After a couple of false starts, we are actually going in April! I figured this would be the year to go since we are studying American History and it will be our last time until Government in high school.
My daughter is really into Hamilton right now, so she is dying to go.
We will be there 1 week and are overwhelmed on where to go! It is too late to get into the White House, I know, but there is so much to see - how in the world do you narrow it down!?!?!
We are staying in Old Alexandria close to the Blue Line. I know for sure we are going to Arlington Cemetery, Smithsonian (even briefly) and Ford Theater. Anywhere you would recommend we absolutely go?
one husband......four kids......debt......sewing...... saving......cooking......yoga......sweet......chaos......life......
I travelled to DC about 5-6 yimrs a year for work up until two years ago, but saw surpsingly little other than hotel rooms, restuarants, meeting rooms, and capitol hill. Finally took my family last year. Fit the monuments in and as many of the Smithsonian museums you can-so many different ones so research your priorities ahead of time. Be prepared to walk, and brief yourself on whether or not the Metro will be back on line by the time you go, and the areas you want to go. It is the easiest way to get to point a to b, but it was down for repairs this fall in a major part of the city. You have to work with your senators and representatives now, to see if you can get on the list for the White House.
ReplyDeleteWe checked and the blue line is up and going! YEAH!! We are too late for the White House - I know that. So much to decide on!
DeleteFor a lot of things you will want to do - walking is your best option (vs metro). I lived in DC for 25+ years so some things to considers. There are many Smithsonian Museums and they all have tons of great things. I recommend researching them and decide ahead of time which to see and what to see. They are all free!!! The Newseum is a private museum focused on the news of course - depending on the kids interests it is a great place but pricey and there is tons of free stuff to do. See the Supreme Court and Library of Congress. Archives for important documents. Between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Monument there is the WWII, Korean, Vietnam. Across from the Lincoln (other side of Constitution - there is large status of Einstein - you can sit in his lap. Again - any science interested kid might like that. You could do a hop on hop off bus one day to hit the monuments. You can go to the Kennedy Center and go to the rooftop patio (no charge) and get a beautiful view. Take a tour of Congress. Mount Vernon is easy to get to. I lived, and stay when I travel there every month, in the general area you reference. So if you want any more suggestions or details just reach out! You will have a great time!
ReplyDeleteThank you!! The metro is only to get there from where we will be staying in Old Alexandria. It is all so overwhelming! We are very low, usually we go to a state or national park for nature, but this is a rite of passage for 8th graders!
DeleteI worked in DC for a couple of years after I got married. Others have given you tips on where to go within DC (I loved the White House!) but if you have a car you could also check out Great Falls (just outside the beltway) but come at it from the Virginia side, not the Maryland side. Very pretty. Anna
ReplyDeleteWe are definitely looking into it. You did give us the idea to do a car tour of all the civil war battlefields in the area. My husband is over the moon excited.
DeleteThere are tons of places to go. Lots to see. I'm sure wherever you are staying will have brochures on sight seeing.
ReplyDeleteThe monument is closed for the next 2 years, I believe due to construction. Lot of good places to eat. Maybe venture in to Georgetown for eating, shopping and just people watching. I hope you like it.
Take care, Monica
Oh, you may be able to see the Cherry Blossoms. Gorgeous.
ReplyDeletem~
Yeah, it is the last week of celebrating, so I hope so! What monument are you talking about?
Delete