Washington D.C. - May 2011

Ok, I know I have posted Washington DC area before, but this place is so big and I made a ton of new finds. 

Hotels:

1. Embassy Suites in Alexandria – great location near heart of Old Towne. Across from Metro Station.  Three Metro Stops from Airport. Hotel food was ok.
2. Crystal City Marriott – wonderful hotel in heart of Commercial Area.  LOVED the beds!  Located right near the Metro station and a limited underground mall.  One stop from Reagan Airport with free shuttle.  One stop from Pentagon Mall, two stops from Arlington National Cemetery and four stops from Old Alexandria  Hotel food was just ok and Pool was indoor but clean.

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. Pentagon Mall – has anything you might need from a mall.
2. Arlington National Cemetery – wonderful and a must see (FREE)  Take the bus tour it will save your feet but costs $12.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Take PEDICAB somewhere in Washington instead of walking or cab.  Fun way to see all the buildings.  They usually work on tips.
7. 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.

Don’t bother:

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