DC Itinerary Help- Trip Rpt -Long
 

Recently returned from trip to DC. Thank you all for your advice. I used something from everyone!!! I tried to stick to the great itinerary from "Bardo". My family was laughing (husband, son 13 and daughter 11)as I kept saying "Bardo says to do this, Bardo says to do that"! "E" 's suggestion to change the itinerary based on weather report was key. Unfortunately we learned that there would only be one day where it would not be 48 and pouring! That became our monument day. I am including prices to help those planning future trips.

SAT
Went to Arlington Cemetery saw eternal flame (JFK, RFK) and walked to Tomb of Unknown to see changing of the guard. This is hilly and spread out. Elderly and those who can't handle hills and stairs may want to consider the bus. Walked over Memorial Bridge to Lincoln, Korean, Vietnam, WWII memorials . There was a food trailer at each end, some ice cream vendors, and some public restrooms at the other (wished there were other options). We wanted to sit and eat, so kept walking and walking. Went to Holocaust Museum Cafe to sit down and eat. Food and drink for four totaled $35. Museum's main exhibit was sold out for the day, so went to children's exhibit, Daniel's Story (very moving). Walked around basin to Jefferson and eventually FDR (impressive). Couldn't walk another step, so taxied to car back at Arlington $10. This packed a little too much walking into one day, but with the looming forecast we wanted to get it all in.

SUN
Visited with friends in VA then took "Dick's" suggestion and went to new Air and Space at Dulles. Parking $12, but museum free (can shuttle bus from main air and space). Kids enjoyed space simulator ride $6 each. Many planes on exhibit. Husband and son enjoyed it, but daughter got bored. IMAX and observation deck also there. Checked into Radisson Barcelo. Location near Dupont Circle metro great and rooms are huge with pullout couch. Our rate included hot breakfast buffet each day. Took "kaudrey's" suggestion and ate at Pizzeria Paradiso near hotel. Yum!

MON
Pouring rain. Metro to Supreme Court and took tour (really a speech about the court while you sit in benches) Don't miss going downstairs to the little theatre and seeing the film where they speak with current members of the court! Many people skipped it or didn't know about it and it was very good! It replays automatically and started about 8 minutes early when we were there. Walked to Nat. Gallery of Art and ate at Cascades(?) Cafe $30. Walked around while waiting for scheduled Capitol Tour. Took cab in rain from Gallery to Cannon Bldg $11 (seemed a little steep),as metro from Dupont Circle RT cost us $2.40 per person each day. Enjoyed private tour arranged in advance from Congressional Office. I don't know how the public tour works. Metro back to hotel and dinner at Cafe Luna...good prices and good food, but suggest a family go early as crowd changes later. A longer walk from hotel.

TUES

Took "M Martin's" suggestion and made sure Ford's theatre was open for tours. Went through Peterson house quickly and stood in line with many school groups for Ford's Theatre. They take about 600 people in each time, so don't let the line scare you. The Ranger giving the talk that day was fabulous (he must be an actor)!!! The museum downstairs afterward was packed so we didn't see much there.

Kids picked the Mus of American History that day and enjoyed it. The cafe there gives a discount if you show your AAA card $33. Remember Museums require a lot of walking and time on your feet. After a while the kids (and adults) just can't take anymore. Metro to hotel (remember, it is still pouring and my umbrella has been turned inside out numerous times) Dinner at Mimi's American Cafe. Strange decor, but servers take turns singing at the piano which is fun and they are talented!

Regarding backpacks. We had to check it at the Art Mus.( I guess they thought we'd stick a Monet in it! ) We also had a water bottle. At one Museum they asked my husband to drink from it so they knew it was really water in there and not an explosive. At the Capitol they said he had to drink the entire contents in front of them or dump it out. He chose the latter. Otherwise, security usually meant a metal detector etc.

Well, that's my trip report! I hope you are still awake! Thank you for all your help. I hope this may help a future traveler.

nytraveler, you are so sweet to post such a great, and detailed, trip report, and to mention specific Fodorites in it. No, I'm not a raging egomaniac, but it does feel good to know one's advice was helpful. And with so much great info in your trip report, someone will be walking around DC someday saying "nytraveler said do this, nytraveler said do that"! Glad you had a good trip!

Great report. It reminds me I need to get back to DC some day to fill in the things I didn't have time for first time round.

to nytraveler10: my family will be in d.c. from July 20 until July 25--our only "set" plan is the capital tour arranged by our representive on July 21 at 9:00. I also have kids (age 11 & 16)to plan with... according to your itinerary, which attractions would you change and if so, replace with what else? Thanks so much!

Vanrider, sorry I haven't been on the board in a while and didn't see your post. I wouldn't change much. The kids wished for a little more down time. It would have been nice to get a swim in but the outdoor pool was closed in april. They felt that we did a ton of walking. I would have liked to go on an evening monument tour perhaps. I would have liked to reserve to see the main exhibit of the holocaust museum, but maybe when my daughter is older. Just set your own pace and everyone will tell you when they've had enough and need some downtime. Have a great trip!!!!!!

Thanks for the advice- I guess I will forget the backpack this trip- and how about the water bottles?? If they are clear water bottles- do they hassle you?? It is going to be hot next week and I always carry my Brita water bottle- but how about the disposable bottles that are clear and see through?? It is pretty sad when you can't carry a water bottle!!

tripsr4me -
I was just in DC. The only place we visited with the "no liquid" rule was the Capitol. Nothing liquid, even something as small as lip gloss. Everywhere else (Smithsonians, Holocaust Museum, Library of Congress, etc.) had airport type security and few places wanted to look through you bags, backpacks, etc.as well. When we went to the gallery to watch a House session, we had to check in (camera for sure and I think backpacks, purses, etc)at a desk. They give you a claim check for your things, so you can get them once you come out of the gallery. At the State Dept. we needed a picture ID. I carried a mini backpack (purse size), but I don't think you'd have trouble most places with a full size backpack...maybe the Capitol? Have a great trip!

Thanks teacher!!! :)