User:(WT-en) Sox2004/DC in 4 days

July 1-5

Saturday, July 1: Flew an 8:30 am flight into Washington, DC (Reagan), arrived by 10. Took a cab ($18) to the apartment I was staying at, dropped off my bags, then went to explore the city.

First, met with some friends at the Tombs, a classy restaurant in the Georgetown area offering moderately-priced food ($15/person). Next went to the Smithsonian Institution to take in the Natural History Museum. The Smithsonian is a huge complex of museums, and you really should take in only one or two a day if you can afford the time.

Following the Smithsonian, we walked back to our apartment taking in the National Mall. Showered up, then went to Old Ebbit's Grill to eat -- an excellent, old-fashioned restaurant.

Sunday, July 2:

Visited the Folk Life Festival on the National Mall, which was an excellent grouping of indigenous folk traditions. Intended to visit the National Archives, which houses the Constitution, but it was closed owing to the flooding, so we detoured to the National Portrait Gallery and the Freer Gallery of Art to check out the lovely Asian exhibit the latter was having.

Dinner at McCormick & Schmidt's (Pricey - $30+) and then went out to Club Heaven & Hell -- the upstairs level features angels and light decor with dancing, whereas the downstairs is set to demonic images with a bar and pool tables.

Monday, July 3:

Checked out the Library of Congress -- featuring the largest collection of books in the world at 100 million (definitely browse the Main Reading Room, it's gorgeous), then headed on over to the Capitol, where we lunched at the Senate Restaurant. Went to Dream Night Club, one of DC's best with 4 floors, 4 decks and some VIP lounges.

July 4

Independence Day! Did the Veteran's Tour, starting with the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. The Memorial celebrates the famous raising of the flag on top of Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima that is burned in the mind of every American. Afterwards, went to Arlington National Cemetary. When there, be sure to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and check out the changing of the guard, as well as Robert E. Lee's Arlington House and the Eternal Flame / RFK's tomb.

Watched the fireworks over the Key Bridge - excellent spot to see them.

July 5 - Flight out in the early morning, airport traffic was heavier than usual but light for the time of day. Make sure to do curbside check-in - it's easiest.