Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with washington

I'm looking for a quote from a founding father about leaving government

rileyray3000 — Fri, 10 May 2013 22:01:35 -0800

I remember reading something, somewhere from one of the founding fathers about the original intent of legislators to NOT be a political class. To serve a term or two and go home so that people from outside could contribute and people inside didn't get too jaded. Though maybe I'm adding a lot of subtext. Is there anything from any of the FF's on this that rings a bell? Do you have a quote or two?

Washington Nationals for the Destitute

Hollywood Upstairs Medical College — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:25:51 -0800

How early does one need to be at Nationals Park to grab one of the $5 grandstand tickets for a Saturday afternoon game? They start selling them 2 1/2 hours in advance, how early do I really need to be there? First time back in DC in a couple years...they're playoff contenders now. I have been watching SeatGeek for amazing deals for other seats...but I've got graduate student money.

Short, dog-friendly hike/walk near Seattle?

lunasol — Fri, 03 May 2013 10:52:55 -0800

I'd like to go for a short hike/long walk in the woods or other wild place within a 90-minute drive of Seattle this weekend. The weather is gorgeous and I need to get outside! I'd like to take my 5-month-old puppy. He's only supposed to walk for about a half hour at a time on his puppy legs, so I'd like the walk to be relatively easy (a few miles or less). I'll keep him on-leash the whole time, but it has to be dog-friendly, so no national parks.

I'm open to forest, mountain, beach, whatever. I'd like it to be outside the city, within a 90 minute/two-hour drive.

I know about the WTA's hike-finder, but would love some mefite suggestions!

Have rods, tackle & permit, will travel near Seattle.

halogen — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:37:43 -0800

I just acquired a couple of light-duty (i.e. inappropriate for river salmon) fishing rods, I've received a primer in selecting tackle and setting everything up, I know my knots, I've got my permits and a Discover Pass, and my cooler is ready for some fresh catch. Where, within a 40 minutes' drive of Seattle, can I go catch delicious fish that I can cook and eat? Any recommendations for location-specific books or other resources geared toward an absolute beginner who is more enthusiastic about the food than the sport? I live near I-90 at I-5, a few blocks from the lake but am not so sure about all the sewage and pollution warning signs at the docks that are within walking distance – and I take my dog there daily but I've never seen any people fishing.

Destination request, western/northwestern US; 20th anniversary edition

mosk — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:33:44 -0800

We're celebrating our 20th anniversary this summer (yay!) and we're trying to find a place to stay for a week in the western/northwestern US to celebrate this milestone. The catch is that this destination needs to be some place new to us. A few other particular requirements below the fold. The kids will be with the grandparents, so this trip is just for us. Looking for a little peace and quiet, some quality time with each other, and also some opportunities to fish, hike, and lay around.

We're from Northern California, so we've seen a lot of NorCal, and I think we've visited many/most of the obvious choices. We'd like to try another western state. A preliminary search has given us some promising leads in eastern Oregon and southern Idaho. It looks like there are some cool places in Montana, too, but I think that may be too far to travel. Similarly intrigued by the Ruby Mountains in Nevada, but I don't think we can make it there and back and still have enough time left over to make it worthwhile.

We'll have about 8 days total, including travel time. We're willing to invest a solid day of travel on each end, but no more than that.

Here are our requirements:

1. In the Western US, within a single day's travel from the SF Bay Area. Prefer to drive, but flying is OK if all other requirements are met. If driving, this could be up to 12 hours of travel time.
2. As stated, this must be some place we haven't visited before. Tahoe and environs are out, NorCal wine country is out, central CA coast is out, Ashland and Oregon's Lake of the Woods are out. Yosemite is out. Some parts of Sequoia and Kings Canton Nat'l. Parks are out. We've visited other places, too, but those are the ones that come to mind.
3. Must be near great natural beauty and good hiking possibilities.
4. Must be near good fishing -- I strongly prefer to fish for bass, but trout would be acceptable. I have a small aluminum fishing boat that I'll bring if I can (hence the preference for driving).
5. Accommodations must be nice to very nice, where nice = clean and comfortable, and very nice = a little luxurious. This is our 20th anniversary, so no cheap motels, though a rustic cabin at a resort or lake is OK as long as it's reasonably clean. A hotel or resort with some spa facilities (or something nearby), a nice pool or lake, etc. is what we're looking for.
6. No camping this trip.
7. At least one very good restaurant within a 30-ish minute drive.
8. Off the beaten path would be an added bonus.
9. This will be in early August, so heat is a consideration.

Thanks for what ever suggestions you can pass along!

Best Bookstores in Pacific Northwest

silusGROK — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:48:43 -0800

I'm road tripping thru the Pacific Northwest. I'll be vetting bookstores for my upcoming book tour in Boise ID, Bend OR, Eugene/Corvallis OR, Portland OR, Seattle WA, Spokane WA, and Missoula MT — and any towns in between that warrant it. :-) I'm hoping y'all might have bookstores to recommend! Aside from Auntie's in Spokane and Powell's in Portland, I'm relying on Yelp — but I'd much prefer your personal recommendations for bookstores that host author events, have a great vibe, and friendly staff.

Cooking Classes in DC for my friends

sweetkid — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:26:14 -0800

My friends are moving from Brooklyn to DC and I would like to gift them cooking classes in their new area. Any recommendations? A place similar to Brooklyn Kitchen, with diverse classes with a foodie, hip bent is what I'm looking for. Oh and I'd need to give them gift certificates, for something like a one-off class rather than a series (total of $100?).

They don't drink much so a place with a strong alcohol component might work well. They are going to be living in Eastern Market if that helps.

We are limiting ourselves to one penis-shaped item

enlarged to show texture — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:08:06 -0800

Non-traditional, non-girly, physically active bachelorette party ideas in the DC area? A couple of friends and I are trying to organize a bachelorette party for our dear friend who lives in the Maryland suburbs of DC. We've already got dinner and post-dinner activities planned, but we're looking for some sort of pre-dinner activity that would be good for a group of about 10 women.

Our friend likes outdoor activities and physical challenges; it's difficult to find something that a) fits those criteria, b) is social, and c) is accommodating of different levels of physical fitness and courage (all of the attendees enjoy physical activity, but not all of them enjoy walking on tightropes 20 feet off the ground and one of the attendees will be rather pregnant).

I thought I had the perfect idea with the low ropes course at Terrapin Adventures, but alas, they are already booked up for the day of the party. Laser tag is a possibility, though unless we're willing to fork over tons of money it seems that we would be thrown in with a bunch of adolescent boys, which is sub-optimal. So, in short, I'm looking for suggestions for activities that:

-Are in the DC area, preferably the Maryland side
-Aren't too expensive (maybe $30/person max)
-Involve some amount of physical exertion and maybe a little bit of adrenaline
-Aren't particularly girly (NO POLE DANCING LESSONS!)
-Facilitate social interaction amongst the participants (and I guess ideally not with strangers)

We're not averse to setting something up ourselves, but it would be much easier if it's something pre-fab.

Have at it, hive mind!

Where can I buy a quality buckwheat pillow?

NikitaNikita — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:17:48 -0800

Where can I buy a quality buckwheat pillow in the DC area, or Maryland, or online? Or what do I need to look for to get a good one, and how much should I expect to pay? My aching neck is ready to try something new. My main issue is that my neck feels like it sort of "collapses" at night with most pillows -- the latex one i'm using now is pretty good and was affordable, but sometimes my head slips off of it (or it feels like that at least) and then I'm half off the pillow and my neck is wonky again.

Thanks for your tips and recommendations!

Which neighborhoods should I be considering in the DC area?

Anonymous — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:35:22 -0800

I am moving to DC this fall to work in biglaw. The pay is high, but so are my student loans, which I would like to pay off ahead of schedule. Where should I live? Snowflakes within. This fall, I will be moving to DC with my wonderful fiance and our two cats. I will be working in a large law firm. Fiance and I currently live in a medium-sized southern city, but we lived in an expensive city on the east coast while I was attending law school, so I understand how to go about finding an apartment.

Where I do need help is narrowing down our search. Specifically, I need to know what neighborhoods we should be looking in. My employer will pay for a short trip to DC for Fiance and I to apartment hunt, and I would like to know where to start so that the trip will manageable and useful.

Because IAAL I have put our needs and preferences into outline form:

Budget:

- I'll be working in biglaw. So the pay is generous (around $150K), but I will be working crazy hours.

- Fiance does not yet have a job lined up, but for the past couple of years, he has been doing administrative work in local hospitals, making around $20-$30K. He will be looking for a similar job when we move. He will likely be going back to school in the next couple of years for something healthcare-related, but he has no concrete plans yet.

- I have TONS of student loan debt from law school. I would like to put as much of my income as possible toward paying it off, or at least paying it down. Getting rid of my debt as soon as possible is a very serious goal for me. Fiance is extremely supportive of this too.

Transportation:

- My office is right next to the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro stop, so proximity to the red, yellow, or green line is preferred. Orange and blue are also possible, though. Given that I'll be working a lot, I'm having trouble figuring out how long of a Metro commute is reasonable for me. (Being close enough to work to be able to walk would be lovely, but I don't think it would be worth the expense. Please correct me if I'm wrong, though!)

- We will be bringing one car with us. Fiance may want to use it to commute to work or (eventually) school, but we obviously don't know where either of those will be. We would love it if we didn't have to move again when he starts school, but his plans are still pretty tentative, and he could end up anywhere from Georgetown to somewhere in Baltimore.

Other preferences:

- Fiance and I are both homebodies who go out occasionally, so being close to great restaurants, shops, bars, etc. is not a priority for us. Especially since I know those things come with a price tag in an expensive city. Being close to some conveniences like grocery stores (especially Trader Joe's!) would be helpful.

- Since I'm going to be working all the damn time, I would prioritize having amenities like a dishwasher and washer/dryer over living in a super fun neighborhood. I do love older buildings and places with character, but I think a modern building is more practical for us right now. (Also, we recently spent multiple years in a fourth-floor walkup, and I would prefer not to do that again.)

- Safety is important, but Fiance and I are not hysterical about it. We currently live in a city with a terrible reputation for crime, and we feel very comfortable here.

- We have two indoor cats and would like to adopt a dog in the near future. We do not have kids.

- We've been sharing 1 bedroom apartments for the past few years, and I think we'd like to upgrade to a 2 bedroom or a 1 bedroom with a study. But it doesn't need to be huge. We don't have that much stuff.

TL;DR: flexible budget but trying to keep it low, need easy Metro commute to Chinatown, prefer 1.5-2BR in modern building with good amenities.

I have previously subletted in a large apartment building in Van Ness. That area is definitely on the shortlist this time around, but I want to make sure I'm not missing out on better options. I have seen this question, but I have a bit more budget flexibility than the OP there.

Where else should we be looking? Any specific buildings you're familiar with that would suit our needs?

What should our budget actually be?

Thank you in advance for your guidance and wisdom! Throwaway email: movingtodc13@gmail.com

Good bank in Washington State

pleurodirous — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:08:35 -0800

I'm looking to set up a personal account in a local bank in Washington state. I want to work with a bank that does local business and isn't laundering hundreds of billions of dollars for drug cartels (or insert whatever other horrifying banking scandal comes to mind.) I need a bank with office and ATM locations in the Northwest part of the state, and ideally they'd have an ATM sharing agreement with banks/credit unions in other parts of the country (and Canada? does that happen?) I've done some initial research on my own, but this seemed like the kind of thing the hivemind could help with. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Retail marijuana in Washington state

Ardiril — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:57:20 -0800

In what month can the state of Washington realistically expect to see a commercial storefront retailing marijuana to the general public (with proof of age)? [citations appreciated]

Restaurant recommendations near Dupont Circle (Washington DC)?

theatro — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 07:25:58 -0800

I moved to DC recently-ish, but haven't explored the restaurant scene very well. Now I have a friend coming to town next week, staying right near the Dupont Circle Metro station, and I could use some recommendations for places to eat. Can any locals help me out? We're both omnivores, and while I'd prefer economical options, I don't think we're averse to considering something pricier if it comes highly recommended.

There was a previous question about Dupont Circle-area eats from 2011, but since the top contender in those answers has apparently closed by now, I'd love to get some more recent input. Please help me be a good host!

Rural resort near to Washington DC for anniversary weekend

fso — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:39:24 -0800

My wife and I are moving to DC this summer and it's our first wedding anniversary in late September. I'd like to take her away for a weekend around that time to some sort of beautiful country getaway. I'm open to B&Bs, high-end resorts, anything like that. To give you a sense of what I have in mind, something equivalent to Montebello in Quebec. Just some place quiet and beautiful.

No need for matching linens

kittensofthenight — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:21:25 -0800

Looking for a pretty, small, old, and inexpensive hotel within a short drive (up to 4 hours) of Seattle. I was looking for a hotel within a short walking or driving (not hiking) distance from hot springs, but none of the options (Bonneville, Sol Duc) looked right- a little swanky and institutional. Hot springs would be great, but now I'm just looking for a small hotel outside of a city, preferably by water, that has a quirky vibe, maybe an old hippie thing going on. Anywhere in western washington or northern oregon would be fine, I'm simply do not have very much experience with travel sites. I have previously looked for lodging based solely on price, rather than... the ambience. For me, inexpensive means ~120 a night for two adults.

Any recommendations?

Where is the real life Rancho Relaxo?

lilnublet — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:07:06 -0800

My 40th birthday present to myself is to run away for several days by myself to indulge in restful solitude, nature walks, spa treatments and room service. I live in Oregon and am considering the coast, but could also be talked into Washington/California, or places other than the beach. Price is no object, but would prefer it to be within driving distance of Portland. Requirements and preferences within... In a perfect perfect world, I would like a solitary space - I'd rather a cabin than a hotel room - close enough to the ocean to hear the waves, but secluded from other people. Actually, I'd love not not to have to see or speak to a single human being the whole time, but will make exceptions for the purchase of goods and services. Things like: healthy meals, bottles of wine and icecream sundaes delivered via room service. Mud baths, facials and massages; saunas and whirlpools. Good places to run, or access to a yoga class(?). I want a fireplace in my room or a personal firepit outside it. And/or a jacuzzi. Preferably and. Beautiful nature if I feel like walking around outside, lots of stars if I just feel like sitting, and a soft fluffy bed if I don't feel like doing either. Bonus if I'm not subjected to other peoples' romantic getaways or conversations with other tourists. Suggestions?

Doing DC/Alexandria alone

almostmanda — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:38:43 -0800

In April I'll be attending a weeklong conference in Alexandria, VA and will likely be traveling alone. I've never been to DC. What can I do (safely and cheaply) by myself? I'll be staying at the Hilton in Old Town, where the conference is being held. My understanding is that this is pretty close to a major Metro station. I'm also probably going to do a night or two through AirBnB to extend my trip a little longer, but that will probably be in the same area.

Things I like: unique shopping, all manner of amazing food, thrift stores, walking along docks/beaches, bookstores (esp. feminist bookstores), animals (the natural history museum is on my list), people-watching, craft beer, comic book shops, places where I can just sit and read a book.

Things I'm okay skipping: bars, war history, architecture, art, restaurants where single people are out of place.

So, I'd like to hear your recommendations about places I could eat where I won't feel out of place if I'm alone, or things I can explore safely in the evenings/during the weekend. I'm a mid-twenties female with moderate big city experience. I'm good at navigating subways, less so with buses. I'd also appreciate a little guidance on the weather and how to dress appropriately for April.

Barack Obama Dance Party! Jan 21st, Washington DC!

spinifex23 — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:44:16 -0800

I'm going to the Presidential Inauguration this month, in Washington DC, and I'd like to solicit tips and tricks to make the day go smooth for me. The last time I was in DC was 8 years ago, and it was for a day trip. What to do? What to avoid? What is security going to be like, will they have food and drink for sale, etc. If you went in 2009, what was it like? How did you survive the day? Also, I have written both of my Senators for tickets, and have heard nothing back from them, so I'm going under the assumption that I didn't get any. Thus, I will probably be watching the ceremony on the National Mall. If I end up here, where's the best place to stand? I'm flying in from Seattle for this, I'm not missing it! More planning I have done: I'm staying at the hostel on 1009 11th Street, NW for a couple days before and after. I understand that it's within walking distance to the National Mall.

I also went ahead and ordered the Metro Inauguration 2013 Day Pass, which will work as a 'flash pass' on the buses. Plus, neat souveneir. ^__^

The third thing I'm doing is packing a really light purse for the event, as I read the security detail won't be allowing in backpacks, and having in it printed maps, my Epi-Pen and medication (in a marked medicine bottle), magazine, cell phone, and a granola bar or two. I don't know if that backpack ban for just the ticketed folk, or the entire area.

I'm sure I'm missing things, so please, fill me in!

Help me fix my debt fiasco

virginia_clemm — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 22:12:50 -0800

Please help me get my financial situation in order during a separation from my husband. Looking for advice and suggestions from your own experience, or factual knowledge of "legal separation" in Washington state. Also looking for personal experiences relating to credit counseling, credit attorneys, etc. Sorry this will be long and most likely confusing, since I am confused as to what I am even asking here.
My husband and I have physically separated (living apart) due to many relationship issues we would like to resolve, but our ultimate goal is to overcome these challenges and someday get back together. That's all you really need to know about the emotional aspect of this question...my real questions have to do with legal and financial issues.

First: we do NOT want to get divorced. Washington state has something called a legal separation, which we believe would allow us to untangle our finances while staying married and keeping me on his insurance, which is vital for treating a long term medical issue I suffer from. I am looking for confirmation from anyone who has done this personally, or advice from legal types whether or not this will work. He and I both have major credit issues that date back to before we were married, and have continued to haunt our relationship. If we were to become legally separated, would this allow us to dissect our finances, leaving each of us only responsible for any personal debt accumulated BEFORE we were married? The debt we have as a couple is minor compared to our "old" debt.

My second question is: what is the best option for paying down my own debt and rebuilding my credit? I know the best advice is to consult a professional, but I am so confused as to which one I should ask. My options seem to range from shifty looking debt consolidation services, credit attorneys, and bankruptcy. I honestly feel that I could pay my debt off if I found the right way to do it, bankruptcy is a last resort for sure. I have some debt I do not want to include in this arrangement, mainly student loans. I basically have credit card debt I have not paid on for years (yes, this is really embarrassing, but I really do want to rectify the situation). I don't make a lot of money, but I also have few expenses beyond rent, and I could afford 300-400 dollars a month to repay my debt. I need to do something soon, as my wages have started to be garnished, and now that I am supporting myself without my husband's help, I need to keep my income as high as possible.

Feel free to ask any questions, I will not threadsit, but will check back periodically. You can also email my account here on Metafilter. Thank you so much for any help you can give me.

Help me plan a very short itinerary in Washington, DC

joannemerriam — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:54:02 -0800

I'll be in Alexandria, VA for two days next week for work, and have until 1 pm on the Thursday (Dec 6) free. What might I comfortably see in Washington on a Thursday morning that would allow me to be back in Alexandria by 1 pm? I especially like art galleries and museums, and given it's the capitol I think the Capitol buildings and Library of Congress and area might be really interesting, per this one-day tour. I have also heard there's a National Spy Museum but don't know if it's any good, or doable in half a day.

I will be travelling alone and don't want to be unsafe. I am also completely unfamiliar with the area (I've been to Washington once, and we went to the zoo and walked past the Senate building, and that's it) and especially with the subway system, but am game to try it if it's a good option for the neophyte tourist (who has navigated London and NYC subway systems with little trouble).

I really can't be late for my work meeting, so I'd like to plan to lunch in Alexandria itself.

Is this realistic? What should I do?

Where to get a quietclassy drink in DC?

Xalf — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 06:28:21 -0800

I'm looking for a quiet and classy hotel lobby in DC where a couple can have a drink tonight. I have been to the Mandarin Oriental, and I think that would work, but I would like something new to me. And convenient to public transport wouldn't hurt. My ideal is the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago, if that helps. (Also, I am open to suggestions that are similar to but not necessarily hotel lobbies.)

Baby tips for car-free biking couple in Washington DC?

tkbarbarian — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 16:00:46 -0800

We're Brits in Washington DC about to have our first baby! We have bicycles but don't own a car (use Zipcar / taxis). All the standard baby-prep advice seems to assume owning a car... so do you guys have any tips for car-free baby living? In particular: car seats (for occasional use / quick installation), diaper services and bike trailers? Details inside! Key questions:

1) My hospital requires me to have a "rear facing infant car seat" installed in "my car" to bring my kid home. I don't own a car but will likely take a taxi home - which car seats / legal baby-transport means do you folks recommend? All the ones I've seen are heavy, and have giant bases that are intended to be left in the car.

In general, what's the "correct" way to take a taxi with a newborn baby?

2) I'd like to get a bike trailer / stroller combo - something like a Burley D'Lite with the jogger wheel at the front. I'm told you can install an infant carseat into one of these (like a Chicco Keyfit 30) - is this a good idea? Any tips on this too?

3) Recommended diaper services for newborns? We'd like to use cloth / washable diapers but I don't have any recommendations for companies serving the Dupont circle area.

Thanks!

What magazines should an entrepreneur in D.C. subscribe to?

kindel — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 06:28:33 -0800

What magazines / newsletters should an businessperson / entrepreneur in D.C. subscribe to in order to get connected? I've just moved to Washington D.C. from a small town in Louisiana. I was very connected with events, businesses, chamber meetings, etc back at home and I'm trying to get involved with things here in D.C. I'm going to DC week and I've been trying to build my connections. I have a subscription to Entrepreneur magazine, but it's not D.C. specific. Are there any publications or newsletters in the D.C. area that would be good for me? What about events or meetups?

Not afraid of a little rain

DynamiteToast — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 18:44:51 -0800

Stuck in DC, suggestions for fun things to do Tuesday and Wednesday? The fiancee and I are stuck in a hotel a block south of the national mall. It's a nice holiday Inn and there's a bunch of FEMA people staying here too so I'm not too worried about safety stuff. Just in case we bought some food and water in case power goes out or anything, and we're from Houston so it's not our first hurricane.

Having got the disclaimers out of the way, and assuming the weather clears up enough that it's safe to walk around, does anyone have any suggestions for museums or sights we could do Tuesday while the Federal employees (so smithsonian and Capitol, etc. closed) are off? We've already seen the newseum and spy museum, and seen all the sights connected to the green area around the Washington Monument. Restaurant recommendations are appreciated too.

Clothing culture shock: getting a woman from the lab to Capitol Hill

ilyanassa — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 14:43:20 -0800

Business clothing for female scientist working in Washington DC. After reading this Jezebel post, I'm channeling my stress over finishing my dissertation into worrying about what on earth I'll wear during my post-doc, which is a science policy fellowship in Washington, DC. I've been a graduate student in southern California for the past 6.5 years, which has meant ratty jeans & graphic t-shirts.

I'm 5'4" and a curvy size 14 (40-34-44, about a 36DDD bra). For conferences and talks, I wear a lot of the Banana Republic Mad Men-style dresses and the occasional pencil skirts with top & cardigan. I am not usually able to wear button-down shirts or jackets due to my bust - I am too big in the bust for non-plus-size, and plus-size is too big on the rest of me. I like the idea of heels but have no idea how to walk or stand in them for more than a hour, so I end up in ballet flats or my one nice pair of flat boots. I usually wear my hair in a ponytail & no makeup, and I have no idea what the heck I should do with my hair and makeup in a professional setting.

I've read some of the fashion blogs here, but I'm both time- and money-poor right now. I don't have the money for a shopping spree or the time to go thrifting, and due to my larger size thrifting is rarely successful for me anyway.

Can you recommend stores, resources, or strategies that will help me look professional in political circles next year?