help with washington d c trip
 

Our family of 4 (2 daughters 21 and 17) will be traveling to D.C. in July for 4 days. We have seen the government attractions many times and the girls are not interested in a revisit. So I need some advice on other things to do, some good restaurants(any kind of food)and where we should stay. We already have some plans in place: a ballgame, trip to The Halocaust Museum, and a play. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Have you been to MT. Vernon.Perhaps take the boat ride there.PAul

you might try the International Spy Musuem....people of all ages love it. If you haven't been to the Zoo for awhile they have made some neat changes there. A play?

Just got home and will do a trip report soon. Book lodging now as D.C. prices are high, high and there is a huge tax added to the room, and even more for suites. I was added an average of $22 to $33 dollars a day beyond the price of the room for taxes, so keep that in mind, if you have a budget.

I loved the zoo. I went to probably 5 different neighborhoods at leisure because I had time, and I would pick Dupont Circle, area near Hotel Monaco (close to Spy and many decent eats) or downtown- close to Farragut North or West Metro exits. Also anywhere near King Street Old Alexandria has excellent access to all plus at least 7 blocks long on each side of probably almost 100 excellent restaurants and "stuff" for the girls. Plus a broadwalk type area on the Potomac, that will probably be quite busy in summer.

I went to probably 30 different venues and don't forget that several of the "gov." attractions have jazz and music in the evenings gratis. Young people were there.

I compiled a bunch of Fodorites' suggestions (along with my own and some fast research)into a "DC with Kids" blog:
http://familyroadtrippers.blogspot.c...ington-dc.html

Tons of fun
Dan
www.familyroadtrippers.blogspot.com

Here are three suggestions for restaurants that are all fantastic but range in price and atmosphere.

http://www.1789restaurant.com/main/index.shtml
http://www.oyamel.com/
http://www.ebbitt.com/main/index-flash.cfm

If your daughters like shopping, I would consider Tysons Corner or Georgetown. Georgetown is an adorable area that also has plenty of places to eat. I second the suggestion of the zoo - this is a personal favorite of mine!

You mentioned seeing a play but did not specify as to which one or where...The Phantom of the Opera is coming to the Kennedy Center this summer and is sure to be fantastic!

As a native of the area, I could go on and on!!

Update:
I am loving all of your ideas.
I have reserved a room in Foggy Bottom at the River Inn (hope it's nice?).
I definitely will do the boat trip to Mt. Vernon, great idea.
Georgetown and shopping are in the plans too.
The play I mentioned was Camelot at the Filene Center of Wolf Trap. Is this too far to travel? That is one of my favorite musicals, but we could also look into the Phantom at the Kennedy Center?
I am also a big knitter, any good yarn stores in dc?

The River Inn is fine. Definitely go to Wolf Trap. You can order a picnic and pick it up there, and eat before the show. I don't know whether you'll have a car, but Wolf Trap also runs bus shuttles before and after the show to the nearest Metro stop. Check out their Web site for all of the info: www.wolftrap.org.

For plays, check out Arena Stage or Ford's Theatre, or the Wooly Mammoth

Yarn stores: http://www.stitchdc.com/

The River Inn is great for a family. You get a full kitchen so you can have breakfast in the morning before you head out. Very close to the metro.

My mom recently took the DC Ducks tour with her office and said it was great fun. It starts on land and then ends up in the water.

FYI - DC taxes are 14.5% on top of your daily hotel rate, so you can get a more accurate budget.

For some fun and delicious food, Jaleo (Spanish Tapas) is right next door to the Spy Museum, if you go.

I don't know if you're driving or taking the Metro while in DC. If you go to the Zoo, it would be better to get off on Cleveland Park than the Woodley Park station. Less of a walk IMO. And go see the Pandas before they go back to China. I think the baby has to go back this summer...

When in Georgetown, don't miss Thomas Sweet Ice Cream on P Street and Wisconsin Ave. Another favorite of mine is DolceZZa on Wisconsin Ave and Q Street. Both are within 7 blocks of the Shops at Georgetown Park on Wisconsin Ave.

Some Smithsonians are opened late on Thursdays during the summer. I forget which ones currently. You can check www.si.edu closer to your leave date and get info on what's going on there...

As for purely mall shopping, another place I'd recommend is the Friendship Heights mall for some fun shopping, along with the mall in Pentagon City. Although shopping along Connecticut Ave is a ton of fun too...

I stayed at The Quincy 1823 L St NW and the taxes on the hotel suite were 17%. A lot of the bigger singular hotel rooms or some with coffee pots, fridge and separate counter for them, are also being taxed at 17% as well, if they also have a couch or separted love seat.

It wasn't 14.5% on top of the daily hotel rate for my weeks stay in Feb.-
it was actually a little more 17%- and that lodging did NOT have a kitchenette but was considered a suite because of the size. This was an additional $174 for my week on the added taxes. And does not include parking, phone or any other special services.

I drive to DC every year and always make time for a trip to Potomac Mills. It's about 30 minutes south of DC right off 95 and I think there are buses that go there as well. I'm sure your daughters will LOVE that stop!

Ugh, Potomac Mills. That is just a large shopping center that could be anywhere in the US. I believe everyone has a valid opinion, but this suggestion is just bad.

Isn't Potomac Mills the biggest tourist attraction in VA? Whenever my mom & sisters came into town, they HAD to visit. Simply HAD to.

It would not be on my list of "to dos" but I know alot of people like it.