Ideas for trip to Washington D.C/Williamsburg, VA

[unfreshdiva1]

Taking my man on week vacation to Washington DC and Williamsburg, VA in June for his 41st birthday. Plan is to fly into Norfolk, VA then drive to DC and spend a few days, drive to Williamsburg, spend few days, then fly home from Norfolk. I've never really been to DC and he has never been to Williamsburg. Last year for his birthday we went white water rafting in Denver, so kind of hard to top that but want to. Any thoughts on how to make his birthday spectacular?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

DC is an amazing city...the museums alone are worth a trip. There are also some incredible restaurants.

Personally, I'd try to stay right in DC and near the White House (there are a few really nice hotels there). You can then pretty much walk to the musuems and monuments. There is a fun Segway tour you can take too...well worth the price.

 

[unfreshdiva1]

In DC staying at a Crown Royal right near White House ($600 a night but using points to get it for free!). I can't wait to see some of the museum's, but isn't there part of the Smithosian with TV related exhibits (like Archie Bunker's chair)?

 

[ToddyLu]

Definitely see the National Zoo--it is terrific and free! Definitely see the National Conservatory--it is outside the capital building looking toward the Washington Monument on the left. A true gem--it is a small building but loaded with beautiful flowers. I am not that into flowers but it was awesome and I think Free.

Definitely try Olives Restaurant, I forget what chef owns it--he is famous and it is about 2 blocks from the White House. But absolutely go to Legal Seafood. It is in the area of the White House but not sure of the address, either. It was so fantastic we ate there twice last May during our vacation. It fills up early so we went at 5p.m. at got seated.

A trip to Arlington Cemetary is very moving--especially if you are goingat Memorial Day. Last year they had troops marching around with thousands of flags in their backpacks, placing them for the holiday.

 

[ToddyLu]

I remember seeing that hotel......fancy, smancy...good for you. Olives will be really close to that I think. They do have a Hop on Hop off bus system that will take you around but it was not near as efficient as the one in NYC. Great for seeing the outside of the National Cathedral, some of the neighborhoods where the ambassadors live and then it also took us around to Arlington. We missed Ford's Theater last year but it is really neat. This is going to sound very creepy.....they had the pillow that Linsoln had under his head when he dies and you could see the stain....I don't know why I remember that from a trip in 1983, guess to an eighth grader it was cool.

We enjoyed the Smithsonian but it was packed with school kids. The First Ladies Dresses where not on display when we were there. I enjoyed the 3-d movies and of course seeing the Spirit of St. Louis and the Wright Brother's airplane.

Do not waste your time at the National Aquarium--it is in a basement and very dark.

My DH and I really had a great time and for one who doesn't like to travel he had a great time.

 

[ToddyLu]

Please be careful when walking about at night---there were reports of major crimes not far from where we stayed and it was a $400 a night hotel. Ohh, and do not under estimate the walk from the Capitol Building to the Wash Monument to the Lincoln Memorial......again we are not the healthiest people.....it will look like it is "just over there" but your eyes will trick you and your feet will kill you

 

[rcostello1]

DC is a city...just like anywhere in teh country there are crimes. Nothing special to worry about, just be aware of your surroundings. And I say that assuming you will be in NW DC which is where most of civilization is located (although much of the Capitol Hill area is in SE but that's the "safe" part of SE DC).

Definitely visit www.si.edu - the Smithsonian isn't just a museum, it's a bunch of things...the zoo, portrait gallery, traditional museums, etc. You will have to take your pick as there is no way to see it all in such a short time.

Are you coming in early or late June? I don't think we even think museum until October when the tourists are gone! If you are here in the first half of June the local schools are still in session (and busy testing) so those kids won't be in your way. If you are visiting late enough in June there might be something setup on the mall prior to July 4 activities.

I've lived here all my life and so rarely venture downtown. "There's always next time." Just know that for things like the White House and the Washington Monument...those in particular require planning and tickets. Don't know what's up at the Capitol these days in terms of visiting.

Hope that helps! If you like cheese you have to check out Cowgirl Creamery. YUM!

Have you made any other plans or have thoughts beyond the touristing activities, like where to eat for dinner, etc. ?

 

[rcostello1]

PS: In case you didn't know, the Capitol divides the city into quadrants so because of its location NW (northwest) is the largest part of the city. SW is small...and mostly government buildings, tourist area, or waterfront. NW and SE (outside of the Capitol Hill neighborhood) don't offer much for tourists, except perhaps an adventure you didn't ask for!

The National Mall runs along the line that divides NW and SW so technically the Air & Space Museum is in SW but the National History and American History museums are in NW...but you can stand on the mall and see all 3.

Oh and numbered streets are north-south, lettered streets east-east, after the alphabet streets are still alphabetical (Newark, Ordway, Porter) and states are diagonal. There are plenty of exceptions but when you say 919 F St you know thats between 9th and 10th streets (and F is between E and G). I find it impossible to get lost (but easy to make a wrong turn!).

 

[unfreshdiva1]

We will be in DC 6/14-6/16 before heading to Williamsburg.

 

[rpmdfw]

We ended up with a cancelled flight and one day in DC a few years ago. It ended up being a great day! We walked the National Mall and we also went over to the Phillips Collection http://www.phillipscollection.org/ to see one of my favorite works of art. http://www.phillipscollection.org/collection/boating/index.aspx

What a great museum that is. And I literally spend an hour looking at that Renoir. Just breathtaking.

 

[rcostello1]

We will be in DC 6/14-6/16 before heading to Williamsburg.

Depending on when you arrive on 6/14 that is the last day of Capital Pride...there is a street festival that day (the parade is on the 13th). Check out www.capitalpride.org. Granted that's not a museum, but it only happens once a year! RuPaul is scheduled to appear.

You should luck out--most school systems are still in session on 6/15-16 so the locals should still be out of your way.

If you need some places to dine check out www.washingtonian.com in their Food & Dining section. They are the bible of local food reviews (aside from the Post).

 

[Contemporary_Man]

Definitely try Olives Restaurant, I forget what chef owns it--he is famous and it is about 2 blocks from the White House.

Olives is owned by Todd English. He also owns bluezoo at the Dolphin in Disney World.

 

[unfreshdiva1]

Too funny! Last year when we were in Denver around same time it was Pride (and I swear Nina Flowers was there as I thought "that is one fierce drag queen"). We will have to check out the street festival! What a great surprise!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Hey! We're on our way to Williamsburg as I type this! LOL!

I was completely unimpressed with Todd English. His restaurant, service, menu and food quality didn't hold a candle to Chef Josiah Citron and Melisse. Heck, even Tom Calicchio has a better menu than Todd.

To each their own preference though. What one person likes another doesn't, eh?

 

[docmidnite]

I live around DC and your best bet is to not stay in the District. It's not worth the cost. You can find a better deal on a hotel in Crystal City, Bethesda, College Park, or any of the other areas right outside and they are all on the Metro Lines. You'll save a lot of money that way.

The heat tends to be awful here in the summer. I'm not a huge fan.

Do take in the Museums and the monuments. Though personally I don't like the National Zoo. I find it small and cramped and feel really awful for the elephants as they have such a small amount of space to roam in. However - there is an amazing Thai restaurant right off from the Zoo - so you might want to swing that.

Do see the National Cathedral - it's a wonderful structure.

If you want a tour of the Capitol Building - Call your Senator or Congressman's office prior to your trip and let them know you are going (hopefully they aren't Republicans ) They will make arrangements for a staffer to take you around and you can get in the gallery of either the House or the Senate and watch our government do nothing

The Supreme Court is also a great place to tour.

The White House is really not worth the effort to try and tour. Best bet is just to get the usual photo op in front of it. You'll save time.

Neighborhoods to check out:

*Dupont Circle
*Georgetown
*Capitol Hill
*U Street Corridor
*Adams Morgan

Be prepared for a number of things:

*security
*traffic!
*awful heat

Use the Metro as much as you can and not drive. It will be less mind numbing.

My G/F and I either Metro or Bike to work and its much more pleasant.

Hope this helps.

 

[Jeff90]

I know this sounds a bit morbib (I hope I spelled that right) but Arlington Cementary was nice to visit...if you can call it nice. The Kennedy's grave site, etc.

And the Old Postoffice was neat too. I was there in 2000 so a lot may have changed.

 

[unfreshdiva1]

Thank you for all the great suggestions for DC! Now I have to plan something special for his actual birthday on 6/19. We will be in Williamsburg. Thinking of maybe a spa day or something. Not sure if we will be going to Bush Gardens or not during our trip. He's never been to Williamsburg and it's been several years since I've been there.

 

[mainelyj]

I hope a local looks at this. We are planning to stay 2 nights and 3 days in DC on our way back from WDW to Maine.

What Marriott hotels would you consider - less than $100 night. I am looking at Marriott in
Crystal City - there are 2 near Regan Int Airport and a new Courtyard on 1325 2nd Street NE Washington for 119 a night.

Or, any other suggestions?

thanks.

 

[rcostello1]

I would definitely NOT consider the 2nd St NE hotel. No way no how. Unless you are a train conductor. It is not in a tourist-friendly (and at times I would venture to say human-friendly) area.

The Crystal City Marriott should be completely acceptable. It's not in the city but the metro is right there within a block or so, there are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops. Crystal City is a business area (soon to be a ghost town when the government moves out). Note that both the Crystal Gateway Marriott and Crystal City Courtyard Marriott are further away from the metro station. The Residence Inn in Pentagon City is probably pricier, but a primo location too. The Key Bridge Marriott is convenient to metro (few blocks), a walk across the bridge (Key) into Georgetown, and of course all of Arlington (by metro if not by foot).

Let me know if you have other questions. Glad to answer.

 

[TillyMarigold]

I've lived in both DC and Williamsburg ...

If he's a history fan, be sure to make a reservation for dinner at a tavern (I love seafood so my favorite is Christiana Campbell's, but there are several) ... if you're looking for something more silly and laid back to go, to to Gambols (games, snacks, drinks) at Chowning's tavern instead of a dinner. (They're taverns in the historical sense, not so much the bar sense.) Or you could do a ghost tour--do a real one, sponsored by Colonial Williamsburg, so they actually let you *in* the buildings you're hearing about.

As for DC, I just saw the International Spy Museum for the first time a couple weeks ago and it's definitely worth doing, make sure you add on the Operation Spy game, it's great. I second the Old Post Office, it's a nice change of place when you want something quick and cheap for lunch near the museums (the other good lunch option near the Smithsonian is the cafeteria at the National Museum of the American Indian, the rest of the museum cafeterias are just bog-standard and boring).

One of my best friends used the Crystal City Marriott for her wedding guests to stay at and it was great. I've stayed at another DC-area Marriott but it was farther out (near Tyson's Corner mall in Virginia).