what to do in DC ? (rent, neighborhoods, movies)

[scotslass26]

hi my friend and i are leaving rainy Scotland (29th june till 6th July) to come to DC area for a vacation and i could really do with some proper advice (from real people and not travel guide books !) on what to do ? where to go ? i should add that this is now my 4th time visiting (so have seen the major attractions a few times already) as i have family there but my friends first time. We are always up for a laugh and being Scottish we like a drink so . . . . . Any ideas would be great ! thx p.s. i have the 4th planned out already .

[Emma_Laya]

Well, if you've already seen all of the major monuments, then you might want to go back and look at the Museums. They're good fun and many exhibits change over time. One of them just opened after a Renovation. The zoo is really amazing, too. If you go to those, you won't get bored and your friend will see some cool stuff too.

You'll be coming over 4th of July, and there should be some major fireworks and celebrations then.

Other than that... I'm afraid I'm not too much help.

[scotslass26]

Thanks v much im grateful of any suggestions ! i like the zoo idea all we really have at Edinburgh zoo is penguins !

[juniperbleu]

For some things outside the monument/museum scene you can go to Eastern Market. It's a big flea market in Capitol Hill. You can also check out the National Arboretum and then walk around different neighborhoods (Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, U Street, Old Town Alexandria, etc). They each have their own set of shops, restaurants, and architecture. For food you can also try Ben's Chili Bowl, or the Fish Market (get some crabs).

[jaamkie]

Depending if you'll have a car, there are some interesting historical places out in VA- Sully Plantation, Mount Vernon, and the various civil war battlefields; also the Air and Space Museum annex out near Dulles airport has an amazing collection. If you like the outdoors, the Billy Goat Trail on the Maryland side of Great Falls is a lot of fun (or the VA side of Great Falls), and in the summer you could also rent a canoe at the boathouse under the Key Bridge, or a sailboat further down at one of the marinas. Old Town Alexandria can be a fun evening, including a nighttime boat ride up the river. Art museums and galleries away from the mall can be worth the trip- I love the Phillips, and there are quite a few galleries in northwest. If you have a free Sunday, I'd recommend metroing to Dupont, experiencing a Quaker meeting, going to the farmer's market, lunch at Zorba's (delicious greek cafe) and some books and wine at Afterwords (or the used bookshop I can't remember at the moment). For music the 930 club usually has bigger names, and I like Iota in Clarendon for more random bands and open mike nights. Around U Street, Busboys and Poets is an interesting experience- delicious vegan brownies, and a bookstore full of alternative/activist/multicultural literature. Also you must have Ethiopian food at least once- I'd recommend Dukem on U St, go after 10pm to experience a mostly Ethiopian crowd enjoying live music and drinks and food; or if you're in Virginia, Meaza is delicious and has a nice, if more sedate, atmosphere and music.

Oh, also, for seriously good music, I love Blues Alley Jazz. For relaxed outdoor picnicing and music, get lawn seats at Wolftrap in Vienna VA- they have a variety of great performers, a shuttle to/from metro, and allow you to bring your own food, alcohol, and blankets to spread out on the lawn. If you're around the Mall, there is Screen on the Green on Monday nights- movies shown on a massive screen starting at dark ~9pm. There is also free live jazz music in the sculpture garden on Fridays, on nice nights it is mobbed, but a friendly crowd. If you wear athletic clothes you can probably find a pick-up game of soccer and/or frisbee in the evenings. Also take a look at the various embassy websites, they can have interesting lectures/events. Also if you're out in VA or MD, you can probably find free evening concerts/movies in the parks- off the top of my head, Crystal City shows movies, Pentagon City has music in the middle of outdoor restaurant seating, Vienna has music (and is a nice place to get to/from the W&OD bike trail).

[scotslass26]

wow ! thanks so much for all your suggestions ! we are actually staying in Vienna so will def look in to whats going on there ! thanks again x

[juniperbleu]

Originally Posted by jaamkie

If you have a free Sunday, I'd recommend metroing to Dupont, experiencing a Quaker meeting

Wait, there's Quakers in Dupont?