Thanks for the fantastic trip report! I just returned from a 5-day trip myself, and did some similar things (sounds like you & I both like to "cram" in lots when we travel). I'll be posting soon with pics too Thanks again -- it was fun reading!

Excellent trip report, very helpful info -- we're leaving for DC in a week (inspired by early report here in this forum of the terra cotta warriors) and will now add the Newseum to our 'to do' list. Thanks!

This is a great report. We are Canadians headed to Wash DC in May for 4 days. I believe we will add the Holocaust museum after reading your review. We are limited in time and have our 11 year old son with us...should we bother with the Museum of American History? Sounds like a bit of a disappointment and we don't have a lot of time to waste. Our wish list..all War monuments, Museum of Natural History, Air and Space, White House, Capitol Building and Lincoln monument, National Gallery..wears me out thinking about it.

Thanks for a wonderful trip reports, esp. your comments on the art in various museums. Now I know which museums to visit for our planned trip at the end of March. I'm trying to get my art fix in D.C. instead of going all the way to Europe. Does the Phillips house have free admission as well?

For those interested in Impressionism, check out these lectures on DVDs:
http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/CourseDe....aspx?cid=7187

I checked the DVD set out from my local public library many years ago before a trip to Paris. Gained a lot of insights about the artists and their works. The lectures were lively and interesting.

"Does the Phillips house have free admission as well?"

If you are talking about The Phillips Collection, teh info is on their website, of course.
http://www.phillipscollection.org/

"Tuesday-Friday Permanent collection is by donation. Special exhibition fee varies.

Saturday, Sunday All weekend visitors pay the special exhibition fee. If there is no special exhibition, fee is $10.

No charge for visitors 18 and under. Students and visitors 62 and over pay discounted fees. Phillips after 5 and Sunday Concerts included in that day's admission."

Thanks for your report, Amyb. I had a couple of days in Washington last year and wished I'd been able to stay longer.
Tagging your restaurant & other experiences for "next trip".

Glad this report continues to help others!

"Does the Phillips house have free admission as well?"
There was a Man Ray exhibit on when I was there, and it was $20 to enter on a Tuesday, regardless of whether you were going to see it or not.