D.C. Cherry Blossom Vacation
Apr 18th, 2013, 09:12 AM
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D.C. Cherry Blossom Vacation
Thursday, April 11 my husband, 5 and 8 year old children and I traveled to Washington D.C. for usual sight-seeing and cherry blossoms. We used taxis often which in the planning stage worried me because taxis weren’t exempt from the booster seat laws. The drivers never questioned.
Day 1
BWI SuperShuttle driver was crazy-fast and tailgating. It was convenient, but we had wait 30 mins for shuttle and had to drop others off on way which set back my schedule two hours. Hotel Sofitel was attractive with fresh flower ensembles and velvet furniture in lobby. Spacious rooms with robes and slippers, even in kid sizes. Metro to The Mall (Smithsonian stop), which had gravel and patchy grass; I didn’t realize where we were until I saw the Washington Monument to my left and the Capitol on my right. Short walk to Bureau of Engraving & Printing for our 4:15pm reservation and went right inside. It was an interesting production process, but more so for my printer husband and money-liking children. Onto Tidal Basin for cherry blossom madness. Tons of people, bountiful trees which framed the Jefferson Memorial in the distance. With icees and a place to sit and we were set to people and tree watch. Lots of activities for kids and souvenirs galore. The lure of the Pedicab gave us an interesting and sometimes harrowing ride through downtown DC traffic. Dinner at Ollie's Trolley which was great for kids with an antique carnival theme. I had a great corned beef-cole slaw sandwich, but tables were unkempt. Walked by White House on way back to hotel, which was a long-awaited sight for the kids. When we returned to our room we were pleasantly surprised with a tray of cookies and milk. I really like this hotel.
Day 2
This was the one day we planned to eat (breakfast) in the hotel, due to hotel pricing. The complimentary detox cocktail was a juice mixture and ginger. We all loved it. Wonderful French pressed coffee and Brioche French toast for the kids. Our only rainy morning, the doorman offered umbrellas. Neat! Walked to front of White House, Visitor Center for WH documentary video and keepsakes. Kids saw first sprawled-out-on-sidewalk homeless people, which educated and gave them reflection. National Museum of American History had free lockers. Great for us with our water bottles and maps. Kermit, Archie Bunkers chair, and was war war was good to recollect on the past. The $40 lunch in basement cafeteria was pretty awful. Next we Metro’d to Capitol where state rep’s intern was 20 mins late. At least we were in company of four others from MN. Tour was more historic than present day info, kids were wiped thus the Capitol was arduous. $10 taxi to hotel to rest. Taxi to Lincoln Memorial at sunset. Big, powerful and busy with cherry blossom tourists. Kids loved to run around reflecting pool. Walked to Vietnam Veterans Memorial. I teared up. After seeing the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial and the WWII Memorial it was dark and people were sparse. I called the concierge to recommend a restaurant. Taxi to Chef Geoff, which was perfect with kid and adult food served on white linen. I enjoyed calamari shrimp pasta.
more to come...
Day 1
BWI SuperShuttle driver was crazy-fast and tailgating. It was convenient, but we had wait 30 mins for shuttle and had to drop others off on way which set back my schedule two hours. Hotel Sofitel was attractive with fresh flower ensembles and velvet furniture in lobby. Spacious rooms with robes and slippers, even in kid sizes. Metro to The Mall (Smithsonian stop), which had gravel and patchy grass; I didn’t realize where we were until I saw the Washington Monument to my left and the Capitol on my right. Short walk to Bureau of Engraving & Printing for our 4:15pm reservation and went right inside. It was an interesting production process, but more so for my printer husband and money-liking children. Onto Tidal Basin for cherry blossom madness. Tons of people, bountiful trees which framed the Jefferson Memorial in the distance. With icees and a place to sit and we were set to people and tree watch. Lots of activities for kids and souvenirs galore. The lure of the Pedicab gave us an interesting and sometimes harrowing ride through downtown DC traffic. Dinner at Ollie's Trolley which was great for kids with an antique carnival theme. I had a great corned beef-cole slaw sandwich, but tables were unkempt. Walked by White House on way back to hotel, which was a long-awaited sight for the kids. When we returned to our room we were pleasantly surprised with a tray of cookies and milk. I really like this hotel.
Day 2
This was the one day we planned to eat (breakfast) in the hotel, due to hotel pricing. The complimentary detox cocktail was a juice mixture and ginger. We all loved it. Wonderful French pressed coffee and Brioche French toast for the kids. Our only rainy morning, the doorman offered umbrellas. Neat! Walked to front of White House, Visitor Center for WH documentary video and keepsakes. Kids saw first sprawled-out-on-sidewalk homeless people, which educated and gave them reflection. National Museum of American History had free lockers. Great for us with our water bottles and maps. Kermit, Archie Bunkers chair, and was war war was good to recollect on the past. The $40 lunch in basement cafeteria was pretty awful. Next we Metro’d to Capitol where state rep’s intern was 20 mins late. At least we were in company of four others from MN. Tour was more historic than present day info, kids were wiped thus the Capitol was arduous. $10 taxi to hotel to rest. Taxi to Lincoln Memorial at sunset. Big, powerful and busy with cherry blossom tourists. Kids loved to run around reflecting pool. Walked to Vietnam Veterans Memorial. I teared up. After seeing the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial and the WWII Memorial it was dark and people were sparse. I called the concierge to recommend a restaurant. Taxi to Chef Geoff, which was perfect with kid and adult food served on white linen. I enjoyed calamari shrimp pasta.
more to come...
Apr 20th, 2013, 11:25 AM
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An April blizzard and school closings has hindered me from getting back to the trip, but I hope to this weekend.
Ollie's Trolley specializes in burgers, which my husband called average. We spent $45 for the four of us, which didn’t seem unusual for our trip. Also, they only take cash. The fries were very good, seasoned well. The cleanliness issue made me unrelaxed. …Tattered carpet, crusty tables and no paper towel in the bathrooms. There is a liquor store across the street so we picked up a bottle of wine to degrease back at the hotel.
Tenthumbs, I felt that taxis were the same price as the Metro for the four of us. Usual Metro price was $10.70 and taxis were $8-11 with much more convenience.
Ollie's Trolley specializes in burgers, which my husband called average. We spent $45 for the four of us, which didn’t seem unusual for our trip. Also, they only take cash. The fries were very good, seasoned well. The cleanliness issue made me unrelaxed. …Tattered carpet, crusty tables and no paper towel in the bathrooms. There is a liquor store across the street so we picked up a bottle of wine to degrease back at the hotel.
Tenthumbs, I felt that taxis were the same price as the Metro for the four of us. Usual Metro price was $10.70 and taxis were $8-11 with much more convenience.
Apr 20th, 2013, 12:29 PM
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Googs makes a good point about taxis vs. Metro. With a family of 4, taxis can be a better choice than Metro.
There are loads of restaurants in D.C. that are good for families (and they don't involve burgers or chicken fingers). I like the restaurants around Penn Quarter/Chinatown in particular. I was at Matchbox this week in Penn Quarter and there were lots of families there. Another good choice is Hill Country for Texas BBQ.
Also, as Googs learned, the museum food choices aren't that good. The best places to eat in museums are at the Cascades Cafe at the National Gallery of Art (a cool place to eat, too) and the Mitsitam Cafe at the Museum of the American Indian.
There are loads of restaurants in D.C. that are good for families (and they don't involve burgers or chicken fingers). I like the restaurants around Penn Quarter/Chinatown in particular. I was at Matchbox this week in Penn Quarter and there were lots of families there. Another good choice is Hill Country for Texas BBQ.
Also, as Googs learned, the museum food choices aren't that good. The best places to eat in museums are at the Cascades Cafe at the National Gallery of Art (a cool place to eat, too) and the Mitsitam Cafe at the Museum of the American Indian.
Apr 21st, 2013, 01:03 PM
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Day 3
We stopped at District Taco on F Street which we discovered on way from Chef Geoff the night before. Easy to walk with breakfast burritos on way to Cherry Blossom Parade, but the place was packed at Saturday 10am which made us tardy.
Cherry Blossom parade in progress but kids were able to ease to front while still in our sight. Colorful dancers, Scooby Doo, and a man dressed as a Subway sandwich took a face dive which was memorable for kids as crowd gasped. Great energy to be in big jolly crowd. Daughter met Miss Maryland, Miss D.C., and two Miss Teens and proved to be a great photo opp with her dangling cherry blossom hair bar.
Decided to leave DC crowds and Metro to Arlington Cemetery. Just under $40 for worthy Arlington tram which had three stops; Kennedy graves, Tomb of the Unknowns and Arlington House (which we didn't see as it was 3pm and no lunch). Beautiful grounds, educational for kids and the changing of the guards gave reflection. The crowds at visitor center while we were leaving were double from when we arrived. I think cherry blossomers just arrived.
Cosi near hotel was badly run, we were double charged and lady making my salad had to continually look back and up at menu for salad ingredients. Our lunch at Cosi was too long, kids didn’t like tuna and being in the balcony seating I had views of unpainted dusty ceiling. I’m not a clean-freak, really.
Pitstop at Sofitel then Carousel ride on Mall with tons of peeps from cherry blossom festivities. We may have missed Mall activities, but we were happy to beat crowds at Arlington. Kids loved the hands on at Air and Space. Saw IMAX film, To Fly, from 1976. I think I’ve seen before, probably many of you have.
New Metro territory at East Market stop (NE of Cap). Trendy area with cute restaurants, clubs and shops. 25 min wait at Ted’s Bulletin, but we had come a long way. Loud, but entertaining wait as we’re surrounded by bar patrons. Specialties are shakes and I enjoyed the adult variety, The Nutty Professor, which had Frangelico. Kids indulged in a s'more shake and hubby took homemade pop tarts to go. Meatloaf was above average for hubby and why-did-I-choose-country-fried-steak? I dunno. The broccoli and corn sides were great. Well worth the $11 taxi back to hotel.
We stopped at District Taco on F Street which we discovered on way from Chef Geoff the night before. Easy to walk with breakfast burritos on way to Cherry Blossom Parade, but the place was packed at Saturday 10am which made us tardy.
Cherry Blossom parade in progress but kids were able to ease to front while still in our sight. Colorful dancers, Scooby Doo, and a man dressed as a Subway sandwich took a face dive which was memorable for kids as crowd gasped. Great energy to be in big jolly crowd. Daughter met Miss Maryland, Miss D.C., and two Miss Teens and proved to be a great photo opp with her dangling cherry blossom hair bar.
Decided to leave DC crowds and Metro to Arlington Cemetery. Just under $40 for worthy Arlington tram which had three stops; Kennedy graves, Tomb of the Unknowns and Arlington House (which we didn't see as it was 3pm and no lunch). Beautiful grounds, educational for kids and the changing of the guards gave reflection. The crowds at visitor center while we were leaving were double from when we arrived. I think cherry blossomers just arrived.
Cosi near hotel was badly run, we were double charged and lady making my salad had to continually look back and up at menu for salad ingredients. Our lunch at Cosi was too long, kids didn’t like tuna and being in the balcony seating I had views of unpainted dusty ceiling. I’m not a clean-freak, really.
Pitstop at Sofitel then Carousel ride on Mall with tons of peeps from cherry blossom festivities. We may have missed Mall activities, but we were happy to beat crowds at Arlington. Kids loved the hands on at Air and Space. Saw IMAX film, To Fly, from 1976. I think I’ve seen before, probably many of you have.
New Metro territory at East Market stop (NE of Cap). Trendy area with cute restaurants, clubs and shops. 25 min wait at Ted’s Bulletin, but we had come a long way. Loud, but entertaining wait as we’re surrounded by bar patrons. Specialties are shakes and I enjoyed the adult variety, The Nutty Professor, which had Frangelico. Kids indulged in a s'more shake and hubby took homemade pop tarts to go. Meatloaf was above average for hubby and why-did-I-choose-country-fried-steak? I dunno. The broccoli and corn sides were great. Well worth the $11 taxi back to hotel.
Apr 21st, 2013, 01:36 PM
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Day 4
Nearby hotel, Subway breakfast, while I enjoyed usual complimentary gourmet coffee in hotel bar. Metro to Ford’s Theatre where we had 11am tix. Museum was full of tourists, so much so we couldn’t read all the items. The talk in the theatre was excellent and we were there 148 years to the date Lincoln was shot. We all learned so much and it turned out to be one of my top five for the trip.
We couldn’t resist cliché Hard Rock next door. Staff accommodating but tight table with crowds continually walking by, but that’s what you get. I was chosen to pick a video to be played on the screens above. MN native, Prince I choose. Kids were offered photo opp with guitar on stairs.
Hotel to drop rock purchases then Metro to zoo. Long walk around hilly zoo, so $12 double stroller-type rental for kids. I had to see my first panda and we stood in line to do so. They sell maps for $2 or you can download app for $1.50, so I took a pic of billboard map and did just fine. We didn’t see too much in our two hours as it was crowded, hot and getting late. Stuffed cherry blossom panda purchase and magic toy for son helped the exit.
Taxi back.
Stumped on where to have last DC dinner, so walked streets near hotel and found The Hamilton on 14th Street. Hubby loved! roasted chicken and faro dish. My pasta was fine. Large restaurant to accommodate many.
9pm taxi to Jefferson Memorial. We enjoyed seeing this monument at night. Large grounds, stimulating sights, low crowds. Decided to walk southern basin trail to get to the side of the street where a taxi would be directional to our hotel. The trail had no lights and hubby and I were uneasy looking around each tree. We survived! Son hailed a minivan taxi accidentally so we paid $3 extra.
Nearby hotel, Subway breakfast, while I enjoyed usual complimentary gourmet coffee in hotel bar. Metro to Ford’s Theatre where we had 11am tix. Museum was full of tourists, so much so we couldn’t read all the items. The talk in the theatre was excellent and we were there 148 years to the date Lincoln was shot. We all learned so much and it turned out to be one of my top five for the trip.
We couldn’t resist cliché Hard Rock next door. Staff accommodating but tight table with crowds continually walking by, but that’s what you get. I was chosen to pick a video to be played on the screens above. MN native, Prince I choose. Kids were offered photo opp with guitar on stairs.
Hotel to drop rock purchases then Metro to zoo. Long walk around hilly zoo, so $12 double stroller-type rental for kids. I had to see my first panda and we stood in line to do so. They sell maps for $2 or you can download app for $1.50, so I took a pic of billboard map and did just fine. We didn’t see too much in our two hours as it was crowded, hot and getting late. Stuffed cherry blossom panda purchase and magic toy for son helped the exit.
Taxi back.
Stumped on where to have last DC dinner, so walked streets near hotel and found The Hamilton on 14th Street. Hubby loved! roasted chicken and faro dish. My pasta was fine. Large restaurant to accommodate many.
9pm taxi to Jefferson Memorial. We enjoyed seeing this monument at night. Large grounds, stimulating sights, low crowds. Decided to walk southern basin trail to get to the side of the street where a taxi would be directional to our hotel. The trail had no lights and hubby and I were uneasy looking around each tree. We survived! Son hailed a minivan taxi accidentally so we paid $3 extra.
Apr 22nd, 2013, 04:26 AM
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Day 5; The final day
Alone, I picked up Chrysler 200 at nearby National car rental and driving in DC was entertaining and edgy. Picked up family at hotel and doorman gave great directions to the National Cathedral. Made the beautiful noon prayer in basement chapel where my son received his first communion, which made this a memorable event (my son was scheduled to have his first communion on Saturday, and still did). Afterwards, we went upstairs to my planned activity, the organ demonstration. Interesting pipe organ talk and sampling. Two gift shops; basement one is enormous where we sampled fudge and kids played with toys. Outside while husband was searching for famed Darth Vader gargoyle atop church, kids and I to Bishop’s Garden. Although spring wasn’t in full bloom, there were precious tulips. This is a lovely garden with meandering trails, benches and water. I lovely place to just be.
Raced (one-hour-plus because we got lost) to Mount Vernon with a stop at Wendy's. Received a call from MIL about Boston Marathon tragedy. With the downer news, fatigue of getting lost and only 45 minutes remaining of visitor hours at the plantation, we toured the gift shop, bought cones and hit the road to our BWI hotel. The Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport had great staff, a life guard in pool (which I haven’t seen before), and was super for our purposes. Tough to compare to Sofitel though as there were no robes or nightly Evian water brought to our door. Heehee. We returned the car, swam and had barely edible pizza room service.
Favorites...
Hubby: Arlington Cemetery
5 year old daughter: The White House
8 year old son: Air & Space
Me: Cherry Blossom Parade & Ford’s Theatre
The memories of this DC trip will certainly last a lifetime. Thank you all for help in planning this trip! I wouldn’t have been so successful without you. I hope I can guide others too.
Alone, I picked up Chrysler 200 at nearby National car rental and driving in DC was entertaining and edgy. Picked up family at hotel and doorman gave great directions to the National Cathedral. Made the beautiful noon prayer in basement chapel where my son received his first communion, which made this a memorable event (my son was scheduled to have his first communion on Saturday, and still did). Afterwards, we went upstairs to my planned activity, the organ demonstration. Interesting pipe organ talk and sampling. Two gift shops; basement one is enormous where we sampled fudge and kids played with toys. Outside while husband was searching for famed Darth Vader gargoyle atop church, kids and I to Bishop’s Garden. Although spring wasn’t in full bloom, there were precious tulips. This is a lovely garden with meandering trails, benches and water. I lovely place to just be.
Raced (one-hour-plus because we got lost) to Mount Vernon with a stop at Wendy's. Received a call from MIL about Boston Marathon tragedy. With the downer news, fatigue of getting lost and only 45 minutes remaining of visitor hours at the plantation, we toured the gift shop, bought cones and hit the road to our BWI hotel. The Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport had great staff, a life guard in pool (which I haven’t seen before), and was super for our purposes. Tough to compare to Sofitel though as there were no robes or nightly Evian water brought to our door. Heehee. We returned the car, swam and had barely edible pizza room service.
Favorites...
Hubby: Arlington Cemetery
5 year old daughter: The White House
8 year old son: Air & Space
Me: Cherry Blossom Parade & Ford’s Theatre
The memories of this DC trip will certainly last a lifetime. Thank you all for help in planning this trip! I wouldn’t have been so successful without you. I hope I can guide others too.
Apr 22nd, 2013, 01:22 PM
#10
Googs, Such a great trip report! I look forward to your future contributions. Glad you all had such a memorable trip. Sorry to hear you had to skip Mount Vernon but also sounds like overall you rolled with the punches. You are an entertaining writer!
Apr 22nd, 2013, 01:34 PM
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Thanks for the details, Googs. Looks like we can forget Ollie's Trolley. I don't like crusty tables. Longhorn~is the Cascades Cafe the one that has the good gelato?
We've always used Metro as there are usually at least 5 of us; this time, there will be 7.
We've always used Metro as there are usually at least 5 of us; this time, there will be 7.
Apr 23rd, 2013, 03:56 AM
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obxgirl, you made my day. Thanks!
tenthumbs, Metro seems to make sense for your large group....or three pedicabs. Hahaha.
Thanks for reading lmichael. Great luck on planning your June trip.
tenthumbs, Metro seems to make sense for your large group....or three pedicabs. Hahaha.
Thanks for reading lmichael. Great luck on planning your June trip.
