out in DC

[daleh]

Hey everyone,

I'm going to be out in the DC area for a week or so starting tomorrow. I lived in the area for a short time, but never really got out to do anything. Well, I would like to this week. Any of yall have any suggestions for places to go, things to see, etc?

Thanks,

Dale

[David Whatley]

Be sure and ride the metro, you can get anywhere. Do the Zoo, Lincoln memorial, Vietnam memorial, and Grand Central station is neat.

[gpbusa316]

The Air & Space Museum is great (I'm biased)... but any of the Smithsonian Museums is worth visiting. Also stop by the National Archives if possible to view the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and The Constitution.

[Breezy]

We really enjoyed the lesser known Memorials
I would try to see Arlington and Iwo Jima

[suzyjazz]

Unfortunately, I missed the National Archives and the Smithsonian. I really wanted to go. The memorials are great. Be sure to check out the World War II Memorial, especially at dusk or later. It's awesome. The Korean War Memorial gave me goosebumps at night! If you're going out at night and have a tripod, take it. You shouldn't have trouble at the memorials, just in front of the White House (and maybe the Capitol). When I brought mine I even met a guy with an SLR saying he wished he'd brought his tripod (I offered him some time with my tripod but he declined).

If you even remotely like animals, go to the National Zoo! It's absolutely AMAZING. If I ever find myself in DC again I'll be at the zoo at 7 AM. I think they open that early because it's free. I think they have tiger babies, but I am not sure if they're out yet. You could probably find out on their web site. I really like the Sumatran tigers. They're colors are darker and they have different faces. After seeing the same 2 Indochinese tigers every month (in Houston), it was neat.

[mcphotography]

if you want good food while there check out Ben's Chili Bowl and if you like italian check out Tuscana West...also for things to do, as mentioned already ride the metro and visit Arlington Cemetary and for shopping check out Pentagon City...if you like Christmas lights check out Watkins Park...but whatever you do, be careful - it's high crime season so be safe

[daleh]

Just got back from my mini trip. I only had one day to go out shooting and unfortunately is was the second worst day of the entire trip. Only thing good about it was it didn't rain. Well, maybe that would have been an improvement.... some atmosphere. It didn't stop me from getting some good pictures though. You guys gave some good recommendations, and I visited some of them, but by far the best place you guys missed... I was just walking down the mall towards the capital building and saw a building with a glass structure on the right. United States Botanic Garden... Hey, I love gardens. I'll check that out. Well... its friggin incredible. Two story enclosed garden with trees and vines reaching up past a catwalk. From the catwalk level there are orchids and other flowers growing off the trees passing by.

I highly recommend giving the garden a couple of hours next time y'all walk by.

[suzyjazz]

Wow, the garden sounds wonderful! I will check it out if I ever go again. I'd really like to go next year and make my husband go with me, but I don't think we'll make it. Anyway, great photos and I love your take on the WWII Memorial. Next time I go I want to see it at both day and dusk.

[Breezy]

OH yeah I forgot about the BG. We went in there while dh walked up to the train staion to get the car lol. It was pouring down rain and the only place we could find quick to stay dry and warm.
Looks like you got some nice shots!

[princer7]

If you like Air & Space and have the time, see the Smithsonian but go to the one at Dulles -it is better IMO than the one on The Mall. There is a shuttle (have to buy a ticket) that takes you there from The Mall. Agree about the National Zoo - it is awesome!!