DC Trip Planning

capt_jordi

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Well the Beau and I are leaving for the beach next week. Woot! So excited! But we are trying to figure out some planning for it. We will be leaving after work and driving as far as we can that night and either getting a hotel or taking a quick power nap in the car. But we are really needing to figure something out for the return trip!
Saturday we will be leaving the beach and stopping in Washington DC for the night. We are planning on getting there in time to do some of the walking tours of the monuments. But we are looking for some suggestions!
1) Where to stay! We arent really looking for a bargain, so we are gonna stay somewhere near all the museums, but we dont want to pay $250+ a night...
2) What to do! We are only going to be there for a few hours on Sunday before we need to head home! (After all it is an 8 hour drive... EEK!) So we are gonna get up early, and do what we can and hopefully leave by no later than 2pm.
So if you had to pick one or 2 favorite things to do: What would you pick?

So anyone have any suggestions?
 

MoochNNoodles

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I haven't been to DC in years unless you count leaving from an airport there or driving around the beltway on our way elsewhere! I would think the Holocaust museum is near the top of my list. I remember going to the Smithsonian when I was a kid and they had a gem exhibit that I was fascinated with.

Other than that I don't really know; I'm no help am I?
 
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capt_jordi

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haha its okay! I cant decide what we are going to do! Part of me wants to do one of the smithsoneans and the other wants to do the holocaust museum. I would love to do both, but I dont know that we will have time! Esp. since the museums dont open until 10! We had planned on getting up early and getting started! Oh well, we will have time to walk around and drink some coffee!
 

Willowy

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I reallyreally want to go to the Smithsonian. And if I went to DC I would go to the Holocaust Museum. . .but I don't WANT to go there. I feel like I should but I think it would be very draining emotionally. If I only had time for one and I wanted to keep it light I would hit one of the natural history parts of the Smithsonian, I guess. I would need more time to work up the guts to go the Holocaust Museum.
 
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capt_jordi

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last time we went to DC we went to the Air & Space museum and it was awesome! So I think we will be going to either the Natural history or American history one this year! Who knows what else! I just know I am excited!
 

sneakymom

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My 8th grader is going to DC for the day next week. Since we live about 3 hours away- it is THE trip that the 8th graders all look forward to (and it almost didn't happen this year due to some 8th graders who made poor choices last year).

They do have to see the Holocaust Museum. They do a unit on Hitler and concentration camps, and they tie it into the English classes by having the kids read Anne Frank's Diary. The year my oldest went- she said it made her think. Dh was with her and said it was a very humbling experience.

Dd doesn't want to go there. But again, it's part of their trip. I'm sure she'll learn A LOT there- hopefully get her thinking.

Cheryl
 

darkmavis

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Originally Posted by capt_jordi

last time we went to DC we went to the Air & Space museum and it was awesome! So I think we will be going to either the Natural history or American history one this year! Who knows what else! I just know I am excited!
Wow, DC in half a day is tough! I would recommend the American History museum, because the 20th century culture part is really cool. (I'm pretty sure that's the American History one) The FBI tour was pretty interesting too.

Enjoy your trip!!
 

calico2222

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Over the river and through the woods...
Even though I live 2.5 hrs from DC, I haven't been there (to do touristy things) in 20 yrs! lol. We went down to see CATS a few years back, but it was an in and out thing. But, we did get to pass the Washington Monument...5 times...due to a detour and getting lost.
Driving in DC is always an experience. I love the Metro!!

The museums are a given, but don't forget the National Zoo. If I remember right, the Metro stop is at the front gates so it's not hard to find.
 

darlili

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In the early am, I'd go visit the Lincoln Memorial and the Viet Nam Wall, the Mall and memorials in general - then, if I only had 1/2 day, I'd probably do one of the Smithsonians. The Holocaust Museum is truly a place everyone should go, but it's an intense experience and I'm not sure I'd do it unless I had some time to decompress afterwards. I was in tears after that one.

Have a safe trip.
 

MoochNNoodles

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Originally Posted by darlili

In the early am, I'd go visit the Lincoln Memorial and the Viet Nam Wall, the Mall and memorials in general - then, if I only had 1/2 day, I'd probably do one of the Smithsonians. The Holocaust Museum is truly a place everyone should go, but it's an intense experience and I'm not sure I'd do it unless I had some time to decompress afterwards. I was in tears after that one.

Have a safe trip.
That would be a good plan. Hit the memorials first and then a museum if you can. I really should go see the memorial for the women who served in WWII. My Grandma's name is supposed to be on it and she has never been able to go; though she always wanted to.
 
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capt_jordi

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Thanks guys! I think we are going to be staying at Hotel George, but not sure! Hopefully we will get to do everything we want!
 

feralvr

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I have never been to DC and would love to go sometime. So much to see there
. Hope you have a great vacation!!!!
Will look forward to seeing some of your pictures
 
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