We've seen the taxidermied dog. What else you got, DC?
March 8, 2012 6:06 AM Subscribe
Our mini-vacation in DC. Help us plan it.
Shepherd and I are leaving for DC for about five days in a couple of weeks to see friends. While yes, there will be plenty of time with said friends, there is going to be enough time for us to explore on our own.
That said, what historical/art stuff should we not miss? He's Canadian and hasn't been to DC since he was a kid; I went a couple of years ago (my best friend lives there) and went to the Library of Congress, Air & Space Museum, the National Zoo, the Postal Museum (Owney, the Taxidermied Doggie!)..and I think that was about it. (We did a lot of drinking so we weren't feeling our best most of the days.)
For example, out of the NINETEEN museums under the Smithsonian umbrella, which are worth going to? How about art galleries? Anything interesting and off the beaten path (we're already interested in going to the Spy Museum)?
As for dining, I'm vegan and Shepherd is vegan-friendly. I hope to be able to eat food trucks while trekking throughout my nation's capital. We'll be celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary while there so any suggestions for a lovely fine dining vegan-friendly restaurant are welcome. So bring on the food/drink recs as well!
(We're staying at a B&B on R Street for the first couple days and decamping to my friend's apartment in Columbia Heights for the rest if that helps. We'll be using the Metro and buses to get around.)
I thank you in advance!
Shepherd and I are leaving for DC for about five days in a couple of weeks to see friends. While yes, there will be plenty of time with said friends, there is going to be enough time for us to explore on our own.
That said, what historical/art stuff should we not miss? He's Canadian and hasn't been to DC since he was a kid; I went a couple of years ago (my best friend lives there) and went to the Library of Congress, Air & Space Museum, the National Zoo, the Postal Museum (Owney, the Taxidermied Doggie!)..and I think that was about it. (We did a lot of drinking so we weren't feeling our best most of the days.)
For example, out of the NINETEEN museums under the Smithsonian umbrella, which are worth going to? How about art galleries? Anything interesting and off the beaten path (we're already interested in going to the Spy Museum)?
As for dining, I'm vegan and Shepherd is vegan-friendly. I hope to be able to eat food trucks while trekking throughout my nation's capital. We'll be celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary while there so any suggestions for a lovely fine dining vegan-friendly restaurant are welcome. So bring on the food/drink recs as well!
(We're staying at a B&B on R Street for the first couple days and decamping to my friend's apartment in Columbia Heights for the rest if that helps. We'll be using the Metro and buses to get around.)
I thank you in advance!
I love the Spy Museum, so good choice. I also adore the Newseum.
There is a website for DC Vegetarians, and I think their restaurant list might be helpful to you, as it lists vegan options as well. http://www.vegdc.com/restaurants.php
posted by runnergirl at 6:15 AM on March 8, 2012
There is a website for DC Vegetarians, and I think their restaurant list might be helpful to you, as it lists vegan options as well. http://www.vegdc.com/restaurants.php
posted by runnergirl at 6:15 AM on March 8, 2012
For museums, the National Gallery is pretty great. I've also seen some really cool stuff at the Corcoran.
For food, I would think Ethiopian vegetarian platters would work. Try one of the more renowned restaurants; I don't know them well enough to know which ones have nice ambiences.
posted by troywestfield at 6:17 AM on March 8, 2012
For food, I would think Ethiopian vegetarian platters would work. Try one of the more renowned restaurants; I don't know them well enough to know which ones have nice ambiences.
posted by troywestfield at 6:17 AM on March 8, 2012
As to the food trucks, use this food-truck finder.
I'm not clear on whether you want to go back to things you have seen already, for your friend's sake. If you have access to a car or are willing to do some public transport hacking, consider the Air and Space Museum part that's out near Dulles. Impressive.
Also consider walking along the canal, or going to Great Falls.
posted by Clyde Mnestra at 6:25 AM on March 8, 2012
I'm not clear on whether you want to go back to things you have seen already, for your friend's sake. If you have access to a car or are willing to do some public transport hacking, consider the Air and Space Museum part that's out near Dulles. Impressive.
Also consider walking along the canal, or going to Great Falls.
posted by Clyde Mnestra at 6:25 AM on March 8, 2012
My favorite of the Smithsonian Museums are the Native American museum and the Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum. The Native American Museum´s awesome because it manages to be as much about contemporary people as it is about old artifacts and The Way Life Was. While the actual portraits in the Portrait Gallery are pretty cool, my favorite part is their collection of American ¨folk art.¨ There´s some really wacky stuff in that collection, e.g. my very favorite, The Throne o the Third Heaven of the Nations´ Millennium General Assembly.
For non-Smithsonian museums, I like the Hillwood Museum, though it´s seriously overwhelming and over-the-top. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the gardens there. Ditto Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown.
For Vegan food, by all means grab some baked goods at Sticky Fingers while you´re in Columbia Heights, and eat some Ethiopian food near 9th and U street. (All the places I´ve been to there were about equally good.) If you´re in Columbia Heights anyway and up for a bit of a walk, I also strongly suggest Everlasting Life, at the corner of Georgia Ave and Columbia Rd. It is not classy inside--this is not where to have your anniversary dinner--but it is entirely vegan and so, so delicious.
posted by ActionPopulated at 6:39 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
For non-Smithsonian museums, I like the Hillwood Museum, though it´s seriously overwhelming and over-the-top. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the gardens there. Ditto Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown.
For Vegan food, by all means grab some baked goods at Sticky Fingers while you´re in Columbia Heights, and eat some Ethiopian food near 9th and U street. (All the places I´ve been to there were about equally good.) If you´re in Columbia Heights anyway and up for a bit of a walk, I also strongly suggest Everlasting Life, at the corner of Georgia Ave and Columbia Rd. It is not classy inside--this is not where to have your anniversary dinner--but it is entirely vegan and so, so delicious.
posted by ActionPopulated at 6:39 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
The coolest thing about the Smithsonian is...it's free! So you can either pop in and out to get a little taste of each, or just pick one or two and make a day of it. I work nearby and usually visit at least one or two museums a week. What sort of art are you interested in? There's a small but very cool exhibition of installations going on right now at the Hirshhorn.
posted by JoanArkham at 6:43 AM on March 8, 2012
posted by JoanArkham at 6:43 AM on March 8, 2012
Try the Phillips Collection near Dupont Circle. It's a smallish collection in a cool old building with some gorgeous impressionists (including the Renoir Luncheon of the Boating Party which is pretty amazing when you see the original instead of a pic or reproduction), some Rothkos, a bunch of other great stuff. (Also, I need to see the taxidermied dog.)
posted by Cocodrillo at 6:44 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Cocodrillo at 6:44 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
Whatever your plan is for museums make sure you have an alternate plan as well. For me, I like museums and was excited to go to them before my trip. However, after three museums (and it might just have been the busloads of kids) I was ready for something different!
posted by thorny at 6:58 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by thorny at 6:58 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Popping in real quick:
Yes, I have consulted the VegDC website as well as Chowhound, the PPK forums. All are invaluable for dining, but I always like asking people on forums I frequent what they like to eat.
I am aware of the Food Truck Finder as well, but what's the wifi situation like in DC? I am not keen on racking up a massive bill on my phone (especially after the UK debacle).
My best friend is anxious to take me to Everlasting Life because it's a few blocks from her apartment.
As for Sticky Fingers, as a vegan baker, you know I gotta hit that.
You're right about alternate plans. I think one of the reasons my friend and I skipped a lot of museums is because we were hungover and there were lots of kids about. Not a fun combo.
posted by Kitteh at 7:06 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
Yes, I have consulted the VegDC website as well as Chowhound, the PPK forums. All are invaluable for dining, but I always like asking people on forums I frequent what they like to eat.
I am aware of the Food Truck Finder as well, but what's the wifi situation like in DC? I am not keen on racking up a massive bill on my phone (especially after the UK debacle).
My best friend is anxious to take me to Everlasting Life because it's a few blocks from her apartment.
As for Sticky Fingers, as a vegan baker, you know I gotta hit that.
You're right about alternate plans. I think one of the reasons my friend and I skipped a lot of museums is because we were hungover and there were lots of kids about. Not a fun combo.
posted by Kitteh at 7:06 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
Zaytinya is a gorgeous anniversary-worthy restaurant very near the Spy Museum. It's not vegan, but Greek/Turkish/Lebanese with lots of vegan mezze options.
posted by apparently at 7:07 AM on March 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by apparently at 7:07 AM on March 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
There's some good non-Smithsonian museums to go to, particularly the previously-mentioned Spy Museum and the National Building Museum, which even though I'm a DC-area resident, I visit at least once a year. A couple blocks away is the National Portrait Gallery, which is part of the Smithsonian and also worth visiting. As Clyde Mnestra mentioned, if you enjoyed the Air & Space Museum and you have the time, take the shuttle or the 5A Metrobus to Dulles and visit the Udvar-Hazy Center, which is all the cool stuff (WW2 experimental planes, the Concorde, the Enola Gay, etc) they couldn't fit in the museum downtown.
If you want some cool new places to get your drink on, there's a number of bars (such as the Argonaut and Biergarten Haus) in H St NE--aka the Atlas District--that might be new to you. I don't spend a lot of time in the busy parts of downtown, but Not sure on the vegan options, but there's bound to be quite a few in the area.
posted by zombieflanders at 7:09 AM on March 8, 2012
If you want some cool new places to get your drink on, there's a number of bars (such as the Argonaut and Biergarten Haus) in H St NE--aka the Atlas District--that might be new to you. I don't spend a lot of time in the busy parts of downtown, but Not sure on the vegan options, but there's bound to be quite a few in the area.
posted by zombieflanders at 7:09 AM on March 8, 2012
With respect to food - kill two birds with one stone and eat at the cafeteria at the Native American Museum.
I am an actual DC resident and I eat there once or twice a month. Delicious.
posted by downing street memo at 7:10 AM on March 8, 2012 [3 favorites]
I am an actual DC resident and I eat there once or twice a month. Delicious.
posted by downing street memo at 7:10 AM on March 8, 2012 [3 favorites]
For vegetarian/vegan restaurants, try Ethiopic, Busboys and Poets, and Elizabeth's Gone Raw. Amsterdam Falafel is my favorite veg place in the city. Here's a listing of food trucks from VegDC, I can't really vouch for the veganness of any of them. If you want to stay in, Ducchini's delivers vegan pizza to CH. For a fancier option, Rasika is my pick.
Museums: National Gallery, Hirshhorn, National Botanic Garden, and Natural History are my favorites (and they're all fairly close together on the Mall.) I would not recommend the Spy Museum-- overpriced and not really as cool as it sounds. (I also don't really like the Native American Museum itself, but the architecture is amazing.)
posted by Flamingo at 7:12 AM on March 8, 2012
Museums: National Gallery, Hirshhorn, National Botanic Garden, and Natural History are my favorites (and they're all fairly close together on the Mall.) I would not recommend the Spy Museum-- overpriced and not really as cool as it sounds. (I also don't really like the Native American Museum itself, but the architecture is amazing.)
posted by Flamingo at 7:12 AM on March 8, 2012
With respect to food - kill two birds with one stone and eat at the cafeteria at the Native American Museum.
I am an actual DC resident and I eat there once or twice a month. Delicious.
Seconded!
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 7:20 AM on March 8, 2012
I am an actual DC resident and I eat there once or twice a month. Delicious.
Seconded!
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 7:20 AM on March 8, 2012
The Portrait Gallery has free WiFi, but I'm not sure what's available just walking around.
If you want to avoid giant groups of kids, skip Air and Space, American History, and (sadly) Natural History. Or go the last hour they're open.
posted by JoanArkham at 7:22 AM on March 8, 2012
If you want to avoid giant groups of kids, skip Air and Space, American History, and (sadly) Natural History. Or go the last hour they're open.
posted by JoanArkham at 7:22 AM on March 8, 2012
For museums, the Portrait Gallery and American Art (they're connected) are hands-down my favorites.
posted by rtha at 7:24 AM on March 8, 2012
posted by rtha at 7:24 AM on March 8, 2012
The Freer/Sackler Museums are gems. They're showing all 46 prints in Hokusai's Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji series starting the last week of March. Highly recommended.
posted by longdaysjourney at 7:29 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by longdaysjourney at 7:29 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
While the Spy Museum is interesting. I think it is highly over rated. It does have some interesting artifacts. But the price of admission is shocking. Since I worked with that agency for over 30 years I guess I expected more.
posted by JayRwv at 7:39 AM on March 8, 2012
posted by JayRwv at 7:39 AM on March 8, 2012
If you want to avoid giant groups of kids, skip Air and Space, American History, and (sadly) Natural History. Or go the last hour they're open.
You can also go early, and go into the parts of the museums that aren't quite as well traveled, for example in stead of heading through the stuffed mammal exibit at Natural History, consider going through the Ancient Western Civilization section with it's Egyptian sarcophogi and Roman arms, or rather than Dinosaurs head upstairs to the Gems and Minerals section and check out the cool crystals and meteorites.
The National Cathedral is kinda cool if you are in the neighborhood. Alternately, a short Bike Share ride from your friend's apartment is the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception which is pretty and interesting in an overpowering Catholic sorta way (see also it's freaky looking neighbor the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family) and its bookstore has all the Catholic tchochkies you can legally carry in a suitcase!
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 7:44 AM on March 8, 2012
You can also go early, and go into the parts of the museums that aren't quite as well traveled, for example in stead of heading through the stuffed mammal exibit at Natural History, consider going through the Ancient Western Civilization section with it's Egyptian sarcophogi and Roman arms, or rather than Dinosaurs head upstairs to the Gems and Minerals section and check out the cool crystals and meteorites.
The National Cathedral is kinda cool if you are in the neighborhood. Alternately, a short Bike Share ride from your friend's apartment is the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception which is pretty and interesting in an overpowering Catholic sorta way (see also it's freaky looking neighbor the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family) and its bookstore has all the Catholic tchochkies you can legally carry in a suitcase!
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 7:44 AM on March 8, 2012
Lot of good advice here, but of course you should have an up-to-date guidebook - Lonely Planet is always a good choice, but really, any of them will be fine.
For art, definitely begin at the National Gallery (not officially part of the Smithsonian, but also free and on the Mall.) Then you can wander across the way to the Hirschhorn, Sackler, Freer, and African Art, depending on your tastes, and up American Art/Portrait Gallery. All free. There are some other quite nice museums, but if you're only going to be here a few days, I wouldn't bother with anyplace that charges unless there's a specific exhibit you have to see.
There is free WiFI on the National Mall.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 7:47 AM on March 8, 2012
For art, definitely begin at the National Gallery (not officially part of the Smithsonian, but also free and on the Mall.) Then you can wander across the way to the Hirschhorn, Sackler, Freer, and African Art, depending on your tastes, and up American Art/Portrait Gallery. All free. There are some other quite nice museums, but if you're only going to be here a few days, I wouldn't bother with anyplace that charges unless there's a specific exhibit you have to see.
There is free WiFI on the National Mall.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 7:47 AM on March 8, 2012
Seconding the Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum out by Dulles Airport: it's got all the stuff that's too big for the National Air & Space downtown (space shuttle Enterprise! A Concorde! the Enola Gay! the Gossamer Condor! big planes, little planes, helicopters, rockets and satellites and the list goes on and on.....)
You say you'll be here in the DC area "in a couple of weeks" --- mid-April, by any chance? Weather permitting, the space shuttle Discovery will be flown low & slow (piggy-backed on that converted 747 of NASA's) over the area on the morning of April 17, then will land at Dulles Airport about 8 a.m. Discovery will then taxi over to the museum next door, and the shuttle Enterprise will be towed backwards out of the museum hanger. Then on April 19 will be what they're calling the 'nose-to-nose' event when Discovery and Enterprise will be, you got it, nose to nose out side the museum. Discovery will be towed inside the hanger (probably April 20), and Enterprise will depart for a museum in NYC.
posted by easily confused at 7:48 AM on March 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
You say you'll be here in the DC area "in a couple of weeks" --- mid-April, by any chance? Weather permitting, the space shuttle Discovery will be flown low & slow (piggy-backed on that converted 747 of NASA's) over the area on the morning of April 17, then will land at Dulles Airport about 8 a.m. Discovery will then taxi over to the museum next door, and the shuttle Enterprise will be towed backwards out of the museum hanger. Then on April 19 will be what they're calling the 'nose-to-nose' event when Discovery and Enterprise will be, you got it, nose to nose out side the museum. Discovery will be towed inside the hanger (probably April 20), and Enterprise will depart for a museum in NYC.
posted by easily confused at 7:48 AM on March 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
If you've got iPhones, the Washington Post has a DC Going Out Guide app (iTunes link) that's free. There might be an Android version as well.
posted by rtha at 7:54 AM on March 8, 2012
posted by rtha at 7:54 AM on March 8, 2012
Nthing the NMAI (including the food, yum) and the Freer/Sackler, both of which I really enjoy when I visit DC.
posted by immlass at 7:57 AM on March 8, 2012
posted by immlass at 7:57 AM on March 8, 2012
Wandering in the Mall/White House axis is a lot of fun - you can start at the Vietnam Memorial, stroll up to WWII, turn up and catch the tiny but great (and I say this as a former employee) decorative arts museum and period rooms at the DAR Museum (free entry), walk past the Corcoran (I find them pricy and don't really love their collection) and then walk around the White House and maybe dip into the Renwick Gallery, one of the smaller Smithsonian museums that doesn't get much attention but which is quite charming and can be seen very quickly.
Then, off to the Mall and your pick of the Smithsonians. NMAI is great for lunch. There are gardens behind the castle that are fun to walk through. I'd hit the Hirshhorn and the National Gallery if you enjoy art (at least duck into the National Gallery and see the only da Vinci in this hemisphere).
There's a bus called the Circulator that gets you around there and will also zip you up to Chinatown for the Portrait Gallery and the Spy Museum (which I haven't been to, because it's so spendy.)
posted by PussKillian at 8:05 AM on March 8, 2012
Then, off to the Mall and your pick of the Smithsonians. NMAI is great for lunch. There are gardens behind the castle that are fun to walk through. I'd hit the Hirshhorn and the National Gallery if you enjoy art (at least duck into the National Gallery and see the only da Vinci in this hemisphere).
There's a bus called the Circulator that gets you around there and will also zip you up to Chinatown for the Portrait Gallery and the Spy Museum (which I haven't been to, because it's so spendy.)
posted by PussKillian at 8:05 AM on March 8, 2012
Cultural Tourism DC set up a few self-guided walking tours with detailed trail signs marking the paths. One my favorite hidden-in-plain-sight places is the Lock Keeper's House. I'll also throw in another nod for the NMAI which I recently learned has fossils hiding right there in front of our eyes (as do several other buildings). The Smithsonian Associates offer a lot of programs that go beyond the exihibits in the museums.
posted by hoppytoad at 8:09 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by hoppytoad at 8:09 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
Others have already mentioned the National Gallery, the Freer, and the American Art Museum - these are all excellent museums at which you could spend many hours of enjoyment. At the National Gallery, go downstairs to see Magni's "Reading Girl" statue, which is one of the most amazing pieces of sculpture in DC (or anywhere). The Freer has a number of Dewings and Whistlers, as well as Whistler's fantastic Peacock Room. The American Art museum has some gorgeous pieces by Chauncy Bradley Ives, Hiram Powers, and Thayer, and I particularly like the courtyard at the American Art Museum/Portrait Gallery for coffee/reading as well - it's quite lovely. The Phillips Collection is small, but has some fantastic stuff, particularly photography (though portions of the collection travel frequently - make sure to check what they have on display before going). Have fun!
posted by dilettanti at 8:34 AM on March 8, 2012
posted by dilettanti at 8:34 AM on March 8, 2012
DC-native here, who found the new Smithsonian Native American Museum underwhelming (and the building's architecture a little frightening -- one day, that big overhang's gonna come down!) However, it's cafeteria is interesting; hope it's not too crowded when you visit. Food options on the mall aren't that great, incidentally, and I think a vegan seeking nourishment from the established food truck-souvenir stands there will go away hungry, sorry.
I've never bothered with the Spy museum* but if you're into art and don't mind paying for the experience, let me also recommend the Philips Collection near Dupont Circle. And if you're into Crafts, don't miss a detour into the Renwick when you're around the White House.
* It's just a storefront! They can't have much in there.
posted by Rash at 8:48 AM on March 8, 2012
I've never bothered with the Spy museum* but if you're into art and don't mind paying for the experience, let me also recommend the Philips Collection near Dupont Circle. And if you're into Crafts, don't miss a detour into the Renwick when you're around the White House.
* It's just a storefront! They can't have much in there.
posted by Rash at 8:48 AM on March 8, 2012
We'll be celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary while there so any suggestions for a lovely fine dining vegan-friendly restaurant are welcome.
Nora.
Anything interesting and off the beaten path ...
A few:
Columbia Heights is not far from the recently-restored Lincoln Cottage on the grounds of the Old Soldiers Home.
The Kennedy Center has free, public performances every day at 6 PM.
If you're on the Mall when it's open, the new Public Observatory Project is worth checking out.
The Folger's "Shakespeare's Sisters: Voices of English and European Women Writers, 1500-1700" exhibit is excellent.
posted by ryanshepard at 9:00 AM on March 8, 2012
Nora.
Anything interesting and off the beaten path ...
A few:
Columbia Heights is not far from the recently-restored Lincoln Cottage on the grounds of the Old Soldiers Home.
The Kennedy Center has free, public performances every day at 6 PM.
If you're on the Mall when it's open, the new Public Observatory Project is worth checking out.
The Folger's "Shakespeare's Sisters: Voices of English and European Women Writers, 1500-1700" exhibit is excellent.
posted by ryanshepard at 9:00 AM on March 8, 2012
Despite my reluctance at the name change away from the edgier Asylum, Smoke and Barrel in Adams Morgan still rivals Sticky Fingers in the vegan brunch department. Ben's Chili Bowl is the quinessential DC institution and their veggie chili is vegan and heaven in a bowl. If you're not opposed to suburban strip mall adventures, Pangea has a vegan outlet store right at Twinbrook that is only open on the weekends and Vegetable Garden at White Flint is great veggie Chinese food.
826 opened the Museum of Unnatural History which is a good, quirky store to check out if you're already at Sticky Fingers. Are unicorn tears vegan?
There are a couple veg-friendly pho places on 14th (pho viet, pho 14) in Columbia Heights. Java Green and/or Cafe Green are totally veg places that are so good they attract omnivores. The Pedro and Vinnie's burrito cart at 15th and K is good if you want to picnic across from the White House (or at the remnants of Occupy DC...)
I could go on and on... The Philips Collection in Dupont is a good reprieve from museums on The Mall. Checking the various calendars for embassy events and museum after-hours is smart, too.
posted by Skwirl at 9:23 AM on March 8, 2012
826 opened the Museum of Unnatural History which is a good, quirky store to check out if you're already at Sticky Fingers. Are unicorn tears vegan?
There are a couple veg-friendly pho places on 14th (pho viet, pho 14) in Columbia Heights. Java Green and/or Cafe Green are totally veg places that are so good they attract omnivores. The Pedro and Vinnie's burrito cart at 15th and K is good if you want to picnic across from the White House (or at the remnants of Occupy DC...)
I could go on and on... The Philips Collection in Dupont is a good reprieve from museums on The Mall. Checking the various calendars for embassy events and museum after-hours is smart, too.
posted by Skwirl at 9:23 AM on March 8, 2012
But, yeah, the good food trucks are reserved for lunching desk jockeys so you'll need to leave tourist land for that. I think it's too early in the season for night time truck roundups like Truckaroo. The Newseum is probably the best bang for your buck of the pay to play museums.
posted by Skwirl at 9:31 AM on March 8, 2012
posted by Skwirl at 9:31 AM on March 8, 2012
L'Enfant plaza is right behind Air and Space, and always has food truck at lunchtime. Grab some food, then sit on the plaza at Hirshhorn...they have tables and chairs.
posted by JoanArkham at 9:37 AM on March 8, 2012
posted by JoanArkham at 9:37 AM on March 8, 2012
Since you've got a couple of weeks until you're arrival - hit up LivingSocial, Groupon, AmazonLocal and Google Deals for Washington DC. A lot of the time they offer discounted tickets to local shows, museums (that's the only way I went to the Spy Museum and Newseum), and local restaurant fare. While it won't tell you right off the bat if the restaurant is vegan or not, a little digging goes a long way. It's also a way to do a visit on the cheap.
The Spy Museum, while fun, isn't worth the outrageous price. The Newseum I found to be really interesting, but you need to give yourself at least a day and a half to get through it all (it's also pricey, but you get - i believe - two day admission not just one). Any of the galleries are worth seeing, and since it's starting to warm up the gardens around the Smithsonian museums should be perking up as well. Wander around the Tidal Basin and check out the beginnings of the cherry blossoms, it's always gorgeous.
posted by bleachandink at 10:44 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
The Spy Museum, while fun, isn't worth the outrageous price. The Newseum I found to be really interesting, but you need to give yourself at least a day and a half to get through it all (it's also pricey, but you get - i believe - two day admission not just one). Any of the galleries are worth seeing, and since it's starting to warm up the gardens around the Smithsonian museums should be perking up as well. Wander around the Tidal Basin and check out the beginnings of the cherry blossoms, it's always gorgeous.
posted by bleachandink at 10:44 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
*Your. I hate making grammar mistakes.
posted by bleachandink at 10:44 AM on March 8, 2012
posted by bleachandink at 10:44 AM on March 8, 2012
I liked the spy museum - sometimes they have evening events that I've heard are really fun, but you might miss it, since it looks like it's the 2nd friday of every month.
National Geographic has a samurai exhibit starting this weekend that I'm going to try to go see soon.
Also seconding the National Cathedral - if the Bishop's Garden is open (and it may not be as it was closed due to earthquake and Irene damage), definitely take a walk through. The Cathedral does fun gargoyle tours that my husband and I got a kick out of a couple years ago.
As for restaurants (and perhaps your anniversary dinner since it's a little fancy), Founding Farmers has a small vegan menu and while I've never had their vegan options, I've really enjoyed all of their other food - also great beer and cocktail lists. You'll need a reservation.
posted by echo0720 at 5:26 PM on March 8, 2012
National Geographic has a samurai exhibit starting this weekend that I'm going to try to go see soon.
Also seconding the National Cathedral - if the Bishop's Garden is open (and it may not be as it was closed due to earthquake and Irene damage), definitely take a walk through. The Cathedral does fun gargoyle tours that my husband and I got a kick out of a couple years ago.
As for restaurants (and perhaps your anniversary dinner since it's a little fancy), Founding Farmers has a small vegan menu and while I've never had their vegan options, I've really enjoyed all of their other food - also great beer and cocktail lists. You'll need a reservation.
posted by echo0720 at 5:26 PM on March 8, 2012
Oh also, apparently this sightseeing guide was in the Post today.
posted by echo0720 at 6:01 PM on March 8, 2012
posted by echo0720 at 6:01 PM on March 8, 2012
Another good restaurant with vegetarian/vegan options is Rasika. Be sure to book ahead if you want to go to Zaytinya or Rasika. If you want to get a view of the city, you can go up into the tower of the Old Post Office.
posted by gudrun at 7:51 PM on March 8, 2012
posted by gudrun at 7:51 PM on March 8, 2012
(small correction to my post above about the shuttle Discovery flyover: apparently they expect to land it at Dulles Airport at approximately 10 a.m. Tuesday/April 17, not 8 a.m. as I wrote above....sorry!)
posted by easily confused at 9:36 AM on March 10, 2012
posted by easily confused at 9:36 AM on March 10, 2012
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posted by Kitteh at 6:08 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]