Washington DC - October 2009

Hotels:

1. Hyatt Fair Lakes in Fairfax, VA was wonderful but the area is a bit issolated. 

Best Restaurants:

1. Chart House - Old Towne Alexandria, by far my favorite in the area.  The lobster bisque is to die for, BUT you have to try the fried asparagus.
2. The Wharf – Old Towne Alexandria, is a sweet little restaraunt in the middle of the street.  It has tons of charm and wonderful seafood chowder.
3. Woodley Metro/Zoo Area – eat at one of the outdoor restaurants north of the Metro to the Zoo.  I love the lebanese one with sidewalk tables.
4. McCormick & Schmidt- one block from Crystal City Marriott.
5. Ted’s Montana Grill – one block from Crystal City Marriott, where you can get the best buffalo burger.  Be sure to sit outside if the weather permits.

Must do:

1. National Zoo – must go and see Panda’s (FREE)  Plan for whole day.  Woodley is best Metro line as it is uphill going but downhill coming back.  Great area to stay, but expensive hotels.
2. Old Towne Alexandria – must go; be sure to take the trolley from the Metro, great shopping and board walk.  If you want water tour this is the place to go.
3. National Mall – Lincoln Memorial was the best monument to see.  Plan to walk a lot or get the Red Bus Tour so you can get off an on when you like and save your feet.
4. Mount Vernon – need car but go see Washington’s birth place.  Very wonderful. Not real fun for little kids but they will get to run and will enjoy seeing the working farm on the property.  We had a great day trip.

Don’t bother:

1. Smithsonians – don’t bother if you have little kids