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uncleb Offline
#1 Posted: Thu, Apr 22 2004, 11:25 AM EST
Joined: 11-13-2002
Posts: 1,326
Me and my wife and 2 kids are planning on taking a trip to the east coast (we live in SoCal). More specifically, we want to go to Washington DC for about a week just after fourth of July (we want to wait for the Cicades to disperse). We want to expose the kids to some of the historical landmarks and monuments in the area. We plan on taking a day (or 2) trip up to NYC also (and hopefully Cooperstown also!!!).

Can anyone suggest what area we should look to stay in Washington as well as providing some useful tourist tips. The kids and I have never been to the east coast and my wife has not been for quite a few years. Looking for a fun and safe vacation. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
B
DrMaddVibe Offline
#2 Posted: Thu, Apr 22 2004, 12:22 PM EST
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 55,498
Four Points Sheraton. You can walk almost anywhere from there. If you rent a car you could go to Williamsburg for the day. My wife and I had dinner at a restaurant that had Marcel Desauliner. We had Death By Chocolate that was prepared by him and delivered to our table by him. I don't know if he's still at The Trellis or not, but summertime is an awesome time for Williamsburg...Busch Gardens is nearby too! Norfolk is a drive away as well. Monticello, Harper's Ferry...Richmond...Mount Vernon...The Natural History Museum will keep you busy for a day...The Smithsonian...The Wall...Schedule a tour of the White House through your state reps....Falls Church at night...You'll love it there!
rd2thbn Offline
#3 Posted: Thu, Apr 22 2004, 2:10 PM EST
Joined: 04-28-2003
Posts: 205
Contact your congressman and/or senator. Tours of the capital are now escorted tours only and they will help you arrange a tour. Also, tours of the White House (very limited areas) require a ticket that you obtain from your congressman or senator.

The Washington Monument now requires reservations and tickets. You can reserve those online.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is a great tour. You actually see money being printed.

The great thing about DC is everything is available at no charge. Even venues that require tickets are controlling the crowd flow. Your only cost are hotels, meals, and transportation.

As for renting a car, rent one only if your leaving the DC area. There are no public parking places around town. They do have good public transportation, so you can take the train from the airport.

Wear comfortable shoes.

If you want more specific info, email me at rdgautney at yahoo dot com. Although I'd never want to live there, DC is on of my favorite cities to visit.
EI Offline
#4 Posted: Thu, Apr 22 2004, 2:20 PM EST
Joined: 06-29-2002
Posts: 5,069
If your traveling while in DC you may want to check out some civil war battlefields, Gettysburg is only about 70 miles away , Antitem about 40 miles
and Mannassa (bull run) is about 10 miles away
Also. Baltimores inner harbor is a great spot to visit
bassdude Offline
#5 Posted: Thu, Apr 22 2004, 4:05 PM EST
Joined: 01-13-2004
Posts: 8,871
what rd said and skip the zoo

contact your congressman ASAP to get tickets for the white house.

Don't miss the wall, Arlington cemetary, Georgetown, Air and Space is great, if the kids are old enough the Holocaust museum - tickets are free but you have to get them in advance, the Washington monument, the reflecting pool at night, Busch Gardens or Kings Dominion is a nice break.

Eat at Capt John's if you like all you can eat lobster and fillet mignon.

Never ever ask anyone for directions drive till you find your way out.
Seth Gekko Offline
#6 Posted: Thu, Apr 22 2004, 4:43 PM EST
Joined: 01-30-2004
Posts: 2,311
If you're interested in NYS, 1 day probably won't be enough. . . . NYC & Cooperstown aren't very close. . . but. . you could take a few days and do a few bed-n-breakfasts in NY Finger Lakes region. . . That'd be closer to the Cooperstown area, and great geography. . . wine tours, boat tours, waterfalls, antique shops, hiking, biking. . . it's really a beautiful area. . .
uncleb Offline
#7 Posted: Thu, Apr 22 2004, 6:21 PM EST
Joined: 11-13-2002
Posts: 1,326
Thanks to all. This info is great. I find this board much more helpful than any travel sites or such.

B.
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