Need ideas for activities in DC for end of the year.

December 17, 2007 12:36 AM

I have to cancel my end of the year vacation plan because I have to find a place to move in the beginning of the year. I still want to have fun and enjoy my vacation. Any suggestions?

I am not going to be visiting home this Christmas and I saved up my vacation time to take last 2 weeks off end of the year and now I can't go any where far. I still want to make some trips or enjoy doing stuff to relax and treat myself before the year starts. I am looking for short trip ideas or activities that I can do in the metro DC area. Any suggestions are appreciated.

posted by icollectpurses to Travel & Transportation around Washington, DC (2 answers total)

I gave some of my favorite tips in a prior thread.

To paraphrase from there:

The Washington Post's Going Out Gurus host a live chat once a week, and even if you can't make the live chat, the archived transcripts tend to have a wealth of great information: Going Out Gurus Live Online - Washington Post

Another great "inside" way to see a part of Washington is to call your Representative. Remember, they're in Congress to serve you, and their offices are generally very glad to help visitors from out of town.

Call 202-224-3121 or 202-225-3121, give them your zip code, and they will connect you to your Representative in the House of Representatives (or Senator but, generally, the House gets fewer of these requests and is less busy). Ask for a "staff led tour" -- use that wording -- of the Capitol building and the House, and they should be able to help.

Your Representative's office may also be able to help get you to see other government stuff. Ask the staffer; they'll have ideas for you.

Also -- there are a zillion mostly free museums in the area. You're probably familiar with the Smithsonian museums, but there are oh-so-many more strange and unusual ones. Check the Washingtonian's museum guide for a great list and tips.
posted by scottso17 at 7:11 AM on December 17, 2007

Come visit us! We're at Gallery Place Metro. And be sure to take a look at our new enclosed courtyard.
posted by Taken Outtacontext at 10:50 AM on December 17, 2007