Going to see our nation's coins one week from today!

smiles72

I got a couple of question for those who have been.

How long should I set aside for the collection?

We also want to see the Natural History museum and the Air & Space museum.

How long would it take, in your opinions, to see these three places.

Anyone have other points of interest we should not miss in DC?

Any unput would be appreciated.

JM

ER

Be prepared to walk and stand in long long lines.

Dollars

Not long. The collection is good but very small compared to what use to be at the American History Museum.

Now it is housed at the Castle. Some neat patterns and one of a kind (few of a kind) coins.

Russ

<< <i>Anyone have other points of interest we should not miss in DC? >>



If I were going, I would also visit the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial.

Russ, NCNE

Dollars

One more thing.

The metal detectors suck!!!!!!!

Ofcourse, you can ask a few folks here, I have a problem with metal detectors.

smiles72

Here is the plan-

Air & Space
Holocaust Musuem
Natural History
Lincoln Memorial
Washington Memorial
Vietnam Memorial
Numismatic Exhibit

We are only there for 3 days.

We feel like we cant go and NOT see these things.

Anything I am missing?

Dollars

A nice trip. What days will you be there exactly. I may come down and see you folks.

I live close.

smiles72

We will be there late on Sunday.

Staying in DC through Wednesday. Then we will be going to my sister's graduation.

I am very excited about the trip.

I am a huge History and Science and Coin buff.

It will be a blast.

Dollars

If you have never been, it is way too cool. I am a history buff myself as well as a coin collector.

You will be pleased. I always am everytime I go.

I will not be able to get down there on those days. Work gets in the way again.

Enjoy

michael

eyore

If you are an early riser ? You could get free tickets to tour the bureau of engraving . You can also visit the U.S. mint kiosk at union station. I go the mint kiosk at least twice a year. I still have not been to the bureau of engraving yet. funny thing when somthing is in your back yard, how you can put off doing somthing neat.Also consider the national archives

xbob

You got most sights on your list.

The Museum of American History is very cool. See it now because they will close in Sept. for a complete renovation. Maybe they'll bring back the full coin exhibit!?

Also the BEP if you go first thing so there is no line. It's pretty cool to see all those bills rolling off the presses.

And if Dave (Dollars) does join you, make him leave all belongings in the car. He's right when he says metal detectors don't like him very much. But he does bring good luck for short lines!

rgraham

You should take a drive down the GW Parkway and visit Mt. Vernon. The admission is $15, but it's worth it -- both to see the house and to walk the grounds.

lloydmincy

Arlington cemetary, and Kennedy's Grave and Changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (All in same area). But may be hard to fit in.

You can get to see the Lincoln memorial, Vietnam, Korean, FDR's memorial and WWII memorial all at ONCE - and in one day. Reason being?? They are all RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER. Have to get tickets for the Washington memorial, but the others are just a walk-through. Washington's memorial by all the others also. Jefferson Memorial kind of out of the way, and not really worth it, but I liked his quotes...

The museums take up all the time.

I have not seen the new coin exhibit. In no way can it be half as good as the Lilly gold collection and the other stuff they once had on display. Lilly's collection was incredible, but I believe most had no idea the greatness of it.

My opinion of the Holocaust Museum?? Save it for last or not at all. It is of course going to be extremely depressing.

lloydmincy

Each of those two museums a half a day, AT LEAST. I bet the coin collection section will take about an hour, tops, but haven't seen the new display.

sinin1

do they still give tours of the white house?

Coxe

<< <i>Here is the plan-

Air & Space
Holocaust Musuem
Natural History
Lincoln Memorial
Washington Memorial
Vietnam Memorial
Numismatic Exhibit

We are only there for 3 days.

We feel like we cant go and NOT see these things.

Anything I am missing? >>



That's a pretty good list. If you have time, the National Gallery is really excellent.

WTCG

<< <i>I got a couple of question for those who have been.

How long should I set aside for the collection?

We also want to see the Natural History museum and the Air & Space museum.

How long would it take, in your opinions, to see these three places.

Anyone have other points of interest we should not miss in DC?

Any unput would be appreciated.

JM >>



The National Numismatic Collection is located at the Smithsonian Castle. Turn right once you enter through the front doors. A quick look should take you less than a half hour while a detailed inspection can take you an infinite amount of time.

Certain sections of The National Museum of Natural History are still under renovation. A comprehensive tour of the NMNH will take you several hours, and perhaps up to half a day or more. The National Air and Space Museum will also take you several hours at the minimum and much more time for an in depth tour. There probably won't be a wait to see the Numismatic Collection, but there will almost certainly be a line to enter the NMNH and NASM. Plan on visiting around opening time, and the lines to enter won't be as long.

The National Museum of American History also falls under the category of "must visit". If you really like airplanes then don't forget to visit the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center located at Washington Dulles Intl. Airport in Chantilly, VA. This branch of the NASM is about triple the size of the main museum on the National Mall.

The Holocaust Museum is certainly not for the faint of heart, and not recommended for anybody under the age of 15. Heavy senses of emotions will dominate you for several days after your visit.

I recommend touring the Vietnam Veterans, Korean War and WWII memorials around dusk or in the early evening. Crowds aren't as big then, and it isn't as hot and humid outside as compared to the noon and afternoon hours.

Reserve your tickets to the Washington Memorial in advance if possible unless you enjoy waiting in line at 6am for your timed entry ticket.

While in D.C. don't forget to visit the National Gallery of Art, The National Archives, the National Zoo and Potomac Park. In the evening a stroll through Georgetown, DuPont Circle, certain areas of Adams-Morgan and Old Town Alexandria are obligatory. If you have extra time a visit to Mount Vernon is a thrill for the history buff. The TourMobile bus can take you there on the ten mile trip.

morgannut2

I live in DC and worked at Smithsonian. There is zero way you will be able to see that list to your satistfaction. Air and Space is a full day. Lines and walking/bus tour time will kill you going to the rest in 2 days. I'd suggest coins first (2 hours) then walk towards the Capital for Air and Space rest of day. Next day Holocost because it is unique--but I'd cut out Natural History - lots of similar stuff in other cities. Last day I'd add the National Archieves in the morning to see the Declaration, Constitution etc, then in the late morning-afternoon go to the foot of the Lincoln Memorial, and walk a few yards to the Vietnam Memorial. From the top stairs of the Lincoln Memorial on one side you can see the Washington Monument, then around the other side sit an look at Kennedy grave-Arlington House (Custis-Lee Manson on the other), and Ivo Jima Mem.. Then decide which place you want to end up. I also recommend the National Gallery and Mt. Vernon as others have--but you don't have the time (both a full day)

raycyca

I would see the Capital. It's neat looking up so far and having photos taken there of you and the kids. That's where State funerals are held. The Museum of Natural History is a MUST every time we go there. I love the dinosaurs, and ESPECIALLY the gem collection! There are a LOT of people stopping and staring at the diamonds and of course the Hope diamond. American History is a very nice one to see also. I last went thru the White House back on the 4th of July 2001. We got a special tour thanks to our congressman's help. I don't think they are still doing the special tours any more. I love all the history there. I'm also going next month to see the coin exhibit. The old one was a little boring because of the way it was displayed. Ray

Stork

Definitely go to the National Archives. The Natural History Museum is also very nice, but if you go just pick a few things to see to keep it shorter so you don't go nuts trying to do it all. I like the mineral exhibits. If you ever come back another place well worth it is the Spy Museum too. It's a bit boring for smaller kids, but by age 10 or so it'll be great. Also, don't forget the Air and Space museum comes in two pieces. There is the D.C./on the mall which is like a regular (and very cool) musuem, but also the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center out near the Dulles Airport. This is where you'll see the most actual planes including the SR-71.

Air and Space Museum
Spy Museum
National Archives
Natural History Museum


I'd like to go the Mint someday, but for that you need tickets from your congressman well in advance.

Have fun!!!




Cathy

curly

Arlington National Cemetery is a must see.

Tootawl

<< <i>One more thing.

The metal detectors suck!!!!!!!

Ofcourse, you can ask a few folks here, I have a problem with metal detectors. >>


Dollars can be buck naked with no metal in or on him and STILL set off the metal detectors!
If you go to the BEP or Washington Monument, you will need timed tickets. These tickets are free and are only issued for that day. Get in line early (say before 7:30am) in order to get any.

mhammerman

Don't go there with a time budget...you will want to see more and more, the longer you stay. The train system they have is exceptional...buy a day pass and get a map, well worth the time to figure it out. Go to the VN memorial, you owe it to yourself (don't cry too hard). You will find it inbetween the Washington monument and the Lincoln memorial. Spend some time...a few hours/half a day...in the Smithsonian and walk down the center of the mall, go to the Lincoln Memorial and stand on the top of the steps and look out over the reflecting pond. Go to the Potomac, go to see the FDR memorial...it was done by a designed landscape architect. Take the capital tour and enjoy the red oaks, they have been there forever. Stand on the steps of the Supreme Court and just look at the whole thing. Stay in a bed and breakfast up in the college district, get some on ya. Go to the US Treasury and watch them make some money for you.


Enjoy!

Longacre

There is tons to see in DC. There have been a lot of good suggetions above. My favorite is the Korean War Memorial. It makes you feel like you are literally part of the action.