DC in May for a class--what to do when travelling solo
Mar 24th, 2005, 05:15 AM
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DC in May for a class--what to do when travelling solo
Hi all!
I will be attending a class in DC May 19 & 20. The class is through the company I work for and our center is located at 440 First St NW. I have a room at the Hyatt Regency which I believe is right across the street. Unfortunately, I think I will be travelling alone (coming from upstate NY).
I've only been once and it's been years. I've been told that where our center/hotel is located there really isn't a whole lot to do. Granted, I will be in class all day, but I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for me to do during the evening in that area. I don't mind taking the METRO to go someplace, as long is it's easy to get on/off and safe. As I mentioned, I will most likely be by myself and safety is a huge concern.
Oh--and what's the weather like usually around that time?
I will be attending a class in DC May 19 & 20. The class is through the company I work for and our center is located at 440 First St NW. I have a room at the Hyatt Regency which I believe is right across the street. Unfortunately, I think I will be travelling alone (coming from upstate NY).
I've only been once and it's been years. I've been told that where our center/hotel is located there really isn't a whole lot to do. Granted, I will be in class all day, but I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for me to do during the evening in that area. I don't mind taking the METRO to go someplace, as long is it's easy to get on/off and safe. As I mentioned, I will most likely be by myself and safety is a huge concern.
Oh--and what's the weather like usually around that time?
Mar 24th, 2005, 05:33 AM
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Aren't there others in this class?
In my experience in this situation even if there aren;t specific activities planned in the evenings the class member ususally have dinner/hang out together. Isn;t it likely you'll meet another member who wants to tour DC.
(Reco you look at the major monuments at night - Lincoln is esp impresive.)
In my experience in this situation even if there aren;t specific activities planned in the evenings the class member ususally have dinner/hang out together. Isn;t it likely you'll meet another member who wants to tour DC.
(Reco you look at the major monuments at night - Lincoln is esp impresive.)
Mar 24th, 2005, 05:49 AM
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Hi ethel,
I live in the DC area and you will be staying in an area that is undergoing a huge makeover, lot of nice restaurants in the Penn Quarter near the MCI Center and Chinatown. I think if you check online the Washington Post has a Friday Weekend magazine that highlights the events for the upcoming weekend and beyond, of course you can't go wrong with a metro ride to the Smithsonian stop where all the historic sites are all within walking distance. If you are flying in or out of Dulles, make time to check out the new Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum off of Rt. 28 south approx. 2-3 miles from the airport. I think they have a shuttle from DC. But check online, google Smithsonian, or Air and Space museum. Washingtonian magazine online has a nice list of restaurants as does Tom Sietsma's reviews in the Washington Post online.
As long as you aren't out late at night METRO is fairly commuter laden and safe.
Also, you won't be far from MCI center check concert listings. Good Luck, have Fun!
I live in the DC area and you will be staying in an area that is undergoing a huge makeover, lot of nice restaurants in the Penn Quarter near the MCI Center and Chinatown. I think if you check online the Washington Post has a Friday Weekend magazine that highlights the events for the upcoming weekend and beyond, of course you can't go wrong with a metro ride to the Smithsonian stop where all the historic sites are all within walking distance. If you are flying in or out of Dulles, make time to check out the new Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum off of Rt. 28 south approx. 2-3 miles from the airport. I think they have a shuttle from DC. But check online, google Smithsonian, or Air and Space museum. Washingtonian magazine online has a nice list of restaurants as does Tom Sietsma's reviews in the Washington Post online.
As long as you aren't out late at night METRO is fairly commuter laden and safe.
Also, you won't be far from MCI center check concert listings. Good Luck, have Fun!
Mar 24th, 2005, 05:52 AM
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The company I work for runs management seminars for the public and companies all over the country. Yes, there will be others in the class but they are from other companies all over the US so there won't be anyone I know. In that situation, I'd rather explore solo. I'm attending this class like any other seminar, with the exception that I work for the company who is running it...When I was there years ago (I was in 6th grade) we did all the monuments and museums but I would love to see again.
Mar 24th, 2005, 05:57 AM
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First, the weather is generally beautiful in May, albeit with some rain. Also the sun won’t set until after 8 pm and it will be light/twilight until almost 9 pm, so you can get in some sightseeing in the evening and as dusk comes up, when the monuments look so beautiful.
Second, DC is generally very safe. The area around your hotel is “transitioning” for sure, but I would not have too many concerns, except for maybe late at night. You might prefer to take a taxi home at night for ease and total safety, and taxis are not expensive in DC.
First, take a look at whatsonwhen.com and the website for the DC visitors bureau at washingtondc.org for festivals, exhibits, plays, concerts, etc and other events taking place during your visit that might interest you. There is always a lot going on in the city on any given night. I know that Mama Mia is running at the National Theatre and may still be running in May, if you have not seen it, contact colleagues attending the conference and see if you can get a group up. This is a great show.
I believe there is a night time trolley tour of the monuments, run a search here as I think others have posted about it.
Without knowing your specific interests, I offer a couple of evening excursions that would interest me:
Corcoran Gallery of Art - This is open until 9 pm on Thursdays. This has an excellent extensive collection, it is next to the White House, would make for a good walk in the evening around the White House and Foggy Bottom area. Fastest way to get there is by taxi, could also take a bus (ask your hotel), the Metro does not serve this area. Take a look at http://www.corcoran.org
Philips Collection Art Gallery - This is open Thursdays until 8:30 pm (i.e. May 19) This is a great small collection of mainly impressionists and other 19th and 20th century paintings, it is in the lively DuPont circle area. Take a look at http://www.phillipscollection.org
There are numerous other galleries in DC, check the washingtondc.org site for listings. Some of the Smithsonian Museums may also have evening hours, take a look at www.si.edu
Politics and Prose, a great bookstore in Northwest, they have talks almost every night by authors, sometimes very famous ones. Take a look at http://www.politics-prose.com/. Their May list is not up yet, but I see they have Ian McEwan in April, which I could get there. . . . Best way to get there is by taxi, it would also be walk able (longish walk) from the Red Line Metro stop at Van Ness/UDC.
Second, DC is generally very safe. The area around your hotel is “transitioning” for sure, but I would not have too many concerns, except for maybe late at night. You might prefer to take a taxi home at night for ease and total safety, and taxis are not expensive in DC.
First, take a look at whatsonwhen.com and the website for the DC visitors bureau at washingtondc.org for festivals, exhibits, plays, concerts, etc and other events taking place during your visit that might interest you. There is always a lot going on in the city on any given night. I know that Mama Mia is running at the National Theatre and may still be running in May, if you have not seen it, contact colleagues attending the conference and see if you can get a group up. This is a great show.
I believe there is a night time trolley tour of the monuments, run a search here as I think others have posted about it.
Without knowing your specific interests, I offer a couple of evening excursions that would interest me:
Corcoran Gallery of Art - This is open until 9 pm on Thursdays. This has an excellent extensive collection, it is next to the White House, would make for a good walk in the evening around the White House and Foggy Bottom area. Fastest way to get there is by taxi, could also take a bus (ask your hotel), the Metro does not serve this area. Take a look at http://www.corcoran.org
Philips Collection Art Gallery - This is open Thursdays until 8:30 pm (i.e. May 19) This is a great small collection of mainly impressionists and other 19th and 20th century paintings, it is in the lively DuPont circle area. Take a look at http://www.phillipscollection.org
There are numerous other galleries in DC, check the washingtondc.org site for listings. Some of the Smithsonian Museums may also have evening hours, take a look at www.si.edu
Politics and Prose, a great bookstore in Northwest, they have talks almost every night by authors, sometimes very famous ones. Take a look at http://www.politics-prose.com/. Their May list is not up yet, but I see they have Ian McEwan in April, which I could get there. . . . Best way to get there is by taxi, it would also be walk able (longish walk) from the Red Line Metro stop at Van Ness/UDC.
Mar 24th, 2005, 06:09 AM
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A couple of points: DC has changed a lot in the past 10 years. Many areas considered blighted have blossomed.
Your location isan't exactly hopping at night, but its close to plenty. You can walk to Union Station and the Red Line will deliver you to chinatown, penn quarter, downtown or dupont circle.
Plus cabs are cheap in DC and are an easy option. Most of the trips from the Hyatt will be one ``zone'' under the DC system.
Safety isn't a bigger issue that in most other large cities.
The weather is usually decent in May, likely in the mid-70s for a high unless a front is coming through.
Consider a nightime monuments tour for one evening and perhaps a Dupont or Georgetown stroll the other.
You care close enough to check out Union Station during a lunch break.
Your location isan't exactly hopping at night, but its close to plenty. You can walk to Union Station and the Red Line will deliver you to chinatown, penn quarter, downtown or dupont circle.
Plus cabs are cheap in DC and are an easy option. Most of the trips from the Hyatt will be one ``zone'' under the DC system.
Safety isn't a bigger issue that in most other large cities.
The weather is usually decent in May, likely in the mid-70s for a high unless a front is coming through.
Consider a nightime monuments tour for one evening and perhaps a Dupont or Georgetown stroll the other.
You care close enough to check out Union Station during a lunch break.
Mar 24th, 2005, 06:46 AM
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As others have pointed out, the areas where you will be re safe, except during those wee hours when really noplace is.
I want to emphasize the point thta cabs in DC are cheap and whatever you do in the evening, you can hop in a cab and be back at your hotel in a few minutes for under $10.
A couple of the Smithsonian museums have already gone to extended hours -- get the overview at www.si.edu. Georgetown or Dupont Circle are intersting and safe places to wander around in the evenings if you're not in the mood for monuments and memorials.
I want to emphasize the point thta cabs in DC are cheap and whatever you do in the evening, you can hop in a cab and be back at your hotel in a few minutes for under $10.
A couple of the Smithsonian museums have already gone to extended hours -- get the overview at www.si.edu. Georgetown or Dupont Circle are intersting and safe places to wander around in the evenings if you're not in the mood for monuments and memorials.
Mar 24th, 2005, 07:04 AM
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Thank you all for the great info and advice. I would LOVE to go the Smithsonian, do a nighttime tour of the monuments, etc. It sounds like I won't have a problem finding something to do--especially if the cabs are cheap. That provides a whole new list of options...There's a possibility that my boyfriend will be able to attend with me, but we won't know for a few more weeks.
Again, thank you all. You have been very helpful!
PS--I don't have flights yet, but I would most likely be flying in to Reagan.
Again, thank you all. You have been very helpful!
PS--I don't have flights yet, but I would most likely be flying in to Reagan.
Mar 24th, 2005, 08:40 AM
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Depending where you are in upstate NY, consider that Southwest often has great deals on Albany to BWI -- sometimes $39 each way.
Because you're travelling during the week there will be commuter trains to Union Station near your hotel.
National Airport is hands down the easiest for your location . . . but if the company's not paying and fares are a consideration, it might be worth looking into.
Because you're travelling during the week there will be commuter trains to Union Station near your hotel.
National Airport is hands down the easiest for your location . . . but if the company's not paying and fares are a consideration, it might be worth looking into.
Mar 24th, 2005, 09:04 AM
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I will most likely be flying out of Albany. Where I'm located Albany or Burlington, VT would be the most likely options, but 90% of the time it's Albany. The company is paying for it so I'm not too worried about fares 
I'm psyched to know that some of the museums have fairly late hours!
I'm psyched to know that some of the museums have fairly late hours!
Mar 24th, 2005, 11:49 AM
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There's a free concert 5pm each night at kennedy Center. Take Blue or Orange line to Foggy Bottem. As you leave escalator watch for free Kennedy Center Shuttle on the street just slightly to your left.
A couple of companys operating out of Union Station have evening tours.
My airport choice (from Albany) are Reagan/BWI/Dulles respectively. May is a GREAT time to visit, and you can probably get some good rates at hotels for Fri & Sat, if you cared to extend your stay.
A couple of companys operating out of Union Station have evening tours.
My airport choice (from Albany) are Reagan/BWI/Dulles respectively. May is a GREAT time to visit, and you can probably get some good rates at hotels for Fri & Sat, if you cared to extend your stay.
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