The Washington DC trip is back on the table. We're still not ready to commit 100%, it depends on how some things shake out over the next couple of weeks, not the least of which is gas prices, but we're making plans, in case we do go.
I found a great rate at a fairly new hotel. Honestly, it's nowhere near my first, second or third choices as far as where we'd like to stay, but it sounds nice, the pictures look good, it has a pool (should be a plus for J&J), and at under $125 a night, including tax, during Cherry Blossom Festival time, I think it's probably the best we're going to do. Our rate is, at this point, fully cancellable, please let me know if there's another hotel we should think about. Conversely, if this location isn't as bad as I'm thinking it is, let me know that too!
Now, the details. Where to go, what to see, what to do, how to get there, where to eat...it's almost overwhelming enough that it's making me reluctant to even go. I've got to shake that off. I think part of it is the idea of vacationing without Rebekah. That feels very, very odd and maybe a little bit wrong**, though I'm trying to shake that. This is our new life, she has her life, and we're very much looking forward to vacationing together, with her, this summer.
**It also feels really wrong because we'll be gone over her birthday. Now, a long time ago, I checked with her about this and she told me it would be fine, that she would make plans, etc., etc., but it still makes me feel a bit like a crappy mom because what if her plans fall through and my baby's all alone with nothing fun to do on her birthday???
Anywho...help!
What are your favorite sights to see in D.C.? It's been five and a half years since we've been there, which means Julianna remembers nothing and Jacob remembers very little. We're on the list to see if we can get White House tickets, hopefully we'll hear soon, it's getting down to the wire! What sights are worth paying big bucks for? What really aren't, keeping in mind the main audience we're aiming to please is 8 and 10 years old?
Is it worth it to spend $100 to do a trolley tour?
Where do you like to eat? We're planning on taking breakfast with us from home. I'd love to eat out one meal a day, supplemented with snacks both on the go and back at the hotel, but I'm also open to eating out 2x a day, especially on those days we're on the go at the crack of dawn. (Speaking of those snacks, ideas??) I'd love suggestions for both food courts that are nice with a good variety as well as nice or fun or just-plain-yummy restaurants. We're also looking for a restaurant where we can get good blue crab for a fun night out. We'd prefer to stay away from the over-priced "meh" food offerings, though I am thinking about The Hard Rock for the experience. A bit of a contradiction, no?
Any tips on seeing Arlington National Cemetery with kids? What about the National Cathedral?
Will we regret staying at our oh-so-affordable, (did I really just call $125 a night affordable??? I keep reminding myself that for D.C. it is.) but so far away hotel? We are planning on taking advantage of a the Huntington metro park and ride that's less than 15 minutes away.
We're planning on being in D.C. 3 1/2 days, but we're considering adding 1/2 a day. We're also thinking about seeing Mount Vernon or Monticello "on the way home", although neither one is anywhere near "on the way home"; especially Monticello as it adds 2 hours to the trip.
Here's what's on our list so far, please feel free to critique, advise, etc.
Zoo
Arlington Cemetery
FDR
WWII, Korean War, Vietnam Wall, Lincoln, Washington and Jefferson Memorials
National Cathedral
Capitol--probably just to look at, not necessarily a tour
White House--ditto, unless the tickets come through
American History Smithsonian
Natural History Smithsonian
Old Post Office Food Court
Union Station
Somehow, with all our trips to D.C., we've never even seen the carousel on The Mall. I'm hoping to not only see it, but actually ride it, this time. :)
Anyone ever do a DC by Foot walking tour with kids?
We're thinking about the Spy Museum, although the ticket prices are making me think twice. Jacob would like to see The Pentagon, though I'm not sure if you can get a good feel for what that looks like from the ground, I don't even know how close you can get to it.
Speaking of things we can't afford, I'm a little thankful right now that the new American Girl store, located in Washington DC won't be opening until summer, 2011. :p
As it is, I'm trying not to panic and order a bunch of spring clothes for the kids to wear there, not having any spring clothes that fit probably helps ensure that it will be unseasonably hot while we're there. :)
Thank in advance for all your help.
I have 1 husband and 4 kids, 28, 20, 11 and 9...I'll be doing the mom thing forever, hence 4evermom.
12 comments:
Have fun :) don't worry about me, each group of friends has somethig different planned out for me so I'll be fine
You've got a great list! I was going to suggest The Spy Museum, if you can swing it. I think they'll enjoy it. Not sure how much they'd enjoy the National Cathedral. YS & I went last summer, and it's a metro and bus ride to get to it. It is beautiful; just not sure how much they would enjoy it. You may want to think about the Botanical Gardens; they're right next to the Capitol, and it's free.
The zoo is good, and, if you go to the Post office, make sure you go to the observation tower. Ditto for the National Cathedral, too. Mt. Vernon is awesome; I'd highly recommend that. The kids will probably enjoy that, too. Make sure you walk down to the river, to the dock. It's really nice down there.
Did you contact your Congress person? From what I hear, if you let them know in advance, they can usually get you in for a tour of the Capitol. We've never done that, but next time I'm definitely going to so we can take a tour. What about the Air & Space Museum? For some reason the guys seem to really like it.
I can't really help you with the food stuff; seems like we would usually skip lunch or grab something quickly on the street or fast food. Or with the lodging. My BIL lives in the DC area, so we don't have to deal with that.
About the trolley tour: I think that's what we did in the summer, and it was worth it because it was so bloomin' hot and it saved us a lot of walking. And, I think you can get a free (or almost free) twilight tour of DC with it. We missed it last summer because we didn't get back into the District on time, but I'm sure it's beautiful to see the city in lights.
Sounds like you've got a great trip in the making!
The Spy Museum is amazing. If you have time to pay for one museum - because there are SO MANY cool free ones - do this one! The cherry blossoms should be gorgeous.
AustenFreak--it's the nature of being a Mommy. :)
My family and I (4 boys under 18 and 1 husband) went to D.C. this past summer. It was fantastic! We stayed outside of the Metro area, and drove to the Park and Ride. FYI, it cost us approx. $60 to buy passes for the day, a little pricey, but worth it. We stayed at a Homewood Suites near the airport, all of the rooms have kitchenettes, fold-out sofa, and separate sleeping area. AND they have a fantastic breakfast, and dinner. I don't remember the exact price, but it was definitely no more than $125. If you're family has no problems getting around, the trolley tour is not really worth it, things aren't so far apart that you would really need it. The only exception is Arlington Cemetery, it is definitely worth riding the Trolley there, and the price isn't too bad. I think it was approximately $35. You can go online and try to book time to go up in the Washington Memorial. You must have a reservation or you can't go, but it's free and really great. You can also book time to tour the Capitol online. The Smithsonian’s are all wonderful, and FREE. For snacks, we loaded a backpack(an essential) with peanut butter, and jelly, and a loaf of bread, granola bars, fruits, and empty water bottles. We also took along some trail mix and Pepperidge farm fish, and individual packets of crystal light. We would just fill our water bottles from one of the fountains and throw some crystal light into them. The foods in the Museums are pricey. If you find you need something to eat and your in the Museums, go to the American History Museum, they seem to have a little better variety. Stay away from Air and Space if you are looking to dine. They only serve $8 McDonalds Value meals, and Donatos. If you have the time and energy, I would recommend the National Archives. It's a little bit of a wait, but it was really great to see the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights with my children. You'll love D.C. All of my children enjoyed themselves. We are hoping to get back really soon. If you go, have a great trip!
I forgot to mention. The Pentagon is a little far out, but the Metro stops right in front of it, so if you get the day pass, you can get there very easily. They have a wonderful memorial there, that is worth seeing.
The best tip I can give you, is, find a pocket guide that has information about the area. We bought a pocket guide in one of the museum giftshops. It included a map of the Metro, times/days that sites were open, and it also included information about places to dine. It was the best $10 we spent. It made our visit so much more productive.
I wish I had some advise for you. My only suggestion...I would check out priceline for your hotel. You can search my price, location, star level.
Have a blast...the kids will love it no matter what you end up doing. What a great family memory!
MM
Oh! I forgot to suggest the 9/11 memorial outside of the Pentagon. Read up on it first so you'll get the whole meaning of the "benches" and the reason they're facing the way they are. Very surreal.
"Anonymous" mentioned McDonalds in the Air & Space Museum: I forgot that we had eaten there last summer, but they had more than just Happy Meals. There was another restaurant in there, too. Don't remember what it was, but I remember whatever I had was good. And, we had an amazing view!
Take your trip, play it by ear and enjoy your family outing. Don't worry about your daughter being alone for her birthday (that probably want happen).With all my kids out on their own I still find myself trying to make plans around what is best for them and worring to much. I guess it's a mom thing.
Hi... I came to your blog from your comment on The Spohrs are Multiplying. I'm from the DC area so thought I'd chime in. The Air & Space Museum is my favorite museum on the mall and it's free too. I think it's great for kids- I loved it when I was little, and my dad would always let me buy a package of astronaut ice cream from the store. I also recommend a tour of the Capitol but I guess that is not as kid-friendly. All my friends and I did was show up early in the morning to reserve a time slot and come back later for our tour. That was in January though- it might be harder in spring tourist season. I do not recommend eating in any of the museums as I find the food mediocre and overpriced. I'm not sure if I would take time to see Union Station unless you are already passing through. I recommend checking out the DC Circulator bus system, which is $1 a ride: http://www.dccirculator.com/ It goes all around the Mall (other places too). I hope you have a great visit!
Wait! DC? Wouldn't you rather see San Antonio? You know, May is a lovely time to see Texas. ;-)
Oh, ok. We saw the usual stuff while there (I think you've got them all listed). The oldest and I took a trip to DC once specifically to go to the Holocaust Museum (I was doing my Senior Thesis on the Holocaust). NOT a family outing to plan around other things, lots of dialog has to take place before and after.
OK, so I still don't know much about the DC area ... but I'll recommend staying out of the DC area as well ... to keep costs down.
Now I always stay at a hotel near the Dulles airport - which is about 20 ish miles outside of the city. I don't know when you're going ... but I like the Homewood Suites, Marriott Courtyard, Embassy Suites - all of which are well under $100 / night for a suite.
Have FUN FUN FUN!!!
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