i’m leaving thursday for washington, d.c. any dopers want to tell me the absolutely “do not miss” places to see?
Oh, boy. How long are you going to be there?
Let’s see:
Smithsonian
Library of Congress
National Archives
The White House
The Capitol
The Supreme Court
National Zoo
Goddard Space Flight Center (it’s a little out of the way, though.)
Washington National Cathedral
The Pentagon
National Gallery of Art
Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial
Wahington Monument
Arlington National Cemetary
Lincoln, Jefferson, Roosevelt Memorials
Dumbarton Oaks
Ford’s Theater
…And that’s just off the top of my head.
will be in d.c. until tuesday. thursday, pm.m until tuesday, p.m. already plan on seeing air and space museum, american and natural history museum, postal museum. looking mostly for things to do in the evenings after the museums are closed. thanks in advance for all suggestions!!!
highly overlooked: Korean War Memorial.
my dad is a korean war vet, it will not be overlooked, thanks!!!
Pick up a copy of the City Paper. It’s free, and full of event and entertainment listings.
Adams Morgan
The place to go after the museums close.
Take a cab as you have a better chance of winning the lottery than finding a parking spot.
yeah i second Adam’s Morgan, or window shopping in Georgetown. if you’re looking for culture, try and see if there’s anything the Kennedy center has to offer on those nights.
Bear in mind that the White House has only recently started having public tours again, but other buildings may not yet be open to tourists, so calling ahead is a must.
Adams Morgan is definitely a good call for happenin’ restaurants and clubs, particularly Meskerem, the best of the many Ethiopian restaurants in DC. Ethiopian food is fiery hot, yet extremely tasty.
I would also recommend Tryst Coffeehouse for an early morning cappucino and pastry.
Or just take the Metro to Woodley Park. It’s a quick walk to Adams Morgan from there. Plus, there’s a really good Indian place right across the street from the Metro stop there.
Other places at night may be down King Street in Alexandria near the wharf. DuPont Circle is always happening at night, as is Georgetown, especially along M Street. Lots of good restaurants and bars and clubs in that area.
King Street by the wharf got hammered by Isabel; many stores and restaurants were damaged by flooding and will likely still be closed by this weekend.
Iwo Jima Statue (at ANC)
Don’t miss the Vietnam Veterans memorial. It is truly moving.
We’re going in May for the dedication of the WWII memorial. Can’t wait.
If these place are close enough:
Colonial Williamsburg
Monticello
Mt. Vernon
I don’t know how late they’re open, but the International Spy Museum is wicked cool! We went in April and it was just fantastic! You might want to order your tickets online, though, because they draw really big crowds.
My understanding is that Colonial Williamsburg got nailed hard by Isabel. I checked the William and Mary website yesterday and they are telling students to stay away until campus is reopened. Since Colonial Williamsburg is next to the campus, this may not be a good time to go.
Mt Vernon is about 17 miles from the city and is very interesting. I would call to see if they are open. I know that parts of the GW parkway were closed this weekend, but have since been reopened.
Here’s a pretty exhaustive link to the major museums and monuments in the DC area:
Brujo-TOTALLY forgot is Isabel! I’m in Boston, so we missed it (more or less).
Another one I remembered: The Holocaust Museum. Per the Museum’s advice, don’t bring young kids to the second floor’s permenant exibit.
My coworker in the next cubicle would second the ISM.