Sonya- was in DC Apr 6-9, and noticed sign on Tourmobile stop near Lincoln Memorial that said "cancelled til further notice" for the Mt Vernon tour. A number of stops on the DC Tourmobile schedule had been cancelled as well.

r-travels:<BR>Thanks! I did check with tourmobile because it also says something similar on their recording but they assured me that by June all will be up and running again. I'll keep my fingers crossed!<BR><BR>Also, forgot to ask if anyone has seen the marine band do their free concert on the mall during the summer. It sounds fun with upbeat music and stuff. Any opinions?<BR><BR>Also, although the White House is not open for tours is the visitor center open? What exactly is at the visitor center anyway? Is it worth stopping by?

I gotta be honest, I live here and you are tiring me out!<BR><BR>I think if you use 2 days for the VA suburbs and northwest DC, one day for downtown, and the other 5 for the cap hill/mall, you should be OK but don't expect a lot of time in the museums. you might want to prioritize... forget about the Navy Yard unless you have a specific reason for going there.<BR><BR>

anon, thanks for responding...<BR><BR>I imagine you probably didn't read the whole thread(and I don't blame you) but I have already been convinced to drop several items...the navy yard, the Hirshhorn museum, the national archives, the newseum,and national geographic are off my list.

same anon, back for more punishment! here is my list, if it were me... (if I can fit it all in that is)<BR><BR>THE MALL<BR>Arlington Cemetery<BR><BR>BEP (what is this? I would cut it but I don't know what it is?)<BR><BR>Jefferson Memorial<BR><BR>Lincoln Memorial<BR>Air & Space<BR><BR>Museum of Am History<BR><BR>FDR Memorial - my absolute FAVE memorial. try to see it at night. even at midnight - safe, and lots of people (but less than mid day)<BR><BR>Smithsonian Castle - worth a walk by, that's it. all admin offices (I volunteer)<BR><BR>Vietnam Vets Memorial <BR>Washington Monument<BR><BR>White House (if Possible) - Way too much time to wait, unless you have a burning desire - you don't see as much as you think. half an hour tour for a who-knows-how-long wait in line.<BR><BR>CAPITOL HILL<BR>Library of Congrss? maybe. some of the rooms are pretty. do you have a real reason for wanting to go?<BR><BR>Capitol?? sure why not. if you want to watch, write your congressman NOW.<BR><BR><BR>DOWNTOWN<BR>FBI<BR>Fords Theatre/Petersen House<BR><BR><BR>UPPER NORTHWEST<BR><BR>Washington Nat'l Cathedral???<BR><BR><BR><BR>VIRGINIA SUBURBS<BR>Mount Vernon<BR><BR>Newseum - actually this is a very cool museum. if you can fit it in, do (unless you hate the media or something)<BR><BR>Old Town Alexandria??? very nice for strolling, eating, shopping.<BR><BR>both cool things to do:<BR>USMC Band on the Mall Weds night<BR>Monuments by moonlight evening tour

anon again..<BR><BR>after skimming - yes, leave off all of downtown. come back some other time for it if you like.<BR><BR>however, the natl building museum is COOL. (not on your list)<BR><BR>I forgot about the kiddies! nat hist would be neat for them, but, given a choice b/w that and the air & space - I think they would like the planes better!!

Sonya, I took my 10 yr old daughter last yr. We had a GREAT time... the ones you skipped were right on! She liked the Hirschorn...but not for a 6 yr old. I HIGHLY recommend the trolley at night- great way to see all the monuments at once and see Union Station.They let you out at the monuments to walk around a bit- it's all the time you need. It's on Metro, too!You can skip Arlington,too, because it includes that. One thing we LOVED was the waterfront in Georgetown. We took the bus, then walked down to the nice shopping "mall" by the Potomac, had an outdoor dinner, then did a "monument cruise" at sunset. Lots of fun!We took the metro up to the National Shrine Cathedral- that is absolutely stunning. If anyone reading this is a Catholic, this is a wonderful place to worship. It was my daughter's second favorite visit! They have a gift store, plus a nice cafeteria in the lower level. We had a delicious, reasonable brunch. Check online with the Smithsonian to find out what special exhibits will be showing. We saw the "history of pianos"- we both play, so that was great! It's good to research the museum before you go to avoid missing anything and to maximize your time. I advise breaking up the museum day with a lunch there. BTW, if your 9 yr old is female- she will love that every building has a gift shop!We missed not one, LOL! Enjoy!!!

anon: BEP=Bureau of Engraving & Printing<BR><BR>Linda: Yes, my 9yo is female and will certainly love the gift shops!<BR><BR>We also purchased the passport to the national parks which has places to get a stamp (like a real passport) at many monuments and things that are run by the National Park Service.<BR><BR>Really looking forward to this Trip!

anon once again, trying to factor in the kids (sorry, didn't read closely enough).<BR><BR>THE MALL<BR><BR>Arlington Cemetery - yup, sure to be a crowd pleaser. not exactly the Mall though. in Virginia... but a nice walk over the Memorial Bridge. <BR><BR>Jefferson Memorial - the tidal basin is pretty. but it's a little hike away from the Mall.<BR><BR>Lincoln Memorial - the logical walking path from the Vietnam Memorial/ Washington Monument. <BR><BR>Air & Space - kids? absolutely.<BR><BR>Museum of Am History - maybe not so much for kids? although Dorothy's shoes are there...<BR><BR>FDR Memorial - see above. DO NOT miss, with kids. <BR><BR>Smithsonian Castle - see above.<BR><BR>Vietnam Vets Memorial - VERY moving. I still cry when I visit... read the very middle panels.<BR><BR>Washington Monument - ok, you need at least ONE big thing to climb. if the lines are insane, go do the Natl Cathedral instead. although you will recognize more from the Monument.<BR><BR>White House (if Possible) - see above. I wouldn't bother, unless you have time to burn.<BR><BR>CAPITOL HILL<BR>Library of Congrss? mmm, maybe not. if you are set on the Capitol, yes. if not, skip this too.<BR><BR>Capitol?? again, long lines unless you get on the stick and write to your Congressman.<BR><BR><BR>UPPER NORTHWEST<BR>Washington Nat'l Cathedral. very beautiful. if you can't climb the monument, climb this. (elevators, not stairs of course, in both)<BR><BR>VIRGINIA SUBURBS<BR>Mount Vernon - all sorts of animals. very cool. even us big kids like to pet the horsies. not sure if it's open as per above? really do not know. can check though.<BR><BR>Newseum - see above.<BR><BR>Old Town Alexandria??? see my comments above. <BR><BR>both cool things to do:<BR>USMC Band on the Mall Weds night<BR>Monuments by moonlight evening tour<BR><BR>so, in reality, now it's down to about ten or so things. the others are walk bys... sorry if the above is redundant. and I am sure you can now fit in other things if you like. what sort of adult museums would you like? the Phillips Collection is superb, and Dupont Circle is full of restaurants and stores too.<BR><BR>the trolley sounds grand! as a near-native, never use it (can do my sight seeing in bits and pieces!!)<BR><BR>and Linda reminds me of why I love it here.

I am preparing for a trip to DC with a 5 year old this May and have found this feed to be a exceptional source of information. Now I am really confused . . . so much to see, so little time!! We will be staying in Arlington, what is the best way to get to the mall? I know driving is out of the question . . . ? Can one get around reasonably well, or should I hire one of those tour guides? What is the best way to move around the area? Are there areas that one should avoid for safety reasons? I am one of those people that likes to explore, but not with a small child unless the area is definately safe. Yes . . . I am only beginning to do my research!!<BR>

Hi Just Me!<BR><BR>Yes, I have gotten some awesome advice and info on this board haven't I? I also had another thread going earlier called top 5 things to do in DC with kids. Pick Washington DC and scroll through them and you'll find it. I used that info and my "unofficial" tour book to put together our loose itinerary. <BR><BR>Our plan is something like this:<BR><BR>Day 1: Arrive around 5pm check into hotel and wander over to the Old Post Office Pavillion for dinner in the food court and to check out the view in the Old Clock Tower.<BR><BR>Day 2: I bought timed tickets for the Washington Monument on the NPS(National Park Service) site. Tickets are free but it is $1.50 each for processing. It was worth the $1.50 to not have to wait in line! Anyway, go up to the Monument at 9:30am and then hop on the tourmobile. We plan to stay on the tourmobile for one full circuit just to get the lay of the land and stuff. Then we will hop off at Arlington Cemetery and transfer to that tour (incl in price). Then we will continue to hop on and off for the rest of the day at the sights on our list. Obviously we won't hit all(possibly not even many) of them.<BR><BR>Day 3: Get the 10am tourmobile to Mount Vernon (approx 4 hrs there) then continue around DC hopping on and off again throughout the day.<BR><BR>Day 4: National Zoo followed possibly by Nat'l Cathedral followed by afternoon at the hotel pool. Monuments by moonlight tour that evening.<BR><BR>Days 5-7: Sort of up in the air. Return to places we didn't have enought time at and see the places we didn't see. Our congressman's office is setting up tours of the library of congress, the capitol, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to be done on these days. We also plan to catch the free US Marine Band concert on Wed night on the mall.<BR><BR>This of course is all in theory and may change as we go. We will be carrying with us a list of our "must see's" which is basically listed on this thread, and a list of restaurants I am compiling from another thread called "Washington DC Restaurants".<BR><BR>We're hoping for a great trip! Hope that some of this info can help you and others. People are so nice here and haven't gotten sick of my silly questions yet which has allowed me to gather many opinions which is better than any guidebook any day!<BR><BR>Happy Traveling!

Yes, this is a fabulous site. I have just begun planning this trip and feel like I am spinning my wheels! I found a lot of great info here, but still have a few questions. Good to know that I can ask them of someone!<BR>I copied your itinerary and will build from it! Thanks! <BR>I will call my Congressman tomorrow. Sure hope it is not too late. Now, to find the timed tickets and the tourmobile?<BR>Thanks everyone for all the great info!

Hi Just me<BR><BR>The bureau of printing and engraving and the washington monument are the only ones with timed tickets right now. You can avoid the washington monument line by paying $1.50 per ticket and buying them online at the NPS site. Well worth it in my opinion. The Bureau of Engraving and printing ticket booth opens at 8:00am and tours start at 9:00am, the concierge at my hotel(who I called for info yesterday) said get on line at 7:30am in order to get in that day. But, my congressman's office is now going to set that up for me so I don't have to wait on that line.<BR><BR>I looked up your 2 restaurants at www.washingtonpost.com and typed the names in under search for restaurants. They sound much too "barish" for my group. Good luck with that!<BR><BR>Call your congressman or senator and ask what they can do for you!

Thanks for the info. Will take your advise . Yes, the two restaraunts are too Barish for us, too. I am going to try and sell the Certificates on EBay. I am sure we won't be using them. keep posting those great ideas!!

Ok, minor changes in my plan. <BR><BR>I found out that tourmobile is not going out to Mt Vernon until after June 15th(which is when we leave town). We are now looking into a cruise to Mt Vernon (www.spiritcruises.com) or the grayline Mt Vernon tour. Any feedback on either one?<BR><BR>We have also found out that tourmobile is not running their Pennsylvania Avenue part of the tour until after June 15th too. <BR><BR>We will still take Tourmobile the one day and hop on and hop off but not the 2nd day which was going to be a combo with the Mt Vernon thing.<BR><BR>Also Justme...in regard to "getting around". Here are our plans. We will not have a car. We will do the tourmobile the one day and rely on Metro or on our feet the remainder of the week. I was going to buy the unlimited 7 day metro pass but the concierge at the hotel talked me out of it. He says we won't ride it enough to make it worthwhile. He said just buy a farecard for $10 and see how far it gets us. As we are staying inside DC he says no trip will cost more than $1.10 each way. We'll see how it goes!<BR><BR>Since you are going before me, you will have to do a "trip report" when you get back and tell me how it worked out!

Thanks for the info. Will take your advise . Yes, the two restaraunts are too Barish for us, too. I am going to try and sell the Certificates on EBay. I am sure we won't be using them. keep posting those great ideas!!

Sonya: if you don't change Day One, Day Two et al may have to be cancelled .... I am talking about supremely bad food. Look, I am a resident - nobody in their right mind eats in the Pavillion. Give our ERs a break and dine elsewhere. I'm sorry to chime in at this late date, but remember: I warned you about the Navy Yard - my credibility ought to ne high with you guys. FLASH - final warning: do not eat at the Old Post Office. DC offers lots of other great places for kids to eat. Check Zagat's. If anyone suggests eating there, put them on the spot: ask them to name the place and describe the menu. Good luck.

Sonya, I don't agree with RnR since you have a six and nine year old. They want fun fast food and the Pavilion is a fun place for their age. Not many DC tourists in June with a first and third grader are checking Zagat's. Stick to your plan.

You can't get into the Navy Yard right now without an escort.

same old anon again..<BR><BR>skip the POP.. for fun fast food, go to Union Station. all sorts of cool things. plus it is a gorgeous station. (you had this on your list at one point - I would prefer it above POP).<BR><BR>unless of course you are already THERE.

Well, if you're caught for something to do to waste some time, here's something kids may or may not like.<BR><BR>According to escalator repair person I spoke to at Rosslyn Station, the WHEATON escalator is the longest in the FREE WORLD. My nephews were quite fascinated by the ones at Rosslyn (but come from a small town w/ NO excalators) Weight it out for yourself. Wheaton is the next to last stop on the Red Line going to Glenmont. (no x in my eddress)<BR>

Hi anon and everybody<BR><BR>No, we're not there yet...we're going in June. <BR><BR>We also plan to do the food court at Union Station but the Post Office Pavilion seemed like a good place for our first evening in town. Quick easy food court food and then the view from the tower. I realize it isn't gourmet dining but that's not what I'm looking for on this particular night. I am gathering tips from another thread I have going to make a list of restaurant possiblities. <BR><BR>

Ok folks, if your not tired of my ramblings yet, here is my revised list of sights. Keep in mind that many of the monuments will be seen in a 2 hour after dark tour so that will eliminate quite a bit of it. The others are all things we would like to see but may not get to them all, time will tell. Here it is:<BR>The Mall<BR>ƒ&aacute; Arlington National Cemetery<BR>ƒ&aacute; Bureau Of Printing and Engraving<BR>ƒ&aacute; Jefferson Memorial<BR>ƒ&aacute; Lincoln Memorial<BR>ƒ&aacute; National Air and Space Museum<BR>ƒ&aacute; National Museum of American History<BR>ƒ&aacute; National Museum of Natural History<BR>ƒ&aacute; Old Post Office Tower and Pavilion<BR>ƒ&aacute; Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial<BR>ƒ&aacute; Vietnam Veterans Memorial<BR>ƒ&aacute; Washington Monument<BR><BR>Capitol Hill<BR>ƒ&aacute; National Postal Museum<BR>ƒ&aacute; Union Station<BR>ƒ&aacute; U S Capitol<BR><BR>Downtown<BR>ƒ&aacute; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)<BR>ƒ&aacute; Ford¡¦s Theatre/Petersen House<BR><BR>Upper Northwest<BR>ƒ&aacute; National Zoological Park<BR>ƒ&aacute; Washington National Cathedral?<BR><BR>Virginia Suburbs<BR>ƒ&aacute; Mount Vernon<BR>

Sorry about the weird symbols, I did a cut and paste from an outline in Microsoft Word and that is how it showed up.

anon once again...<BR><BR>r-travels is not nuts. I frequently stop in Rosslyn to show visitors the impressive escalator. <BR><BR>ALSO ALSO, OOH OOH JUST REMEMBERED:<BR><BR>go to the park at the end of the runway of National Airport. the planes are like, 30 feet over your head.<BR><BR>how could I forget? this is MY FAVORITE PARK. Your kids will love this. TRUST ME. I used to go there 3-4 times a week just to sit and watch the planes land. sometimes I would take a book. (you want to make sure they are landing, takeoffs in that direction are not as much fun plus it hurts your ears.)<BR><BR>it is a beautiful stroll right along the waterfront too.<BR><BR>best way is to take a taxi I think - it really isn't far at all - maybe one mile (you will see them in a landing pattern as you cross the Memorial Bridge) and I am here to tell you - this is the most thrilling thing. <BR><BR>best way to do it is to take a blanket and lie down on the little hill near the fence. you can hear the rumble rumble rumble as they get closer... then WHOOOOSH over your head. <BR><BR>trust me, I am not making this up. This would be number one on my list.<BR><BR>

Now this Airport thing sounds too cool. My 5 year old grandson will go nuts. Airplanes are like his most favorite thing.<BR>Tell me exactly where to go. What airport...what park?

anon, to just me:<BR><BR>first off, make sure they are LANDING in the correct direction. you want to watch them land. they need to be coming in from the north - if you are on the memorial bridge and they are landing (heading south) overhead, then RUN don't walk to the airport (you can see the airport from the bridge)<BR><BR>takeoffs in that direction - not fun. way too loud, and not nearly as impressive - they get too high too quickly. if they are heading north over your head, wait until the wind changes.<BR><BR>the LANDINGS are where it's at. they breeze right in, right overhead! you swear you can touch them.<BR><BR>it's called Gravelly Point. You will see TONS of cars parked there. It's maybe a mile or so from the Memorial Bridge. You could walk it, but with a 5 year old, take a cab. It's on the George Washington Parkway. (I bike it so I rarely pay attention to actual miles - it goes fast on a bicycle - so I think one mile is correct)<BR><BR>as the GW Parkway is one way traffic in either direction (can't cross over the median) you might have to drive to the airport from DC, swing back around & follow signs for the parkway north - it's RIGHT there. (or coming from Old Town, just slow down as you reach the airport so you don't miss the sign for Gravelly Point).<BR><BR>it is RIGHT at the end of the runway, so you can miss it if you are not paying attention.<BR><BR>honestly, even if you are renting a car, maybe take a cab that day as it potentially could be confusing as it appears you are going TO the airport, to make the swing around back to head the other direction. it is soooo worth it. I spent 2 hours there Sunday. <BR><BR>I am telling you, THIS is what fodors forum is all about - I bet you don't see this in any guide book.<BR><BR>let me know if you do this!!

anon again<BR><BR>ps. if your 5 year old grandson leaves this experience and DOESN'T decide then and there to become a pilot, then I don't know what to say.<BR><BR>I am a girl by the way.<BR><BR>:-)

Now this Airport thing sounds too cool. My 5 year old grandson will go nuts. Airplanes are like his most favorite thing.<BR>Tell me exactly where to go. What airport...what park?

Hi anon,<BR>He already wants to be a pilot! He can name the different kinds of planes as they fly over and can name the parts on a plane. He has flown several times and is hooked already! He will just go ape here!!

Hi anon,<BR>He already wants to be a pilot! He can name the different kinds of planes as they fly over and can name the parts on a plane. He has flown several times and is hooked already! He will just go ape here!!

"just me" - email me should you need help.<BR><BR>"anon no longer."<BR><BR>I hope your grandson enjoys his visit here!<BR><BR>heading off to the beach,<BR><BR>Beth

To get to the best area where you park and see the planes land: you MUST FIRST drive to National and then take the GW Parkway back toward DC. A few hundred yards after National, turn right, into the parking area. Watch carefully. It really doesn't matter whether the planes are going south or north - it's a thrill either way, and great fun. If you're doing it in the early evening, take a picnic and blanket, and stay an hour or so. By the way. get a Zagats for DC - it's useful for kids too, despite the earlier comment. I live here, and use Zagats to help feed my kids. So, it does help.

just me:<BR><BR>if you are town long enough, and only plan to go to the airport park once, be sure to make it when the planes are landing rather than taking off. much more exciting, visually. <BR><BR>the wind will be favorable to you on your trip, unless it's an overnighter trip or something - give it time, it'll come around.<BR><BR>if it's gonna be your only time there, you want to maximize the thrills for your grandson.<BR><BR>enjoy.

Hi anon,<BR>He already wants to be a pilot! He can name the different kinds of planes as they fly over and can name the parts on a plane. He has flown several times and is hooked already! He will just go ape here!!

The view from the post office pavilion tower is the BEST around for viewing the city, so I would definitely keep that on the list, but avoid eating there -- awful, and not at all fun for anyone. there's nothing there anymore. And if you do that you don't need to wait on the interminable line for the washington monument. you can just walk over there and look around on your way to the reflecting pool, vietnam memorial, etc. I've lived here for 23 years w/o need to climb up!<BR><BR>The bureau of engraving and printing was one of the more enjoyable tours i've taken.<BR><BR>Biking along the path on the GW parkway is beautiful and fun and then you can stop to watch the planes.<BR><BR>most IMAX movies are wonderful, to fly included unless someone suffers from motion sickness

Your kids would probably really like the Silent Parade. At the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington (Rosslyn), Virginia, every Tuesday between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team (throwing rifles around, marching and such) and marching band perform for free. You sit on the grass and we usually take food. I think it starts at 6:30 or 7 p.m. You can walk from the Rosslyn metro stop. It's really one of my favorite things to do in DC, but I always forget about it. The kids I see at the performances seem to love it.

Hi anon,<BR>He already wants to be a pilot! He can name the different kinds of planes as they fly over and can name the parts on a plane. He has flown several times and is hooked already! He will just go ape here!!

<BR>Your decision to go to Mt. Vernon is a worthy one.<BR><BR>The distance from DC and peacefulness of the riverside setting will be a respite for you. It is also a very interesting and historic tour.<BR><BR>On the way back, if you drove, you will be on the correct side to stop and watch the airplanes. <BR><BR>After having lived in the flight path near Georgetown and having played soccer in the field in that park I can't say that its something I would recommend, but other people do seem to enjoy it.

The plane-watching park is Gravelly Point, and the entrance is just past National Airport (next exit after national going northbound on the GW parkway). The planes look as if they are about 50 feet above your head.