Oscraps

Need Vacation Suggestions

LSlycord

LSlycord

Well-Known Member
We are traveling to Washington DC in late June for a reunion with Syd's adoption group. Neither Brian or I have ever been there which is amazing when you know what political junkies we are...or at least, used to be.

The reunion weekend is 3 days but I am thinking that we might want to take some extra time to really see the area. We have never been to NYC or Philadelphia either. And have just driven through VA...so we might need to think about that as well.

I am debating over a driving vacation and a flying vacation. It is a long trip so would want to find some things to see between Iowa and DC. We will have a 9 year old and 10 year old.

Ok...what do you think? (Ok...I already know, we are crazy! But besides that...)
 
LaurieW

LaurieW

lOve the O!
Well,the national zoo is free, you can walk around the national mall and see the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. You can take a bus tour that is several hours and gives you lots of highlights too, you can get on and off the bus as well. The one we took went to the National Cathedral which has many gargoyles.
 
petey111

petey111

Well-Known Member
You should ask Mary Ellen. They live there. I don't think she's on the boards much anymore, but are you friends with her on Facebook at all?

Do you guys like to drive and stop places?? Or would you rather get there quickly and spend more time in DC? I've been to DC three times and loved it. Even in 8th grade!!
 
dwsewbiz

dwsewbiz

Well-Known Member
Smithsonian...pick the ones that the kids will like, perhaps Natural History.

For history buffs I also love Mount Vernon, George Washington's home on the Potomac.

The National Botanical Gardens are fabulous but only for garden lovers ;-)

i agree the National Zoo is great, and the Mall/Memorials etc.
 
LSlycord

LSlycord

Well-Known Member
Thanks ladies. And Sara, great idea about ME. I am friends with her on FB. I am thinking that we will make stops on the way and make it an old fashioned car vacation! But, then again...we'll see...
 
N

nancyr

Well-Known Member
We always took driving vacations when my sons were that old. I love DC and for my sons the Smithsonian Mall is the place to go. I love the air and space museum and the natural history museum. All of the monuments are fun to go to. The Vietnam War memorial is so worth seeing. If you are driving it is about 3-4 hrs from DC to NYC. It is sad but I believe that with the damage from Hurricane Sandy that Statue of Liberty is closed but may be reopening by June. NYC Natural history museum just had a huge make over and is supposed to be really amazing. I love the history of Philadelphia. They have great walking tours of the historic sites in downtown Philly. I loved seeing the Liberty Bell and Betsy Ross's house. Great food in all the cities. If you come through Pennsylvania it is worth stopping to see Gettysburg, Antietam and Valley Forge. It will be a great trip! If you decide to fly to DC there is a great train that can take you to NYC or Philly.
 
LaurieW

LaurieW

lOve the O!
well if you drive and go north through Ohio, you should plan a day a cedar point theme park- known for its roller coasters- plus you will only be 2 hours from me!!
 
whatnext

whatnext

Well-Known Member
i absolutely suggest getting the bus passes that Laurie mentioned. the on and off privileges are SO useful, especially with kids. everything looks close together down on the Mall, but there is a ton of walking involved. Air and Space is a must. the Nat. Zoo will require a Metro trip to the Woodley stop. BTW, the D.C. Metro is great to get around on. even I can understand it. be prepared for CROWDS in the museums. i actually think the zoo and natural history museum in Pittsburgh is better than DCs, so stop in Pittsburgh, if you drive!
 
faerywings

faerywings

The Loopy-O
CHEERY O
come visit me on your way down!!
:)

I have never been to DC so I can't help you there, but if you stop in Philly, you have to do a Duck Tour. Caitlyn said that was the best part of the trip that she went on with her school. Amphibious Boat tour or something like that, but apparently, a lot of fun. I bet your kids-- Shaun especially-- would have fun!
 
clarabear

clarabear

always chatty at the O!!
The Ducks are awesome. We did it in Seattle and it was a blast. I hate driving cross country and wouldn't do it personally and would say fly...BUT...definitely things to do and see. I believe most of the sites in DC are free which is super cool. How long is the drive from Iowa to DC?? It's about 8-10 hours from here so I'm guessing it is a couple of day drive. It's only 15 hours...not that bad. I thought it was farther. Should be fun.
 
LaurieW

LaurieW

lOve the O!
The best times to visit, are not the three day weekends- unless you love crowds- the fourth of july is probably the worst time. (don't ask me how I know- but most the people leave the city due to the influx of tourist) There are also lines to get into the museums due to the security measures so typical tourist times add to the wait. Planning ahead- must do if you want to visit the white house will help you enjoy the time better.
 
CindaA

CindaA

Well-Known Member
It's a lot of walking (even when you take the Metro), but I'm glad we took the boys this year. The tour bus sounds like a good idea. Williamsburg was really awesome too! We hope to take our boys to NYC in the next year or so. My boys recommend the tower at the old post office - it's an awesome view (since the Washington monument is closed). Of course the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial. I loved the Vietnam Memorial & Iwo Jima as Vietnam & the Marine Corp are part of our family history. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is awesome. We weren't overly impressed with our tour of the White House or the Capitol building.

There is a site where you put in your location and destination and it gives you POI to visit along the way. Here is the first one I found: http://www.roadtripamerica.com/travelplanning/userguidefree.htm
 
LSlycord

LSlycord

Well-Known Member
Oh Cinda...thanks so much for that link! I was just thinking last night how I missed the TripTiks from AAA. That's how we used to plan all of our road trips! Off to check it out!

And keep talking ladies...I'm loving this thread!
 
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