First of all, we had 3 kids with us, 15 yr. old DD, 11 yr; old son and 8 yr old DD. We were totally prepared for the inevitable "we're bored" type comments since they are more used to WDW or cruise-type vacations. Surprisingly, the only time we heard it was in Colonial Williamsburg. It was extremely hot and humid that day and to be honest, I wasn't even all that thrilled with it. There were no reenactments going on, no people dressed in period costume other than the person inside each building. I thought it was way overpriced, and we only had the "sampler" tickets which allowed us in all buildings except the Palace and Bassett Hall. These tickets came to $120 for the 5 of us. Many buildings were just closed up, and some, like Raleigh Tavern, had a 45 minute wait just to get inside for a short tour. All in all, we probably won't go back, but if we ever did, it definitely wouldn't be in the summer.
On the other hand, we all LOVED Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. I thought it was an incredible bargain. We paid $71.95/person for 3 day tickets which allowed us to hop back and forth between both parks. The shows were very good for the most part, there was a good variety of rides and the park was incredibly clean and beautifully landscaped. It was far superior to Six Flags (in my opinion). If you pay to park at one park, you can show your receipt at the other park to avoid paying twice. All in all, a great time.
We all really liked Washington DC. I have to say that every large city should be laid out like DC. It is so logical and easy to get around. North-south streets are letters and east-west streets are numbers (or maybe it's the other way around?), and diagonal streets are names of states. I can't believe how easy it was to find where you were going. The only thing I hadn't realized is how hilly it is. I swear, it always seemed like we had to walk up a steep hill to get where we wanted to go. After the first day though it was easier and we had no problems. The metro system is fantastic! There is a stop near wherever you wanted to go, and it's very well labeled and clean. I have to say, DC had some of the friendliest people I have ever seen. I'm used to Chicago where people pretty much ignore you. We had countless people stop us when we were looking at a map and ask us if we needed help.
In one week we saw all the monuments, the zoo (which was VERY disappointing), the International Spy museum, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Holocaust museum, Ford's Theater, Georgetown (LOVED it!), most of the Smithsonian museums, Arlington National Cemetary, took a congressional tour of the capitol, and the best thing of all--the Trolley Tour to see just about everything else. It was hectic, but lots of fun.
Gettysburg was very nice. We bought the 3-hour CD car tour of the battlefields, which ended up taking us about 7 hours because my history-loving DH had to get out at EVERY monument and plaque and read everything. The kids had had enough after about 5 hours, but we persevered.
I know many people are planning trips out east, especially to Williamsburg, so if I can answer any questions, pleae let me know.
On the other hand, we all LOVED Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. I thought it was an incredible bargain. We paid $71.95/person for 3 day tickets which allowed us to hop back and forth between both parks. The shows were very good for the most part, there was a good variety of rides and the park was incredibly clean and beautifully landscaped. It was far superior to Six Flags (in my opinion). If you pay to park at one park, you can show your receipt at the other park to avoid paying twice. All in all, a great time.
We all really liked Washington DC. I have to say that every large city should be laid out like DC. It is so logical and easy to get around. North-south streets are letters and east-west streets are numbers (or maybe it's the other way around?), and diagonal streets are names of states. I can't believe how easy it was to find where you were going. The only thing I hadn't realized is how hilly it is. I swear, it always seemed like we had to walk up a steep hill to get where we wanted to go. After the first day though it was easier and we had no problems. The metro system is fantastic! There is a stop near wherever you wanted to go, and it's very well labeled and clean. I have to say, DC had some of the friendliest people I have ever seen. I'm used to Chicago where people pretty much ignore you. We had countless people stop us when we were looking at a map and ask us if we needed help.
In one week we saw all the monuments, the zoo (which was VERY disappointing), the International Spy museum, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Holocaust museum, Ford's Theater, Georgetown (LOVED it!), most of the Smithsonian museums, Arlington National Cemetary, took a congressional tour of the capitol, and the best thing of all--the Trolley Tour to see just about everything else. It was hectic, but lots of fun.
Gettysburg was very nice. We bought the 3-hour CD car tour of the battlefields, which ended up taking us about 7 hours because my history-loving DH had to get out at EVERY monument and plaque and read everything. The kids had had enough after about 5 hours, but we persevered.
I know many people are planning trips out east, especially to Williamsburg, so if I can answer any questions, pleae let me know.
And I agree about the metro system-EASY!!!
