Headed to DC for Cherry Blossom Fest - Updated: I'M BACK!! (More on 4/28/09)

[annnewjerz]

We'll be going April 3-5 to DC to see the Cherry Blossoms with my Mom, this is something she has always wanted to do and we thought it would be nice to finally get around to it.

Has anyone ever been and if so---any tips on where to shoot, advice about how crazy the crowds will be, etc.

Also---we haven't been to DC in about 10 years (when I was in High School) so we plan to hit a lot of the touristy types of places (museums, zoo, monuments, etc.). Any places that you would consider a "must see" for a more or less first time visitor to DC? Any places you would consider a "must see" photographically speaking??


Thanks!
Ann

Update: We're back from our weekend. Go to page 3 for an update on how everything went and to see some of the photos I've processed today.

Go to page 4 to see a few more that I processed last night.

Go to page 5 to see some from the Capitol and the US Botanic Gardens.

Go to page 5 and 6 to see some from the Air & Space Museum and National Museum of American History.

Go to page 6 to see some from the US Naval Museum.

 

[Villainess]

I went to school in DC - miss it down there and the Cherry Blossom Festival was always so pretty. Unfortunately these were the days that I barely took a photo, but my friends and I would usually hang out on the lawns and area near the Jefferson Memorial.

Must see's for photography or otherwise - Arlington Cemetary, Vietnam Memorial Wall, Georgetown, the metro - probably get some neat pictures of the metro coming through, the Basillica if you like taking pics of Cathedrals.

 

[DizzyV6P]

Taking night shots of the WWII memorial with its colored fountains is pretty cool. Same deal w/ the Lincoln Memorial....daytime and night time photos with a tripod can turn out really nice. If you stand on the Washington memorial side, facing the Lincoln Memorial, you can get some nice pictures of the reflecting pool. The "castle" buliding of the Smithsonian is another nice shot. Same w/ the natural history musuem exterior. You can set up on the mall side of the street and take a nice shot of the museum.

Some quick examples of my shots.

Lastly, bring your walking shoes. Parking and traffic is a bear downtown during Cherry Blossom season so take the Metro (subway). If you exit at the Metro Smithsonian exit, its a 10-15 min walk to the Cherry Blossoms area. Also check out the DC tourist website for a schedule of events...the parade is usually pretty fun.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I think DC is so amazing to visit. I've only been twice - the last time was 3 years ago in Dec. It's beautiful to visit at that time too but I'd love to see the Cherry Blossoms. And everywhere you turn there's a photo opportunity!

Some of my favorite things were going up in the Washington Monument. When we were there we could just walk right up but I understand the wait can be pretty long at times so if you do that you may want to get there early in the morning. You get the full 360 degree view of Washington but it will be more for viewing than picture taking b/c of the windows. After that we walked down to the war memorials and to the Lincoln Memorial. Again - many photo opportunities.

We also went on a tour of the Capitol which I would recommend - after all, that's why DC is there! You can get a free tour thru one of your senators or representatives if they have availability (and there are other tours you can arrange as well - we also did the Mint and the Supreme Court building). One of their aids takes your around. We rode the underground train from our senators building to the capitol which was fun to see and the Capitol is a beautiful building. The U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory is next to the Capitol and has some wonderful displays.

And of course the Smithsonian - there are many options there. Arlington Cemetary, Marine Memorial etc.

 

[annnewjerz]

Some of my favorite things were going up in the Washington Monument. When we were there we could just walk right up but I understand the wait can be pretty long at times so if you do that you may want to get there early in the morning. You get the full 360 degree view of Washington but it will be more for viewing than picture taking b/c of the windows. After that we walked down to the war memorials and to the Lincoln Memorial. Again - many photo opportunities.

Apparently you have to put in for tickets now, at least according to my Mother. She got a hold of our Congressman and he put in for tickets for a tour of the White House (which he said we probably won't get because April is their busiest time and it's "getting close") and he gave her a number to call to put in for tickets for the Washington Monument. To be honest, I never even knew you could go up!

We also went on a tour of the Capitol which I would recommend - after all, that's why DC is there! You can get a free tour thru one of your senators or representatives if they have availability (and there are other tours you can arrange as well - we also did the Mint and the Supreme Court building). One of their aids takes your around. We rode the underground train from our senators building to the capitol which was fun to see and the Capitol is a beautiful building. The U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory is next to the Capitol and has some wonderful displays.

We have also put in for tickets for a tour of the Capitol Building, we'll see if we end up getting that. It seems like we are making our requests just a litttttttle too late since it's opening weekend of the Cherry Blossom Festival---so DC will probably be packed.

Unfortunately, we are only there for 2.5 days and there is so much to see. Each of us gets to pick 2 things (there are 4 people going). I want to go to the Tidal Basin to get shots of the Cherry Blossoms and go to the Japanese Street Festival, as well as the National Zoo. My DH wants to go to the US Navy Museum and the National History of America Museum. My Mom wants to go to the Washington Monument and the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials. The other member of our group wants to see the Capitol Building and Arlington Cemetary.

Just laying it all out like that, the weekend SOUNDS EXHAUSTING!

 

[Quicklabs]

Oh, you lucky duck! I was just thinking this morning of how much I wanted to go there (saw the blossoms on the Weather Channel). In fact, Ray and I were planning a photo trip to DC, but this had to be changed with Augusta's surgery.
I love DC--there is no end of things to photograph there. One of my favorites is the Korean Memorial at night. It has such an eerie beauty to it. Last trip there, I went to Arlington Cemetery--simply lovely and very moving.
I can hardly wait for your trip so that we can see the pictures with the new D90,

 

[annnewjerz]

Oh, you lucky duck! I was just thinking this morning of how much I wanted to go there (saw the blossoms on the Weather Channel). In fact, Ray and I were planning a photo trip to DC, but this had to be changed with Augusta's surgery.
I love DC--there is no end of things to photograph there. One of my favorites is the Korean Memorial at night. It has such an eerie beauty to it. Last trip there, I went to Arlington Cemetery--simply lovely and very moving.
I can hardly wait for your trip so that we can see the pictures with the new D90,

I am definitely excited---especially excited to have the D90 a month in advance to get some practice in (hopefully). I know my Mom is going to love it. Since I was little she has wanted to go during the Festival and now we're finally getting to do it. Add that to the possibility that she may get to go to The World with us in December and she's a happy lady!

That stinks that you had to change your plans...we could have had a DC Photo Board Meet-Up!! I am sure there is no lack in photographic material---more worried that there is so much I am going to miss something!!

Is the Korean Memorial in the same vicinity as the Vietnam Memorial? Like I said, I have only been once when I was in HS and have no clue at all where anything!

And---I wanted to e-mail you but figured you would be going crazy, how is Augusta doing?? Everything go smoothly?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Apparently you have to put in for tickets now, at least according to my Mother. She got a hold of our Congressman and he put in for tickets for a tour of the White House (which he said we probably won't get because April is their busiest time and it's "getting close") and he gave her a number to call to put in for tickets for the Washington Monument. To be honest, I never even knew you could go up!

I didn't know you could go up either - thought it had been closed down permanently after 911 but we wanted to see it up close so we walked over and then started seeing signs for tickets. I've read various things on getting tickets but can tell you we did get ours right at the monument that day and went up 15 minutes later (this was Dec '06).

We have also put in for tickets for a tour of the Capitol Building, we'll see if we end up getting that. It seems like we are making our requests just a litttttttle too late since it's opening weekend of the Cherry Blossom Festival---so DC will probably be packed.

Try checking with all the representatives you can. I contacted both our senators here in NV. One couldn't help but the other was still able to do the tour. My cousin arranged for the tours of the Mint and Supreme Court from her Ohio senator but had been unable to get the Capitol. Just don't make the accident I did of letting it slip I had contacted both offices (opposite parties!) We arranged it all just 2 1/2 weeks ahead of time - probably a benefit of being from a small population western state - but the White House was a no go. I understand that fills up several months in advance.

Unfortunately, we are only there for 2.5 days and there is so much to see. Each of us gets to pick 2 things (there are 4 people going). I want to go to the Tidal Basin to get shots of the Cherry Blossoms and go to the Japanese Street Festival, as well as the National Zoo. My DH wants to go to the US Navy Museum and the National History of America Museum. My Mom wants to go to the Washington Monument and the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials. The other member of our group wants to see the Capitol Building and Arlington Cemetary.

Just laying it all out like that, the weekend SOUNDS EXHAUSTING!

We only had 2.5 days as well and were not staying right in DC. Things are so close together and public transportation is pretty good so you can see a lot. The Smithsonion will slow you down though. In our first morning we toured the Mint (first tour of the day), went up in the Washington Monument, walked to the Lincoln memorial along the reflecting pool and saw the WWII memorial and Korean war memorial along the way, and then went and saw the Vietnam memorial. We walked over and saw the White House and then had lunch! You'll sleep well at night - it's kind of like WDW with lots of walking and tons of stuff to see all around you.

OH - I just remembered (duh) that we drove to Mt. Vernon the morning of our last day and did everything else in the previous 2 days. We were there on the day of the anniversary of Washington's death.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Quicklabs]

Oh, yes, I forgot about Mount Vernon! Absolutely a lovely spot with lots and LOTS of photo opportunities.
I was in DC in November. I got up in the Washington Monument on the last tour of the day by just sweet talking a park ranger. It was a great time to go, as the light was near the Magic Hour.
As for the locatoin of the Korean War Memorial. Let's say you are on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial facing the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument. The Viietnam Wall will be to your left and the Korean memorial to your right. You really can't miss it as you walk toward the Tidal Basin toward the Jefferson Memorial.

 

[Quicklabs]

Everything is going as well as it can under the circumstances. The surgery went smoothly and she is recovering as best she can right now. She seems afraid to be out of her crate. I am struggling with seeing my beautiful abd fearkess friend and champion, who once soared over jumps and flew through tunnels and weaves, now walking on three legs and seeming so unsure of herself. It is truly breaking my heart. My DH took the week off to be home with her, which I know has helped her immensely. We go back for our first post surgery check and stitch removal next Tuesday. She has been an angel with not bothering her stitches. Thanks again for your concern.

And---I wanted to e-mail you but figured you would be going crazy, how is Augusta doing?? Everything go smoothly?

 

[DisneydaveCT]

You are in for a treat. Visiting D.C. in time to see the Cherry Blossoms. My Mom grew up in and around D.C.. My parents were living in Arlington when I was born. I have been to D.C. many times both as a kid growing up, and later as an adult visiting D.C. on business. I even had the honor of watching my Dad get sworn in to practice law at the U. S. Supreme Court during the Warren Court.

But I digress. Most people have already made some excellent suggestions. I would also suggest visiting the Custis-Lee Mansion at Arlington. It sits on a hill with a wonder view of the cemetary. And of course while visiting the cemetary, there is the Tomb of the Unknown, and JFK's grave.

I hope we get to see some of your photos from this trip.

 

[spinetnglr]

If you dont have your after dark hours planned you might want to consider a performance at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Living only an hour and half from DC it was a popular field trip destination when I was in school. One of the most memorable experiences of all the trips I took there was seeing Of Mice and Men at the center. Even after all these years I can remember that night vividly. I took a peek at the schedule and April 1-5 The Washington Ballet is presenting Peter Pan. Makes me want to plan a trip just to see that.

 

[tyedye]

Apparently you have to put in for tickets now, at least according to my Mother. She got a hold of our Congressman and he put in for tickets for a tour of the White House (which he said we probably won't get because April is their busiest time and it's "getting close") and he gave her a number to call to put in for tickets for the Washington Monument. To be honest, I never even knew you could go up!

We have also put in for tickets for a tour of the Capitol Building, we'll see if we end up getting that. It seems like we are making our requests just a litttttttle too late since it's opening weekend of the Cherry Blossom Festival---so DC will probably be packed.

Unfortunately, we are only there for 2.5 days and there is so much to see. Each of us gets to pick 2 things (there are 4 people going). I want to go to the Tidal Basin to get shots of the Cherry Blossoms and go to the Japanese Street Festival, as well as the National Zoo. My DH wants to go to the US Navy Museum and the National History of America Museum. My Mom wants to go to the Washington Monument and the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials. The other member of our group wants to see the Capitol Building and Arlington Cemetary.

Just laying it all out like that, the weekend SOUNDS EXHAUSTING!

I would like to do all that too and I can because I live so close but that is also prob why I haven't. Anyways, why do you want to go the National Zoo? The zoo is farther away from the memorials, musuems, etc. It would take some time to go there and walk around. It's on a hill too so it's alot more work to get around it. They do have the panda's but make sure they're available before going, nothing like making the trek there and for them to be inside in a room behind a wall and you can't see anything.

One could spend an entire day in one museum so go online and see what you want to see there.

I'm not sure but I think there may be some same day tickets available to the Wash monument, see if you can look it up on the web or call to see. The monument was closed yrs ago when it was undergoing a refurbishment. I also think they may close it on extremely windy days.

Be prepared for crowds as it's peak season when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Use the metro to get around, you can get a map online beforehand. Enjoy and have fun.

 

[aeryn]

One of my favorite places to take pics in DC at night is at the FDR memorial. It's all cool granite and shadows and statues and water features that are all lit really interestingly. It's a neat monument to walk through during the day, but at night it seems to come alive in a different way.

 

[annnewjerz]

Soooooo, I'm getting my stuff ready because tomorrow, we leave for DC!!

Got in my Sigma 30 this week and got in my Crumpler 6MDH today, so I think I'm all set (or as set as I'm going to be). Here's the plan---any last minute recommendations are appreciated!!

Friday:
Arlington National Cemetary
Lincoln, FDR & Jefferson Memorials
Tidal Basin
Washington Monument

Saturday:
Bureau of Engraving/Printing
Holocaust Museum
Air & Space Museum
Museum of American History
Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden
Capitol Building
Japanese Street Festival

Sunday:
US Naval Museum
National Zoo

 

[YesDear]

Did you remember to insure all your stuff. Since you have NAS in a bad way remember you will have lots of stuff with you!

I hope you get to see the capital. I have had several unique opportunities to do some neat stuff there. I actually said the pledge of allegance on the floor of the house. I have been in the gallery and the floor of the senate and have had a meeting in the Foreign Relations Committee room in the Captial. The coolest thing was given to me. I was given a flag that flew over the Captial on 9/11/02 the first anniversary of 9/11. It was given to me by an organization for work I had done and arranged by my senator. I love to walk around Washington. Enjoy the sites and the camera. We are expecting great things from you!!!

 

[annnewjerz]

We are expecting great things from you!!!

Nothing like putting the pressure on.

That's really neat that you were given the flag that flew over the Capitol. A relative was telling me about some private tours they were able to take and she said it's definitely an experience---unfortunately we will probably only do the public tour, so hopefully that's good enough!

Is it bad that I am more looking forward to shooting at the zoo than shooting a bunch of buildings? I mean---I'm going to try to shoot everything, but I'm an animal lover, what can I say!!

 

[oogieboogieman]

Give that little 30mm a good workout, I'm looking forward to some photos. Have fun!!!

 

[Quicklabs]

Have a great time, Ann! I'm sure looking forward to seeing your pictures when you return. Since you are right in the area when you are at the Lincoln Memorial, do go check out the Vietnam Wall and the Korean War Memorial. Won't take more than an hour to do them both. (Unless you are like me, and get to chatting with the vets that are always at the Wall).

 

[Todd_H]

Here's the plan---any last minute recommendations are appreciated!!

Friday:
Arlington National Cemetary
Lincoln, FDR & Jefferson Memorials
Tidal Basin
Washington Monument

Saturday:
Bureau of Engraving/Printing
Holocaust Museum
Air & Space Museum
Museum of American History
Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden
Capitol Building
Japanese Street Festival

Sunday:
US Naval Museum
National Zoo

Need to add to Sunday:
PP photos and upload and share for DIS board . JK, of course! Have a great time and can't wait to see your photos

Everything is going as well as it can under the circumstances. The surgery went smoothly and she is recovering as best she can right now. She seems afraid to be out of her crate. I am struggling with seeing my beautiful abd fearkess friend and champion, who once soared over jumps and flew through tunnels and weaves, now walking on three legs and seeming so unsure of herself. It is truly breaking my heart. My DH took the week off to be home with her, which I know has helped her immensely. We go back for our first post surgery check and stitch removal next Tuesday. She has been an angel with not bothering her stitches. Thanks again for your concern.

Wow. I can't imagine what this must be like. If you don't mind me asking, what happened to her leg? Our 9 year old lab, Sadie, had a small tumor removed from her side about two weeks ago. The pathology report came back benign, but the vet told us it was good that we went ahead and had it removed because it would have become malignant. It really broke my heart the day she had her surgery, but she did great and is recovering nicely. She's back to her old self now (except for the patch of hair missing and her scar). Anyway, I wish you guys the best of luck for a speedy recovery.