Washington DC, 8-28-10
renman95
Posts: 7,037 ✭✭✭✭✭
I'm going to DC with my family that week. I remember seeing the national coin display back in 2005 on its last day of presentation before it was removed. Where are they now?
Also, there's so much to see....what would you want or need to see? What would be on your bucket-list? Keep in mind I'm bringing my wife and four kids, ages 9, 11, 13, 15.
R95
Also, there's so much to see....what would you want or need to see? What would be on your bucket-list? Keep in mind I'm bringing my wife and four kids, ages 9, 11, 13, 15.
R95
0
Comments
Friend of mine.
TD
<< <i>You can't go wrong with any of the Smithsonian Museums ( at least a day in the Natural History Museum), FDR especially at night, Jefferson Monument, Arlington National Cemetery, Vietnam Wall, WWII Memorial, Botanical Gardens, and don't miss riding the metro subway as it is incredible. Too much to see in one visit so plan your time accordingly. Bring good broken in walking shoes as there is lots of pavement to pound.
I would have to agree with this. In addition, Arlington National Cemetery is very interesting. I particularly like Mount Vernon as well and the new Air and Space Museum near Dulles Airport....the kids should like this.
I am from the DC area so as you get closer, if you would like to PM me, I would be happy to look to see if there is anything special going on. My guess is that it will be very hot and humid.
Tom
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
<< <i>I'm going to DC with my family that week. I remember seeing the national coin display back in 2005 on its last day of presentation before it was removed. Where are they now?
Also, there's so much to see....what would you want or need to see? What would be on your bucket-list? Keep in mind I'm bringing my wife and four kids, ages 9, 11, 13, 15.
R95 >>
Ages 9, 11, 13, and 15? Good luck, you will need it!
Those days are gone. Learn how to use the shuttle busses.
TD
<< <i>If you get to Arlington, face south from the visitor's center and salute Warrant Officer Daniel Turcotte.
Friend of mine.
TD >>
I will. I've got a couple of buddies there too.
Complete Set of Chopmarked Trade Dollars
Carson City Silver Dollars Complete 1870-1893http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase.aspx?sc=2722"
(unless you just whizz by.)
Korean war memorial is near the VN one. both are by the same designer and both are excellent.
No mint tour, but you may look into the walk-through of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
front of the Capitol and then it runs you up for a long walking tour of the inside, the rotunda,
the statues of the statesmen, etc. I was there recently and since it is right by the museums,
something again for your bucket-list.
My website
$12 for a car load.
Enola gay, space shuttle, lots of planes, IMAX. its just great.
On August 28 a large demonstration is planned which may draw upwards of a million people. Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck will be speaking on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial which is near the Vietnam Wall, The Korean War Memorial and the WWII Memorial. Don't even think of driving into the city. I suspect the Metro stations will be full too. In other words, if you want to tour DC, go anytime except August 28.
<< <i>On August 28 a large demonstration is planned which may draw upwards of a million people. Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck will be speaking on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial which is near the Vietnam Wall, The Korean War Memorial and the WWII Memorial. Don't even think of driving into the city. I suspect the Metro stations will be full too. In other words, if you want to tour DC, go anytime except August 28. >>
What makes you think renman95 and his family would not enjoy this gathering? You call it a demonstration, I call it a celebration.
(2) The Korean War Memorial is quite poignant as well.
I'll add that the FDR Memorial was nicely done - the winding path through the memorial and the bronze life-size scenes were nice.
If you carefully look for the sign and beat back the overgrown landscaping (when I visited several years ago), you can also see the WWI memorial. Not big, not flashy, clearly ignored. Still important.
As to your original question...there is dazzling display of the giants (1804 all three types, UHR Saints, Half Union, etc.) in the newly renovated Smithsonian Museum or American History - this is a MUST SEE. The museum is also a great one for the kids.
Far too much to see in a day or two....
Some fantastic things to see (echo of earlier posts in some respects)....
Supreme Court which is right next to the Library of Congress - both fantastic.
DO THE CAPITOL TOUR!!! A look inside the Dome, at Statuary Hall is a must.
A White House Tour is a waste as you only get to see a very limited tour of the East Wing which is Self Guided and not really worth your limited time. It is neat is you're staying for a week and have the time.
The Museum of Natural History and the Air and Space Museum are MUST SEEs. I live fifteen minutes from the Dulles Air and Space Museum. Also neat - they have a Space Shuttle there - but will tie up much of your day. Stick with the Air and Space Museum downtown.
The Holocaust Museum is very powerful. A bit much for the younger kids of course.
A nice walk around the Viet Nam wall, WW II memorial, etc all on the Mall also a must.
Be CERTAIN to walk the mall after sunset. The lighting is amazing.
The National Archives are also a MUST SEE.
The Mint in D.C. is not much to see. Just a small retail desk, just like the one in Union Station.
HAVE FUN (and be careful).
<< <i>On August 28 a large demonstration is planned which may draw upwards of a million people. Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck will be speaking on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial which is near the Vietnam Wall, The Korean War Memorial and the WWII Memorial. Don't even think of driving into the city. I suspect the Metro stations will be full too. In other words, if you want to tour DC, go anytime except August 28. >>
There is no impact to normal conditions expected by that event as of right now. The estimated crowd is 15-50k and other then a few buildings being put on high alert(ones our friend couldn't get into anyway) it shouldn't bother him much.
Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner.
<< <i>Well I am not sure how you will be traveling but the Air and space museam (udvar Hazy) is located right next to dulles.
$12 for a car load.
Enola gay, space shuttle, lots of planes, IMAX. its just great. >>
Which space shuttle? The Enterprise?
TD
<< <i>
<< <i>On August 28 a large demonstration is planned which may draw upwards of a million people. Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck will be speaking on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial which is near the Vietnam Wall, The Korean War Memorial and the WWII Memorial. Don't even think of driving into the city. I suspect the Metro stations will be full too. In other words, if you want to tour DC, go anytime except August 28. >>
What makes you think renman95 and his family would not enjoy this gathering? You call it a demonstration, I call it a celebration. >>
sounds like its worth a drive down....I may go just for this
<< <i>I'll echo the recommendations for (1) Vietnam War Memorial. Superbly done.
(2) The Korean War Memorial is quite poignant as well.
I'll add that the FDR Memorial was nicely done - the winding path through the memorial and the bronze life-size scenes were nice.
If you carefully look for the sign and beat back the overgrown landscaping (when I visited several years ago), you can also see the WWI memorial. Not big, not flashy, clearly ignored. Still important. >>
I think I'd like to see the FDR Memorial some day. I remember the big to-do over whether he should be depicted in a wheelchair or not (he was). Even though he used one regularly after contracting polio in 1921, he went to astonishing lengths to hide the fact in public, because back then handicapped people were supposed to crawl into a hole and hide. Today we don't have to.
He did allow one public photo of himself in a wheelchair, taken along with the poster child for the 1938(?) March of Dimes. Back then the March of Dimes big annual fund raiser was the "Torch Drive," when tens of thousands of mothers went out in the evening collecting dimes, door-to-door, carrying flashlights, or torches, to light their way.
It is no coincidence that FDR was commemorated on the Dime, or that it has a Torch on the reverse.
Eventually polio was defeated by research funded in large part by the March of Dimes. At the personal level, they helped pay for polio-related reconstructive surgery, such as the work I had done on my left leg in 1959 that allowed me to walk without a brace.
Having defeated polio, the March of Dimes today funds research towards eliminating birth defects, with some success. When you get that request for a donation from them, please consider making a donation.
TD
<< <i>
<< <i>Well I am not sure how you will be traveling but the Air and space museam (udvar Hazy) is located right next to dulles.
$12 for a car load.
Enola gay, space shuttle, lots of planes, IMAX. its just great. >>
Which space shuttle? The Enterprise?
TD >>
The Enterprise (the only non-powered shuttle) is at the Dulles Annex of the Air & Space museum. If you want to see the big names in aviation (Apollo 11, Wright Brothers, Spirit of St Louis, etc), go to the Air & Space downtown DC. If you want to see some real cool stuff (SR71, P-38, Enola Gay, the Enterprise shuttle, models from various movies, a Concorde. and lots of other one of a kind stuff), go to the Dulles Annex. Last time I checked, they had a shuttle bus that took you from the Air & Space to the Dulles Annex. I can spend a whole day in each place. There's even a tower you can go up and see the traffic at Dulles.
In DC, the Lincoln memorial, Jefferson memorial, the Wall are among the not to miss. If you have the time, checking out the Natinal Archives and seeing the REAL Declaration of Indpenence is a not miss site! Seeing Fords' Theater where Lincoln was shot is real cool as well as the town house across the street where he died.
TD
<< <i>Did they ever move the only surviving B-70 there? I remember seeing it at Wright-Patterson AFB outside of Dayton long, long ago.
TD >>
Are talking about the only XB-70 Valkyrie left? It was never desiginated a B series but an XB series plane. As far as I know, it's still at Wright Pat. I saw it there about 15 years ago. There were only 2 built. One crashed during a photo op flight. The last one is at Wright Pat. If you get a chance, check out the museum there. Wirth the trip!
Here are some pics I took while in Washington...
Franklin-Lover's Forum
<< <i>
<< <i>Did they ever move the only surviving B-70 there? I remember seeing it at Wright-Patterson AFB outside of Dayton long, long ago.
TD >>
Are talking about the only XB-70 Valkyrie left? It was never desiginated a B series but an XB series plane. As far as I know, it's still at Wright Pat. I saw it there about 15 years ago. There were only 2 built. One crashed during a photo op flight. The last one is at Wright Pat. If you get a chance, check out the museum there. Wirth the trip! >>
I'm sorry......was there some other aircraft with the letter "B" and the number "70" in its designation I might have been talking about????
<< <i>
<< <i>Well I am not sure how you will be traveling but the Air and space museam (udvar Hazy) is located right next to dulles.
$12 for a car load.
Enola gay, space shuttle, lots of planes, IMAX. its just great. >>
Which space shuttle? The Enterprise?
TD >>
Yes, the Enterprise.
It's just absolutely amazing how HUGE it is.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>On August 28 a large demonstration is planned which may draw upwards of a million people. Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck will be speaking on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial which is near the Vietnam Wall, The Korean War Memorial and the WWII Memorial. Don't even think of driving into the city. I suspect the Metro stations will be full too. In other words, if you want to tour DC, go anytime except August 28. >>
What makes you think renman95 and his family would not enjoy this gathering? You call it a demonstration, I call it a celebration. >>
sounds like its worth a drive down....I may go just for this >>
Hopefully you and your family will come back with a renewed sense of American history!
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>On August 28 a large demonstration is planned which may draw upwards of a million people. Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck will be speaking on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial which is near the Vietnam Wall, The Korean War Memorial and the WWII Memorial. Don't even think of driving into the city. I suspect the Metro stations will be full too. In other words, if you want to tour DC, go anytime except August 28. >>
What makes you think renman95 and his family would not enjoy this gathering? You call it a demonstration, I call it a celebration. >>
sounds like its worth a drive down....I may go just for this >>
I attended all of the major anti-obama care/tea party rallies. I say this NOT to interject politics, but only to comment on the logistics of a trip planned during a major rally.
Other than parking near the Capitol, not much else is affected. You can take the Metro around, no problem. There is TONS of parking at Union Station. This is where I parked on the days of the major rallies. The rally won't affect anything except for possibly a Capitol Tour.
When Congress is in session, you can get a Gallery Pass from your Rep. and Senator to their respective Galleries - very cool.
When the Supreme Court is in session you can go in and hear part of the case - also very cool.
One other thing that I forgot to mention, esp. for the Kids is the Washington Duck Tour. They are WWII amphibious vehicles. They take you on a Street tour and then into the water. FANTASTIC time for all. HIGHLY recommended. They board at Union Station.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Well I am not sure how you will be traveling but the Air and space museam (udvar Hazy) is located right next to dulles.
$12 for a car load.
Enola gay, space shuttle, lots of planes, IMAX. its just great. >>
Which space shuttle? The Enterprise?
TD >>
Yes, the Enterprise.
It's just absolutely amazing how HUGE it is. >>
Back when the shuttles started flying, they would routinely land them out in California and ferry them back to the Cape on the back of a 747. I guess that on the early ferry flights they were not sure of the lift that the 747 would have, so they took off with a partial fuel load and refueled mid-country.
One day when I was living in Colorado Springs they announced that the shuttle and its 747 would be arriving over town about 3PM, so we all went out and watched it do a nice, lazy circle over town. Gawd was that a sight! You would swear that such a thing could not fly, but it did!
Then they announced that they would allow people to drive past the two mated craft on the runway out at Peterson AFB, so my brother and I and half the town did. Two lines of cars, each about a hundred yards on either side of the craft, no stopping to take pictures, with a bunch of Air Police flanking the birds to make sure nobody did anything stupid. It was incredible!!!
TD
I knew it would happen.
<< <i>trip planned during a major rally.
Other than parking near the Capitol, not much else is affected. You can take the Metro around, no problem. There is TONS of parking at Union Station. This is where I parked on the days of the major rallies. The rally won't affect anything except for possibly a Capitol Tour.
When Congress is in session, you can get a Gallery Pass from your Rep. and Senator to their respective Galleries - very cool.
When the Supreme Court is in session you can go in and hear part of the case - also very cool.
One other thing that I forgot to mention, esp. for the Kids is the Washington Duck Tour. They are WWII amphibious vehicles. They take you on a Street tour and then into the water. FANTASTIC time for all. HIGHLY recommended. They board at Union Station. >>
This is Spot on local advice, also if you wish send me a PM and if we can find a mutual time, I will give you and your family a free private tour of the Pentagon and the 9/11 memorial out of forum hospitality.
<< <i>
Be CERTAIN to walk the mall after sunset. The lighting is amazing.
HAVE FUN (and be careful). >>
around the mall is pretty safe with lots of traffic and people, but there has been a bit of crime around the mall at night over the 20 years I've been here. keep your wits about you.
<< <i>Go to the Spy Museum and the Newseum for a lot of family fun and interest. Smithsonian American Art Musem has a fine display of medals. Mt. Vernon is a short drive south of the city. Air and Space Udvar Hazy near Dulles airport is a must-see for anyone interested in aviation. (Huge place) >>
The Newseum is NOT worth the extravagant cost of admission. Take it from a local.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>On August 28 a large demonstration is planned which may draw upwards of a million people. Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck will be speaking on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial which is near the Vietnam Wall, The Korean War Memorial and the WWII Memorial. Don't even think of driving into the city. I suspect the Metro stations will be full too. In other words, if you want to tour DC, go anytime except August 28. >>
One other thing that I forgot to mention, esp. for the Kids is the Washington Duck Tour. They are WWII amphibious vehicles. They take you on a Street tour and then into the water. FANTASTIC time for all. HIGHLY recommended. They board at Union Station. >>
the Duck tour is a MUST! I recommend it to everyone when they visit DC. Same with a double-decker tour bus trip as well.
Also, every night between 6-7:30 is some type of free concert at the Kennedy Center.
<< <i>
<< <i>On August 28 a large demonstration is planned which may draw upwards of a million people. Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck will be speaking on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial which is near the Vietnam Wall, The Korean War Memorial and the WWII Memorial. Don't even think of driving into the city. I suspect the Metro stations will be full too. In other words, if you want to tour DC, go anytime except August 28. >>
What makes you think renman95 and his family would not enjoy this gathering? You call it a demonstration, I call it a celebration. >>
Good one, I agree
Many successful BST transactions with dozens of board members, references on request.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>On August 28 a large demonstration is planned which may draw upwards of a million people. Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck will be speaking on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial which is near the Vietnam Wall, The Korean War Memorial and the WWII Memorial. Don't even think of driving into the city. I suspect the Metro stations will be full too. In other words, if you want to tour DC, go anytime except August 28. >>
What makes you think renman95 and his family would not enjoy this gathering? You call it a demonstration, I call it a celebration. >>
Good one, I agree >>
Some good D.C. sightseeing advice has been given. The number of free attractions to explore in D.C. is astounding.
That August 28 event sounds like nothing more than a big pep rally for right-wingers, facists, racists and folks who are unhappy about the president bearing dark skin to vent their frustrations and defile the legacy of a landmark civil rights event that happened on the same day decades ago.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
<< <i>One other thing that I forgot to mention, esp. for the Kids is the Washington Duck Tour. They are WWII amphibious vehicles. They take you on a Street tour and then into the water. FANTASTIC time for all. HIGHLY recommended. They board at Union Station. >>
Personally I don't recommend those duck tours. Those ducks are big (meaining you'll only drive around on the large avenues and not be able to get close to much), uncomfortable and the tours are anticlimatic when they enter the water. There isn't much you could see on the water that you couldn't see from land. Because those ducks are in fact WWII vehicles, they are very old and they have been subject to a rash of accidents over the years. Go google the subject and you can read about the recent incident in Philadelphia.
For tours in D.C. I would recommend Old Town Trolley or the Tourmobile. Better yet, grab a good map and get around yourself by foot and Metrorail.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
Interesting comment. That one would spew such a toxic and vindictive eruption of political invective is most inappropriate on this forum, especially if one does not know what he's talking about.
I knew it would happen.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>On August 28 a large demonstration is planned which may draw upwards of a million people. Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck will be speaking on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial which is near the Vietnam Wall, The Korean War Memorial and the WWII Memorial. Don't even think of driving into the city. I suspect the Metro stations will be full too. In other words, if you want to tour DC, go anytime except August 28. >>
What makes you think renman95 and his family would not enjoy this gathering? You call it a demonstration, I call it a celebration. >>
Good one, I agree >>
Some good D.C. sightseeing advice has been given. The number of free attractions to explore in D.C. is astounding.
That August 28 event sounds like nothing more than a big pep rally for right-wingers, facists, racists and folks who are unhappy about the president bearing dark skin to vent their frustrations and defile the legacy of a landmark civil rights event that happened on the same day decades ago. >>
///////
Wow, this thread was about what to see and if there was any info on the National Collection that was removed in 2005. Now it's been tossed in the gutter. MLK would be so proud of you.
There's a forum member that graciously offered his time to show us some of DC. I want to publically thank crypto79 before this thread gets poofed!
WTCG, please keep it civil and honest. We really don't know how "big" it is until it happens.
NGC registry V-Nickel proof #6!!!!
working on proof shield nickels # 8 with a bullet!!!!
RIP "BEAR"
<< <i>I plan on going to DC during the break between CoinFest and Baltimore.
WTCG, please keep it civil and honest. We really don't know how "big" it is until it happens. >>
My previous post was not political. Another member called the planned event "a celebration". I'm calling it what I believe it truly is. It'll be a celebration alright, but I wouldn't be surprised if that celebration ultimately manifests itself into what I believe is its true agenda.
Too bad we'll miss each other in D.C. I will be there immediately after Baltimore, around the 6th or so. Also too bad I'm already booked for this weekend. I could certainly use an east coast mileage run, and hotels in the D.C. area don't seem to be that expensive that weekend.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
<< <i>
<< <i>One other thing that I forgot to mention, esp. for the Kids is the Washington Duck Tour. They are WWII amphibious vehicles. They take you on a Street tour and then into the water. FANTASTIC time for all. HIGHLY recommended. They board at Union Station. >>
Personally I don't recommend those duck tours. Those ducks are big (meaining you'll only drive around on the large avenues and not be able to get close to much), uncomfortable and the tours are anticlimatic when they enter the water. There isn't much you could see on the water that you couldn't see from land. Because those ducks are in fact WWII vehicles, they are very old and they have been subject to a rash of accidents over the years. Go google the subject and you can read about the recent incident in Philadelphia.
For tours in D.C. I would recommend Old Town Trolley or the Tourmobile. Better yet, grab a good map and get around yourself by foot and Metrorail. >>
They suspended duck tours, and I'm not sure if they're back on.
a duck boat tour of DC would be more for the kids enjoyment.
As far as large avenues, most of what there is to see in DC is on large avenues.
Trolly tours and the tourmobile probably show more just because of the size of the operations, however that's my guess.... go online and look for what is on the tours.
And I forgot to mention the topology of Arlington National Cemetary. What is not shown on the maps are the hills. It's all uphill from the parking area to Kennedy's Eternal Flame. It just makes it that much more tiresome for the kids.
I haven't been in the National Native American Museum, but that's also on the mall right there with the Air and Space museum down near the Capitol. Try looking up that online to see how good it is.