I'll be in DC for the next 3 months.?

Question

Any good spots to go, besides the typical tourist stuff?

I don't want to just watch TV and surf the web for the next 3 months.

Answer 1

I always enjoy a visit to DC, but the best tour I ever had was in August 4 years ago. Our taxi driver from the airport to the hotel was very helpful and knowledgable about the area, pointing out a lot of obscure but interesting places even on that short drive. We were on a tight schedule but I wanted to show my kids and the exchange student who was traveling with us as much as possible of DC, so instead of taking any official tour I got the driver's number and called him the next day to take us around. In a couple of hours he showed us the 3 or 4 famous sites we wanted to take photos of, as well as some of his favorite sculptures, architecture, etc. All the while he taught us all sorts of things about American government and politics, as well as answering my questions about the history of his own country of origin, Eritrea.

This was such a good experience, and so much better than a recorded commentary, that when I visited last summer I again hired a taxi for a private tour. Actually this time I was with a group of 10, so we requested a van and the overall price was much cheaper than a packaged tour would have been. The driver, who was from Ethiopia, was again knowledgable and a pleasure to talk with, even if he wasn't quite as intellectual as the first.

When I was in college a couple of hours away from DC, we used to go to the city to shop for foreign-language dictionaries and to eat great food. We always joked that the best way to find a good Ethiopian restaurant was to hail a taxi and ask the driver, since so many DC taxi drivers are from that country.

It's not just a joke anymore. Based on my experience I highly recommend taking a taxi driven by an African to have a pleasant and educational tour of the capital of the US.

Answer 2

Every Friday in the Washington Post they publish an entertainment guide which tells you everything that's happening around the D.C. area.....you'll need a car for trips farther outside the city than the metro system goes, which isn't very far.

If you're gay, stop into Lammas Bookstore on Connecticut Avenue (Dupont Circle metro stop). Pick up a copy of this week's Washington Blade, which comes out on Friday. Besides reading about events and clubs, you might meet somebody, or at least have a chance to ask some questions about where to go and what to do.

Answer 3

The metro is large. you'll get an infinite value ticket, so that you do not ought to stress about no matter when you're vacationing in height or non-height situations. that's really elementary to make sure, and the folk engaged on the stations are very effective. you could verify with your congressman's workplace, yet you in all probability is purely not in a position to get White living house tickets. the little ones ought to love the zoo, and that's loose. do not worry with the nationwide Aquarium--very disappointing. you could take an afternoon out to Gettysburg. it really is a good position for the little ones to run round and burn off some steam, and perchance study some thing in the technique.

Answer 4

Depends what you're looking for. Do like hiking? Check out Rock Creek Park. Google Capital Hiking Club or Center Hiking Club for group hikes. Do you like galleries and museums? There are lots of places off the mall like the Anacostia Museum, the Phillips Collection and the Corcoran. There's lots to do. Check out Washingtonian magazine's web site too.

Answer 5

If you have a car, Great Falls in VA is beautiful (although it can be a little warm)
Alexandria, VA has sailing lessons.
There are a few places to rent bikes, and ride
Bars, bars, bars (Arlington and Alexandria in VA, Adams Morgan and Georgetown in town)
Oh and forget about that bulletproof vest comment

Answer 6

I know u may think its typical tourist stuff...
but i know the exact place Martin Luther king gave his "i have a dream speech. it's at the very center of the last step at the Lincoln mimorial. They don't have it marked off or anything!!!

Answer 7

Don't forget to visit Ben's Chili Bowl on U St. (right across from the U St Metro station).

Answer 8

Stop and rethink your decision to come!! (unless you have a high powered gun.) D.C is in a crime emergency so if you still do decide to come......dont say we didnt warn you. I live in/around D.C. Be careful

Answer 9

go any where just make sure to wear a bullet proof vest.

Answer 10

great. send bush my regards...hes a poo nugget.