Rolling Thunder and other Memorial Day Activities (Vienna, Falls Church: live, horses)

[yamota]

I just came back from Vegas, this weekend will be a staycation

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by katyusha25

My bff is coming from CA to visit me! Yay.

Katyusha, if this sounds at all appealing, I highly recommend taking her to the walkway for the West Falls Church metro on Saturday morning .for a unique experience. I'd go around 10-10:30 a.m. (as I recall--anyone know precisely what time they block off 66 and let them roar through?). Hang out on the bridge over 66 to see the bikers arriving for Rolling Thunder.

Yes, I kid you not--the walkway for the metro station. Sounds mundane but it's very emotional and joyous. They drive in from all over the country, and when they start seeing the metro overpasses and know they are almost in DC they start cheering and waving and it's a sight to see. We're talking about thousands of bikers and every imaginable kind of bike. Some of them will have massive wreaths or teddy bears on their bikes (to lay at the memorial). It is a truly unique Virginia/DC experience.

If 10 am is too early, or you two want to see DC as well, I'd also recommend going into DC to see the Rolling Thunder parade. It starts at noon and goes for a few hours. Take the metro, do not attempt to drive.

Also, the free concert at Wolftrap is my favorite local event.

[OrangeFish]

Originally Posted by Caladium

The Marine Corps Band will be putting on a free concert this Sunday to kick off the summer season at Wolftrap. Bring a picnic for before the show and stay after the concert to enjoy the fireworks. This is a popular event, so plan to arrive early if you're driving (they have lots of buses to it, too).

What time is early? 2 pm? 6 pm?

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by OrangeFish

What time is early? 2 pm? 6 pm?

Good question. I'll check my calendar when I get home and let you know.

Other local events:

Friday, May 27, 2011
Candle Light Vigil - 9:00 p.m.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC

Saturday, May 28, 2011
Wreathlaying Ceremony – 11:00 a.m.
U.S. Navy Memorial
701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC (On the Plaza)

Saluting Our Troops - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Between the Reflecting Pool and the Korean War Memorial (new location this year)

[katyusha25]

Originally Posted by Caladium

Katyusha, if this sounds at all appealing, I highly recommend taking her to the walkway for the West Falls Church metro on Saturday morning .for a unique experience. I'd go around 10-10:30 a.m. (as I recall--anyone know precisely what time they block off 66 and let them roar through?). Hang out on the bridge over 66 to see the bikers arriving for Rolling Thunder.

Yes, I kid you not--the walkway for the metro station. Sounds mundane but it's very emotional and joyous. They drive in from all over the country, and when they start seeing the metro overpasses and know they are almost in DC they start cheering and waving and it's a sight to see. We're talking about thousands of bikers and every imaginable kind of bike. Some of them will have massive wreaths or teddy bears on their bikes (to lay at the memorial). It is a truly unique Virginia/DC experience.

If 10 am is too early, or you two want to see DC as well, I'd also recommend going into DC to see the Rolling Thunder parade. It starts at noon and goes for a few hours. Take the metro, do not attempt to drive.

Also, the free concert at Wolftrap is my favorite local event.

Thanks so much for the suggestions! Oddly enough (and I say that because I was worried about figuring out stuff for us to do) her stay will be busy! Saturday we're going to my friend's house for a BBQ and Sunday I'm taking her to Georgetown because she's never been there and it's my favorite part of DC

[Caladium]

You know, I'm not really sure what the best time to get to Wolftrap is as far as getting a good parking space. However, they do have a lot of parking. We're going 1-2 hours before, if that helps. I think that should be more than fine.

[OrangeFish]

Originally Posted by Caladium

You know, I'm not really sure what the best time to get to Wolftrap is as far as getting a good parking space. However, they do have a lot of parking. We're going 1-2 hours before, if that helps. I think that should be more than fine.

I wish I could add another rep but CD won't let me.

Thank you!

[gingerbreadgirl]

[quote=Caladium;19318198]Katyusha, if this sounds at all appealing, I highly recommend taking her to the walkway for the West Falls Church metro on Saturday morning .for a unique experience. I'd go around 10-10:30 a.m. (as I recall--anyone know precisely what time they block off 66 and let them roar through?). Hang out on the bridge over 66 to see the bikers arriving for Rolling Thunder.

I think this is what we will do. Saves me a trip into DC. I've always wanted to take the grandkids to Rolling Thunder and this is the year. Do you know if the overpasses at the Vienna Metro and/or Dunn Loring (does Dunn Loring even have an overpass?) are good places to view the Rolling Thunder procession? Thanks for any help!

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by gingerbreadgirl

Hang out on the bridge over 66 to see the bikers arriving for Rolling Thunder.

I think this is what we will do. Saves me a trip into DC. I've always wanted to take the grandkids to Rolling Thunder and this is the year. Do you know if the overpasses at the Vienna Metro and/or Dunn Loring (does Dunn Loring even have an overpass?) are good places to view the Rolling Thunder procession? Thanks for any help!

I've only tried the West Falls Church bridge, so I don't know. BTW the credit for this idea goes to normie. She's the one who posted it a few years ago, and that's when I tried it. I would never have thought of it otherwise.

[yamota]

Once I rode with Rolling Thunder on my Yamaha YZF and it was funny, when it was harleys the spectators were waving, smiling, but when they saw my crotch rocket, it was like "what the?" :lol: