Request for DC Family Vacation Advice

[Prairie Pubbie]

Freeper Advice needed for DC family vacation

[Stu Cohen]

I was at a conference 2 summers ago, staying in a Hyatt Regency (I think) a few blocks from the Capitol. I was out looking for a paper on Sunday morning and ran afoul of 4 guys sitting on the sidewalk, drinking quietly and looking generally malevolent. I managed not to get killed, but I am a "bald, white bitch" apparently. DC definitely celebrated diversity.

Yeah, you'll get that in every major city. It's hit and miss. DC is full of bad people and good people. When you walk out the door you pretty much roll the dice. Since moving to LA, the repetior of things i've been called is even greater than the "White mother#$*&%er" comments I used to get when walking down U Street.

Waddya gonna do?

Stay inside and read the newspaper, or learn to deal with societies a**holes.

[pageonetoo]

Wow - you learned the hard way. These days, you need to ALWAYS lock your car,...

I was driving a car to AZ, for a friend, and it had no 'beeper', like my Lincoln. I am so used to hitting the lock button, while walking away, and remembered, but kept going anyway (really had too much coffee)! Duh! Hold my beer, would ya'!

I can't plead ignorance, just temporary stupidity!

[Stu Cohen]

No one's sharing where NOT to go though, ie where the hell to stay out of in the DC area. Info like that is really helpful.

Anything East of the Anacostia River you probably wouldn't be interested in. Anything East of the Capitol Building, other than the Capital Hill/Eastern Market area ... you probably wouldn't want to hang out in with a camera around your neck. Most of NW and SW is fine, except for certain parts of shaw (5th and O area). In general, I would stay on streets with a number greater than 12 (14th St., 20th St., etc) and make sure that the numbers say "NW" next to them. If you go to Eastern Market, don't go more than 5 blocks or so to the East of the Metro Station.

There are lots of horror stories. I've lived all over the city. Walked the streets night and day (yes, even Anacostia). Most of the murders are drug related, so if you ain't selling or buying, I doubt you'll be in anyone's crosshairs. You will most likely by fine just about anywhere, but the above guidlines ensure "maxium safety" I suppose.

Of course, the obvious (but polictially incorrect) guidelines apply. If you find yourself the only white people in a given area, grab a cab or jump on the train and go back to the Mall area. There are many racist black folks in DC, and walking around certain areas in DC is like a black person walking around Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. They may try to make you uncomfortable.

[Rebelbase]

"Wonder why he really left the Senate?"

I think he just wanted a measure of sanity back in his life again.

[Trueblackman]

If you value the life of you and family, you will stay as far away from DC as possible.

[Stu Cohen]

If you value the life of you and family, you will stay as far away from DC as possible.

Perfect example of the overblown hyperbole from scared suburbanites.

You'll be fine.

[CJ Wolf]

yep 8 miles. they might want to rent a bike.

[hoot2]

smithsonian air and space

goddard space center

[Hatteras]

"...so Reagan National is IMHO a better choice."

Plus, if the weather is nice, there is a certain "WOW factor" when flying in and out of DC with all the Memorial Buildings in plain view.

[xsrdx]

My DC Area must sees:

American History Museum

Museum of Natural History

National Air & Space Museum (& Dulles Annex!)

NRA National Firearms Museum (Fairfax)

Arlington National Cemetary

Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington Monuments

Vietnam, Korean War, Iwo Jima (USMC) Memorials

Mount Vernon

International Spy Museum

Holocaust Museum

Take the Metro and TourMobile for downtown DC - way easier than walking and parking. Keep in mind all the downtown museums have metal detectors and security inspections.

[Howlin]

Oh, great idea!

[xsrdx]

As noted, Manassas National Battlefield park is a short drive, and a good combo day trip with the National Firearms Museum.

The Manassas Battlefield is usually very quiet, and has a first class Visitors Center.

[Howlin]

Great hints!

Orkin (the termite guy) donated a section that has LIVE WEIRD bugs, and they are Coooool!

I have actually seen that......and loved it!!

[xsrdx]

Finally, I think somebody mentioned the Pentagon, also good, and the National Archives, newly renovated.

I've been here 2 years and still haven't been to Congress or the WH, but we'll go before we leave.

[Howlin]

Go to the National Archives early on the morning of July 4th; if he does it like Reno did, Ashcroft will come out and READ the Declaration of Independence. Very inspiring!

[Prairie Pubbie]

What an absolute treasure trove! Many thanks!

[upcountryhorseman]

If you plan to use public transit, I suggest going armed.
(even though guns are banned in DC) Consider the Williamsburg Area: It is a safe area to stay and Colonial
Williamsburg is a must-see!

[Inspectorette]

I can't plead ignorance, just temporary stupidity

LOL - happens to me more often than I'd like to admit ;-)

[texasbluebell]

Don't miss the Spy Museum! It was fascinating. Centrally located.

Long lines, but it seems to move quickly.

[texasbluebell]

Not sure anyone has mentioned this, haven't read all the thread, but the Library of Congress is so beautiful you shouldn't miss it. The ceilings alone make it worth the trip.

You might want to check ahead, because I think it was being renovated for a while, and may or may not be open at this point. But shouldn't be missed, and free of course.