Balitmore/D.C.- What To Do

[kilee]

We are headed to D.C. for a week in February. We've been to D.C. quite a few times over the last 10 years. We've done all the typical things like the Smithsonians, Arlington, Monuments, The Capitol, The Treasury Tour. I'm looking for a few more unique things to do. We will be there for a whole week so I'd like something out of the ordinary. Something different. Even in the surrounding area. All ideas are appreciated. Our traveling party will be 4 adults and a 13 yr old child.

Also, I'm thinking of taking a daytrip to Baltimore since we've never been (nor has anyone in our travel group). If you only had 1 day--- what would be a must-see on your trip there. I've heard they did great things w/ the waterfront. This will be late February though so weather will be a factor.


Thanks for all the ideas!!!!!

 

[swilphil]

The National Cathedral is very cool. It's not too far from the National Zoo, if I remember correctly--not walking distance, but a short car ride. If you haven't been to the Holocaust Museum, I highly recommend it though I'd go on your last day. It's a downer, to say the least.

 

[smilingmouse]

I've never been to Baltimore, so I can't help wth that. Regardinng DC, visiting the National Zoo is lots of fun. The Spy Museum in Rosslyn, VA is also supposed to be AMAZING! If you are looking for some great food, I'd suggest walking through Dupont Circle. Lots of great restaurants in a small area.

I hope this helps

Have a great trip!

 

[Miller1412]

I love the National Gallery in DC. In Baltimore there is the Aquarium, but to be honest, when I was there in July it has gotten a little tired. It is always very crowded and expensive to get in. There is also a great science museum in the area and a waterfront mall.

 

[rascalmom]

Have you done Mount Vernon or Monticello? Both are well worth the visit. MV is pretty close - Monticello maybe a bit more of a drive. Williamsburg is not too far - would that interest your family?

I've heard the new Spy Museum is great. So much to do in that area!

 

[PlutoPony]

The Baltimore waterfront is nice, just a little colder in the winter . The National Aquarium is right there as well as several neat older ships. There's shopping and dining right there, and good art galleries not far. Also consider running over to Fells Point for Little Italy. If you have decent weather you might try a Duck tour in Baltimore..... we really enjoyed one we took in Boston but haven't done the one in Baltimore yet.
Other suggestions in the DC area - have you gone over to Annapolis yet? Mt. Vernon is also nice as is Monticello - you can see UVA and Charlottesville while you're at it. You might also consider going over the Bay Bridge and down to St. Michaels or one of the towns on the Eastern Shore.... If you haven't already, go in the Museum of the American Indian. Also on the mall, you can ice skate at Outdoor Sculpture Garden of National Gallery of Art.
HTH!

 

[Christine]

The Spy Museum in Rosslyn, VA is also supposed to be AMAZING!
Have a great trip!

Hmmm..I thought the Spy Museum was actually in D.C. I've passed it a few times while at work. Is there another one is Rosslyn? I know the "Newseum" used to be in Rosslyn.

I can't think of any real "offbeat" things to do in D.C. If you haven't done the Holocaust, do that. Spy Museum too.

As far as Baltimore, there is the whole "Inner Harbor" thing to do. Shouldn't take more than a day.

 

[kilee]

I'd like to hear more about the Spy Museum. Is it more fact type displays or fun ones??? I want DS to be into it.

Also, the Cathedral- is it only open certain hours, do you have to take a tour???? I know we have a Basillica near my home that is incredible-- and you can go anytime.

The zoo is on our list. We've done the Holocaust Museum twice- I've found it to be very interesting.

Now, I need more info on Annapolis-- what would you see there??? I thought it was a military academy. Also, what about Mt Vernon and Monticello?? I don't like things where you are forced to take gudied tours. It was the most disappointing thing I found about Williamsburg. I want to be able to look around at my pace and interest.

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[maps]

The Science Museuem was great when we went in April. We spent an entire day there. We were done with the aquarium in about 2 hours and it was horribly crowded. I would defiinitely recommend the science museum over the aquarium.

 

[NC Belle]

Here's some links for ideas for touring Annapolis:
http://www.capitalonline.com/tour.html
http://www.capitalonline.com/lw_restaurants.html
http://www.usna.edu/visit.htm
http://www.annapolis.com/walking.php

Here's a link for Baltimore: http://www.ci.baltimore.md.us/

D.C. : http://dcpages.com/Tourism/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/print/weekend/index.html

I recommend if you go to Baltimore---check out the cool shops and resteraunts at Harborplace. ESPN Zone is near by the Aquarium. The Imax at MD Science Center was pretty good. I think the baseball stadium has a tour. My FIL likes the Babe Ruth museum.

 

[PlutoPony]

The main building at both Mt. Vernon and Monticello are guided tours only, but the outbuildings and grounds are see at your own pace and interesting. IF we have a few nice, warm days while you're here I'd recommend either of those as the grounds are worth spending some time on. You might enjoy Jamestown for a day trip (go to the Festival Park) as it's not guided but has things to see on your own like replicas of the 3 ships you can walk around on. I'd only do that in good weather however as much of it's outside. I've heard VERY good things about the Spy Museum especially for kids 12/13 and up, but haven't been personally. Annapolis is a quaint, interesting town down by the docks. Naval Academy is nearby and I think there are a few buildings you can go in. Good food and shops (independents run by the locals), nice boats to look at, and history - go in the State House which dates back to George Washington's time. Might want to go across the Bay Bridge just for fun if you have a clear day. Look up the Maritime Museum in St. Michael's - there's some interesting shops there too.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Have you been to Printing and Engraving? It is a tour, but it's fun to see the bills being made.

I was also going to suggest the Spy Museum. We haven't been there before, but I've heard good things.

You can come see me--I'm in the suburbs.

If you like outlet shopping, Potomac Mills is huge.

Mt Vernon is beautiful.

It's also fun to walk around downtown Alexandria--lots of shops and restaurants

 

[Christine]

I would like to second the National Cathedral. I'm not sure on the specifics of it (when you can, if it's open for tours) but I went there once and really loved. I'm sure they must have a website.

 

[kilee]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions and those that PM/emailed me too. I am looking up info on the Spy Museum since it seems to get great reviews. We've done the Printing and Engraving tour twice actually.
I'm also making note of the Outlet Mall. I know DS is bringing his PS2- so I'm thinking my dad, DS, and DH may be able to waste an evening or morning doing that while mom and me make a quick trip to the mall. We are both "shoppers".

Thanks again--- I am getting excited now that I'm in planning mode!!!

 

[Christine]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions and those that PM/emailed me too. I am looking up info on the Spy Museum since it seems to get great reviews. We've done the Printing and Engraving tour twice actually.
I'm also making note of the Outlet Mall. I know DS is bringing his PS2- so I'm thinking my dad, DS, and DH may be able to waste an evening or morning doing that while mom and me make a quick trip to the mall. We are both "shoppers".

Thanks again--- I am getting excited now that I'm in planning mode!!!

Please note: Potomac Mills Mall is not a "quick" trip from DC. It may take you about 45 minutes to get there if the traffic is cooperating.