Question DC area dwellers

Re: Question DC area dwellers

Joe Rogers, Northern Virginia

>Bill unfortunately I don't know when the Mall decorations are lit. That said...your idea of staying in the outer vicinity and using Metro is the ticket. Metro is our transit system. Bus and subway transportation is avaiable and I highly suggest the trains. Some routes are combo above and below ground and some sights can be seen when above the surface. I would suggest suburban lodging close to a Metro stop. From there you can access tons of interesting points in the city.

Go to www.wmata.com/tripplanner_d/tripplanner_form_solo.cfm

for a good site to plan your visit.JR

Re: Question DC area dwellers

Dave (Arlington, VA)

>Hi Bill -

I believe the National Christmas Tree on the Mall will be lit on December 7th this year. If you are here then, tickets are required for the lighting ceremony, but they are free. Access to the tree after the lighting ceremony is still free, and does not require any tickets. I am not sure how you go about getting them. We take the family down every year, and it is always a lot of fun. It is always fun to see the decorations that are put out each year for each of the "state" trees. Other decorations will probably begin going up after Thanksgiving.

I agree with Joe that staying in the close-in suburbs (near a Metro stop) is a good choice for many people - for cost reasons. Even so you will have some hiking to do, and remember it can get pretty cold here in late November and December...so be prepared to bundle up - especially if you are relying on mass transit, etc.

I hope you enjoy your visit.

Regards -

Dave

Re: Question DC area dwellers

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>I lived in downtown DC for most of the '70's and never knew when the tree lighting ceremony occurred, but it's very pretty downtown at Christmas. They pretty much suffer from the "white lights only" approach, faux classy and cultured. You'll probably have to venture out to the burbs for any great lighting displays.

I strongly recommend staying downtown if it's feasible. I stayed at the Mayflower (near Connecticut and K) my first independent trip there, needed to research at the Library of Congress for my senior thesis (see, the Internet giveth and taketh away, I wouldn't have a good excuse for that trip today). It was delightful, walk out the front door and start walking. Other areas of town good for a brief stay are Georgetown, say around Wisconsin and M, and Dupont Circle, Connecticut and P. Probably the most fun, outside of drinking and eating (try to make Luigi's at 19th and L and Agostino's, if it's still around, near New York and K).

Yeah, DC is still my favorite city and the Metro is way cool.

Pam

Re: Question DC area dwellers

Wiley Horne

>Bill,

I like the Mayflower too, but will admit that when I was there, somebody else was paying. How much can you stand? Will cost you probably $200 per day. The upside is that you can get up the morning, eat breakfast over the paper, walk right out the door, and easily walk due south to the White House, or else due east to Georgetown, and just get around very easily on foot (if you like to walk). Plus it's a hell of a hang itself. I was glad I was on expense account though.

Wiley

Errata: '...due west to Georgetown.'

Wiley Horne

>

Re: Question DC area dwellers

Bruce, a MN Galoot

>Bill,

I've never lived in DC, but my job required that I be there occasionally. So my comments are from a visitor's perspective.

I too recommend the Metro. It'll get you where you want to go, and it's easy.

Tickets are required for a lot of things, but for the most part they don't cost. What I'd recommend is that you call your congressional offices, because they can get you on the entrance lists, tickets, tours, etc., for a lot of those events. I worked for a congressman for 10 years, and it was our pleasure to help constituents work out those things. They might also be helpful with suggestions on what to do.

Be sure you get to the older parts of the Smithsonian. I don't think the Studley tool chest is there anymore, but the gadgets and tools and stuff in general is wonderful to behold.

Have fun.

Bruce

Re: Question DC area dwellers

Jay St. Peter - Southern MD

>I have gone downtown a number of times to see the lights. Since I live locally, I just wait for the news to show the story about the lighting of the national Christmas tree, then I know the stuff is there.

If you drive, don't expect to be able to park and get out anywhere in the vicinity of the lights. But, you can see a good portion of it from the warmth of your car if the weather is not ideal ;).

Jay St. Peter

OT...Hi Dave

Joe Rogers, Northern Virginia

>Good to see you still lurking!JR

Re: OT...Hi Dave

Dave (Arlington, VA)

>Hi JR -

I check in pretty regularly, but haven't had much time for posting. Good to see your posts from time to time, as well. Hope all is well with you.

Dave

Re: Question DC area dwellers

Todd Hughes

>I used to go with a girlfriend who sat up at the Georgetown flea market every sunday. not the best flea market for tools but I have made some very good buys there.No longer in Georgetown but moved across the river into Va. [Clariton?]....might want to take a look....Todd

Clarendon

Joe Rogers, Northern Virginia

>Spelling may still be off but it is a neighborhood in Arlington around the intersection of Wilson Blvd. and Washington Blvd. Now I just need to figure out where the flea actually is located:-)JR

Re: Clarendon

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>That would be Clarendon probably, close to rte 88, not far from the Pentagon and Kennedy Center (across the river).

Pam

More Info

Todd Hughes

>Is held on Sundays at the metro parking lot at the Arlington county court house, right across the bridge. I think they also have a smaller flea market about a half block away on Sat. I googled Geaogetown Flea market for this info and they have a map on thier site I belive.

I have never been to this site but used to go to the one in Georgetown about everyweek with my ex girlfriend Joanne who sat up there. I always had fun and bought OK too....I miss them both....Todd

thanks all

bill tindall, E. TN

>your helpful information is appreciated