If you get to the Lincoln Memorial at night, it's a short walk to either the Vietnam or Korean war memorial or both. There are lots of tours at night so you aren't alone in the dark.

Great Falls is a wonderful break from the city but the Maryland side is much nicer.

Uou also get the C&O Canal and Olmsted Island, but the small but fun lockhouse museum and (depending on the restoration) the canal boat ride pulled by mules.

And if you're a true hiker, the Billy Goat trail is the best in the metro area by far.

Try a Segway tour of the city.
The Tabard Inn is supposed to have one of the best brunches in the city. We live about 4 blocks away and have yet to try it but it is on our list.

Brahmama- sorry I didn't answer your question sooner, I was away - here is a good link about the Tomb of the Unknowns - for visitors -
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/vis..._unknowns.html

Don't know if you plan on going to Arlington national Cemetary, but if not this trip, the Cathedral and Library of Congress, as I mentioned, are two of my favorite stops.

Have a wonderful trip.

oh and Moongirl - thanks for all that excellent info, I am saving it for our next trip - great ideas !

I've been away for a couple of days and was delighted to find more information.

Which is the best way for travel? The Trolley or the Tourmobile? We do plan to visit Arlington and I noticed that the Tourmobile stops at 3 sites, including the Unknowns which we want to see.
Also, should we get the weekly pass for the Metro?

Since we are Seniors, is it worthwhile to try to get the Senior Pass? It sounded complicated and we can't get that online.

Carolyn,
(I missed your reply last time) We are planning to go to Arlington Nat'l Cemetery. And thanks for the Botanical Garden suggestion. I am not sure where that is? Somewhere on/in the National Mall?

Bardo,
Thanks for the input. I've read a lot of your posts on DC and have cut and pasted from them. The National Gallery is a must for us - and I have some places bookmarked on U street.

Moongirl,
Thanks for the taking the time to write such an interesting reply. I especially liked the Neighborhood Heritage Trails - and hadn't read about that anywhere.

We have friends that live in Chevy Chase who are taking us for an Embassy Tour one evening after dinner. (I'm assuming that they are lit up?) We are supposed to take the metro over there - I'm not sure if we will have an opportunity for a view or a different perspective such as you described.

Regarding your cultural paragraph. I am blown away by the multitude of opportunities. We live in a tiny town (outside it, actually) and have to drive an hour or more to enjoy plays, concerts, exhibits, etc etc. I will read through this carefully. Thank you so much.

Honest Abe & Repete,
Truly, with only 6 days - actually we have 6 nights and only 5 1/2 days when I think about it - I"m sure we won't have time for 1/2 day anywhere else.

denice,
We will definitely try the brunch at the Tabard. As we arrive on a Friday, we'll probably make that a priority on Saturday morning.

Since you live so close to the Tabard, do you have any neighborhood place that you would recommend for a meal? Any meal - and any kind of cuisine!

Escargot,
Thanks for the great link for the Unknowns.
We do plan to go to the Nat'l Cathedral, Arlington Nat'l, and the Library of Congress.

Thanks everyone - I can't imagine how people plan a trip without Fodor's.

The area around Dupont Circle is great for walking around and soaking up the history, shops, galleries. We picked up a walking tour from the AAA guide.

You should make a reservation for Sat. brunch.

I actually emailed them a couple of days ago asking about reservations, but the reply was that they only accept reservations a month ahead.

"Shear Madness" can only be booked a month ahead also.

I guess I'm trying to rush this along!

I believe that "month ahead" stuff only applies to internet/email. You can telephone anytime.

Duh! I see you're going in MAY. Yes, a month ahead.

This thread is getting long. Maybe I should start a new thread with new questions?

I'm needing to know about the Metro passes. Since we are Seniors (and NOT in high school!) we want to get the Senior pass to save half-price on Metro rides. We can't get this pass Online. Anyone have any experience with this? We were thinking to get the Senior ok first (which has to be done at one of 3 offices) and then buy a couple of SmartCards. Any opinions on this?

One more question:

If we take the Metro to the Arlington Cemetery, is there a shuttle service available there? How much walking does this involve? We want to see the Unknowns, the Kennedy Graves, the Iowa JIma monument and the Lee Mansion at least.

I've just about got an itinerary mapped out and will need some expert opinions and revisions. The hardest thing is trying to group things together to be efficient.

Thanks!

I can't be a whole lot of help, but I'm not sure why you would bother with Smarttrip cards if you are (a) only going to be here for a visit and (b) are not going to be parking in one of the Metro-owned lots. I would recommend getting the senior-discounted regular farecards.

Brahmama -- re: Arlington, if you are concerned about the amount of walking, there is the option of taking the Tourmobile. You can take the Arlington-only tour for $6.00; it will take you to all of the major cememtery highlights, and you can can get off and back on at any stop on the itineary. Tourmobile also does tours of the D.C. monuments, and if you prefer, you can get a combined ticket for both DC and Arlington.