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hodown’s journal

Request for help!

· · 🌡️ 41°F

Last week I decided I wanted to take a vacation. I did some research and figured out with my time requirements and budget Washington DC was the place for me. I've also always had a strong interest in politics and our nation and its development. So I'm totally excited to go. I've booked a sweet room at a seemingly nice hotel right downtown. I figured from there I'd be set. Wrong.

Everything is free to visit (sweet) but also complicated and involves months long planning. You have to request a white house visit 3 months in advance through a congressman, same with the pentagon and Congress. Ok so cross those off my list. Next I figure I'll just visit the monuments. Also free, also require tickets months in advance. The next time I can get tickets for the Washington Monument is June 20th. Ok now I'm stuck. I'm fo so going. I have my train ticket and hotel is paid for. There's no turning back. Has anyone else ever taken a DC vacation? Any helpful suggestions? I'm a bit nervous now about what to do where to go. I mean touring the various neighborhoods could be fun but really I want to see the same junk as everyone else and play tourist. Helppppp!
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💬 12 comments

  1. chico ·

    The Vietnam Memorial is heavy, but an absolute must-see.

  2. paul ·

    @southernyankee lives there. When we went she took us to see all the monuments an I don't remember anything about tickets. I would talk with her.

  3. mrmike ·

    Been there a few times. Smithsonian is all free to see that stuff. Georgetown is a good time for a little bit of what Elmwood wants to be when it grows up. There is an area called Adams Morgan which has a little bit of everything to it. Got to see it to be believed. Dupont Circle district can be fun to wander. If you're looking for something artsy, Arlington can be cool too. The Torpedo Factory museum is a fun waste o time.

  4. drew ·

    ditto adam's morgan. Also, wait in line early to go to the holocaust memorial. Powerful sad, but worth it.

  5. jenks ·

    yeah, I've never heard of tickets for the washington memorial. But even if you can't climb it, you can go walk around. The roosevelt mem is cool too, and kennedy etc. If it's a nice day, it's gorgeous to just hang out on the Mall.
    Oh and the zoo!! It's free. I could spend all day. it's in woodley park- right off the red line. As far as walking around- I agree with adams morgan and dupont. Georgetown is cool too, but not accessibly by metro so it's kind of a PITA.

    Oh, and as far as the white house... Just go hang out at some bars on the hill and hit on some intern or something. I'm sure he'll give you tickets. ;)
    (I'm semi-serious... I had a friend who worked for a senator and he got me in.)

  6. james ·

    You can make a whole vacation out of the Smithsonian.

    What is up with these tickets? I have never heard of this before.

  7. iriesara ·

    I went to DC for the Tibetan Freedom Festival in...mmm, 98? mm, maybe 97 as I was pregnant in 98. Anyway, I had very little money, took the bus there, and had no tickets for anything or plans at all. If you're going by yourself, this advice will probably not apply, but I had a damn good time taking some mushrooms at about 10pm & walking around the entire mall & surrounding areas until 8 in the morning...one of the coolest trips I've ever had, and you can take that both ways....
    I guess the bottom line is, just enjoy yourself. There's enough to be had & seen without any agenda or plans whatsoever. I recommend a good pair of walking shoes & an open mind to good things....I'm sure you've got the open mind part, the good walking shoes? not sure....(j/k)
    BTW, there's a total funky nasty greasy spoon that (according to the rage at that time) people love called the Waffle Stop, or Waffle Spot? No, I think Stop. Great little "real people" dive. Had a perfect coming down breakfast there that hit the spot. Don't remember where it is, although I walked everywhere, so it can't be too out of the way. I think maybe by Ford's theatre, where Lincoln was killed? could be wrong...anyway, have fun!

  8. vincent ·

    When I go to D.C./NoVa I end up staying for free with my college buddy & lean towards Virginia. Adams Morgan, DuPont & G-town are all pretty much good bets. Although I would go to Adams Morgan at Night and Georgetown during the day.

    If you are downtown kinda of Chinatown way go to Gordon Birsch. It's be the best Hamburger you'll ever have. Plus if you're into micro brews they have some fantastic stuff on tap there. It's right inside the Marriott. Trust me I had a rocking time when I was there last month.

  9. jenks ·

    oh yeah! vincent reminds me- there's a bar called the Brickskeller... I can't remember exactly where it is- I want to say dupont-ish- but they have about five hundred beers. literally. the menu is a book. It's worth going just for that.

  10. drew ·

    Yes. Go to the brickskeller. Awesome experience. Giant beer list and knowledgeable staff.

  11. fellyconnelly ·

    oo i also hear there is a nifty spy museum which sounded cool. i'm sure its part of the smithsonian though.

  12. travisp ·

    I know some good restaurants. I can see you like eating.

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