Going to DC

[Freyja]

Hi everyone!

I´m going to Washington DC over the last weekend of October to visit my niece who is there as an au-pair. My sister is coming as well, and so is my grandma and my youngest DD (she´s only 5 months). So it´s a all girls trip. Since I haven´t been there before I have a few questions to ask:

What are the "must sees" in the DC area?

Where would we find the best places to shop (considering that it will be close to christmas we will be shopping a LOT)?

Am I right that this is Halloween weekend? When do christmas decorations get up?

Sorry about all the questions. But since I´m the master planner of the family I´d better get things right. Oh, and while I´m at it: Do you know of any nice hotels?

Thanks everyone
Freyja

 

[justhat]

If you want to shop at a mall there are a few nice ones around, Pentagon Fashion Square is on teh DC metro and it's a very nice mall. Other than that, M St. and Wisconsin Ave. in Georgetown have lots of nice stores, as well as Connecticut Ave. near Dupont Circle. Are you renting a car? If so, Tysons Galleria is the mall to go to, it's in Virginia though, about a 20 minute drive from DC.

Hotels I think are nice are the JW Marriott in downtown DC, the Fairmont and Westin in West End and all can be pretty reasonably priced if you look around on the internet.

 

[LadyyRedd]

A couple of good malls would be The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and Tyson's Corner Center. I think Landmark Mall isn't too far, but it's been a WHILE since i've been down to it. Also, White Flint Mall in Bethesda, MD is a nicer more upscale mall.

If you're interested in museums, there are some great ones. All of the Smithsonian museums are FABULOUS and FREE! Also, the Washington National Zoo is FREE and wonderful as well. Going to the Washington Monument is fun too, though I'm not sure if you have to make a reservation now to go up in it or not.

Also, just walking through the streets of DC can be a great shopping time. There are stores EVERYWHERE that you will love.

I doubt any Christmas Decorations will be up then.

Have fun!

Kimya

 

[justhat]

About the Washington Monument, you can make your reservations online in advance. I don't know the website offhand and my husband, who does, is on call tonight so I cant' ask him till tomorrow, but google it and I'm sure it will come up. It's much easier to buy them in advance online, otherwise you have to be in line by 7am to get tickets for the day you want, and they could sell out before your turn or you might not get a time you like. Online you can choose the time.

 

[Karel]

Look at the Tour mobile Tours. Find one that will let you get on and off. There's lots of things to see and lots of walking involved. The Tour mobile will hit the highlights and save your feet.

The Metro is also a great way to get around, if you can figure out all the routes.

Hotels, especially in the prime tourist spots, can get expensive. Look around for a good deal. If you want to save some money, find one on the outskirts on the Metro line.

 

[Freyja]

Thanks everyone! The Tour Mobile Tours looks very good, especially since we don´t want to be walking too much with my grandmother (we´ll save her feet for the shopping).

I´m gonna check out that Marriot and see if I can come up with any good deals on it, otherwise we might move out to the outskirts.

Haven´t decided yet whether we´ll rent a car, but don´t think so.

Thanks again, you´re a great bunch of people....as always!!!

Freyja

 

[agotta]

Tour Mobile is good, but DH and I prefer the Trolley tour.

http://shophta.com/acb/stores/15/product1.asp?SID=15&Product_ID=52#popup

Have a great time!

 

[pozey]

Number 1 place on our list of "must see" places in DC is Arlington National Cemetary.