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Washington
DC Metropolitan Washington, D.C. is one of the most fantastic cities in the world. I have lived here over 12 years, constantly explore it and have yet to scratch the surface of all there is to see and do. Every single day is loaded with high quality free events open to the general public. Over time, I'll pass on lots of information so you can benefit whether you're visiting or live in the area.  Starting your visit to Washington, D.C. Before you come check my growing list of recommended web sites and a guide book or two. If you are here to see the city of Washington, the Smithsonian Museums, government buildings and monuments do not rent a car. You will never use it, only get tickets and pay horrendous parking fees. If you don't want to stay in the district, get a hotel within walking distance of a metro stop. Downtown Bethesda, Maryland, or stay in Virginia. Rosslyn, Old Towne Alexandria, and Crystal City are excellent choices. Some hotels run shuttles to the metro and local restaurants. On your first day take the Tourmobile or Old Town Trolley. For one set fee you can hop on and off at various stops or just ride the whole way. They can accommodate wheel chairs but best to call ahead and let them know. This riding tour will give you an idea of the long walking distances between monuments and museums that look so short on the maps. You also get the opportunity to "sit back", leave the driving to someone else and really view the city. Another important consideration is Washington weather. This is a southern city meaning hot and humid especially in July and August. Riding in open trolley cars may be the only cool breeze available. Try to plan most of your visit during the week when the crowds are only commuting office workers not interested in going to exhibits. The Air and Space is the most visited museum in the US and school holidays turn it to a people crushing mad house. Seek out some of the less crowded museums such as the Phillips (admission charge), the Corcoran (donations), the Renwick (free), and the National Building Museum (free). The Postal Museum (free) is next to Union Station which has been stunningly restored with excellent eating options including a food court or restaurants. The Children’s Museum is a few blocks away. Union Station has a metro stop directly into the building. See my list of free things to do and see in Washington. In addition to two main newspapers the Washington Post and the Washington Times, D.C. has several publications to help tourists. A free weekly tabloid, The City Paper, lists all the entertainment venues, exhibits, shows, and "unique" local interest stories. There is also a monthly Washingtonian magazine. The Smithsonian Castle - close to the metro stop and looking like an old red brick castle - has computers and volunteers giving information on exhibits, free movies, docent and specialty tours plus other attractions at their affiliated museums. Washington has a one location (the Old Post Office Building) half price ticket booth "Ticketplace". Unlike New York City, there are seldom more than two people in line. They have an excellent selection of ticket availability. Open hours are short and not Sunday or Monday. Many of the museums have free movies during noon hour and early evenings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. These are listed in the entertainment section of the publications mentioned above. Eating while tourist-ing in D.C. I tend to avoid the vendor carts after one bad experience but others do fine including many office workers. Cafeterias are available in some of the Smithsonian Buildings but are not cheap or especially good. A double espresso in the National Gallery east wing ran me close to $4.00 recently. Government buildings have some cafeterias that are open to the public. Check your guide books for more information. Metro Center, adjacent to the National Press Club and the J.W. Marriott, has a food court on the upper level plus a sit down restaurant and other food options. I would recommend carrying water, juice, perhaps fruit and granola bars for stretches in-between meals. A great option, if your staying in the district or anywhere for that matter, is to take the metro to Bethesda and seek out a restaurant there. Within a few blocks are probably the most restaurants per square foot of any place in the U.S. Also try Clarendon in Virginia. Take the metro to the Clarendon stop and when you come up onto the street a variety of ethnic choices surround you. King Street metro is good but you'll need to take a Dash bus down King Street (or a healthy walk) towards the waterfront for shops and restaurants to proliferate. No car is needed for any of these options and all are reasonably safe and have dining options suitable for families.
 Lively Dupont Circle with cafes, galleries, shops and theaters. I don't mean to imply that there are no restaurants in the district, there are and they are wonderful but pricey if you're talking about a weeks stay with four people. See index listing "Food Talk". Check this Long List of Free Activities in Washington! Now we have you started! www.commuterpage.com
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