What to do in D.C.?

06/25/2006 RonAnderson .. says:

It really depends on what you like to do, how much you want to spend, and whether you've been to DC before or not.  But you might want to try some Ethiopian food in Adams Morgan--I doubt they have much of that in San Jose.  Or if you've never been to DC before, a walk through Georgetown is a good start, although the restaurants/shops are overpriced.  Have fun!

06/25/2006 Daphne "STOP STALKING ME AND GET A LIFE" B. says:

Thanks!!!  I'll definitely keep your suggestions in mind.  Yes- its my first time in DC and I'm pretty open to anything.

06/25/2006 Ames F. says:

If you have the opportunity to expense a nice meal, I'd heartily recommend Kinkead's, just outside of Georgetown. Fantastic seafood with a really creative touch (but not so creative that it becomes unappetizing). If you like soul food or Southern cooking in general, make a bee-line for Georgia Brown. They're most famous for their incredible Sunday Jazz Brunch, which I would travel all the way from NY for. But their dinner entrees are to die for, so don't skip it just because you're not in town on a Sunday. Lastly, think about dinner in Old Town Alexandria. After dining between Prince and King Streets, a walk around the residential neighborhood is like going back in time.

As far as activities go, it's totally worth your while to head for The Mall -- the grassy strip that runs the length of the Smithsonian, from Capital Hill to the Washington Monument. Depending on your interests, my faves are the National Gallery East (for classics), the National Gallery West & the Hirshorn (for modern art and sculpture), Air & Space (for aeronautics & sci-fi fans), Natural History (for science nuts & those who never lost their gradeschool dinosaur obsession), and the Freer (for Asian art enthusiasts).

If museums are too dry for your taste, the monuments are always a good idea. Don't skip the FDR Memorial. Because it isn't a huge building, it often goes unnoticed. It's a real gem. The Jefferson Memorial at night is a beauty. And Lincoln's is just downright impressive.

If you've got a rental car and a Saturday to play with, head down the Potomac beyond Alexandria to Mount Vernon. Totally worth the (very pretty) drive. If you don't have the car or the time, then head to Arlington National Cemetery where you can take in the changing of the guard at the Unknown Soldier's Tomb, President Kennedy's grave, and also Robert E. Lee's plantation home, as a stand-in for Mount Vernon. The front porch boasts one of the most incredible views of the capital you'll ever see.

Enjoy!

06/26/2006 Daphne "STOP STALKING ME AND GET A LIFE" B. says:

Excellent recommendations, Ames F.!!!  Since my time is limited, I may just have time for only a few.  But I especially like seafood and Southern food, and love art museums.  Thanks so much!

06/26/2006 John "JohnBot" W. says:

definely a nice walk in georgetown is good, esp if you walk near the harbor area near the potomac.  georgetown is becoming a soho with their shops, unfortunately the area has a lack of parking and it is always busy and hustling with activity.

06/28/2006 Stephanie N. says:

mmmmmmm. well tonight you can go to Brickskellar and we can talk about it!

06/28/2006 jenn "popping any day now" h. says:

daphne - i just moved here from san francisco, so i love helping bay area people!  it does depend what you like to do, and i feel bad that the weather has been so awful all week.  i fell in love with georgetown when i first came to dc, so i agree that walking around that area is fun.  the monuments are kinda touristy, but since it's your first time here, i'd say that's a must too.  the dupont circle area is also great, and getting there via metro is really easy.

07/01/2006 Daphne "STOP STALKING ME AND GET A LIFE" B. says:

Thank you to everyone for the suggestions!!!  I got to go to the National Mall, and although kinda touristy (like Jenn H. said), I enjoyed it a lot.  Ames F., you were totally right about the FDR memorial--it was by far, my favorite and so moving.  I also walked around the Dupont Circle area.  Its a great neighborhood, and I had fun just exploring.  Thanks again, everybody!