Washington DC trip ideas

[DancingBear]

The Native American museum might be worth a trip. It did not exist when I was young. We visited it--unfortunately, I don't remember much about it as I was in the beginnings of a miscarriage and was highly distracted. I don't even remember if my kids liked it at all. But if your child is into Indian history, it might be worth passing through. The cafe was neat b/c it featured regional cooking from the various areas where tribes are located. And of course, it is my nature that if I'm going to remember anything--it is the food.

Interestingly, the museum is actually called the Museum of the American Indian. Some cool displays in the upper floors, and an interesting building. The food in the Cafe is tasty, but it's one of those multiple-counter things (so if you all don't want food from the same counter, it takes some effort), and it's pricey.

 

[DancingBear]

The food courts at the Smithsonian (and at the Reagan building and the Old Post Office building) are forgettable. As someone mentioned the food at the National Gallery is better. We enjoy the cafe in the Sculpture Garden located between the National Gallery and Natural History (and across from the National Archives. There is a Teaism adjacent to the Navy Memorial (across PA Ave on the other side of the Archives, right at the Metro stop), and lots of other better choices if you head north from there a couple of blocks into the vicinity of the Spy Museum, National Portrait Gallery/American Art museum, Verizon Center and Chinatown.

I've never been, but if you are there on a weekday you can have lunch at the cafeteria in the Department of Agriculture building that is near the Holocaust Museum, Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the Smithsonian "castle" building.

 

[Took]

The food courts at the Smithsonian (and at the Reagan building and the Old Post Office building) are forgettable. As someone mentioned the food at the National Gallery is better. We enjoy the cafe in the Sculpture Garden located between the National Gallery and Natural History (and across from the National Archives. There is a Teaism adjacent to the Navy Memorial (across PA Ave on the other side of the Archives, right at the Metro stop), and lots of other better choices if you head north from there a couple of blocks into the vicinity of the Spy Museum, National Portrait Gallery/American Art museum, Verizon Center and Chinatown.

I've never been, but if you are there on a weekday you can have lunch at the cafeteria in the Department of Agriculture building that is near the Holocaust Museum, Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the Smithsonian "castle" building.

Have to say that we LOVE the food at the Museum of the American Indian. We always go there. It is a bit expensive but much of it is very good.

OP, we'll be there two days after you will be, Apr. 7-11.

 

[FireDancer]

I'm leaving for DC today at 3pm . I'm going for the National Half Marathon on Saturday and will be staying at a friend's in DuPont Circle. It will be the first time I have ever stayed in DC proper, I used stay in Tyson's Corners.

I loved the Spy Museum and all of the Smithsonian museums but I am kind of a nerd like that. Of course the monuments are great and Arlington is a must (especially the changing of the guard). I am pretty sure we won't be doing a lot of sight seeing for this trip though. We have the race, a get together on Friday for dinner, and we are going out for a friend's birthday party on Saturday before leaving on Sunday. There might be some proper tourism time on Saturday afternoon.

 

[Tigge50447]

wow this is some really great information. I'm thinking the spy museam might be fun, My 9 year old has all sorts of "spy gear" and I totally forgot about the archives.

updated: just got reservations to the National Archives !!

Thanks All..

 

[AmandaSparks730]

I know the last thing you'd probably want to do in DC is go to a mall, but on my class trip, we metro'd (in rush hour, mind you, and there were 130 or so of us) to the Pentagon City Mall. It was cool, for a mall, and I think it's safe to say that we enjoyed our couple hours there as "wind down" time.

 

[iluvwdw4ever]

wow this is some really great information. I'm thinking the spy museam might be fun, My 9 year old has all sorts of "spy gear" and I totally forgot about the archives.

updated: just got reservations to the National Archives !!

Thanks All..

How did you get tickets for the Archives????? I can't find it on their website.

 

[DancingBear]

How did you get tickets for the Archives????? I can't find it on their website.

Here you go.

http://www.archives.gov/nae/visit/

 

[iluvwdw4ever]

Here you go.

http://www.archives.gov/nae/visit/

Which would be best..the guided tour or self guide tour???

 

[DancingBear]

Which would be best..the guided tour or self guide tour???

I dunno, I haven't been back since they reopened the Archives with all of these bells and whistles.

 

[iluvwdw4ever]

I dunno, I haven't been back since they reopened the Archives with all of these bells and whistles.

OK..thanks!!!

 

[Tigge50447]

we reserved the self guided tour...

 

[jillyb]

Check out the link to my PTR and TR from August of last year.