# What should I visit in Washington **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 10, 2010, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876 "2010-08-10T21:24:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![ataraxy22](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ataraxy22/32/307_2.png) [@ataraxy22](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ataraxy22)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2010, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/61 "2010-08-14T04:34:53Z")
The bacon lollies at First Farmers are not to be missed. The most known obscure museum is probably the Textile Museum, and it is surprisingly interesting. The most obscure museum is perhaps the Laogais Museum. ---
**Author:** ![Laudenum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Laudenum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laudenum)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2010, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/62 "2010-09-04T23:40:59Z")
Right, in Washington now. The heat was muderous yesterday (hot and wet) but nicer today. So far it’s a really nice city and most of the buildings are better than I expected. Two questions though: 1. Where can I get Ron Paul memorabilia? One of my companions is a huge fan of Ron Paul (He has already bought a bust of Ronald Reagan) but he can’t find anything. 2. What is the deal with tipping in general and taxis in particular? It seems that you are expected to tip taxis, but you are paying them directly to provide a service - why tip? 3. Is Labour day a big deal? Will there be much on for it? ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2010, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/63 "2010-09-05T00:24:26Z")
> [@Laudenum](#): > > 1. Is Labour day a big deal? Will there be much on for it? Yes, but Labor Day is not a holiday marked by any significant public celebrations. It’s mainly observed by… not working, and having friends over for a cookout. Smithsonian museums & other tourist services will be open, but many smaller businesses will be closed. There are some events planned though. You can see a list here: [http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/Laborday.htm](http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/Laborday.htm) ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2010, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/64 "2010-09-05T00:44:15Z")
Yes, you should tip a taxi driver. They are seldom owners of the cab, and when they are are struggling under a recent change in the way they have to formulate fares. 15 - 20% and an extra dollar for each bag they handle. Ron Paul - I can only say wander down the sidewalk and look in the vendor’s stalls. Most likely you’ll have to search on line for that though. What you do find will most likely be snarky. Be careful about asking strangers, he’s not real popular here. ---
**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2010, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/65 "2010-09-05T01:05:02Z")
Why would you expect to find Ron Paul memorabilia in Washington? You’re not going to find anything other than standard Republican and Democratic memoriabilia. Are there any cities where you’re not expecting to tip a taxi driver? I’ve never any, at least in the U.S. ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Knig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@Typo\_Knig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Knig)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2010, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/66 "2010-09-05T01:11:36Z")
There’s a political memorobilia store in Union Station, but I forget the name. Ron Paul might be too “out of date” for them, but it can’t hurt to look and ask. Union Station is a sight to behold anyway! ---
**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2010, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/67 "2010-09-05T02:19:36Z")
How did I manage to make so many mistakes in a short post?: \> Are there any cities where you’re not expecting to tip a taxi driver? I’ve never \> any, at least in the U.S. I meant to write: \> Are there any cities where you’re not expected to tip a taxi driver? I’ve never \> seen any, at least in the U.S. ---
**Author:** ![Laudenum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Laudenum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laudenum)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2010, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/68 "2010-09-07T04:58:15Z")
I am now trying to work out if we were mugged or not. ---
**Author:** ![etv78](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d78d45/32.png) [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2010, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/69 "2010-09-07T06:06:57Z")
I’ve always wanted to do DC justice (was there for \<1 day years ago) if you want suburban stuff: Arlington Cemetary Mt Vernon Monticello Williamsburg ---
**Author:** ![pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2010, 10:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/70 "2010-09-07T10:19:28Z")
I try always when I’m in Washington to see a few Whistlers at the Freer Museum on the Mall. Most DC museums are free, but this one is Freer. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2010, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/71 "2010-09-07T10:32:10Z")
> [@Laudenum](#): > > I am now trying to work out if we were mugged or not. ?!? Are you all right? ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2010, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/72 "2010-09-07T13:48:30Z")
> [@etv78](#): > > I’ve always wanted to do DC justice (was there for \<1 day years ago) if you want suburban stuff: > > Arlington Cemetary > Mt Vernon > Monticello > Williamsburg Again, Monticello - while well worth a visit - is nowhere near DC except that it’s in one of the states that borders DC. Ditto Williamsburg (it’s even further away than Monticello). ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2010, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/73 "2010-09-07T13:51:29Z")
> [@Laudenum](#): > > I am now trying to work out if we were mugged or not. By the local prices for everything? or in a more literal sense?? (most people can tell if it’s the more literal version of the phrase). Or are you referring to someone back home getting emails from you, begging for help since you were mugged? ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2010, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/74 "2010-09-07T14:55:07Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > > [@Laudenum](#): > > > > I am now trying to work out if we were mugged or not. > > By the local prices for everything? or in a more literal sense?? (most people can tell if it’s the more literal version of the phrase). > > Or are you referring to someone back home getting emails from you, begging for help since you were mugged? I bet he walked up to Pelosi and asked where he could find aRon Paul T-shirt. . . ---
**Author:** ![Laudenum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Laudenum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laudenum)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2010, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/75 "2010-09-08T18:13:19Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > > [@Laudenum](#): > > > > I am now trying to work out if we were mugged or not. > > ?!? Are you all right? He only got $12 out of us and no-one was hurt. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Excellent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2010, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/76 "2010-09-08T18:28:14Z")
> [@Laudenum](#): > > > [@TruCelt](#): > > > > ?!? Are you all right? > > He only got $12 out of us and no-one was hurt. I’m sorry, **Laudenum** - I hate when sketchy stuff happens to tourists, as it makes the whole District look bad. Glad you’re okay. How much longer are you in the area? There are jazz festivals in Arlington and Silver Spring on Saturday - your family might like them. Take a look at [www.dcist.com](http://www.dcist.com) . ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2010, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/77 "2010-09-08T18:29:28Z")
> [@Laudenum](#): > > He only got $12 out of us and no-one was hurt. What’s with the cryptic statements? What actually happened? ---
**Author:** ![etv78](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d78d45/32.png) [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2010, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876/78 "2010-09-08T21:42:02Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > > [@etv78](#): > > > > I’ve always wanted to do DC justice (was there for \<1 day years ago) if you want suburban stuff: > > > > Arlington Cemetary > > Mt Vernon > > Monticello > > Williamsburg > > Again, Monticello - while well worth a visit - is nowhere near DC except that it’s in one of the states that borders DC. Ditto Williamsburg (it’s even further away than Monticello). Good to know Mama! Thanks for the future reference. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-visit-in-washington/549876.md?page=3)