook bakery (cozy but nice), Jaleo (this was really quite a hit with the family.... great tapas), Le Bon cafe (really cozy
but nice sandwiches), etc. The monuments/memorials and museums etc make it a great vacation spot with the kids. I specially enjoyed the National Gallery of Art (again!).Anyway, here are my top fifteen shots from D.C.. I am NOT a professional photographer but I like'em and hope you do too!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cs10/sets/
