Washington DC - fall break
 

We are taking a family trip to DC OCt. 20-25. Maybe the last trip for a while. Thankfully, we live in Colorado so there's always the mountains with no airfare. Purchased the DC tickets a while ago so have to go. Anyway, the plan is Monday we arrive about 1, we are staying in Alexandria so I thought we can do Arlington National Cemetary that day. If we take the metro, is it close to the cemetary? Tuesday, do a trolley tour to get a lay of the land & see if there's something we want to go back to. Wednesday we have a reservation for a Capitol tour in the afternoon so we can see the Supreme Court in the morning, what else in that area? THursday, the Mall, Smithsonian, etc. My husband would easily do a 1/2 day at the Air & Space, I may go my own way, National Gallery, Freer? Meet for luch at the Indian Museum. Friday, either Annapolis or visit relatives in Charlottesville. Saturday we leave about 6, so reserve it for Holocaust Museum & more time at the monuments.
There are 4 of us, boys are 13yr old twins & studying American History. Any suggestions? I do have restaurant ideas from previous posts, but we love crab & DS#2 hopes to eat that every day!
Thanks for any advice.

" If we take the metro, is it close to the cemetary?"

Have you looked at a Metrorail map? There is a stop called Arlington Cemetery.

http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfm

Just so you know, Charlottesville is just under a 3 hour drive each way. It would be great for your boys who are interested in history, but you would want to see UVA, Monticello, Ashlawn and Montpelier, so you would need at least an overnight. I would just stay in DC -- so much to see here!

Hi Betsy,

Yes, the Arlington Cemetary is on the metro line.

The Capitol is at one end of the Mall, so you can probably see some of the monuments that day (at least the Washington Monument and WWII, maybe save the others for the other day). Don't miss the FDR and a walk around the tidal basin.

The boys might like the Natural History Museum in addition to Air and Space, also the International Spy Museum.

Also, since they are studying American history, I would suggest a visit to the National Archives to see the Constitution etc. Unfortunately, the American History museum is closed until late November.

Will you have a car? Charlottesville is 3 hours away, Annapolis is an hour away - both would need a car. If you want a short trip out of DC, go to Mt. Vernon or spend some time in Old Town Alexandria since you are staying there anyway.

If you are staying in Amexandria, Mt. Vernon is another option on Friday. It is so nice now, a new orientation center w/a theater, a cool re-enacted farming area that shows how George planted and raised his crops (w/characters in period dress and acting) w/a re-constrcted 16 sided barn like George's barn, a slave house reconstructed, etc. More than just the fantastic mansion and out-houses (separate kitchen) and Washington's grave. It's a very cool day going to Mt Vernon.

And they are now doing the "NAtional Treasure II" tour (thru end of march) so you can see the area where the movie was filmed under the mansion!

http://www.mountvernon.org/visit/plan//

hahaha- I meant Alexandria, but having lived there for years, maybe it SHOULD be called "Amexandria" !!

The Holocaust Museum limits the number of tickets and Saturday is most crowded, so get there early to ensure getting tickets (they're free).

Thanks for all the responses except for LoveItaly. Maybe we will go to the Holocaust Museum another day. Husband wants to go to Annapolis to see the ocean & ships,we would rent a car for the day. Charlottesville may be for another trip. Will fit in the National Archives, have to look at the map again.
Thanks again, Betsy

You've got a pretty full schedule but Mt. Vernon is a great stop anytime and a beautiful to visit on a fall day. Lot of fresh air, scenic views and history.

Just wanted to put in a "second" to the earlier recommendation. For many of our out-of-town visitors, it's a highlight and it's one I more often than not will visit with them.

If you go to Annapolis, Cantler's Crab House is just out of town and one the water. Friday could be a long wait however. Avoid Buddy's in DT Annapolis.

BTW, you won't see the ocean in Annapolis -- not big water but a beautiful bay. Check out Millionaire's Row for the high end yachts.

If you're up at the Capital/Supreme Court on Wednesday, there's a decent crab cake sandwich at Eastern Market. It's a basic lunch counter but a DC institution. Otherwise not much good crab in town.

I'm going to jump in and put in my favorite site, the FDR Memorial. Not only is it beautiful but given the current economic climate, it is wonderful to learn about a true visionary. The way they use these big boulders and water to convey the history is truly amazing.

Good ideas. Perhaps Mt. Vernon instead of Annapolis. Got the name of a restaurant in Annapolis, Cantlers from another thread.
Thanks again.