We lived in Washington, D.C. for 15 years and discovered more cousins who needed a place to stay for the weekend than we ever imagined we had. We spent endless weekends chauffeuring strangers around the capitol, and circling the White House, memorials and the tidal basin. We spent endless afternoons at Arlington National Cemetery searching for a fallen comrades' grave. In the end it was all worth while because we became experts on how to cram a week full of sightseeing into the three days most relatives are willing to impose on us as the family members who live in an exciting city. How did we do it? We asked our guests what they would like to spend time on and how much time they were willing to wait in line. We also asked how many tickets they had in hand because often the lines for tickets are long on the day you have to sight see or they have been sold out. Then we would sit down and plan.
Let me share a bit about living in Washington. Although our local news is your national news, the quality of life is less different than you might expect. We went to work, applied to schools for our children, carpooled, went to the zoo and parks, and tried to balance our budget in a very expensive city. Having said that, we also sent our children to a school attached to the most beautiful cathedral in the US and watched it being finished to boot. I carpooled in the afternoon from work through a city lined with glorious government buildings, took our children to museums supported by the federal government, enjoyed friends and food from around the world, and wonder of wonders saw the Redskins win consistently. By the time we left, we were ready to go, as the crime rate had risen and the cost of living had risen faster. We wanted a more quiet life, but to tell the truth, we all still miss the District, and both of our children call it their "home" although they have moved several times since.
Washington is the world's first planned capital. It was designed by Pierre-Charles L'Enfant and still has some of his city vista and ideas visible. The city has parks and small green areas planted with flowers thanks to Lady Bird Johnson, and buildings that are examples of many architectural schools. It has boulevards like those in Paris and traffic circles that seem to gobble up street names. To go with these circles, Washington has traffic that will make your head spin, so plan your days with the idea of walking from site to site, or taking a taxi, the Metro (subway), or bus. We watched the Metro being first funded and then built, had out doubts, but it is worth a try.
Now let's look at what to see and when. First, if you can, do not visit in the summer as the city is a tourist Mecca, and is hot and humid, so that unless you are inside, you will be uncomfortable. We planned this article for September because October is a glorious time in the Capital. Not only have some of the crowds disappeared, but you can see first rate plays, ballet, opera and symphony at the theaters in town. If you have not asked your representative or senator for tickets to the White House and still want to wait in line, go early. It is worth any wait, and even the most hard hearted individuals get goose bumps as the guide takes you around and shares the history of the rooms. The White House is not very far from the Mall, which will be your destination for at least 1 1/2 - 2 days of your trip. At one end is the Washington Monument and at the other is the Capital. In-between you can be spoiled by walking into museums that will make you proud to be an American because of the depth and quality of their exhibits.
The following is a list of the attractions on the Mall so that you can get an idea of the choices you will need to make: Arthur Sackler Gallery, Arts and Industries Building, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Department of Agriculture, Freer Gallery of Art, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture garden, National Air and Space Museum, National Gallery Sculpture Garden Ice Rink, National Gallery of Art East Building, National Gallery of Art West Building, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institute Building, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Within walking distance is the National Archives where you can see the documents that made our country possible, photos from the Civil War and much more worth viewing. Now, you have 3 days so let's get going. Walk into the National Museum of Natural History and next door to the Museum of American History and see the flag that inspired the national anthem, look at dinosaur bones, see a giant pendulum, climb on trains, see gowns worn by our first ladies, and a doll house to end all doll houses. One of my favorites is a complete wall from an automat where you paid with coins dropped in small doors in a wall of doors and took out your food. These automats were popular in cities on the east Coast for years, and a treat for children who could serve themselves. The day is over and tomorrow is another chance to visit the Mall. Make up you mind. Do you visit the I. M. Pei art museum, the modern art of the Hirshhorn, or the more traditional National Gallery of Art because the Air and Space Museum is a must as is the Holocaust Museum. Start early and get to the Mall before the museums open. OOPS, I forgot food. The National Gallery has a food court in the basement as does the Museum of American History. There are few restaurants or stores of any kind in the area, and you won't want to leave a museum in the middle of the day. OK, what will you see in these museums?
The National Gallery has a strong collection of the Masters. The I. M. Pei is worth a look just for the architecture, but the exhibits span the years. It houses private collections and has special exhibits as does the National Gallery. The National Air and Space Museum has a wonderful sense of space, excuse the pun, and you can walk through a space capsule, see the Spirit of St. Louis and learn more about flying than you can imagine. The Holocaust museum is awe inspiring. It will take your breath away and is a must if you have children who need to know about the history of man's inhumanity to man. It is unforgettable. Get your tickets early as this can be hard to get into.
Your last day in the Nation's Capital, and it's time to go to the Capital. It is truly a beautiful building and the tours will bring our history to life. After that, if you have time and your feet are still functioning, go to the National Zoo or take a ride to the tidal basin and walk there. Either will allow you to leave Washington singing its praises. I have one more suggestion, and that is to book another vacation here and go for lunch at one of the hotels in town. Many of the more luxurious hotels have restaurants that are first class and a bit of pampering is warranted after all of your sight seeing and your coming trip home. Ask the concierge or your hosts and you will be pleasantly surprised.
If you don't have a long-lost cousin with whom to stay, there are all classes of hotels in the District and suburbs. Bethesda, Maryland has new hotels and is not too far from town, as are the suburbs of Virginia like Falls Church, Arlington and Alexandria where Old Town is a tourist attraction in its own right. Call ahead to get week-end rates and ask about packages for the theater or discounts. Dining can be an experience in the capital. Go to sections of the city you missed during the day. For example, walk around Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle or Chevy Chase before or after you eat to see how natives live or want to live.
It's easy to get to Washington. The hard part is on the ground when you get into a car. National Airport and Dulles are the large commercial airports, with National just across the river from the city. Amtrak trains arrive and leave regularly, and Interstate 95 intersects the Beltway, and then, you can drive into town. If you don't know the city ask for explicit instructions as it can be confusing. Street names come and go and traffic can be burdensome. It is however worth it, as this city is a beautiful testament to the strength of our country. Come visit and feel the excitement in the air, see the vistas that L'Enfant designed, and enjoy the bounty of our government in terms of the free museums for all Americans to enjoy.
Our final word to the wise. Sight seeing is hard work. Take snacks as the lines at restaurants on the Mall can be long. Wear comfortable shoes. You don't need foot problems on vacation. Carry your meds with you in case you need them. Protect your money. This is a big city and you are a tourist in an area of tourists. That makes you a mark whether you like it or not. Washington does have its allocation of street people like any other large city. The local relief centers ask you not to give them money as they have services for them and are trying to reduce drug and alcohol abuse in this population. We were recently in D.C. for a conference and stayed near Dupont Circle and met with volunteers who biked Connecticut Ave. trying to get tourists to ignore pan handlers as the city has programs for them. Good Going, D.C.! As you can tell, we loved our years living in the District. If you have the feet and the will, you won't forget your vacation in this city that is alive with ideas, history and art. Bon Voyage.
