I have a couple of posts I am working on that I wanted to post yesterday and today, but honestly…there has been some email I’ve received and internet ICK that has put me in a funk and taken a lot of the wind out of my sails.
It will be fine, I just have to muck through it.
Besides, I need to post this anyway and Friday is as good a day as any.
I’m starting to plan our trip to DC.
We will be there from November 3rd – November 8th.
I have been there several times but Jonathan never has.
SO…I have a couple of questions for you all!
1. What are your favorite things to do/see in DC? We will be fine, but we’re pretty strapped for funds. Luckily, the hotel we are in has a kitchen AND most of the really amazing stuff in DC is free anyway.Anything in particular that is low cost would be helpful.
2. What are your favorite places to eat? Again, see the above comment about things that are easy on the wallet.
3. Do you live in the area and want to meet up with me? My 35th Birthday is on Saturday, November 7th!
I.am.so.effing.old.
Scary Mommy has GRACIOUSLY offered to plan a big freaking BIRTHDAY BLOGGITY MEET UP PAAAAARTTTY Saturday night to celebrate the milestone!
I wish I had the funds to have a big blow out where I picked up the tab for everyone but as it is we’re aiming to meet at a reasonable restaurant (to be determined-we’d love suggestions) order your own meal and talk, laugh and have NO BIRTHDAY SINGING BY WAITERS BARING SILLY HATS BECAUSE THAT IS RIGHT UP THERE WITH WATERBOARDING.
I would really love it if you could come celebrate my birthday with me.
If that night isn’t good, I may be able to meet you at some other point but it all really just depends.
Could you leave info in the comments and/or email me: loraleechoate (at) gmail (dot) com or Scary Mommy (jill(at)scarymommy(dot)com) with ideas, RSVP’s ect.
You can also @ or DM us on Twitter @looneytunes and @scarymommy.
Once everything is finalized we will contact you with the final details.
I can’t wait to see everyone.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!
xo
Don’t be surprised if you see me back here a few times. :)
Cheap eats/DC landmarks:
Ollie’s Trolley – burgers http://www.olliestrolleydc.com/index.html
Five Guys – burgers
http://www.fiveguys.com/home.aspx
(get the Cajun fries)
Lauriol Plaza – Mexican
http://www.lauriolplaza.com/
(get the enchiladas de mariscos)
Spy City Cafe – hotdogs
http://www.spymuseum.org/shop/spycity.php
(next to the Spy Museum…also an awesome place to visit)
Ella’s Pizza – pizza
http://www.ellaspizza.com/italian_restaurants_in_washington_dc.shtml
(get the margherita pizza)
Casa Blanco – Mexican & Peruvian
http://washingtondc.menupages.com/restaurants/casa-blanca/
Don’t worry about these stupid emails. We have this wonderful, well, proverb: There are people and windowsills, tables and stools. It’s important to not to be a door knob xD Anyway, jut hang in there :)
And as for your trip – congratulations again for the invitatuion. I hope you’ll have a wonderful time :) I hear DC is some of a city. (I’m kinda fascinated by this city, all because of Tom Clancy’s books on Jack Ryan and The West Wing TV Show xD). Pity it’s sooo effing far away. Someday I’ll fly there and visit all your big and strange country :]
(Duh, I kinda started to use words that I have learnt from you, like “effing” or “freaking” xD)
OK, and now I’m going back to dying. Being sick and waking up at this hour (it’s 7.30AM here, I’m awake since 6.00AM… or really since yesterday, ’cause I didn’t get much of sleep today…) is not a good mix…
regards,
Amy.
OK, trying this again…apologies if I commented twice:
Cheap Eats and/or DC landmarks:
Ollie’s Trolley – burgers
http://www.olliestrolleydc.com/
Five Guys – burgers
http://www.fiveguys.com/index.aspx
(get the Cajun fries)
Ella’s Wood Fired Pizza – pizza
http://www.ellaspizza.com/
(get the margherita pizza)
Lauriol Plaza – Mexican
http://www.lauriolplaza.com/
(get the enchiladas de mariscos)
Casa Blanc – Mexican & Peruvian
http://washingtondc.menupages.com/restaurants/casa-blanca/
Spy City Cafe – hot dogs
http://www.spymuseum.org/shop/spycity.php
Oh…another one…
Phillip’s Seafood
http://www.phillipsseafood.com/
(the brunch buffet ain’t cheap but it’ll give you enough food for an entire day)
i’m an Aussie and I only had a few hours in DC for sight seeing. I really loved it. I came into Union Station and loved the architecture.
I went to the visitors centre for the white house. When I eventually found it I only had about 1/2 hour there. I loved it. I totally didn’t expect to and I did. Cheap pressies to take home (pencils and postcards and things) for the kids etc.
I was surprised at how many people were startled by me asking directions. It was like I was considered very strange. I just kept apologising and blaming it on the fact that I am Australian :-).
I hope you both have a fantastic time.
Man, I wish there were something pulling me to the east coast that week. I’d love to raise an over-sized margarita in honor of your old-ness.
I will drink {more}massive amounts of Diet Coke and sing the Star Spangled Banner all day, whilst wearing a large party hat. I’m sure Nugget will be thoroughly entertained and Husfriend concerned.
xoxo!!
We went there about 3 years ago in November (our anniversary is the 6th). I had been but my husband had not. We were there for 4 days and one of the days we spent up in Gettysburg!
Here is my list of the greatest must dos:
You HAVE to try out PapaRazzi’s in Georgetown! The food is to die for! Be sure to have some bruschetta with fresh moz. cheese on it! We went there for dinner and it was about $45 for the 2 of us. Not super cheap but share a meal and it won’t be too bad. We each ordered a meal and couldn’t eat it. Seriously it is worth it!
Also – Chinese food is amazing in Georgetown. Cheap too!
The American History Museum is amazing…definitely one you need to see. As well as making it to the Air and Space Museum.
Don’t think you need to worry about the White House tour – totally jealous!
Go to the Lincoln Memorial at night! Actually I would hit up most the monuments at night. Since the museums close around 6:00 it is nice to be able to see as many of the museums as you can during the day hours then hit the monuments at night.
If you have a day, drive up to Gettysburg. It is WELL worth the drive.
Hmmmm what else…oh yeah I am FREAKING jealous!
P.S. Will you PLEASE bring me back some bruschetta from PapaRazzi’s…I would love, cherish and idol you forever ;)
Oh and Happy Birthday on the 7th…it will be an awesome birthday for you…I just have a feeling!
I went to the Vietnam Memorial–it was a very emotional experience for me. Arlington Cemetery is a good place to go also, you can take the Metro out there, for the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldiers.
Also went to the Hard Rock Cafe, which is a must for me as I collect those stupid guitar pins. Took my fabgrandchildren to the Museum of Natural History, where they have the huge dinosaur skeletons, but they were more interested in the gem and mineral displays, they were 7 and 10 and LOVED the Hope Diamond, and all the huge crystals in there.
I wanted to go the the US MInt and take a tour but did not have time. Would have LOVED to have seen all that money being printed and cut.
oh, and girl, you ain’t old. you are just a spring chick!
I have to recommend the Korean War Memorial. It’s right next to the Vietnam Memorial and best viewed at dusk. Most people manage to miss it because they’re so busy trying to find names on the wall, but I think the statues rising up out of the greenery bring on a much more complex series of emotions.
You can see all the monuments in a couple hours if you like walking. We did a walking tour starting at the National Archives, wlaked to the Capitol, walked across the mall to the Washington Memorial, to World War II, to Lincoln, passing the Vietnam and korean memorials along the way. Then we crossed some bridge and even walked to the Jefferson memorial.
One of the Metro stations – I think it’s Union Station – has a food court underground, that’s really cheap and has a large variety of vendors.
If you are into museums, try any of the smithsonians, they are free. The botanical gardens are amazing.
If you want to get into the Capitol building, write to your senatir or congressman and you can get a tour.
If you have some more time, you can take the MARC form Union station into Baltimore and see some of the inner harbor as well.
I’m here! Let’s hang, gurl!!
Knock ‘em dead, kiddo.
I’ll be there!!!! I’m going to email you my phone # and we’ll figure things out. If you guys want to come to Baltimore for the day at all I can also show you around here. (Not that I think that’s high on your list or anything…)
EEEE. Exciting.
I am up in Columbia, (it’s between Balt and Wash DC). I don;t get down to DC as much as I should (considering how close it is), but the museums are great and usually free. I like the Spy museum, but that costs. If it is a nice fall day, the National Zoo to see the pandas from China is always neat. Let me know about dinner/ meet up plans. I’ll try to come down for it!
I wish I lived closer so I could come!!!
We took the kids there over the summer and it was so fun! The Korean War Memorial was amazing, and I loved the Lincoln Memorial. Arlington was breathtaking, but it is HUGE. We didn’t get to go in the Capital, but did drive by it, and we ran out of time for the Museums, but I definitely want to see the dinosaurs next time we go!
By far, my favorite thing was the National Cathedral – the architecture is ASTOUNDINGLY gorgeous.
I have been to D.C. 8 or 9 times and still have much to see. Go see the obvious tourist attractions (the memorials, White House, etc.) as they are a wonderful part of our Nation’s history.
I would recommend a Metro pass as parking is not easy to come back in the city. If you get a guide book (most libraries have them so you don’t have to purchase one) it will tell you which Metro stop to get off at to get to various places.
D.C. has fabulous restaurants and the guide book can lead you to many of them.
My favorite place is Arlington National Cemetery. There is no where else one can go and be surrounded by so many heros.
Have fun.
I live about 30 minutes outside of DC. I don’t venture downtown too often – but I do have my faves! First of all – get out EARLY. This time of year – it’s not as crowded downtown – but you still want to be out and about early. One of my most FAVORITE things to do in DC – even before I moved here – was to watch the sun rise behind the Washington Monument while sitting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Simply stunning. From there – venture down through the War Memorials. Early in the morning when it is nearly deserted is so peaceful and serene. It really makes me thankful for those who have sacrificed so much for our country. If you want to go to the top of the Washington Monument – get your tix online – they only give out so many a day and unless you are in line EARLY – you won’t get them!
You may also be able to arrange a private US Capitol tour through your Congressman(woman)’s office. I did that several years ago and it was WELL WORTH IT! (Although, I confess – I had connections in the office – but you should still TRY!)
We don’t eat downtown much – but I would recommend Chef Geoff’s and skip Phillip’s Seafood (too commercial). Of course – Ray’s Hellburger and Ben’s Chili Bowl are popular right now thanks to the Prez – but I’ve never been there.
I’m also kind of fond of the Albert Einstein statue – makes for a great picture!
Most of all – do what interests YOU!
Good Luck!
Courtney
Union Station is great to walk around- and all the Smithsonians are free and there’s a huge variety to choose from.
Have a great time!
I have only been twice, briefly. Wear your comfy walking shoes. The Smithsonian museums are all free and all in one place for easy walking. If you want to see the constitution and the Magna Carta, go to the National Archives first thing when they open, so you won’t have to wait in line much. The Bill of Rights made me all verklempt, but I am a bit of a sap.
We got those double decker bus tickets from a kiosk in Union Station. $35 for 2 days. You can hop on or off at any stop, and if you do the whole loop, you get to see pretty much all of DC monuments, Arlington Cemetery, Georgetown, Embassy Row and many DC neighborhoods.
In Union Station basement, there is an international food court where you can get some cheap chow. I like the Indian place that it hidden in the back – I got a couple samosas for about $3 and was stuffed for hours. In any case, stop by Union Station because it is so pretty. It is full of shops and restaurants and people.
Have fun. It is a great city and I know you’ll love it! Oh, and say hi to Barack and Michelle to me, and thank them for all the emails and texts during the campaign.
Totally wishing I lived close enough to meet up, especially since my birthday is the day after yours! That would be a treat.
The Portrait Museum is my favorite! It’s Free, not as crowded as some other Smithsonians, and has a great mix of contemporary and historic art. It’s in Chinatown, very easy to find from the Metro.
As for food, if you find yourself in Georgetown, please find Georgetown cupcake. Best cupcakes I’ve ever had, hands down. But it’s kind of hard to get to… you can always try Hello, Cupcake in Dupont Circle, which is much easier to find :-)
I was there for a week this past April, and yes, all I ate was cupcakes!
I totally wish I could come and meet you. DC sounds like so much fun. Make sure you tell us all about it when you get back. I will live vicariously through you!
I work in downtown DC. First off-the places to eat that were listed first… Casa Blanca is a good call. I work a block away. Lauriol Plaza-not cheap eats. Go to Bens Chil Bowl for Hot Dogs-its famous. Go to the Post Pub which is around the corner from Casa Blanca-its where Bob Woodward met with Deepthroat so its historical. Great Wall Szechuan House is probably the best chinese in town- 1527 14th ST NW. I eat lunch there all the time. You can get your food quite spicey if you like it that way. Email me if you want more suggestions or questions about places. You can literally be entertained all day for a while with all of the museums. DC is also quite walkable.
Also, take a look here. Its the Washington POsts cheap eats guide.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/gog/free-cheap-dc/index.html
You should ask Amy. She always knows the best free things and she lived there.
35 is wayyyyy young. Museums- got to hit them. Many are free.
Happy early birthday!! I live 45 minutes outside D.C. in Virginia. I SO wish we could meet up but I have two very small kids (ages 2 and 8 months). I hope you have a safe trip and lots of fun.
When I went to D.C. the one place that really impacted me that I would go back and visit a thousand times over is the Holocaust Museum. Admission is free. I know a lot of people want to avoid seeing all the death and devastation associated with the Holocaust, but if there’s one place I really recommend people visiting it is this place. Very powerful and very touching.
Oh… AND the National Cathedral. That place is awesomely beautiful.
Happy upcoming birthday you young thing!
I live here and I would LOOOOOOVE to help you celebrate your birthday!! (And darnit my husband is out of town that weekend, so I’m already working on a babysitter!)
For dining, you MUST go to the Old Ebbitt Grill. VERY old Washington. It’s on the location of an old tavern where the British sat and watched the White House burning during the War of 1812. It’s not cheap, cheap, but it’s not super expensive. http://www.ebbitt.com/
I am partial to the Museum of American History. The National Gallery of Art is also amazing, as is the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Also the Newseum, which is not free, but SO WORTH the admission.
You will keep us posted on the event planning? Is Valerie coming? ;-)
Squeeeeeeing for you!
35? Old? No, old hurts. Trust me.
I don’t know if you’re a “Top Chef” fan, but Spike from season 3(?) has a burger joint on Capitol Hill called Good Stuff Eatery… it’s a little pricey for burgers and shakes (you’ll probably spend around $30 if you both get burgers fries and shakes) but it’s fun, yummy and it’s a cheap Top Chef restaurant if you’re into that sort of thing. There’s also a Madam Tussauds Wax Museum downtown that’s fun… but I just looked and it’s 20 frickin dollars a person so maybe skip it… the Children’s Museum is super fun (even for grown ups!) and all in all, doing all the free museums could take DAYS if you really want to see everything so you won’t be bored. I highly recommend Ben’s Chili Bowl as well. It’s good, cheap and really a historic landmark. You also MUST get to Georgetown, and of course have your picture taken at the bottom of the Exorcist Steps!
Eeeeeekkkkk!!!!! I cannot wait!!!
Oh, I would love to come celebrate – but my son is graduating from bootcamp in Parris Island on the 6th of Nov and we will leave here on the 3rd to head down for the graduation – and HIS birthday is on the 7th!!! He will be 24 years old, and a Marine!! We live in Northern Virginia right outside DC.
I thought I posted this yesterday, so my apologies if it shows up twice, but SQUEEEEEEEE! I LIVE HERE and would SO LOVE to celebrate your birthday with you!!! Keep me posted on the time and place. I’m already working on a babysitter!
Also, for eating, I love The Old Ebbitt Grill… very old Washington with a cool history. It’s not super cheap or super expensive – right in between and EXCELLENT food. And it’s a block from the White House. http://www.ebbitt.com/
Fun neighborhoods to hang out in are Adams Morgan, the U Street Corridor and Georgetown.
Touristy things – my fav Smithsonian is the American History Museum. My favorite other museum (i.e., not free, but so worth it) is the Newseum.
I’m I a total dork in that I’m counting down the days??
Oh how I would love to be there to smootch your sweet face.
Sounds like it will be a blast. *sob*
been to almost EVER EmmieJ recommendations! Ben’s Chili Bowl is awesome too! I’ll will DEFINITELY try to be there… (never looked for a gift for a 20 year old!)
Lincoln’s Waffles, right by Ford’s Theatre, is a convenient place to get cheap breakfast or lunch. Five Guys is awesome, but keep in mind that one order of fries is enough for three people. I liked going up in the Washington Monument, but order your ticket online now if you want to do that.
I know nothing about DC but I want you to have the BEST time!
I would LOVE to go, but even Salt Lake is closer to me than DC. So have fun! :)
(and you’re so NOT old. I turn 39 in March.Ug.)
I don’t know that much about DC but the Teddy Roosevelt Memorial is REALLY cool, and free! It would probably be really pretty this time of year with the leaves changing and all!
I love DC, but right now my thing is Georgetown. I love Georgetown! All of it. Place to eat…any place that’s super busy around the Capital at Lunch time is normally good, but eat there in the off hours.
Ok, so I wasn’t very helpful. Just have a good time!
I love Georgetown. Love it! I second seeing the National Cathedral, it’s one of my favorite places in the city. I wholeheartedly reccommend Cactus Cantina if you like Mexican food. And it’s really close to the Cathedral. We usually Cathedral then Cactus! Devine then Delish.