Washington DC - Shutdown
 

Any ideas for things to do in DC if there is a government shut down?

Lucky me has pre-paid for 2 nonrefundable hotel rooms for April 15-17 (next weekend). We planned to see the typical DC sites such as the Smithsonian, Spy Museum, Monuments, etc. Unfortunately, ALL of those sites will be closed if there is a gov't shut down.

Our group is me & DH (early 30s) and my brother-in-law and his girlfriend (early 20s).

Thank you in advance for any advice.

Why would the Spy Museum shut down? Isn't that private?

I read something yesterday of what would be shutdown but now I can't find it

Phillips Museum would remain open

Spy Museum is private so it will be open. The Newseum is also private and will be open. Walking the mall is still possible as is walking around the Tidal Basin and seeing the cherry trees. I believe Mount Vernon is private also. A lot of art museums in DC will be open just not the National Gallery.

The radio and newspaper have been pointing out some of the private museums and gardens that will still be open.

If you have a car, drive to Annapolis or St. Michael's in Maryland and spend the day.

Corcoran also will be open; complete list of what will and will not be open available at washingtonpost.com

Thanks everyone!

Here is a good list from the D.C. all news radio station, WTOP, regarding what will be affected in the D.C. area.

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=959&sid=2285258

Alexandria is another nice day trip.

abenedek, there is LOTS to do in DC even if the govt. shuts down. In addition to the ideas listed above (Phillips, Newseum, Corcoran, Mount Vernon are my faves), you can walk around and look at the monuments, as they won't be shrouding them, lol! Ditto the White House and the Capitol. Go to Georgetown and visit Dumbarton Oaks. Lunch and a walk in Georgetown w/b lovely. Go out to Hillwood Estate, whose grounds will be GORGEOUS.
http://www.doaks.org/
http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org/

Day trips to Alexandria, and Annapolis w.b great, too, but I don't think you will lack for things to do in the city.

LOL! I know they won't be shrouding the monuments, I'm just hoping they'll still be lit up at night :)

But thank you Newbe, Dumbarton Oaks looks like a nice walk (~1 mile) from our hotel (Washington Hilton), and Hillwood looks lovely as well.

We really don't want to leave the city, as we're driving from northern NJ on Friday and leaving on Sunday.

This trip was a spur of the moment getaway, as we need a break after undergoing a major renovation of our basement. We're heading to Italy in 5 weeks (YAY!), but couldn't really wait that long to get away :)

They're not going to shut it down. Last time the Republicans did that, it took them years to recover politically. And if Clinton had kept Lewinsky out of his office, they may have never recovered.
They're dumb but not dumb enough to do it again.

Well that's my hope clark, but...

<<They're dumb but not dumb enough to do it again.>>

I'm afraid they are!

Either way, I'd just like to have a plan B :)

When we went last - the Newseum and Phillips Collection were some of our favorite places! Really great! Good Luck!

I am a federal contractor. I really do think it is going to happen. But hopefully it won't be for very long. Certainly not like in '95-'96, right?

Ha! Just searching for some tips as I head to DC tomorrow..... this older post still relevant

Ha indeed! I'd forgotten what I'd posted--and yes, I stand behind my advice, it's all too relevant, unfortunately.

If you have a car, two spots beyond Mount Vernon are well worth a visit: Woodlawn Plantation and Gunston Hall.

Clarkgriswald, indeed they ARE dumb enough to do it again!

Hubby and I biked around mall yesterday and saw lots of folks around Lincoln memorial, we saw the nice reflecting pool which was under construction last time I was here. We nudged passed barriers and joined several folks to see MLK memorial which we didn't see last visit.

Last night nice time at Kennedy Center.

Today off to Newseaum and Shakespeare Library. Just read about cool textile museum that might be our substitute for Sackler.

Plenty still to do...what I miss though is the hustle and bustle. And I feel a sad pit in my stomach regarding today's state of affairs, standing in the shadow of all these monuments that honor our democratic tradition.

Well said, sfmaster.

The textile museum may not substitute for the Sackler, but it is well worth visiting IMO. Enjoy!

Here's a couple of good articles from the Washington Post about places to go in D.C. during the shutdown:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...ment-shutdown/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...to-do-instead/