Epic East Coast Vacation for Family of 5
Sep 19th, 2012, 01:36 AM
#41
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I'm really enjoying your trip report as we are about to do some parts of the same journey in December. I see that you hired a Dodge Caravan. Was it big enough for lots of luggage? I'm thinking of hiring one for our trip where we will, at times have 5 adults & one child and 5 lots of luggage. Thinking I may need to order roof racks?
Sep 19th, 2012, 02:35 AM
#42
5alive, I'm really enjoying your report. Our daughter's Girl Scout troop placed a wreath at Mount Vernon a couple of years ago, and it was so very nice to observe those who had gathered giving the brief ceremony its due.
The WWII Memorial is at the opposite end of the Reflecting (dry) Pool; it's too bad you missed it because it really is well done. I think because it doesn't have the height of some of the monuments, it can get overlooked. It's especially pretty as night, but, then, all of the monuments are.
Not sure if the Fodor's guide noted that President Obama has eaten at Ray's, maybe even a couple of times. I'm sure there is a photo, or other marker at the restaurant?
The WWII Memorial is at the opposite end of the Reflecting (dry) Pool; it's too bad you missed it because it really is well done. I think because it doesn't have the height of some of the monuments, it can get overlooked. It's especially pretty as night, but, then, all of the monuments are.
Not sure if the Fodor's guide noted that President Obama has eaten at Ray's, maybe even a couple of times. I'm sure there is a photo, or other marker at the restaurant?
Sep 19th, 2012, 08:54 AM
#43
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Hey, Anne, we definitely had enough room for all our luggage in a Grand Caravan. Really loved this vehicle, just be sure to turn the headlights on even if the dash is lit up.
Here's what we took: We did 4 "carry-on" size suitcases and 1 large suitcase that had to be checked. We also had 4 backpacks and one laptop bag. We worked to get our luggage to that size, because I didn't want to do laundry until we got to Washington DC. Since yours is a winter trip, remember that shorts and t-shirts take less room than pants and longsleeve shirts.
Fourfortravel-It was very disappointing; I would have liked to have seen it as we have several relatives who served. I knew where the WWII Memorial is supposed to be according to a tourist map. But much of the Mall is under major renovation and lot of the area was cordoned off in early July. After going to the Vietnam Memorial, we didn't find a way through to the WWII memorial so we kept walking, thinking there would be signs. Perhaps we had to go back to the Lincoln and back up the other side of the reflecting pool to access it.
Here's what we took: We did 4 "carry-on" size suitcases and 1 large suitcase that had to be checked. We also had 4 backpacks and one laptop bag. We worked to get our luggage to that size, because I didn't want to do laundry until we got to Washington DC. Since yours is a winter trip, remember that shorts and t-shirts take less room than pants and longsleeve shirts.
Fourfortravel-It was very disappointing; I would have liked to have seen it as we have several relatives who served. I knew where the WWII Memorial is supposed to be according to a tourist map. But much of the Mall is under major renovation and lot of the area was cordoned off in early July. After going to the Vietnam Memorial, we didn't find a way through to the WWII memorial so we kept walking, thinking there would be signs. Perhaps we had to go back to the Lincoln and back up the other side of the reflecting pool to access it.
Sep 19th, 2012, 09:43 AM
#44
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Just a couple of anecdotes:
>>
We tried and NEVER FOUND IT!
>>
By absolute happenstance, my daughter and I were in DC the day the Korean Memorial was dedicated. We didn't know what was going on, but there were snipers on all the roofs surrounding the monuments. My cousin (who was then a civilian employee of the Pentagon) went to inquire and we learned that then-president Bill Clinton would be speaking at the dedication. We walked over to the area of the Memorial and anyone could go in - all you had to do was walk through an airport-like metal detector! So we saw the dediction, and heard Bill Clinton speak (despite the fact that we were originally scheduled to be in NY that day
)
Your trip report is great - love the honesty!
>>
We tried and NEVER FOUND IT!
>>
By absolute happenstance, my daughter and I were in DC the day the Korean Memorial was dedicated. We didn't know what was going on, but there were snipers on all the roofs surrounding the monuments. My cousin (who was then a civilian employee of the Pentagon) went to inquire and we learned that then-president Bill Clinton would be speaking at the dedication. We walked over to the area of the Memorial and anyone could go in - all you had to do was walk through an airport-like metal detector! So we saw the dediction, and heard Bill Clinton speak (despite the fact that we were originally scheduled to be in NY that day
)Your trip report is great - love the honesty!
Sep 19th, 2012, 10:29 AM
#45
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5alive, based on my trip last year, there was a path through all of the construction at the Reflecting Pool from the Vietnam Memorial to WW2 - but it was not straight and not marked out well. We just knew to keep aiming towards the Washington Monument knowing that the WW2 Memorial was right before it. I can definitely see how you missed it.
I'm leaving for DC in the morning and cannot wait.
I'm leaving for DC in the morning and cannot wait.
Sep 19th, 2012, 12:02 PM
#46
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Your experience at Mt Vernon reminded me of the the time at the Lincoln Memorial when a school bus pulled up. It had a banner that said "Washington or Bust" (very original). Out piled the kids, they lined up on the steps. The teacher blew on the "tone thing" and they sang "Mime eyes have seen..." I will never forget it. Many thanks to them!
Sep 19th, 2012, 01:07 PM
#47
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tchoiniere--I feel better that I couldn't find it... Signage would go a long way. Most importantly, have a great trip! I hope you have good weather and catch a fly ball or two (especially for your friend who can't move out of the way!)
sf7307-- That was a lesson in frustration, wasn't it? We had my husband driving, me with an AAA map (thanks to my MIL!!) and my brother and oldest son on smart phones looking at the NPS website.
Manassas Update: Google may have emailed my son "yes we're fixing it" but as I type this, it's STILL NOT FIXED if you type "Manassas National Battlefield" into your Google search bar. That method will STILL drop you off along Lee Highway without a clue.
So here's what works, type in the actual ADDRESS for the Henry Hill Visitors Center. You can also find it at the National Parks Service website, or even in the Google Search:
6511 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20109
I have also made a link to it, which I shortened in Tiny URL:
http://tinyurl.com/d64fqcp or http://preview.tinyurl.com/d64fqcp
Also, Sudley is also called 234 and the visitor's center is quite close to the Northern Virginia Community College, Manassas.
sf7307-- That was a lesson in frustration, wasn't it? We had my husband driving, me with an AAA map (thanks to my MIL!!) and my brother and oldest son on smart phones looking at the NPS website.
Manassas Update: Google may have emailed my son "yes we're fixing it" but as I type this, it's STILL NOT FIXED if you type "Manassas National Battlefield" into your Google search bar. That method will STILL drop you off along Lee Highway without a clue.
So here's what works, type in the actual ADDRESS for the Henry Hill Visitors Center. You can also find it at the National Parks Service website, or even in the Google Search:
6511 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20109
I have also made a link to it, which I shortened in Tiny URL:
http://tinyurl.com/d64fqcp or http://preview.tinyurl.com/d64fqcp
Also, Sudley is also called 234 and the visitor's center is quite close to the Northern Virginia Community College, Manassas.
Sep 21st, 2012, 08:47 AM
#48
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Day 16—Fourth of July
Since we were going home the next day, we opted to do some packing and organizing. The main itinerary was the concert and fireworks for the Fourth of July.
I took the train down with the kids, while my brother and husband parked the car at the church and joined us later. I showed the kids where I’d be standing in line to get into the concert area. Then I sent the kids to the American Art Gallery to see the Video Game Exhibit.
Firework Strategies: I did what reading I could on the fireworks ahead of time, but much of the information did not come out until we were on our trip, and we had no hotel Internet after the storm. Nor do the locals anywhere traditionally post the best spot to watch fireworks. Who wants tourists overwhelming your favorite haunts? But I’m not coming back, so I’ll tell what I can. We decided to go to the Capitol Lawn concert for our big night. I found out the gates open at 3 pm or so. I tried to stake out a place where I could see both the large screens and the Washington Monument, as advised by one of the police officers. If you really care to hear the symphony live, I found the right place. But I think going to the concert at the other end of the mall to hear the military band might be better for tourists from out of town because you will be much closer to the fireworks. Watch the fireworks with a radiocast of the symphony and you have the best of both worlds. Of course, staking out a place in the middle of the mall assumes the construction will be done. I wasn’t sure how much space would be available for staking out blankets near the Washington Monument or in the middle of the Mall this particular summer. As always with fireworks, remember that the shady areas that look nice right now are not where you want to be when the fireworks go off. You can’t see then.
Hot sun while I waited, but not crazy crowded. Met a serviceman recovering from multiple surgeries. He and his wife had brought their little boys for the afternoon. Hopefully for him, he is done coming back to DC for a while and this round is successful.
My brother and husband joined the kids for the video game exhibit. Then my husband came into the concert lawn and traded spots with me. I went and joined the group as they were about to get in to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights at National Archives. It does not get more American than visiting these faded, venerable documents on July 4. A surprise was that the Archives also contains one of the few copies of the Magna Carta. Don’t miss it!
I had been studying Yelp while lounging on the Capitol lawn and had some ideas of where to pick up food to supplement our snacks. The guard at Archives directed me on how to get to Potbellies up on 7th or so. What a great local chain and moderate prices. I want one! Wonderful sandwiches that smelled so good. We were the envy of everyone around us on the lawn.
Once the Park Service Police deems the Capitol Lawn area at capacity, you have to have a hand stamp to get back in if you go out for food etc. I got my kids and brother in because I told the staff I had saved spots for them. I don’t know if they always do that.
I saved it as a surprise for the kids that one of the big acts at the Concert was….Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’Hara. It was so wonderful to hear them sing again. The concert was short and disjointed, but it was fun to do. The different acts really put it out there. My husband ran into a co-worker on his way back from the bathroom; quite a surprise.
The actual fireworks were a bit disappointing (hence my advice above). There was a grassy area kind of near us that was blocked by trees. A youth group in matching T-shirts went and sat there. When it came time for fireworks, they squished in front of us because we had a good sightline, and they made it hard to see. My husband took our 11-year-old up to the front. The rest of us made do and we did see the fireworks and the music was lovely. It was great to see them in person behind the Washington Monument.
Getting back was not a big deal. We walked to the main Union Station so that we could take our direct train and not make a change. We walked quickly but no one was pushing and people were patient. We caught one of the first trains after the event and got off at Dupont Circle to get our vehicle and say goodbye to my brother (always tough for me as we are quite close).
Since we were going home the next day, we opted to do some packing and organizing. The main itinerary was the concert and fireworks for the Fourth of July.
I took the train down with the kids, while my brother and husband parked the car at the church and joined us later. I showed the kids where I’d be standing in line to get into the concert area. Then I sent the kids to the American Art Gallery to see the Video Game Exhibit.
Firework Strategies: I did what reading I could on the fireworks ahead of time, but much of the information did not come out until we were on our trip, and we had no hotel Internet after the storm. Nor do the locals anywhere traditionally post the best spot to watch fireworks. Who wants tourists overwhelming your favorite haunts? But I’m not coming back, so I’ll tell what I can. We decided to go to the Capitol Lawn concert for our big night. I found out the gates open at 3 pm or so. I tried to stake out a place where I could see both the large screens and the Washington Monument, as advised by one of the police officers. If you really care to hear the symphony live, I found the right place. But I think going to the concert at the other end of the mall to hear the military band might be better for tourists from out of town because you will be much closer to the fireworks. Watch the fireworks with a radiocast of the symphony and you have the best of both worlds. Of course, staking out a place in the middle of the mall assumes the construction will be done. I wasn’t sure how much space would be available for staking out blankets near the Washington Monument or in the middle of the Mall this particular summer. As always with fireworks, remember that the shady areas that look nice right now are not where you want to be when the fireworks go off. You can’t see then.
Hot sun while I waited, but not crazy crowded. Met a serviceman recovering from multiple surgeries. He and his wife had brought their little boys for the afternoon. Hopefully for him, he is done coming back to DC for a while and this round is successful.
My brother and husband joined the kids for the video game exhibit. Then my husband came into the concert lawn and traded spots with me. I went and joined the group as they were about to get in to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights at National Archives. It does not get more American than visiting these faded, venerable documents on July 4. A surprise was that the Archives also contains one of the few copies of the Magna Carta. Don’t miss it!
I had been studying Yelp while lounging on the Capitol lawn and had some ideas of where to pick up food to supplement our snacks. The guard at Archives directed me on how to get to Potbellies up on 7th or so. What a great local chain and moderate prices. I want one! Wonderful sandwiches that smelled so good. We were the envy of everyone around us on the lawn.
Once the Park Service Police deems the Capitol Lawn area at capacity, you have to have a hand stamp to get back in if you go out for food etc. I got my kids and brother in because I told the staff I had saved spots for them. I don’t know if they always do that.
I saved it as a surprise for the kids that one of the big acts at the Concert was….Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’Hara. It was so wonderful to hear them sing again. The concert was short and disjointed, but it was fun to do. The different acts really put it out there. My husband ran into a co-worker on his way back from the bathroom; quite a surprise.
The actual fireworks were a bit disappointing (hence my advice above). There was a grassy area kind of near us that was blocked by trees. A youth group in matching T-shirts went and sat there. When it came time for fireworks, they squished in front of us because we had a good sightline, and they made it hard to see. My husband took our 11-year-old up to the front. The rest of us made do and we did see the fireworks and the music was lovely. It was great to see them in person behind the Washington Monument.
Getting back was not a big deal. We walked to the main Union Station so that we could take our direct train and not make a change. We walked quickly but no one was pushing and people were patient. We caught one of the first trains after the event and got off at Dupont Circle to get our vehicle and say goodbye to my brother (always tough for me as we are quite close).
Sep 23rd, 2012, 09:06 AM
#50
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Day 15—Hallowed Ground and Old Friends
We didn’t get moving quite so quickly today and we paid for it! However, driving to Arlington Cemetery and paying the $9 or so for parking made this an easy journey versus the people we saw walking over the bridge from DC.
I am one who doesn’t sweat much, but sweat was just pouring down my back while I watched the Changing of the Guard at noon. And of course I wasn’t wearing dress wool. I took a picture of the many white gravestones with large tree limbs crashed down among them: The story of our DC trip all right there. For me, it was meaningful seeing the Pan-Am Memorial. My brother appreciated seeing the Battle of the Bulge Monument remembering the sacrifice of so many Americans: 19,000 killed, 47,500 wounded and 23,000 captured or missing. My husband and he also hiked around finding some of the graves of our Supreme Court justices.
Note to future tourists: If it’s really hot out when you go to DC, don’t walk to the cemetery. Get a taxi because you’ll be walking soon enough, even if you get tram tickets. Also bring water bottles in a mini-backpack. We had ours, but many didn’t. The only water sold on site is at a Women’s Museum, which is not right at the entrance of the cemetery. As we left, we heard a worker say that two people had suffered heat-related illness already and it was only 2:30.
We went back to our hotel for a while to veg out before going to Maryland to see an old high school friend. We had planned to meet his family earlier in the trip, but they had been staying in Virginia until they got electricity back. One of their kids had Down Syndrome and ADD. It threw me off guard for a minute but explained why they didn’t fly home much to see people. We had a nice barbecue and their other kids took to ours right away. I wished we could have seen them earlier, because I would have brought their kids along on some of our sightseeing.
We didn’t get moving quite so quickly today and we paid for it! However, driving to Arlington Cemetery and paying the $9 or so for parking made this an easy journey versus the people we saw walking over the bridge from DC.
I am one who doesn’t sweat much, but sweat was just pouring down my back while I watched the Changing of the Guard at noon. And of course I wasn’t wearing dress wool. I took a picture of the many white gravestones with large tree limbs crashed down among them: The story of our DC trip all right there. For me, it was meaningful seeing the Pan-Am Memorial. My brother appreciated seeing the Battle of the Bulge Monument remembering the sacrifice of so many Americans: 19,000 killed, 47,500 wounded and 23,000 captured or missing. My husband and he also hiked around finding some of the graves of our Supreme Court justices.
Note to future tourists: If it’s really hot out when you go to DC, don’t walk to the cemetery. Get a taxi because you’ll be walking soon enough, even if you get tram tickets. Also bring water bottles in a mini-backpack. We had ours, but many didn’t. The only water sold on site is at a Women’s Museum, which is not right at the entrance of the cemetery. As we left, we heard a worker say that two people had suffered heat-related illness already and it was only 2:30.
We went back to our hotel for a while to veg out before going to Maryland to see an old high school friend. We had planned to meet his family earlier in the trip, but they had been staying in Virginia until they got electricity back. One of their kids had Down Syndrome and ADD. It threw me off guard for a minute but explained why they didn’t fly home much to see people. We had a nice barbecue and their other kids took to ours right away. I wished we could have seen them earlier, because I would have brought their kids along on some of our sightseeing.
Sep 24th, 2012, 10:56 AM
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Day 17—Do you want to be a Terrapin? And that’s all folks!
While I had wanted to see the Boston Downtown harbor, I hadn’t made much effort to plan it. And we still had packing to do. So when my husband launched a campaign to visit the University of Maryland, 14th in the country for computer science, who could resist?
And DS1’s emphatic answer to my husband at the end of the tour: He’s not interested in being a Terrapin. The tour was again, so very hot, and I ended up in a different group than my husband and DS1.
The student leading my tour seemed surprised someone from across the country might want to attend there. He was a CS major and had not done any CS before college, but then again he was taking extra summer classes to catch up. Nice, nice guy but not sure he was their best representative. The school is known for more generous out-of-state aid than many state schools. The other thing DS1 concluded was that he would not want to go to any bigger campus (both size and population) than this one.
After lunch at nearby Chipotle (the highest-grossing branch on the East Coast), we headed for Baltimore Airport. We changed planes in Texas and were glad to make it home.
Thanks for taking the long ride with me. I had fun writing this one, but gave up condensing it down for my TR. So you are a faithful bunch if you are reading this far. Good luck in your own travels. Pay it forward by posting your own report no matter how humble your budget or odd your choices!
Five Alive
While I had wanted to see the Boston Downtown harbor, I hadn’t made much effort to plan it. And we still had packing to do. So when my husband launched a campaign to visit the University of Maryland, 14th in the country for computer science, who could resist?
And DS1’s emphatic answer to my husband at the end of the tour: He’s not interested in being a Terrapin. The tour was again, so very hot, and I ended up in a different group than my husband and DS1.
The student leading my tour seemed surprised someone from across the country might want to attend there. He was a CS major and had not done any CS before college, but then again he was taking extra summer classes to catch up. Nice, nice guy but not sure he was their best representative. The school is known for more generous out-of-state aid than many state schools. The other thing DS1 concluded was that he would not want to go to any bigger campus (both size and population) than this one.
After lunch at nearby Chipotle (the highest-grossing branch on the East Coast), we headed for Baltimore Airport. We changed planes in Texas and were glad to make it home.
Thanks for taking the long ride with me. I had fun writing this one, but gave up condensing it down for my TR. So you are a faithful bunch if you are reading this far. Good luck in your own travels. Pay it forward by posting your own report no matter how humble your budget or odd your choices!
Five Alive
Jan 10th, 2013, 01:33 PM
#55
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This was posted on another travel forum in 2011:
"At Union Station, there's a company called Tiburon Lockers that opens at 6 am and is open through early evening. Their rates start at about $2/hr and end up around $12 per day. Phone number is (202) 898-1592; they're at Gate A on the street level."
Also, the National Portrait Gallery has lockers. I wonder if any of the closer museums do too.
"At Union Station, there's a company called Tiburon Lockers that opens at 6 am and is open through early evening. Their rates start at about $2/hr and end up around $12 per day. Phone number is (202) 898-1592; they're at Gate A on the street level."
Also, the National Portrait Gallery has lockers. I wonder if any of the closer museums do too.
Jan 11th, 2013, 11:12 AM
#57
>>Why can't you disclose the checked bag place during White House tour? I'm most concerned that a day of sight seeing will occur without our camera.>>
At least one of the Smithsonian's on the mall near the WH has small lockers available. I'm guessing they don't want that info out there since the lockers are meant for museum visitors. It wouldn't take you more than a couple of minutes to google it. The lockers may not be available when you need them though.
I also know a guy who tipped (nicely I might add) the valet at the W Hotel to hold their purses/cameras while doing the WH tour.
You were looking at hotels in the vicinity of the WH so it may be a better issue to strategize about once you get your tickets and times.
I am pretty sure they allow you to take your phone on the tour but it must stay in your pocket.
At least one of the Smithsonian's on the mall near the WH has small lockers available. I'm guessing they don't want that info out there since the lockers are meant for museum visitors. It wouldn't take you more than a couple of minutes to google it. The lockers may not be available when you need them though.
I also know a guy who tipped (nicely I might add) the valet at the W Hotel to hold their purses/cameras while doing the WH tour.
You were looking at hotels in the vicinity of the WH so it may be a better issue to strategize about once you get your tickets and times.
I am pretty sure they allow you to take your phone on the tour but it must stay in your pocket.
Jan 13th, 2013, 07:47 PM
#59
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Sorry I did not see my TR had new questions. Vjpb is correct; it was a business that did us a favor. And they specifically said not to tell anyone.
obxgirl is also correct in that you can take your phone on the tour if you keep it in your pocket.
obxgirl is also correct in that you can take your phone on the tour if you keep it in your pocket.
Jan 15th, 2013, 09:28 AM
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Sounds like there are some locker options. We're staying at the Sofitel. I'm unsure of walking times, but probably we're best to keep the camera at the hotel and then go back.
Do you start the WH tour on the east side or west side of the building...or walk to front door and ring the bell. Heehee.
Do you start the WH tour on the east side or west side of the building...or walk to front door and ring the bell. Heehee.
