So...I'm working. A lot. Things are feeling more stable for Mark. Unfortunately, due to the nature of life, either of these things could change at any time, but for right now, I'm remembering to exhale and life is good, and I even find myself feeling like we can make some plans again. Like we can dare to dream again, and perhaps to plan an inexpensive vacation.
Julianna has a burning desire to go to Williamsburg. Jacob and Julianna would love to go back to Washington DC. It may be a moment of insanity, but I'm actually thinking about it. To be honest, I'm thinking more about DC than Williamsburg because there's so much to do there that is absolutely free. We love the zoo, the monuments, the museums, and they're all free. It really is the best vacation bargain I know. Rebekah and Jacob and Julianna's spring breaks do not coincide this year, which means if we were to go away, it would be that much easier to just have the four of us instead of five, (or even six,) I'm thinking (hoping?) it should be fairly reasonable.
I figure I can pack snacks, and breakfast, and we can plan on eating out one meal a day; food should be not too expensive. The metro's a pretty good bargain. In the past we have found it safe, and clean and easy to navigate so I have no hesitations about traveling around the city via the metro. The biggest sticky wicket is the hotel. One year when Jacob and Julianna were little, Hampton has an incredible special and we were able to stay on Massachusetts Avenue right in the heart of DC for less than $100 a night. Deals like that spoil you.
I'm looking for a decent hotel, in a neighborhood we'll feel safe in, preferably close to the metro. I have no problem with using a park and ride lot, as long as I can be fairly sure my van will be safe and sound when we return for it at the end of the day. I'd love an indoor pool, but it's not a deal buster. Some sort of included breakfast would be great, but again, I can work around that. The biggest consideration is that it be clean, in a decent area, and inexpensive. If you have any places to pass on for me to check into, I would really appreciate it.
Also, know any yummy but inexpensive places to eat? Tell me about those too.
Lastly, what about Williamsburg? Anyone ever been there? Can you get something out of it if you're only able to be there one day? The Governor's Inn seems really inexpensive ($59!), anyone ever stay there? Are meals at Williamsburg insanely expensive? Is it worth the experience? Are we better off just taking a side trip to Mount Vernon or Monticello? Mark and I have been to Mount Vernon & Monticello before but J&J were either not born, or too young to remember. I can't figure out if Williamsburg is just too much to try and squeeze into one day, or if it's worth doing even if we don't get the full experience. Thoughts?
Thanks. It may be just a pipe dream, but I'm feeling optimistic enough to at least look into it further. I appreciate any knowledge/experience you can pass on.
Even if it doesn't work out, and chances are good it won't right now, it still feels really good to be able to even think in this direction again.
I have 1 husband and 4 kids, 28, 20, 11 and 9...I'll be doing the mom thing forever, hence 4evermom.
7 comments:
Such exciting stuff. Isn't dreaming fun?! :) I love vacations! Unfortunately...I haven't been to either so I have no info for you. :(
Good luck with your plans! That's one trip we would love to take as a family. :-D
I've been to DC several times, but, luckily, my BIL lives in the area, so we had a free place to stay. I don't think you can go wrong with DC as a vacation. Last summer I was able to navigate the metro without any trouble. I felt very comfortable using it, so you're right about it being easy.
Hope everything works out!
Email me offline if this goes further--I can't recommend anywhere but can tell you where is good (I used to work there a lot).
Williamsburg is better overnight if you can swing it but yes, it's a fine day trip too...so fun!
We have learned to travel with breakfast foods and snacks, and to book places that have a mini-fridge and a microwave if possible. We try to only eat out one meal a day. With a microwave and fridge I can pack lunches for picnics, or whip up a simple dinner. There is a Doubletree Suites in metro-DC, and that is out FAVORITE chain. I have not checked the prices recently so I have no idea if they are reasonable.
I would love to go to Williamsburg. Never been to the East Coast at ALL so any location sounds all exotic to this midwesterner...
hi-reading your blog for a while, but never left a comment. I live in the DC area and you might look at staying in Arlington,Crystal City or Old Town. Prices are a little lower and you can still easily get to DC using the metro. Have fun planning your trip, so much to see and do and lots of free stuff to take advantage of.
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