1 Afternoon in DC--where to go?

[GenuineInformation]

I am headed to Washington, D.C., tomorrow. I'll arrive around noon and don't have to be anywhere until 9 PM. I have visited DC and the surrounding area before, seen the monuments, visited my congressman at the Capitol, visited Arlington House and the National Cemetery, and visited some of the museums (History, Natural History, Air & Space), been to Ford's Theater, LOC, seen Georgetown.

What am I missing? National Portrait Gallery? What's the best way to spend an afternoon in DC?

Thanks.

[Spinster]

Re: 1 Afternoon in DC--where to go?

There's always a simple walk down the Mall. The whole length of it. Stop and see whats happening. Look, really look at the buildings, the view, the Americans and those visiting. Soak it in. Pack a box lunch. Wander. Look friendly. You never know when some old man over by the World War II monument might just talk to you for awhile. Listen.


Of course, if you want airconditioning and a truely ecelectic collection http://www.dar.org/museum/

And if you want an adventurous walk, bus, and subway ride, go up to the National Cathedral. Yes there's a tour. Sometimes I just go sit.

[GenuineInformation]

Re: 1 Afternoon in DC--where to go?

Great ideas. Thank you.

In 25 years of life and multiple trips to DC, this is the first time I haven't had a highly scheduled itinerary. I endeavor to simply enjoy it.

Thanks!

[musketman]

Re: 1 Afternoon in DC--where to go?

I'll second wandering around the Mall. I used to do that all the time when I lived in DC. I always enjoyed the National Gallery there as well. They had an exhibit on Winslow Homer's wartime work there once which was quite interesting.

[Archie R. Lib]

Re: 1 Afternoon in DC--where to go?

Joseph -

I would hit the National Archives display of the Constitution, Bill of Rights and the Declaration and then the Holocaust Memorial Museum..... Maybe the National Portrait gallery if you have another 2 hours or so.

Sounds like you've seen most everything else that doesn't take a week!

R

[Becky Morgan]

Re: 1 Afternoon in DC--where to go?

Frederick Douglass' house? I think the museum is still open. Rock Creek Park, the forts...?
If you have Streets and Trips or the like, try "nearby places". There are tiny museums all over DC that even people who live there don't seem to know about.

[cprljohnivey]

Re: 1 Afternoon in DC--where to go?

Ride the metro and people watch.

[Dale Beasley]

Re: 1 Afternoon in DC--where to go?

I would catch the Nationals if they were in town.

[Doughboy]

Re: 1 Afternoon in DC--where to go?

Frederick Douglas house is not in the best neighborhood though worth seeing. Take a cab if you decide to venture over there.

[J.H. Moore]

Re: 1 Afternoon in DC--where to go?

I would pay homage at the war memorials, and visit the Garden of Stone, (Arlington National Cemetery). There isn't much in this world that I find more moving and respectful than the US Army Old Guard standing duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Remember to stay behind the chains and to, "Maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times."

[Pennvolunteer]

Re: 1 Afternoon in DC--where to go?

Go to the Library of Congress. Very interesting displays and they have a small exhibit of CW portraits for the 150th. If you have a rental car, even though you may have been there already, go to Manassas. I was there in DC on business 3 weeks ago and went to Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Bull Run all on my off time even though I had been to each at least 3 times.

[Becky Morgan]

Re: 1 Afternoon in DC--where to go?

Indeed the cab suggestion about Douglass' house is excellent. Saying it's not in the best neighborhood, especially at night, is a bit like suggesting that there was an argument of some kind at Manassas. It's unpleasant to think about, but several neighborhoods in the city which were relatively safe until a few years ago have become very rough, and it isn't always apparent when you're in them, so a cab or a person who lives nearby is the best guide to when it is and isn't safe to be in a certain place.
Here's the site for the museum:

http://www.nps.gov/frdo/index.htm

[Silas]

Re: 1 Afternoon in DC--where to go?

Willard Hotel. Round Robin Bar. Mint julep.