Suggestions? Washington DC and New York

[siks]

I'm going to DC and NYC for vacation. Aside from the obvious tourist areas, are there any 'off the beaten path' places I should visit? Thanks.

[84young]

when are you gonna be up in NY? i only ask because im gonna be up there for at least a year and we could always meet up and explore the roads less traveled.

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by siks

I'm going to DC and NYC for vacation. Aside from the obvious tourist areas, are there any 'off the beaten path' places I should visit? Thanks.

In New York be sure and visit International Center of Photography.

In the DC area Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center if you like aircraft.

Arlington National cemetery.

[L Stegall]

DC is pretty much a tourist town no matter what, so I can't say there is a lot "off the beaten track" .... but, the things I have enjoyed are:

I think the best time to see the Lincoln Memorial or the Vietnam wall is as it is getting dark. There is something about sitting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at night and I prefer photographing it while it is lighted. I travel to DC on occasion for business and this is one place I return to over and over. I also like the little lights on the Vietnam wall - very dignified at night. The WWII Memorial is also lit nicely at night and makes for some nice images. I hear about people getting hassled about tripods on the Mall all the time, but I've not had a problem. Maybe that's because I've never been in peak tourist season.

The Holocaust Museum is, to me, a must do. It is one of the most beautifully designed museums I've seen, right down to the lighting of the exhibits. I'm sure security is really tight now after the horrible attack last week. Definitely make a reservation in advance. I don't know if you are taking kids - they don't allow kids under a certain age (I think 12). Take your time - you could spend hours there and don't plan to do much after you visit it - we felt completely drained afterward.

The new Air & Space Museum (that is the Steven Udvar-Hazy Center John mentions above) out by Dulles is also definitely worth a visit. I think they may have buses out there from the original one on the Mall. If not, we took the Metro to National and rented a car for the day we went out there.

Arlington Cemetary is also very interesting if you take the time to really wander around and you can then walk over to the Marine Memorial (the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima).

Sort of off the beaten track, but fun and/or very interesting are the Spy Museum and the National Geographic HQ, which usually has an exhibit. When I was there, they had an exhibit on Sir Edmund Hillary and Mt. Everest. I also love the National Zoo. The metro is great - love using it.

There are lots of great dining choices - but I can't think of the name of a fantastic place we ate. I'll find it and post it and some others.

As for NY, I personally like just wandering around with my camera. Our last trip was a foodie trip. My fav was Bouley. Incredible meal. Really incredible. But $$$$, so don't say I didn't warn you.

[siks]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll be taking a week off so I'll be at those locals between July 4th and July 11th. We are definitely going to try out as many restaurants as we can. Any restaurant suggestions are welcome as well!

[84young]

Wow, i also appriciate all the info, ive been to DC one to many time myself. i will be leaving for Louisiana (home for me) to say so long for now to my family, then me and my wife will take a few days to go up to NY around July 8th or 9th im thinking. know of any places between here and there as a must stop? we will most likely be going through nashville, tn, and then through ohio. Ideas are much appriciated for that as well.

[johnastovall]

If you go through Dayton, Ohio, the National Museum of the Air Force at Wright Paterson AFB.

[venchka]

NYC: Monday nights. Iridium. Les Paul. If he is still playing. GOOGLE knows.

If you don't know who Les Paul is, my condolences.

[siks]

Very cool Wayne. I must admit, I wasn't familiar with Les Paul, however a quick google did produce a couple images of the Gibson Guitars. Some of my musician friends have mentioned the 'Gibson' before. I'll check it out!

[epoh]

If you have time, drive up to Baltimore and see the inner harbor area and the Nat'l Aquarium.

[sldi]

if you happen to be in DC at dusk on nite of a full moon, try to be on the Walt Whitman bridge, its on 495 on east side of the city. It cross the Potomac river, the new bridge has a pedestrian walkway on the side the is closest to town. the full moon rises in the west and there is a beautiful shot of the many monuments with the moon rise. A long lens is needed. I have passed this way Oct and it is amazing, but never get the chance to stop, they dont' seem to like semi's parking in the middle of the bridge to take a pic.

Skyline shots of NY are best shot from the NJ side, but be careful, the docks aren't a friendly place at nite if you don't have the "local" personna aboutn you.

[Breezy]

I recommend the FDR memorial, it is sort of off the beaten path and often forgotten.
All of the recommendations have been great!