St. Gregory Hotel
We stayed here because we got a good deal. Hotel is clean, rooms are nice, and staff is friendly/helpful. Nothing special, but did the job for a family trip.
Background:
St Gregory Hotel offers 4-star luxury and boutique lodging accommodations for family, leisure and business close to downtown Washington DC, and convenient to Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Embassy Row.
Hilton Garden Inn Washington, DC Downtown
Another well-located, more 'affordable' Hilton Garden Inn.
Background:
Set among the Washington, DC skyline, Hilton Garden Inn Washington, DC Downtown is a luxury boutique style hotel with spacious rooms and suites, meeting/event facilities, a casual dining restaurant and modern business center steps from the DC Metro.
JW Marriott Hotel, Washington DC
Very well located hotel in DC to all noted points of interest.
Background info:
The JW Marriott Washington DC is a luxury downtown DC hotel near the White House. The hotel features 737 guest rooms with high speed internet access and 37 inch HDTV. It is also located with easy access to DC monuments and landmarks.
United States House of Representatives, 111th Congress, 2nd Session
You can visit House of Representatives for a public tour. If you've managed it right, the Congressman might offer to take you and the kids to the floor of the House off-session. Kids under 18 can go on floor during session, very special experience. If you're lucky/contributor, you might request to climb to the top of the Capitol Dome. Congressman needs to escort you so it's a special request for you to make of their time.
The White House, Public Tours
Due to security, your Congressman office needs to schedule the visit with the White House. You will need to give personal information for a White House security check. Try to schedule an early visit because the Congressman needs to be in attendance when you check in to the security area. He/she can then let you visit the White House unaccompanied along with other visitors. You enter the downstairs floor that opens to the backyard and then walk upstairs through all the first floor public rooms including East Room and State Dining room. You exit right out the front door of the White House and leave on the front lawn. Incredible!
Newseum | Washington, D.C.'s Most Interactive Museum
The Newseum is a phenomenal space and great overview of world news and media production. They have neat interactive exhibits like making your own TV story as a beat reporter. Great mini-films coverage of major historical news stories or themes (eg sports, crime, etc.). We spent over 5-6 hours in the museum thinking we'd only spend 2!
The Newseum — a 250,000-square-foot museum of news on Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington DC — offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits. After opening to rave reviews the Newseum has become one of Washington's most popular destinations.
Washington National Cathedral
Take a guided tour if you like to visit churches. Beautiful place. Have lunch or dinner in Georgetown just down the hill. Many good restaurants at the corner of M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.
Washington.org - Official Tourism Site of Washington, DC
Get the latest information on events, attractions, and create your own experience during your visit to Washington, DC.
US Supreme Court, Visiting the Court
I think you schedule the Supreme Court visit through your Congressman's office. They have a limited number of guided tours/day. Very interesting. You can also apply directly to the Supreme Court when in the Court is in session to sit in on a real court hearing. There is a limited number of public visitors allowed during the session so apply if interested as soon as you know your dates.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial - Thomas Jefferson Memorial National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)
Visit on a clear night along with the Lincoln Memorial. Much more striking than during the day.
Lincoln Memorial National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)
Visit on clear night along with Jefferson Memorial.
Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
Take the mini-train ride tour, don't try to walk this. Check out a changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. Visit the Kennedy clan grave site. You'll hear several 21 gun salutes for fallen servicemen during your visit. You can do this visit on the way to or from Mt. Vernon, George Washington's home.
George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Excellent history of George Washington in the context of his times. Must see during Washington visit. Beautiful property that still looks very much like his time. You can stop in Alexandria, VA for a lunch on the way back to Washington. I like La Madeleine, the French spot. Good soup and sandwiches.
Madame Tussauds wax museum
If you like wax figures, you'll love this place. You can pair this visit with the spy museum across the street. Guys do the spy thing, girls do the wax thing.
Welcome to Madame Tussauds in Washington D.C., USA. Get up close and personal with your favourite celebrity wax figures at the world famous tourist attraction
International Spy Museum
Great pair with Madame Tussaud's. Kids can learn to become a spy. You see all the historical spy gadgets from attack material to listening devices, etc. Great mini-clips of the most notorious spies.
Worth the visit if the girls want to do the wax museum thing.
Washington Monument National Monument - Plan Your Visit
Buy tickets in advance so you can confirm a specific reservation time to take the elevator to the very top. Fantastic views all around Washington.
National Museum of the American Indian
Very new, beautiful museum about American Indian life. Excellent content of all tribes across the country. You can see how they made their living and continue today. The restaurant serves traditional indian foods from various regions of the US. Neat place for lunch, though tad expensive.
United States Mint
I told the kids to bring their backpacks because there is a huge funnel at the end of the visit so you can pack your bag full of TARP cash...needless to say, the printing presses are working overtime right now.
National Air and Space Museum National Mall Building
Kids heaven! All kinds of airplanes and space vehicles to delight all ages, including parents..very close to the Indian Museum so a good pair. Indian Museum requires more thinking so do in the morning and have lunch there. Than do the visuals at National Air & Space in the early pm.
National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
If you liked the Air & Space on National Mall, well, this has the BIG stuff like a real Space Shuttle and fighter aircraft. Do this only if you are flying in/out of Dulles. It's attached to the airfield. Not worth special trip from DC though.
Fogo de Chao, Brazilian Churrasco
Expensive, but worth every ounce of tasty Brazilian rotisserie BBQ. Servers come by with a different skewer of meat right off the grill. Great ambiance, service, and food. Be sure to come with an empty stomach because it's all you can eat. Right off Pennsylvania Avenue near National Archives.
Paris Family Trip Guide
Here are my family trip recommendations for Paris, France based on our many visits with our family. You'll find amusement parks, natural and science history museums, large and small art museums, boat rides on the Seine, plays and theater venues, places for afternoon tea, classic Parisian cafes for breakfast and restaurants for dinner, and even a church or two for those inclined to thank higher powers for your good fortune to be in Paris, the city of light. I listed hotels and restaurants on top of list and family-oriented site recommendations thereafter.
Have a great trip and please provide any comments.
New York City Family Trip Guide
My NYC family trip guide recommendations including national park sites (Statue of Liberty, Federal Hall), museums (The Met, MoMA, Guggenheim, American Natural History, New), Broadway shows (@50% discounts), shopping areas (SoHo), and public places (Times Square, Central Park). #Travel, #NewYorkCity.
Carmel Family Trip Guide
Here's a family activity guide for the beautiful Monterey Peninsula area including Monterey and Carmel with a few outliers sprinkled in. Great Monterey aquarium, hikes, kayaking/pontoon cruise in Elkhorn Slough or off Pebble Beach golf course, beach play/bouldering, sand dune sledding, and shopping. I highly recommend you stay in Carmel because it is a small, charming, and walkable town with great restaurants, stores, and beaches. Monterey, though perhaps better known name to some, is a commercial town.
If you like Pebble Beach and kayaking, contact Bob Mannix at montereyvistas@gmail.com for a very special kayaking and nature education of Carmel Bay/Pebble Beach area just off the Pebble Beach golf course. $85.00/person for just over two hour trip. He gives you great geology and sea life lessons while you kayak around the bay.
Best coastal weather is September-December and March-May, followed by January-February (rainy season), and then June-August (marine fog like San Francisco). The summer fog burns off just three-four miles inland to warm, dry sun, but most of the activities are right on the coastline.
Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, and Glen Canyon National Parks Family RV Trip Guide
Your family RV trip guide to Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, and Glen Canyon/Lake Powell national parks. 9 day, 8 night trip. Our children were in 9-14 age range so the activities are geared for this age group.
Trip Sequence:
1. Las Vegas RV pick-up: El Monte RV. 34' footer. 12:00 pm. Get directions to nearest Walmart Super-center to load food and cleaning stuff/handiwipes. Camping is a messy adventure!
2. Zion National Park: 4 day, 3 night stay (though 3 day, 2 night works). 2.5 hr drive. Stayed at Watchman Campground, just inside southern gate across Virgin River from Springdale, UT, a neat town.
3. Bryce National Park: 3 day, 2 night stay. Stayed at North Campground inside the park just across from Visitor's Center. 2 hour drive from Bryce.
4. North Rim Grand Canyon National Park: 3 day, 2 night stay. Stayed at campground right near the famous Lodge. 2.5 hour drive from Bryce.
5. Lake Powell/Glen Canyon National Park: 2 day, 1 night (recommend 3 days, 2 nights if you like water sports!). 2.5 hour drive from North Rim.
6. Las Vegas: 3 days, 2 nights. We loved Mandalay Bay, very family friendly. Great deals on large suite rooms in middle of week.
St. Gregory Hotel
We stayed here because we got a good deal. Hotel is clean, rooms are nice, and staff is friendly/helpful. Nothing special, but did the job for a family trip.
Background:
St Gregory Hotel offers 4-star luxury and boutique lodging accommodations for family, leisure and business close to downtown Washington DC, and convenient to Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Embassy Row.
http://www.capitalhotelswdc.com/StGregoryHotelWDC_com/
Hilton Garden Inn Washington, DC Downtown
Another well-located, more 'affordable' Hilton Garden Inn.
Background:
Set among the Washington, DC skyline, Hilton Garden Inn Washington, DC Downtown is a luxury boutique style hotel with spacious rooms and suites, meeting/event facilities, a casual dining restaurant and modern business center steps from the DC Metro.
http://www.hiltongardeninn.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=DCACHGI
JW Marriott Hotel, Washington DC
Very well located hotel in DC to all noted points of interest.
Background info:
The JW Marriott Washington DC is a luxury downtown DC hotel near the White House. The hotel features 737 guest rooms with high speed internet access and 37 inch HDTV. It is also located with easy access to DC monuments and landmarks.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasjw-jw-marriott-hotel-washington-dc/
United States House of Representatives, 111th Congress, 2nd Session
You can visit House of Representatives for a public tour. If you've managed it right, the Congressman might offer to take you and the kids to the floor of the House off-session. Kids under 18 can go on floor during session, very special experience. If you're lucky/contributor, you might request to climb to the top of the Capitol Dome. Congressman needs to escort you so it's a special request for you to make of their time.
http://www.house.gov/
The White House, Public Tours
Due to security, your Congressman office needs to schedule the visit with the White House. You will need to give personal information for a White House security check. Try to schedule an early visit because the Congressman needs to be in attendance when you check in to the security area. He/she can then let you visit the White House unaccompanied along with other visitors. You enter the downstairs floor that opens to the backyard and then walk upstairs through all the first floor public rooms including East Room and State Dining room. You exit right out the front door of the White House and leave on the front lawn. Incredible!
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events
Newseum | Washington, D.C.'s Most Interactive Museum
The Newseum is a phenomenal space and great overview of world news and media production. They have neat interactive exhibits like making your own TV story as a beat reporter. Great mini-films coverage of major historical news stories or themes (eg sports, crime, etc.). We spent over 5-6 hours in the museum thinking we'd only spend 2!
The Newseum — a 250,000-square-foot museum of news on Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington DC — offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits. After opening to rave reviews the Newseum has become one of Washington's most popular destinations.
http://www.newseum.org/
Washington National Cathedral
Take a guided tour if you like to visit churches. Beautiful place. Have lunch or dinner in Georgetown just down the hill. Many good restaurants at the corner of M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.
http://www.nationalcathedral.org/visit/
Washington.org - Official Tourism Site of Washington, DC
Get the latest information on events, attractions, and create your own experience during your visit to Washington, DC.
http://washington.org/
US Supreme Court, Visiting the Court
I think you schedule the Supreme Court visit through your Congressman's office. They have a limited number of guided tours/day. Very interesting. You can also apply directly to the Supreme Court when in the Court is in session to sit in on a real court hearing. There is a limited number of public visitors allowed during the session so apply if interested as soon as you know your dates.
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/visiting/visiting.html
Thomas Jefferson Memorial - Thomas Jefferson Memorial National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)
Visit on a clear night along with the Lincoln Memorial. Much more striking than during the day.
http://www.nps.gov/thje/index.htm
Lincoln Memorial National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)
Visit on clear night along with Jefferson Memorial.
http://www.nps.gov/linc/index.htm
Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
Take the mini-train ride tour, don't try to walk this. Check out a changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. Visit the Kennedy clan grave site. You'll hear several 21 gun salutes for fallen servicemen during your visit. You can do this visit on the way to or from Mt. Vernon, George Washington's home.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/visitor_information/index.htm
George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Excellent history of George Washington in the context of his times. Must see during Washington visit. Beautiful property that still looks very much like his time. You can stop in Alexandria, VA for a lunch on the way back to Washington. I like La Madeleine, the French spot. Good soup and sandwiches.
http://www.mountvernon.org/visit/index.cfm//cfid/30613912/cftoken/41270386
Madame Tussauds wax museum
If you like wax figures, you'll love this place. You can pair this visit with the spy museum across the street. Guys do the spy thing, girls do the wax thing.
Welcome to Madame Tussauds in Washington D.C., USA. Get up close and personal with your favourite celebrity wax figures at the world famous tourist attraction
http://www.madametussauds.com/washington/
International Spy Museum
Great pair with Madame Tussaud's. Kids can learn to become a spy. You see all the historical spy gadgets from attack material to listening devices, etc. Great mini-clips of the most notorious spies.
Worth the visit if the girls want to do the wax museum thing.
http://spymuseum.org/plan/index.php
Washington Monument National Monument - Plan Your Visit
Buy tickets in advance so you can confirm a specific reservation time to take the elevator to the very top. Fantastic views all around Washington.
http://www.nps.gov/wamo/planyourvisit/index.htm
National Museum of the American Indian
Very new, beautiful museum about American Indian life. Excellent content of all tribes across the country. You can see how they made their living and continue today. The restaurant serves traditional indian foods from various regions of the US. Neat place for lunch, though tad expensive.
http://www.nmai.si.edu/subpage.cfm?subpage=visitor
United States Mint
I told the kids to bring their backpacks because there is a huge funnel at the end of the visit so you can pack your bag full of TARP cash...needless to say, the printing presses are working overtime right now.
http://www.usmint.gov/about_the_mint/
National Air and Space Museum National Mall Building
Kids heaven! All kinds of airplanes and space vehicles to delight all ages, including parents..very close to the Indian Museum so a good pair. Indian Museum requires more thinking so do in the morning and have lunch there. Than do the visuals at National Air & Space in the early pm.
http://www.nasm.si.edu/museum/flagship.cfm
National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
If you liked the Air & Space on National Mall, well, this has the BIG stuff like a real Space Shuttle and fighter aircraft. Do this only if you are flying in/out of Dulles. It's attached to the airfield. Not worth special trip from DC though.
http://www.nasm.si.edu/museum/udvarhazy/
Fogo de Chao, Brazilian Churrasco
Expensive, but worth every ounce of tasty Brazilian rotisserie BBQ. Servers come by with a different skewer of meat right off the grill. Great ambiance, service, and food. Be sure to come with an empty stomach because it's all you can eat. Right off Pennsylvania Avenue near National Archives.
http://www.fogodechao.com/
Paris Family Trip Guide
Here are my family trip recommendations for Paris, France based on our many visits with our family. You'll find amusement parks, natural and science history museums, large and small art museums, boat rides on the Seine, plays and theater venues, places for afternoon tea, classic Parisian cafes for breakfast and restaurants for dinner, and even a church or two for those inclined to thank higher powers for your good fortune to be in Paris, the city of light. I listed hotels and restaurants on top of list and family-oriented site recommendations thereafter.
Have a great trip and please provide any comments.
New York City Family Trip Guide
My NYC family trip guide recommendations including national park sites (Statue of Liberty, Federal Hall), museums (The Met, MoMA, Guggenheim, American Natural History, New), Broadway shows (@50% discounts), shopping areas (SoHo), and public places (Times Square, Central Park). #Travel, #NewYorkCity.
Carmel Family Trip Guide
Here's a family activity guide for the beautiful Monterey Peninsula area including Monterey and Carmel with a few outliers sprinkled in. Great Monterey aquarium, hikes, kayaking/pontoon cruise in Elkhorn Slough or off Pebble Beach golf course, beach play/bouldering, sand dune sledding, and shopping. I highly recommend you stay in Carmel because it is a small, charming, and walkable town with great restaurants, stores, and beaches. Monterey, though perhaps better known name to some, is a commercial town.
If you like Pebble Beach and kayaking, contact Bob Mannix at montereyvistas@gmail.com for a very special kayaking and nature education of Carmel Bay/Pebble Beach area just off the Pebble Beach golf course. $85.00/person for just over two hour trip. He gives you great geology and sea life lessons while you kayak around the bay.
Best coastal weather is September-December and March-May, followed by January-February (rainy season), and then June-August (marine fog like San Francisco). The summer fog burns off just three-four miles inland to warm, dry sun, but most of the activities are right on the coastline.
Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, and Glen Canyon National Parks Family RV Trip Guide
Your family RV trip guide to Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, and Glen Canyon/Lake Powell national parks. 9 day, 8 night trip. Our children were in 9-14 age range so the activities are geared for this age group.
Trip Sequence:
1. Las Vegas RV pick-up: El Monte RV. 34' footer. 12:00 pm. Get directions to nearest Walmart Super-center to load food and cleaning stuff/handiwipes. Camping is a messy adventure!
2. Zion National Park: 4 day, 3 night stay (though 3 day, 2 night works). 2.5 hr drive. Stayed at Watchman Campground, just inside southern gate across Virgin River from Springdale, UT, a neat town.
3. Bryce National Park: 3 day, 2 night stay. Stayed at North Campground inside the park just across from Visitor's Center. 2 hour drive from Bryce.
4. North Rim Grand Canyon National Park: 3 day, 2 night stay. Stayed at campground right near the famous Lodge. 2.5 hour drive from Bryce.
5. Lake Powell/Glen Canyon National Park: 2 day, 1 night (recommend 3 days, 2 nights if you like water sports!). 2.5 hour drive from North Rim.
6. Las Vegas: 3 days, 2 nights. We loved Mandalay Bay, very family friendly. Great deals on large suite rooms in middle of week.
St. Gregory Hotel
We stayed here because we got a good deal. Hotel is clean, rooms are nice, and staff is friendly/helpful. Nothing special, but did the job for a family trip.
Background:
St Gregory Hotel offers 4-star luxury and boutique lodging accommodations for family, leisure and business close to downtown Washington DC, and convenient to Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Embassy Row.
Hilton Garden Inn Washington, DC Downtown
Another well-located, more 'affordable' Hilton Garden Inn.
Background:
Set among the Washington, DC skyline, Hilton Garden Inn Washington, DC Downtown is a luxury boutique style hotel with spacious rooms and suites, meeting/event facilities, a casual dining restaurant and modern business center steps from the DC Metro.
JW Marriott Hotel, Washington DC
Very well located hotel in DC to all noted points of interest.
Background info:
The JW Marriott Washington DC is a luxury downtown DC hotel near the White House. The hotel features 737 guest rooms with high speed internet access and 37 inch HDTV. It is also located with easy access to DC monuments and landmarks.
United States House of Representatives, 111th Congress, 2nd Session
You can visit House of Representatives for a public tour. If you've managed it right, the Congressman might offer to take you and the kids to the floor of the House off-session. Kids under 18 can go on floor during session, very special experience. If you're lucky/contributor, you might request to climb to the top of the Capitol Dome. Congressman needs to escort you so it's a special request for you to make of their time.
The White House, Public Tours
Due to security, your Congressman office needs to schedule the visit with the White House. You will need to give personal information for a White House security check. Try to schedule an early visit because the Congressman needs to be in attendance when you check in to the security area. He/she can then let you visit the White House unaccompanied along with other visitors. You enter the downstairs floor that opens to the backyard and then walk upstairs through all the first floor public rooms including East Room and State Dining room. You exit right out the front door of the White House and leave on the front lawn. Incredible!
Newseum | Washington, D.C.'s Most Interactive Museum
The Newseum is a phenomenal space and great overview of world news and media production. They have neat interactive exhibits like making your own TV story as a beat reporter. Great mini-films coverage of major historical news stories or themes (eg sports, crime, etc.). We spent over 5-6 hours in the museum thinking we'd only spend 2!
The Newseum — a 250,000-square-foot museum of news on Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington DC — offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits. After opening to rave reviews the Newseum has become one of Washington's most popular destinations.
Washington National Cathedral
Take a guided tour if you like to visit churches. Beautiful place. Have lunch or dinner in Georgetown just down the hill. Many good restaurants at the corner of M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.
Washington.org - Official Tourism Site of Washington, DC
Get the latest information on events, attractions, and create your own experience during your visit to Washington, DC.
US Supreme Court, Visiting the Court
I think you schedule the Supreme Court visit through your Congressman's office. They have a limited number of guided tours/day. Very interesting. You can also apply directly to the Supreme Court when in the Court is in session to sit in on a real court hearing. There is a limited number of public visitors allowed during the session so apply if interested as soon as you know your dates.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial - Thomas Jefferson Memorial National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)
Visit on a clear night along with the Lincoln Memorial. Much more striking than during the day.
Lincoln Memorial National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)
Visit on clear night along with Jefferson Memorial.
Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
Take the mini-train ride tour, don't try to walk this. Check out a changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. Visit the Kennedy clan grave site. You'll hear several 21 gun salutes for fallen servicemen during your visit. You can do this visit on the way to or from Mt. Vernon, George Washington's home.
George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Excellent history of George Washington in the context of his times. Must see during Washington visit. Beautiful property that still looks very much like his time. You can stop in Alexandria, VA for a lunch on the way back to Washington. I like La Madeleine, the French spot. Good soup and sandwiches.
Madame Tussauds wax museum
If you like wax figures, you'll love this place. You can pair this visit with the spy museum across the street. Guys do the spy thing, girls do the wax thing.
Welcome to Madame Tussauds in Washington D.C., USA. Get up close and personal with your favourite celebrity wax figures at the world famous tourist attraction
International Spy Museum
Great pair with Madame Tussaud's. Kids can learn to become a spy. You see all the historical spy gadgets from attack material to listening devices, etc. Great mini-clips of the most notorious spies.
Worth the visit if the girls want to do the wax museum thing.
Washington Monument National Monument - Plan Your Visit
Buy tickets in advance so you can confirm a specific reservation time to take the elevator to the very top. Fantastic views all around Washington.
National Museum of the American Indian
Very new, beautiful museum about American Indian life. Excellent content of all tribes across the country. You can see how they made their living and continue today. The restaurant serves traditional indian foods from various regions of the US. Neat place for lunch, though tad expensive.
United States Mint
I told the kids to bring their backpacks because there is a huge funnel at the end of the visit so you can pack your bag full of TARP cash...needless to say, the printing presses are working overtime right now.
National Air and Space Museum National Mall Building
Kids heaven! All kinds of airplanes and space vehicles to delight all ages, including parents..very close to the Indian Museum so a good pair. Indian Museum requires more thinking so do in the morning and have lunch there. Than do the visuals at National Air & Space in the early pm.
National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
If you liked the Air & Space on National Mall, well, this has the BIG stuff like a real Space Shuttle and fighter aircraft. Do this only if you are flying in/out of Dulles. It's attached to the airfield. Not worth special trip from DC though.
Fogo de Chao, Brazilian Churrasco
Expensive, but worth every ounce of tasty Brazilian rotisserie BBQ. Servers come by with a different skewer of meat right off the grill. Great ambiance, service, and food. Be sure to come with an empty stomach because it's all you can eat. Right off Pennsylvania Avenue near National Archives.
Paris Family Trip Guide
Here are my family trip recommendations for Paris, France based on our many visits with our family. You'll find amusement parks, natural and science history museums, large and small art museums, boat rides on the Seine, plays and theater venues, places for afternoon tea, classic Parisian cafes for breakfast and restaurants for dinner, and even a church or two for those inclined to thank higher powers for your good fortune to be in Paris, the city of light. I listed hotels and restaurants on top of list and family-oriented site recommendations thereafter.
Have a great trip and please provide any comments.
New York City Family Trip Guide
My NYC family trip guide recommendations including national park sites (Statue of Liberty, Federal Hall), museums (The Met, MoMA, Guggenheim, American Natural History, New), Broadway shows (@50% discounts), shopping areas (SoHo), and public places (Times Square, Central Park). #Travel, #NewYorkCity.
Carmel Family Trip Guide
Here's a family activity guide for the beautiful Monterey Peninsula area including Monterey and Carmel with a few outliers sprinkled in. Great Monterey aquarium, hikes, kayaking/pontoon cruise in Elkhorn Slough or off Pebble Beach golf course, beach play/bouldering, sand dune sledding, and shopping. I highly recommend you stay in Carmel because it is a small, charming, and walkable town with great restaurants, stores, and beaches. Monterey, though perhaps better known name to some, is a commercial town.
If you like Pebble Beach and kayaking, contact Bob Mannix at montereyvistas@gmail.com for a very special kayaking and nature education of Carmel Bay/Pebble Beach area just off the Pebble Beach golf course. $85.00/person for just over two hour trip. He gives you great geology and sea life lessons while you kayak around the bay.
Best coastal weather is September-December and March-May, followed by January-February (rainy season), and then June-August (marine fog like San Francisco). The summer fog burns off just three-four miles inland to warm, dry sun, but most of the activities are right on the coastline.
Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, and Glen Canyon National Parks Family RV Trip Guide
Your family RV trip guide to Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, and Glen Canyon/Lake Powell national parks. 9 day, 8 night trip. Our children were in 9-14 age range so the activities are geared for this age group.
Trip Sequence:
1. Las Vegas RV pick-up: El Monte RV. 34' footer. 12:00 pm. Get directions to nearest Walmart Super-center to load food and cleaning stuff/handiwipes. Camping is a messy adventure!
2. Zion National Park: 4 day, 3 night stay (though 3 day, 2 night works). 2.5 hr drive. Stayed at Watchman Campground, just inside southern gate across Virgin River from Springdale, UT, a neat town.
3. Bryce National Park: 3 day, 2 night stay. Stayed at North Campground inside the park just across from Visitor's Center. 2 hour drive from Bryce.
4. North Rim Grand Canyon National Park: 3 day, 2 night stay. Stayed at campground right near the famous Lodge. 2.5 hour drive from Bryce.
5. Lake Powell/Glen Canyon National Park: 2 day, 1 night (recommend 3 days, 2 nights if you like water sports!). 2.5 hour drive from North Rim.
6. Las Vegas: 3 days, 2 nights. We loved Mandalay Bay, very family friendly. Great deals on large suite rooms in middle of week.
St. Gregory Hotel
We stayed here because we got a good deal. Hotel is clean, rooms are nice, and staff is friendly/helpful. Nothing special, but did the job for a family trip.
Background:
St Gregory Hotel offers 4-star luxury and boutique lodging accommodations for family, leisure and business close to downtown Washington DC, and convenient to Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Embassy Row.
http://www.capitalhotelswdc.com/StGregoryHotelWDC_com/
Hilton Garden Inn Washington, DC Downtown
Another well-located, more 'affordable' Hilton Garden Inn.
Background:
Set among the Washington, DC skyline, Hilton Garden Inn Washington, DC Downtown is a luxury boutique style hotel with spacious rooms and suites, meeting/event facilities, a casual dining restaurant and modern business center steps from the DC Metro.
http://www.hiltongardeninn.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=DCACHGI
JW Marriott Hotel, Washington DC
Very well located hotel in DC to all noted points of interest.
Background info:
The JW Marriott Washington DC is a luxury downtown DC hotel near the White House. The hotel features 737 guest rooms with high speed internet access and 37 inch HDTV. It is also located with easy access to DC monuments and landmarks.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasjw-jw-marriott-hotel-washington-dc/
United States House of Representatives, 111th Congress, 2nd Session
You can visit House of Representatives for a public tour. If you've managed it right, the Congressman might offer to take you and the kids to the floor of the House off-session. Kids under 18 can go on floor during session, very special experience. If you're lucky/contributor, you might request to climb to the top of the Capitol Dome. Congressman needs to escort you so it's a special request for you to make of their time.
http://www.house.gov/
The White House, Public Tours
Due to security, your Congressman office needs to schedule the visit with the White House. You will need to give personal information for a White House security check. Try to schedule an early visit because the Congressman needs to be in attendance when you check in to the security area. He/she can then let you visit the White House unaccompanied along with other visitors. You enter the downstairs floor that opens to the backyard and then walk upstairs through all the first floor public rooms including East Room and State Dining room. You exit right out the front door of the White House and leave on the front lawn. Incredible!
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours-and-events
Newseum | Washington, D.C.'s Most Interactive Museum
The Newseum is a phenomenal space and great overview of world news and media production. They have neat interactive exhibits like making your own TV story as a beat reporter. Great mini-films coverage of major historical news stories or themes (eg sports, crime, etc.). We spent over 5-6 hours in the museum thinking we'd only spend 2!
The Newseum — a 250,000-square-foot museum of news on Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington DC — offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits. After opening to rave reviews the Newseum has become one of Washington's most popular destinations.
http://www.newseum.org/
Washington National Cathedral
Take a guided tour if you like to visit churches. Beautiful place. Have lunch or dinner in Georgetown just down the hill. Many good restaurants at the corner of M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.
http://www.nationalcathedral.org/visit/
Washington.org - Official Tourism Site of Washington, DC
Get the latest information on events, attractions, and create your own experience during your visit to Washington, DC.
http://washington.org/
US Supreme Court, Visiting the Court
I think you schedule the Supreme Court visit through your Congressman's office. They have a limited number of guided tours/day. Very interesting. You can also apply directly to the Supreme Court when in the Court is in session to sit in on a real court hearing. There is a limited number of public visitors allowed during the session so apply if interested as soon as you know your dates.
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/visiting/visiting.html
Thomas Jefferson Memorial - Thomas Jefferson Memorial National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)
Visit on a clear night along with the Lincoln Memorial. Much more striking than during the day.
http://www.nps.gov/thje/index.htm
Lincoln Memorial National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)
Visit on clear night along with Jefferson Memorial.
http://www.nps.gov/linc/index.htm
Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
Take the mini-train ride tour, don't try to walk this. Check out a changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. Visit the Kennedy clan grave site. You'll hear several 21 gun salutes for fallen servicemen during your visit. You can do this visit on the way to or from Mt. Vernon, George Washington's home.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/visitor_information/index.htm
George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Excellent history of George Washington in the context of his times. Must see during Washington visit. Beautiful property that still looks very much like his time. You can stop in Alexandria, VA for a lunch on the way back to Washington. I like La Madeleine, the French spot. Good soup and sandwiches.
http://www.mountvernon.org/visit/index.cfm//cfid/30613912/cftoken/41270386
Madame Tussauds wax museum
If you like wax figures, you'll love this place. You can pair this visit with the spy museum across the street. Guys do the spy thing, girls do the wax thing.
Welcome to Madame Tussauds in Washington D.C., USA. Get up close and personal with your favourite celebrity wax figures at the world famous tourist attraction
http://www.madametussauds.com/washington/
International Spy Museum
Great pair with Madame Tussaud's. Kids can learn to become a spy. You see all the historical spy gadgets from attack material to listening devices, etc. Great mini-clips of the most notorious spies.
Worth the visit if the girls want to do the wax museum thing.
http://spymuseum.org/plan/index.php
Washington Monument National Monument - Plan Your Visit
Buy tickets in advance so you can confirm a specific reservation time to take the elevator to the very top. Fantastic views all around Washington.
http://www.nps.gov/wamo/planyourvisit/index.htm
National Museum of the American Indian
Very new, beautiful museum about American Indian life. Excellent content of all tribes across the country. You can see how they made their living and continue today. The restaurant serves traditional indian foods from various regions of the US. Neat place for lunch, though tad expensive.
http://www.nmai.si.edu/subpage.cfm?subpage=visitor
United States Mint
I told the kids to bring their backpacks because there is a huge funnel at the end of the visit so you can pack your bag full of TARP cash...needless to say, the printing presses are working overtime right now.
http://www.usmint.gov/about_the_mint/
National Air and Space Museum National Mall Building
Kids heaven! All kinds of airplanes and space vehicles to delight all ages, including parents..very close to the Indian Museum so a good pair. Indian Museum requires more thinking so do in the morning and have lunch there. Than do the visuals at National Air & Space in the early pm.
http://www.nasm.si.edu/museum/flagship.cfm
National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
If you liked the Air & Space on National Mall, well, this has the BIG stuff like a real Space Shuttle and fighter aircraft. Do this only if you are flying in/out of Dulles. It's attached to the airfield. Not worth special trip from DC though.
http://www.nasm.si.edu/museum/udvarhazy/
Fogo de Chao, Brazilian Churrasco
Expensive, but worth every ounce of tasty Brazilian rotisserie BBQ. Servers come by with a different skewer of meat right off the grill. Great ambiance, service, and food. Be sure to come with an empty stomach because it's all you can eat. Right off Pennsylvania Avenue near National Archives.
http://www.fogodechao.com/
Paris Family Trip Guide
Here are my family trip recommendations for Paris, France based on our many visits with our family. You'll find amusement parks, natural and science history museums, large and small art museums, boat rides on the Seine, plays and theater venues, places for afternoon tea, classic Parisian cafes for breakfast and restaurants for dinner, and even a church or two for those inclined to thank higher powers for your good fortune to be in Paris, the city of light. I listed hotels and restaurants on top of list and family-oriented site recommendations thereafter.
Have a great trip and please provide any comments.
New York City Family Trip Guide
My NYC family trip guide recommendations including national park sites (Statue of Liberty, Federal Hall), museums (The Met, MoMA, Guggenheim, American Natural History, New), Broadway shows (@50% discounts), shopping areas (SoHo), and public places (Times Square, Central Park). #Travel, #NewYorkCity.
Carmel Family Trip Guide
Here's a family activity guide for the beautiful Monterey Peninsula area including Monterey and Carmel with a few outliers sprinkled in. Great Monterey aquarium, hikes, kayaking/pontoon cruise in Elkhorn Slough or off Pebble Beach golf course, beach play/bouldering, sand dune sledding, and shopping. I highly recommend you stay in Carmel because it is a small, charming, and walkable town with great restaurants, stores, and beaches. Monterey, though perhaps better known name to some, is a commercial town.
If you like Pebble Beach and kayaking, contact Bob Mannix at montereyvistas@gmail.com for a very special kayaking and nature education of Carmel Bay/Pebble Beach area just off the Pebble Beach golf course. $85.00/person for just over two hour trip. He gives you great geology and sea life lessons while you kayak around the bay.
Best coastal weather is September-December and March-May, followed by January-February (rainy season), and then June-August (marine fog like San Francisco). The summer fog burns off just three-four miles inland to warm, dry sun, but most of the activities are right on the coastline.
Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, and Glen Canyon National Parks Family RV Trip Guide
Your family RV trip guide to Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, and Glen Canyon/Lake Powell national parks. 9 day, 8 night trip. Our children were in 9-14 age range so the activities are geared for this age group.
Trip Sequence:
1. Las Vegas RV pick-up: El Monte RV. 34' footer. 12:00 pm. Get directions to nearest Walmart Super-center to load food and cleaning stuff/handiwipes. Camping is a messy adventure!
2. Zion National Park: 4 day, 3 night stay (though 3 day, 2 night works). 2.5 hr drive. Stayed at Watchman Campground, just inside southern gate across Virgin River from Springdale, UT, a neat town.
3. Bryce National Park: 3 day, 2 night stay. Stayed at North Campground inside the park just across from Visitor's Center. 2 hour drive from Bryce.
4. North Rim Grand Canyon National Park: 3 day, 2 night stay. Stayed at campground right near the famous Lodge. 2.5 hour drive from Bryce.
5. Lake Powell/Glen Canyon National Park: 2 day, 1 night (recommend 3 days, 2 nights if you like water sports!). 2.5 hour drive from North Rim.
6. Las Vegas: 3 days, 2 nights. We loved Mandalay Bay, very family friendly. Great deals on large suite rooms in middle of week.
