DC vacation ideas

[rgramjet]

Take the Duck tour on the Potomac!  Its a Bus, no, its a convertible, no its a boat!  It literally drives down the launch ramp at Gravely Point and takes you on a water tour of the area.  I havent been but Im dying to go! 

Hookie anyone?

[LMT]

We have the Duc bus in Seattle!  Its goes right by DucSea.  I rode it here, fun to watch the joggers being haressed by the Duc driver.

[Chileno123]

a lot depends on time, budget, and what interests you.

if you are really into beer , go to Brasserie Beck (off of 11th).  Some of the most exclusive beers your can find on this side of the big pond.  Heard the seafood is good too.  Bring your wallet.

Like music?  Wed. night at 18th Street Lounge is very cool.  See-i (reggae music) plays live.  Other nights DJ/live music.  look up their website but don't get confused with their label website esl.

climb to the top of the National Cathedral off wisconsin ave. then head two blocks north to eat at either Cactus Cantina (Mexican), or 2AMYS (Pizza/italian/wine).  or if you're more of the catholic persuasion, the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is absolutely beautiful.

Tourist sites (patriotic)?  I'll never get tired of Alrington National Cemetery.  See the changing of the Guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier.  Then swing by Iwo-Jima.  Also, G. Washington's estate at Mt. Vernon is beautiful, and people sometime forget its so close to DC (in VA).

anyway, there are too many things to really just throw out there...  give us an idea of what you're into, and we'll take care of you 

-Carlo

[ducpenguin]

Tourist sites (patriotic)?  I'll never get tired of Alrington National Cemetery.  See the changing of the Guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. 

+10; it is a must for anyone who has never seen it!

Madame Tussauds is new and located 1 block away from the Spy Museum (which is pretty interesting).  Lots of good food in that area too (Penn Quarter).  Try Jaleo, Oya, Poste, or Foga da Chao (bring an appetite)...or even the hot dogs at the Spy Museum. 
ESPN Zone and Hard Rock are all right there as well. 
Have fun...Check out the sculpture garden on the corner of Madison and 7th St. NE...very cool 3d house, and nice place to take your shoes off and put them in the fountain and rest.
Good luck!

[ducpenguin]

Oh yea...If you get to Rosslyn, check out Freedom Park...off of Lynn and Wilson behind the USA today building.

[LMT]

Thanks for all the ideas.  We will be on our own during hte week and then off with the relatives for the week end.  I am going to check out the Air & Space annex.  We have the Museum of Flight here in Seattle.  Lots of orginal Boeing stuff.  http://www.museumofflight.org/Portal.asp?Flash=True

[LMT]

Thanks again for all info.  What is the Ducati dealer of choice in the DC area?  Any easy to get to on public transport?  We will have 4 wheels, but try not to use them.  Weekend will be wine tasting, etc.

Mary

[Ducatista]

I think a lot of us go to Donnie Unger at Duc Pond in Winchester. It's a long hike from the city, but worth it for us. His newly redesigned shop is looking great! www.Ducpond.com

[ducpenguin]

As far as the Metro...where will you be staying?

[LMT]

Alexandria, but we could get a ride to the Pentagon each day and use the station there as a starting point.
There is a stop there right?

[Duc Stamp]

wt:  it holds the other 90% of the stuff they can't fit @ the National Mall site...

& if'n you like hot/chili dogs, go to Ben's -  http://www.benschilibowl.com/

I think Ben's is over-rated.  It is a DC staple, but the truth is it isn't very good.

If you like beer go to RFD on 7th and eye street and the Brickskellar off of P street and 21st? in the Dupont area.  http://www.lovethebeer.com/

[Duc Stamp]

Alexandria, but we could get a ride to the Pentagon each day and use the station there as a starting point.
There is a stop there right?

There is a metro stop at the Pentagon and at Pentagon City.  Really though, if you are in Alexandria, you'll be taking the same lines from there anyway and you might as well catch it there.  If you have to park your ride that you take to the metro, it'd be better to take it from Alexandria also as there won't be good or cheap parking near the pentagon.

[LMT]

There is a metro stop at the Pentagon and at Pentagon City.  Really though, if you are in Alexandria, you'll be taking the same lines from there anyway and you might as well catch it there.  If you have to park your ride that you take to the metro, it'd be better to take it from Alexandria also as there won't be good or cheap parking near the pentagon.

Sister in law works at the Pentagon and has free parking.  We could ride in with here in the morning.

[Duc Stamp]

Sister in law works at the Pentagon and has free parking.  We could ride in with here in the morning.

In that case that is by far your best bet. Come to rhodeside on Wednesday.

[ducpenguin]

I would also sugest that you get either a daily or weekly metro pass to save money, since you will be kind of stranded without your vehicle.