Great information-Thanks. If I do buy the seven day fast pass, I will buy it well before the August 31st date.

If u like Indian food, don't miss Raskia West End which is right near the Westin. wonderful food. Hard to book, but u can sit outside or in the little lounge without reservations.

$47 seems a lot for metro rides for five days. Have u looked at the website and figured out the costs for the rides u know u will be taking to make sure it's cost effective. If u r a senior u can buy a Senior Smart card for $5, load it and pay reduced fares at all times.

If you buy the short-trip pass (which should be all you'd need if you are staying in central DC and only going to Alexandria once) and need to top up to exit at one of the distant stations (beyond the Pentagon and Rosslyn in Va or past Capitol Hill or Woodley in the District), you would not stand in line to buy additional tickets but would insert your card in the Addfare machine just before your exit gates. You pay the additional fare there -- just be sure to have some change or $1 bills, because the machines give change in coins and you probably do not want to get 9.50 in quarters.

Thanks all; We would be using the pass R/T to Regan. Then it could be multiple times over three days. Plus the R/T to Alexandria. I hear you about the senior smart card and the short trip pass. Also about no waiting in line but using cash with the short trip pass. I will have to go to the web site and attempt to estimate a cost vs. the seven day fast pass. Wife and I will talk about what we hope to see this trip and then decide how many daily Metro trips we may take. Thanks Richard

WMATA site has a great trip planner which plans your route and give u cost. For example King St in Alex, VA to Smithsonian metro stop during rush hour is $3.15 for a regular fare and $ 1.55 SmarTrip (Senior/Disabled/Medicare)
http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/tri..._form_solo.cfm

yestravel; More great info---thanks

Dick..while in DC why not contact your president for a game of one-on-one. At your tendder age, you'd probably beat him...then what? Mitt doesn't do hoops...but is a terror on the polo field.
stu

Stu; I have thought of that with Barack. But I do play aggressive and the Secret Service may not like that. But I will send an e mail when the time is closer. Consider-he can't stop my outside shot. Next Tuesday--H'S and H's. Now I could give Syd a beating!!!!

Bookmarking for our trip.
(and we also were thinking of Europe but the tickets were just too high)

Any thoughts on the Black Rooster Pub in D.C.

Our friends son, who we are taking out ot dinner, is about 30 and a soccer player. I know the place is a rugby hangout [????] but we think he may have fun at this place.


Our tour confirmation of the White House was received last week. This month, on the 19th at 7:30am. Wife is very happy.

For me, as soon as the White House e-mail is up and running, I intend to Challenge the President to a game of BB at 6am on that same day. Perhaps 3 on 3.

At 77, I know I can beat him. If only the Secret Service will let me bump him a little bit.

Iris, I have never heard of it but really like the name of it...

Will be at the WH for a tour on the 21st - assuming a quick baseball game the night before...

Enjoy your tour. The staff stationed in each room will answer questions and are fun to talk to if you ask them stuff. Ask about the peep hole near the front door (end of the tour).

iris - on our tour several years ago, we found a painting of Nahant in the Green Room. My husband's family was from there so we got a big kick out of it.

I just got back from DC myself last night. Ate at The District Chophouse on 7th - it was pretty good if you are in the area. We also at The DC Coast on 14th - very good, nice service and atmosphere.

If you are going to tour the Natural History Museum, check out the award winning photographs on the second floor - really stunning! And the capsule that rescued the Chilean Miners is on display as well but you kind of have to hunt for it.

bennie; 5alive; Still not sure what sites we will be visiting, besides the WH.

We arrive next Tuesday at 1:30pm and will get to our hotel before 3:00pm. Dump our luggage and walk a bit in Georgetown.

Then after our WH visit, will walk M and N streets. That night we meet our friends son for dinner at the Black Rooster Pub.

Then one whole day will be spent visiting Mt. Vernon and Alexandria.

Leaves two days open. We have seen many of the major sights.

My wife will work on what else she wants to see this weekend.

P.S. tchoiniere; Have a great trip.

Heavy rain in DC supposedly on Monday and Tuesday, so bring an umbrella. Otherwise, beautiful weather next week is forecast. Have fun in DC!

yestravel; Thanks for that info.

The 7 day 'fast pass'. Can it be bought at the National Airport with a CC? Or just cash?

Trying to justify the 7 day pass.

1. R/T from National Airport.[cost?]

2. R/t from downtown D.C. to King Street Station. [cost?]

3. Then we will be on the metro, perhaps 2 or 3 times a day for 3 days.

4. We will be using the metro in prime time and off prime time.

I think I am just trying to elliminate confusion at metro ticket machines with the 7 day pass.

So saving 20 or 30 dollars is acceptable, BUT?

You can check out the fares on the metro site & it should tell you where you can buy the passes.
http://www.wmata.com/

yestravel; Thenks. We are excited as with all our trips.