New York and DC?

[CJ Cregg]

Hey! Im off to New York and Washington on holiday this year. (Can't Wait!!!) Anyone been? Any tips on whats best to see?

[Puck]

I have been to Washington D.C.! I loved it so much. The subways themselves were alot of fun to me.

First, I would recommend that you go visit some of the Smithsonians. I went to the National Air and Space Museum which was amazing. I also went to the National Zoological Park, which was pretty cool.

I also definitely recommend doing a bus tour of all of the monuments. And if you can, do a night tour. The monuments are incredible when they are all lit up. The Korean War memorial is ghostly if you go during the night.

Arlington Cemetery is kind of nice to visit in the afternoon if you are looking for something relaxing to do.

Also, if you feel like going a little bit out of the way, you may want to visit the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. It is reachable by subway, and then a short walk. It's a huge Church and has some beautiful artwork.

Finally, if you can, maybe make arrangements to get a tour of the Capital Building. I'm not sure how you go about doing so, but I know it has to be done some time in advance.

Hope you enjoy the trip! When exactly are you going?

[TrekkieMage]

I live in D.C.

Well. Right next door. I'd suggest just wandering around. My personal favorites are the Air and Space, the Hirshhorn (hit or miss with the art there...), Natural History.

Probably the nicest walk (abeit a long-ish one) is to get off at the Library of Congress metro stop, walk through the Supreme Court, then wander throught the walkway around the congress building, and meander around to the museums that interest you the most. You'll end up by the Washington Momument and the WWII memorial. A good spot for lunch is the Old Post Office Pavillion, a little off the beaten path, but a nice little spot with a few options.

And Puck is right, the momuments are amazing at night. If you aren't too tired after wandering around the museums, you could probably time it right to see most of them after dusk on the same day. Also: there's the new Air Force memorial in Arlington, right next to the Pentagon. On the side that was hit by the plane, you can see the color change.

The Zoo is probably best visited during a weekday when the weather is just a little off (maybe overcast, but not miserable). That way it'll be a little more empty and you can see the animals better. Be warned that some of them aren't there for renovations - but most of them are still around. The pandas and elephants are still there, the giraffes aren't. And the small primate exhibit is pretty awesome And if you're up for the walk, there's a wonderful place to eat nearby (ish) that's called Teaism.

If you have any questions about the area I'd be more than happy to give you some pointers or find you the right information on the web

Also, there are probably some special events going on, I could find you some free/cheap stuff (shows and whatnot) to do.

[CJ Cregg]

I'm off in Early September. Hope it wont be too cold. No idea what weather is like in the US.

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely going to the White House and Congress the other big attractions. The hotel I'm off in is actually right next to the Arlington cemetery. Will definitely go and visit the memorials and graves. Such as President Kennedy's.

Anyone got anything on Manhattan?

[TrekkieMage]

September should still be warm, but I'd bring a light sweater.

In Arlington I can suggest a very nice local coffee shop right off the Orange Line

You might also want to check out the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage. Free preformances everyday at 6

Also: City Guide in the Washington Post usually has a lot of good stuff.

Can't really say much about Manhattan though...I've only been up there once in recent memory.

[blueskin]

[Ziona]

I've been to DC but really didn't have a good time. We went in the middle of May though and it was too hot.

[harrykims#1fan]

I'm goin to Baltimore in July, How hot dya think it'll be?

[TrekkieMage]