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Do you need any advice about overnight lodging, dining, and local transportation ? Where are you coming from ?
Thanks, I'll take a look at the link.
I will be staying in Maryland so I plan on driving into the city and taking public transportation around. I would like to see some of the famous landmarks oh and I hear there is an architecture museum. Is it recommended?
I am an architect/urban planner from Houston who really tries to understand the character of whatever city I visit.
You're thinking of the National Building Museum. I believe it's one part of the Smithsonian Institution complex, and if so, it's described here Smithsonian and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Building_Museum. Admission to all the Smithsonian buildings is free of charge, 364 days a year.
The National Building Museum is in an old 19th-century building which was originally Federal offices. It's near the "Judiciary Square" metrorail station on the Red line http://www.wmata.com . It's also near the Chinatown district, an area that that once was run-down but has grown very popular since the opening of the Verizon Center stadium in 1997. A few blocks north of there are city blocks sprouting many new condominium apartments.
The American Architectural Foundation has its headquarters in this unusual little building http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Octagon_House and the American Institute of Architects is next door to it.
Another quite unusual-looking building is the "River Park" houses, described last week, in an article here http://www.washingtonpost.com and in their search-box type the keyword "Monica Hesse".
For an unusual-looking photo-op, try standing at 801 I street N.W. and look north, through the modern "TechWorld" building courtyard, toward the 100-year old Carnegie Library in the distance. Quite a juxtaposition of old and new styles, in the same view.
Generally, traffic and parking in D.C. proper, is much easier on weekends than weekdays. You should be able to find ample free parking at suburban metrorail stations on weekends. If you drive into downtown, pay very careful attention to the parking restriction signs on each block. And there may be a big crowd, temporarily, for the annual Memorial Day band concert on the National Mall (search for information about this on-line).
Last edited by slowlane3; 05-15-2012 at 08:05 PM..
When it comes to Washington, D.C., the rule of thumb is: anything you've heard about is most likely going to be worth checking out.
This city has no disappointments as far as visitor attractions go.
That's basically true, but I've found that the quality of certain Smithsonian museums (*cough*AmericanHistoryafterrenovations*cough*) has dropped dramatically.
Location: the wrong side of the tracks Richmond, VA
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I would suggest checking out the Newseum if you get a chance and that's your thing (I'm a news junkie myself).
Also, if you're a drinker, the patio at the W is within spitting distance of Treasury with great views of the Washington Monument and White House so you can get some good shots to brag about back home. It can get a little douchey up there but still worth the view and for you, you can appreciate the city's architecture from a different vantage point.
For NEOhioBound: my all-time favorite joint in the city is Belga Cafe in Eastern Market and it's not too bad but certainly not cheap eats either. It's right off the Eastern Market Metro.
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