Danny and I had been to DC in the past and our parents and Danny’s sister wanted to go with us as we were taking Danny’s Dad to see the WWII Memorial as he is a WWII and Korean War Veteran. We took off from Manchester on time and we land in BWI at 7:40. It was cheaper for us to fly into BWI and take a Van service into the city. Off to our hotel – Washington Plaza hotel at Thomas Circle. Rooms weren’t ready so we dropped off the bags and head to the Metro. McPherson square stop about a 10 minute walk from the hotel. Very easy subway system. Went into the Building Museum for Mom to look around and we all pitched in to build an arch out of blocks.
Then went to the Law Enforcement Memorial where Danny took an etching of Officer Michael Briggs from Manchester PD, who had been shot and killed in the line of duty recently. Spent some time in the museum there – Danny was in the database! Danny got a couple of things in the store. They have since opened an impressive museum that we plan on visiting in the next year or two.
Went to lunch at Penn Station sports bar. Most of us got club sandwiches and a nice cold beer. Took a long walk to the Russell Building at the Capitol to meet up for our tour, Make sure to check in with your senator’s office plenty of time in advance to get in on a tour. Saw lots of interesting stuff and the train under the road was cool. The rotunda was beautiful and all the paintings were amazing. After the tour we went back to Senator Gregg’s office and our guide presented Pop with a flag that had been flown over the Capital in his honor. It was quite emotional and he was blown away! It was a really great surprise. A hot and long walk back – stubborn old folks wouldn’t take a cab.
We got to the Navy memorial just as it was closing up so we didn’t really get a chance to look around. Back to the hotel for a drink and a refreshing swim – glad we booked a hotel with a pool – best decision ever. Everyone was pretty bushed so we just ordered pizza delivery from Papa John’s and we all just chilled in our rooms for an early night.
Rooms are just ok – kind of small – mom and dad’s is bigger than ours and Lisa’s has a balcony. Our view was cool but Pop’s looks straight at another building. But the location is awesome, and it’s hot so the pool is going to come in handy.
We wake up and Danny has a message from his DC contact that the White House has no power so obviously there are no tours going on. All of the metro that we would need to use was out as well. It was actually a little scary wondering what happened. So we just hang for a few to see if that will change. Decide to head out walking and just as we are about to pass the White House Danny gets the call and says go get in line. We had all our bags and you can’t bring anything in with you so we broke into two groups so we could hold each others cameras and bags. Went on the tour – same thing as the last time so I wasn’t as impressed, but everyone else enjoyed.
Head out to see the Memorials and Monuments. WWII Memorial – very nice and would love to see it lit up at night some time. Then to the Korean War Memorial, then the Lincoln Monument and then to the Vietnam War Memorial. Stopped for a hot dog along the way as we walked over to the Holocaust Museum. Really crowded in the museum, but we were able to read a lot of the information and watched a couple of films – spent quite a bit of time here, but it does get really overwhelming and emotional.
Back to the hotel for a swim for everyone. Decided to go to the Chinese buffet up the street for dinner. Not too bad for $9.99 per person. Back to the hotel and we made a drink and sat out by the pool chatting for a few before heading off to bed.
Up and off to Arlington National Cemetery where we went on the Tour-mobile. Well worth the cost per person. Stopped at Kennedy’s grave, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Robert E. Lee house. Great engaging tour guide and he asked Pop to sign his WWII book, which he got a kick out of. Quite a few people have thanked or talked to Pop so its been really cool for him. Walked up to see the Woman’s Memorial and then up the road to see the US Navy SeaBees Memorial (which is where Pop served).
Really getting hot so we metro back to the city and back over to the Navy Memorial. Stopped next door at a deli for some sandwiches. Walk around there for a while and Pop bought a couple of the lone sailor statues. Weather looked threatening but we walked back up the street to the Crime and Punishment Museum but we didn’t realize it cost like $17 per person so we didn’t go in but just looked around the shop. Kids wanted to go to the Spy Museum shop so we walked up there – some pretty neat stuff in there. Head back to the hotel and got a quick swim in. The gay pride parade was tonight and it ended a block away from our hotel so we got to see a couple of cars and floats at the end – pretty funny.
Headed out to the ESPN Zone for supper. Danny and I split a huge plate of appetizers and had a drink or two. Played some games and the kids had fun. Head back home and off to bed.
Up early to pack up and out the door to go to the zoo. Saw one of the pandas walking around outside and then the other two were inside – one was napping – they were so cute. We just walked around for a couple of hours and I bought a stuffed panda on the way out. Stopped for some yummy Mexican food at California Tortilla then off to the Air and Space Museum . Only had a couple of hours to spend there before we needed to get back to the hotel to be picked up, definitely could use some more time here, so I guess we need to come back again.
The van was late picking us up, but we had plenty of time before out flight. Ate an uneventful meal at Quiznos at the airport and flight home was quick.
Definitely did a lot in just a little bit of time but that was the plan. Really love the city and Danny and I hope to get back soon to spend some more time in the museums and to see some of the monuments at night.
If you’d like some recommendations and pricing for a Washington, DC vacation, give us a call at DKM Travel Consultants, (603) 777-7850, or check us out online at http://www.dkmtravelconsultants.com.
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Kathy's Korner 