Message: We had a great vacation in DC. Lodged at Sheraton Four Points-Crystal City, Arlington (conveniently located across the street from the Pentagon-Crystal City Metro stop). Travel in/out of DC was very easy. VERY quiet hotel. Would probably not choose to stay there again, but we are "Starwood Preferred Guests" via our American Express card and as a result 2 of the 5 nights we stayed there were free of charge. No night life in the immediate area, but within 2 blocks of Chili's, Pizzeria Uno and the Crystal City Mall.

It was raining on our first full day so we visited the American History Museum (where the helpful security staff located our wandering son for us) and the Natural History Museum, and later viewed the exterior of the White House. It was our son's 16th birthday so we let him choose our restaurant. He chose "Penang," a few blocks off DuPont Circle (1837 M St NW @ 19th). We were pleasantly surprised by the good food and lovely decor as we had known nothing about it prior to walking through the door--Malaysian food: a 6-piece chicken satay appetizer w/peanut sauce($6) and side dish of coconut rice ($4) was satisfactory for dinner. The birthday boy had jumbo butterflied shrimp ($19)--a bit on the expensive side, but it was the least we could do as we had so inconsiderately dragged him along on the family vacation. Ha. We were surprised to see a family a rats playing on the front lawn of a home we passed on our way back to the Metro stop.

2nd morning we visited the Spy Museum. The kids loved it. It was a 45-minute wait between ticket purchase and actual entry. We were there for several hours. Wanted to visit the nearby Ford Theater, but it's closed for renovations. Spent the afternoon walking around the Tidal Basin and visiting memorials--Lincoln, Korean, FDR, Jefferson, Vietnam, also the Einstein statue. Tiring, but doable.

3rd day we toured the Capitol with an aide from our Representative's office. Security seems to be a cobbled-together affair. A Visitors Center is currently under construction on the Capitol grounds. Strolled past the Supreme Court, which was in session. It was interesting to see the many media reporters broadcasting in front of the building. Spent the afternoon at the NASA Museum and the Natl. Gallery of Art (great Frederic Remington exhibit).

Last day, Tuesday--visited Mt Vernon. Lovely grounds. Also drove to the National Cathedral near sunset and easily found parking in front. Gorgeous cathedral (completed in 1991) and grounds. 3rd Tuesday of the month the cathedral offers labyrinth prayer walking accompanied by a harpist. Very soothing. Was fun to take the self-guided gargoyle tour. There is even a Darth Vader located up very high. Not your traditional cathedral in all respects.

All in all, it was a great trip. We spent one day in Baltimore (more than enough), although to be fair, it was at the Inner Harbor and we were not impressed. On the way home we visited Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Waters home in PA. Quite nice since the 2002 restoration. Also spent one night in Gettysbrug, but would have liked to have stayed there longer.

Thanks for letting me ramble and thanks to all for providing travel advice prior to our trip. Happy travels!

I'm glad you had a good time! I read your post from last March about which Sheraton to stay in. I'm glad you ended up staying at this one. Thanks for the update.

Hi Hiking,

Glad you had a nice trip to "my" city! I have eaten at Penang several times and always enjoy it. I work in DC although I live in Alexandria, about 10 miles outside the city.

It's funny to me sometimes to read what tourists do when they come here. I have been here for just about 4 years and have yet to go to Mt. Vernon (it's on my list for this summer, though... ). And us "locals" are avoiding the Spy museum for the summer - we will hit it in the fall once the tourists leave!

I agree the Inner Harbor in Baltimore can be cheesy, but just off the main area there are lots of small, really good restaurants. And visiting Camden Yards is always fun - it's a great ballpark.

Anyway, glad you had fun and happy 4th!

Karen

Sounds like a great trip. Not surprised you had a good meal in Dupont w/ no planning - it's hard to find bad food in that neighborhood. There's usually no mdeia at Supreme Court, I imagine you were there while they were making two of the most influential rulings in the last 40 years (affirmative action and gay rights). Give Baltimore another chance some day, it's really has a lot to offer - just avoid inner harbor (tourist trap).

To Bardo: I'm glad to hear Baltimore offers far more than the Inner Harbor area. A longer visit would have allowed us to do more exploring. Our lodging was actually in Towson (Creek?), which was an area we enjoyed. Lovely homes. You are correct about the Supreme Court rulings on that particular day.