Posted June 30, 201113 yr Well, much like last year when I solicited everyone's advice on our trip to NYC I am doing it again. Only this time we aren't quite as sure where we want to go. The wife is traveling to Philly about every other week so she wants to get away from there. We settled on DC because it would be an easy train ride for her from Philly (she already has a hate/hate relationship with PHL International) and neither of us have been since middle school. Now we are not completely wedded to going to DC so if anyone has a better suggestion we are all ears. Also, this will be in the beginning of October. Likely from the 6th to the 10th (its good working for a bank :wink:). So what does everyone recommend? We probably wont have a rental car so take that into account. What areas should we explore? What Museums should not be missed? What quirky things about DC should we know? Also, I am starting this early so MTS and CDM can go off on another fashion/shopping/general curmudgeon-ness rant about whatever. I figure somewhere in there I will find some good information. Like now, every time I envision MTS he has a Daffy Dan's bag on his shoulder. :-o :wave:
June 30, 201113 yr Well, much like last year when I solicited everyone's advice on our trip to NYC I am doing it again. Only this time we aren't quite as sure where we want to go. The wife is traveling to Philly about every other week so she wants to get away from there. We settled on DC because it would be an easy train ride for her from Philly (she already has a hate/hate relationship with PHL International) and neither of us have been since middle school. Now we are not completely wedded to going to DC so if anyone has a better suggestion we are all ears. Also, this will be in the beginning of October. Likely from the 6th to the 10th (its good working for a bank ;) ). So what does everyone recommend? We probably wont have a rental car so take that into account. What areas should we explore? What Museums should not be missed? What quirky things about DC should we know? Also, I am starting this early so MTS and CDM can go off on another fashion/shopping/general curmudgeon-ness rant about whatever. I figure somewhere in there I will find some good information. Like now, every time I envision MTS he has a Daffy Dan's bag on his shoulder. :o :wave: Oh lawd. Here you go again! DELETED PHOTO WITH F-BOMB
June 30, 201113 yr I did the whole Capitol/White House/monuments thing during the summer after graduating high school. Obviously I respect their significance but I don't need to see them again. I *do* enjoy the neighborhoods like Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan. You don't really need a car since the Metro has really extensive coverage and if you're going into PHL, the Acela train takes you into DC's Union Station (at least I *think* it does). Here's a photo tour I did in 2009 - you can skip Crystal City (I was there for work): http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,20999.0.html clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
June 30, 201113 yr Yes, Acela (and all other Amtrak trains) arrive and depart Washington Union Station. But Acela costs $50+ more than riding a regular Amtrak train between PHL and WAS, called a Northeast Regional. Still.... if you want to travel at 135 mph vs 125 mph with fewer stops and a nicer train, then ride Acela. Check fares and schedules at amtrak.com http://www.unionstationdc.com/ Must SEE!!!!!!! ACELA RACES KEYSTONE TO HAMILTON "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 30, 201113 yr Well, much like last year when I solicited everyone's advice on our trip to NYC I am doing it again. Only this time we aren't quite as sure where we want to go. The wife is traveling to Philly about every other week so she wants to get away from there. We settled on DC because it would be an easy train ride for her from Philly (she already has a hate/hate relationship with PHL International) and neither of us have been since middle school. Now we are not completely wedded to going to DC so if anyone has a better suggestion we are all ears. Also, this will be in the beginning of October. Likely from the 6th to the 10th (its good working for a bank :wink:). So what does everyone recommend? We probably wont have a rental car so take that into account. What areas should we explore? What Museums should not be missed? What quirky things about DC should we know? Also, I am starting this early so MTS and CDM can go off on another fashion/shopping/general curmudgeon-ness rant about whatever. I figure somewhere in there I will find some good information. Like now, every time I envision MTS he has a Daffy Dan's bag on his shoulder. :-o :wave: Aside from the ColDay dissing :evil:, I'll help your poor white ass out! Neighborhoods that are a must: Captiol Hill/Eastern Market Dupont Circle/Embassy Row Georgetown/Foggy Bottom Logan Circle Adams Morgan Shaw - U Street For planning/geeky TOD sake: Bethesda Silver Spring Ballston Alexandria - King Street Things to do: National Zoo (it's free and has its own Metro station) Spy Museum Any of the Smithies! Newseum "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
June 30, 201113 yr Yes, Acela (and all other Amtrak trains) arrive and depart Washington Union Station. But Acela costs $50+ more than riding a regular Amtrak train between PHL and WAS, called a Northeast Regional. Still.... if you want to travel at 135 mph vs 125 mph with fewer stops and a nicer train, then ride Acela. Check fares and schedules at amtrak.com http://www.unionstationdc.com/ Must SEE!!!!!!! ACELA RACES KEYSTONE TO HAMILTON She will likely be taking a NE Regional from PHL to WAS. I will likely be flying from CLE to BWI then taking the MARC into WAS. CLE to BWI, at least right now, is a good $50-$60 cheaper. Also, due to her travel, she is racking up Starwood points pretty quickly. So if anyone has any recommendations of a Starwood property in DC I am all ears.
June 30, 201113 yr Well, much like last year when I solicited everyone's advice on our trip to NYC I am doing it again. Only this time we aren't quite as sure where we want to go. The wife is traveling to Philly about every other week so she wants to get away from there. We settled on DC because it would be an easy train ride for her from Philly (she already has a hate/hate relationship with PHL International) and neither of us have been since middle school. Now we are not completely wedded to going to DC so if anyone has a better suggestion we are all ears. Also, this will be in the beginning of October. Likely from the 6th to the 10th (its good working for a bank ;) ). So what does everyone recommend? We probably wont have a rental car so take that into account. What areas should we explore? What Museums should not be missed? What quirky things about DC should we know? Also, I am starting this early so MTS and CDM can go off on another fashion/shopping/general curmudgeon-ness rant about whatever. I figure somewhere in there I will find some good information. Like now, every time I envision MTS he has a Daffy Dan's bag on his shoulder. :o :wave: Oh lawd. Here you go again! DELETED PHOTO WITH F-BOMB Ohh you know you had fun last year and can't wait for me to ignore your advice again :D
June 30, 201113 yr Well, much like last year when I solicited everyone's advice on our trip to NYC I am doing it again. Only this time we aren't quite as sure where we want to go. The wife is traveling to Philly about every other week so she wants to get away from there. We settled on DC because it would be an easy train ride for her from Philly (she already has a hate/hate relationship with PHL International) and neither of us have been since middle school. Now we are not completely wedded to going to DC so if anyone has a better suggestion we are all ears. Also, this will be in the beginning of October. Likely from the 6th to the 10th (its good working for a bank ;) ). So what does everyone recommend? We probably wont have a rental car so take that into account. What areas should we explore? What Museums should not be missed? What quirky things about DC should we know? Also, I am starting this early so MTS and CDM can go off on another fashion/shopping/general curmudgeon-ness rant about whatever. I figure somewhere in there I will find some good information. Like now, every time I envision MTS he has a Daffy Dan's bag on his shoulder. :o :wave: Oh lawd. Here you go again! DELETED PHOTO WITH F-BOMB Ohh you know you had fun last year and can't wait for me to ignore your advice again :D YOU must visit Anacostia!
June 30, 201113 yr I recommend the Westin Georgetown for Starwood properties in the area. It's fine, but the Fairfax is better located and priced the same.
June 30, 201113 yr Generally the Westin Georgetown is more expensive than the Fairfax. In most cases their nightly rate is withing $10/20 of each other. The Park Hyatt, The W, The Fairfax and the Westin Grand (now Westin Georgetown and BTW it is located in Georgetown) are my preferred DC properties. The Park Hyatt, which I suggest over all and the W are closely priced. The Westin Georgetown and Fairfax are usually priced the same. Now for he has chose 10/6 Westin 325 Fairfax 359 10/7 Westin 186 Fairfax 229 Some other random dates I choose 9/1 Westin 237 Fairfax 143 8/12 Westin 161 Fairfax 143 In my experience the Westin is generally more expensive, but rates fluctuate.
June 30, 201113 yr sorry, I'm thinking of the Fairmount, not the fairfax, what's that? The Fairmont is across from the Westin Georgetown. The Fairfax is Mass and 21 Street.
June 30, 201113 yr the park hyatt is (obv) not a starwood property, but I think the fairfax is so I guess it's up to them. I'm sure they're both nice.
June 30, 201113 yr the park hyatt is (obv) not a starwood property, but I think the fairfax is so I guess it's up to them. I'm sure they're both nice. Yes the Fairfax is a Starwood property. Did they say they wanted to be in a Starwood property? Did I miss that? Personally in DC, I say save the money on a hotel if your going to be out and about and put the savings toward food and sightseeing.
June 30, 201113 yr "Also, due to her travel, she is racking up Starwood points pretty quickly. So if anyone has any recommendations of a Starwood property in DC I am all ears." If they're staying on points, that is a cost savings since the hotel will be free! that's the way I do it.
June 30, 201113 yr the park hyatt is (obv) not a starwood property, but I think the fairfax is so I guess it's up to them. I'm sure they're both nice. Yes the Fairfax is a Starwood property. Did they say they wanted to be in a Starwood property? Did I miss that? Personally in DC, I say save the money on a hotel if your going to be out and about and put the savings toward food and sightseeing. "Also, due to her travel, she is racking up Starwood points pretty quickly. So if anyone has any recommendations of a Starwood property in DC I am all ears." If they're staying on points, that is a cost savings since the hotel will be free! that's the way I do it. If we can. I'm not sure how many points we'll be up to by that point but it is worth investigating. Right now all the Starwood properties in DC are 10,000 points and above so time to start investigating other places.
June 30, 201113 yr "Also, due to her travel, she is racking up Starwood points pretty quickly. So if anyone has any recommendations of a Starwood property in DC I am all ears." If they're staying on points, that is a cost savings since the hotel will be free! that's the way I do it. How in the heck did I miss that. Not really, with Starwood they can use Cash and points. I think thats the best option. But if a room rate per night is $150 or below, then just pay cash. All I can say is stay far, far, far away from the St. Regis. It's the worst St. Regis I've ever been in. Also, the Westin City Center (Scott Circle) and the 4 Points in DC (Metro Center) aren't that bad from what I've been told, so if Tedders wants to save money yet still be withing walking distance of Dupont or Metro Center, those are options in the District proper.
July 6, 201113 yr Right now we are considering staying a night in Baltimore then taking the MARC down to DC. The wife is actually going to be working in Baltimore, not Philly like I thought. I will be flying into BWI, most likely @ 5-6pm. So any recommendations for one night in Baltimore? Maybe Friday morning as well.
July 6, 201113 yr Right now we are considering staying a night in Baltimore then taking the MARC down to DC. The wife is actually going to be working in Baltimore, not Philly like I thought. I will be flying into BWI, most likely @ 5-6pm. So any recommendations for one night in Baltimore? Maybe Friday morning as well. I'm not a big fan of B'More, but you must try - I'm going out on a limb here for you ONCE AGAIN. Here is a list of restaurants to try. The Charleston Restaurant Ms. Shirley's Cafe Tatu Pazo Jack - the Jalapeno Margarita was sooooo good! I think you fine folks from Westlake should visit the McCulloh Homes!
August 5, 201113 yr Ok, so its looking like Starwood lost out to Marriott. Right now we are leaning heavily toward the Renaissance Dupont Circle (although it is really on GW's campus). Does anyone have any experience/opinions with this property?
August 5, 201113 yr You might consider Boston if you are looking at alternatives. In early October, the weather should still be reasonable, and you might catch some of New England's fall foliage from the window of your train.
August 9, 201113 yr You might consider Boston if you are looking at alternatives. In early October, the weather should still be reasonable, and you might catch some of New England's fall foliage from the window of your train. We thought about Baltimore but ultimately decided to do DC. I changed the title of the thread to prevent any confusion.
August 9, 201113 yr I was going to tell you to go to the Brickskeller in Dupont Circle, but I just Googled it and apparently they closed recently. I went circa 2005 and it was awesome. They had what was probably the largest beer selection I'd ever seen. Oh, well. :( RIP Brickskeller :drunk: http://www.yelp.com/biz/brickskeller-washington
August 9, 201113 yr Ok, so its looking like Starwood lost out to Marriott. Right now we are leaning heavily toward the Renaissance Dupont Circle (although it is really on GW's campus). Does anyone have any experience/opinions with this property? Sorry to burst in on the conversation late, but I saw the thread title on the front page of Urban Ohio and started reading through. I work for the Treasury in NYC and travel to DC regularly. I always try to stay in Marriott properties and in the last year I've stayed at the Renaissance Dupont Circle a few times. It's a very nice hotel with great staff, but it isn't immediately in Dupont Circle. The closest Metro station is actually the Foggy Bottom stop on the blue/orange line, about a 10 or 15 minute walk. So... if you don't mind doing some walking (which you're going to be doing in DC anyway), I would absolutely recommend it.
August 10, 201113 yr I was going to tell you to go to the Brickskeller in Dupont Circle, but I just Googled it and apparently they closed recently. I went circa 2005 and it was awesome. They had what was probably the largest beer selection I'd ever seen. Oh, well. :( RIP Brickskeller :drunk: http://www.yelp.com/biz/brickskeller-washington Crap, that sounds like a place I could have passed out in .... I'm mean stayed in. Ok, so its looking like Starwood lost out to Marriott. Right now we are leaning heavily toward the Renaissance Dupont Circle (although it is really on GW's campus). Does anyone have any experience/opinions with this property? Sorry to burst in on the conversation late, but I saw the thread title on the front page of Urban Ohio and started reading through. I work for the Treasury in NYC and travel to DC regularly. I always try to stay in Marriott properties and in the last year I've stayed at the Renaissance Dupont Circle a few times. It's a very nice hotel with great staff, but it isn't immediately in Dupont Circle. The closest Metro station is actually the Foggy Bottom stop on the blue/orange line, about a 10 or 15 minute walk. So... if you don't mind doing some walking (which you're going to be doing in DC anyway), I would absolutely recommend it. Yeah I realize its not where it says it is, but that's fine. Truth be told I actually like that there is a little ways to go to get to one of the Metro stops. Makes stopping for breakfast easier to justify.
August 10, 201113 yr I was going to tell you to go to the Brickskeller in Dupont Circle, but I just Googled it and apparently they closed recently. I went circa 2005 and it was awesome. They had what was probably the largest beer selection I'd ever seen. Oh, well. :( RIP Brickskeller :drunk: http://www.yelp.com/biz/brickskeller-washington Crap, that sounds like a place I could have passed out in .... I'm mean stayed in. Just so you know I wasn't exaggerating about the beer selection...Wikipedia says they had the Guinness World Record for bar with the largest selection of commercially available beers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brickskeller Oh, and the good news: Wikipedia also informed me that a new bar opened in the same location called Bier Baron. It also has an enormous selection of beer. Let me know how it is! :wink2:
August 12, 201113 yr Ok, so its looking like Starwood lost out to Marriott. Right now we are leaning heavily toward the Renaissance Dupont Circle (although it is really on GW's campus). Does anyone have any experience/opinions with this property? This property was formerly a Wyndham hotel. I've been there for a meeting when it was a Wyndham, but never saw the sleeping rooms. Who knows how much of a renovation they did when they switched brands. It isn't on the GW campus its on M Street. There are a cluster of hotels on M street, the Ritz-Carlton, Westin, Park Hyatt, Fairmount and a few independents. You can walk to Dupont in 5/10 minutes at max. To Georgetown in 10/15 minutes max. There are some decent restaurants right on M Street. Grill Fish, Blue Duck & Marcel's
August 12, 201113 yr I live in D.C., don't worry about Brickskeller's closing -- go to RFD in Chinatown if you want a beer selection. They boast the "largest selection of beer" in the country. Maybe. I live in Capitol Hill and HIGHLY recommend walking around East Capitol Street and the residential roads around there. If you are into Rowhouses and old architecture it's gorgeous. PM me if you have other questions.
August 16, 201113 yr I live in D.C., don't worry about Brickskeller's closing -- go to RFD in Chinatown if you want a beer selection. They boast the "largest selection of beer" in the country. Maybe. I live in Capitol Hill and HIGHLY recommend walking around East Capitol Street and the residential roads around there. If you are into Rowhouses and old architecture it's gorgeous. PM me if you have other questions. Yes a walk around capitol hill and Eastern Market would be nice.
September 9, 201113 yr So we were out last night with a friend who used to live in DC and she recommended to the wife that shopping in Georgetown would be a great thing to do. She also recommended Sequoia for dinner over there, thoughts? Also, Georgetown has a web site set up with a list of all the shops and everything, but it doesnt seem like Dupont Circle has anything similar. Besides walking by the embassies is there anything specific in the area we should go to, or better just wandering. Also, a couple other recommendations for dinners would be nice. Not necessarily fine dining places either, sometimes after walking around all day Beer and Burger places are great.
September 12, 201113 yr So we were out last night with a friend who used to live in DC and she recommended to the wife that shopping in Georgetown would be a great thing to do. She also recommended Sequoia for dinner over there, thoughts? Also, Georgetown has a web site set up with a list of all the shops and everything, but it doesnt seem like Dupont Circle has anything similar. Besides walking by the embassies is there anything specific in the area we should go to, or better just wandering. Also, a couple other recommendations for dinners would be nice. Not necessarily fine dining places either, sometimes after walking around all day Beer and Burger places are great. Front Page - The Brunch was really really really good back in the day. Not sure how it is now Grill Fish Georgia Browns - The Brunch is insane - in a good way The Diner Annie Paramount (only good after the club) Urbana Pesce Blue Duck Komi
October 20, 201113 yr So we were out last night with a friend who used to live in DC and she recommended to the wife that shopping in Georgetown would be a great thing to do. She also recommended Sequoia for dinner over there, thoughts? Also, Georgetown has a web site set up with a list of all the shops and everything, but it doesnt seem like Dupont Circle has anything similar. Besides walking by the embassies is there anything specific in the area we should go to, or better just wandering. Also, a couple other recommendations for dinners would be nice. Not necessarily fine dining places either, sometimes after walking around all day Beer and Burger places are great. Front Page - The Brunch was really really really good back in the day. Not sure how it is now Grill Fish Georgia Browns - The Brunch is insane - in a good way The Diner Annie Paramount (only good after the club) Urbana Pesce Blue Duck Komi MTS I wanted to let you know that we did end up taking your advice this time, because we all need to overinflate your ego afterall. Had dinner at Blue Duck and it was fantastic, expensive but fantastic. Also, in a strange coincidence we also ate at Urbana. We were meeting up with some friends in Dupont Circle area. They were coming from over in Alexandria, we were going out to Adams Morgan later, and as I wasn't sure of their schedule I told them to pick dinner. I think Blue Duck was better than Urbana, but both were pretty darn good. So we may have ignored you completely as to recommendations in NYC, but I feel we made up for it in DC. Ha ;)
October 20, 201113 yr I was going to tell you to go to the Brickskeller in Dupont Circle, but I just Googled it and apparently they closed recently. I went circa 2005 and it was awesome. They had what was probably the largest beer selection I'd ever seen. Oh, well. :( RIP Brickskeller :drunk: http://www.yelp.com/biz/brickskeller-washington Crap, that sounds like a place I could have passed out in .... I'm mean stayed in. Just so you know I wasn't exaggerating about the beer selection...Wikipedia says they had the Guinness World Record for bar with the largest selection of commercially available beers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brickskeller Oh, and the good news: Wikipedia also informed me that a new bar opened in the same location called Bier Baron. It also has an enormous selection of beer. Let me know how it is! :wink2: Never did make it there, but we did go to Birch & Barley who have a pretty extensive beer list. The food was good, but the beer was better.
October 21, 201113 yr So we were out last night with a friend who used to live in DC and she recommended to the wife that shopping in Georgetown would be a great thing to do. She also recommended Sequoia for dinner over there, thoughts? Also, Georgetown has a web site set up with a list of all the shops and everything, but it doesnt seem like Dupont Circle has anything similar. Besides walking by the embassies is there anything specific in the area we should go to, or better just wandering. Also, a couple other recommendations for dinners would be nice. Not necessarily fine dining places either, sometimes after walking around all day Beer and Burger places are great. Front Page - The Brunch was really really really good back in the day. Not sure how it is now Grill Fish Georgia Browns - The Brunch is insane - in a good way The Diner Annie Paramount (only good after the club) Urbana Pesce Blue Duck Komi MTS I wanted to let you know that we did end up taking your advice this time, because we all need to overinflate your ego afterall. Had dinner at Blue Duck and it was fantastic, expensive but fantastic. Also, in a strange coincidence we also ate at Urbana. We were meeting up with some friends in Dupont Circle area. They were coming from over in Alexandria, we were going out to Adams Morgan later, and as I wasn't sure of their schedule I told them to pick dinner. I think Blue Duck was better than Urbana, but both were pretty darn good. So we may have ignored you completely as to recommendations in NYC, but I feel we made up for it in DC. Ha ;) Its about time you listened. Damnit! What did you order?
October 21, 201113 yr ^ Honestly I can't remember exactly what we had, and it looks like they just changed their menu over. I'm pretty sure I had duck confit (I love confit, anything cooked in its own fat is tasty), it was delicious though. I know the wife had a whitefish too. But what really stood out was the sides. They are fantastic and quite large. We ordered two for us to share and there was plenty. One was like a risotto, but creamier, cant remember the second. Dessert though was a good time, mostly because they set it on fire. A Chocolate Cake Flambe, which was good, but I think it could have used more alcohol. :) Urbana didn't stand out as much. Still good though. The one thing that did stand out was Duck Prosciutto. So buttery and delicate. It was sliced so thin you could see through it and it almost melted in your mouth.
October 21, 201113 yr ^ Honestly I can't remember exactly what we had, and it looks like they just changed their menu over. I'm pretty sure I had duck confit (I love confit, anything cooked in its own fat is tasty), it was delicious though. I know the wife had a whitefish too. But what really stood out was the sides. They are fantastic and quite large. We ordered two for us to share and there was plenty. One was like a risotto, but creamier, cant remember the second. Dessert though was a good time, mostly because they set it on fire. A Chocolate Cake Flambe, which was good, but I think it could have used more alcohol. :) Urbana didn't stand out as much. Still good though. The one thing that did stand out was Duck Prosciutto. So buttery and delicate. It was sliced so thin you could see through it and it almost melted in your mouth. Take my advice in the future. You may get use to living "the good life". ;) ;) So what else did you kids do? Pictures?
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