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DC at Cherry blssom time

goodtastenomoney

23 years ago

My mother wants to go to DC next year at Cherry Blossom time.

Does anyone know how far out I should make a reservation and where to stay that is somewhat reasonable yet close to the action.

Thanks!!!

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Comments (3)

cattknap
23 years ago
We love staying in old town Alexandria which is a 15-20 minute ride on the metro to D.C. There are lots of metro stops that will take you just about anywhere you want to go - I wouldn't drive in D.C. - lots of traffic - very expensive parking - not a lot of available parking. We stay at the Embassy Suites in Old Town Alexandria across the street from the Metro station - very convenient. Old town is such a fun experience in itself. From the Embassy Suites (and several other hotels), you can walk down to the Patomac - lots of wonderful, charming shops and restaurants and museums along the way. Alexandria is definitely a safer place to stay than right in D.C. If you rent a car, take your Mom to Mount Vernon - George Washington's wonderful home on the Patomac River - it is about a 30 minute drive from Alexandria - take the George Washington Parkway - very beautiful and it leads directly to Mt. Vernon. Another fabulous place to visit - that is about 45-60 minutes away from Alexandria is Annapolis, MD - a great historic town right on the water (the Sailing Capital of the World) with lots to do and see - the walking tours are wonderful (Walking with the Colonials Tour). I'd fly into Reagan National or Baltimore (BWI). Access to rental cars is much better at BWI than National. Do an internet search for hotels in the Alexandria old town area if you want to shop around for rates. Hope this helps.
Cathleen
Cathleen
moggy_moo
23 years ago
Also, please be aware that the cherry trees do not always blossom on schedule! Some years the trees are late due to the weather. The festivities will go on anyhow.
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Downsouth, we may have a few things in common. My paternal family is from TN, I grew up in IN, but have lived in a DC suburb for around 15 years. Your post doesn't say why you are unethusiastic, but I can guess why. As has already been mentioned, DC has more to do than you will ever get done, so you need to make choices and plan well in advance. And there's great variety in what to do, both within the city and within short driving distances. Monuments, museums, and the workings of our government are DC's main attractions (Ford's Theater is especially interesting). But maybe that type of thing can't enthuse you. There are people from all over the world here. Embassy Row, our own small Chinatown, the State Dept., etc are of interest to some. Still not your cup of tea? The Cheseapeake Bay is only an hour away (2 hours if you're going to cross the bridge and stand in the traffic). Ocean City and VA beach on the Atlantic are only 4 hours away. Skyline Drive and the mountains and 1-2 hours away to the west. An interesting change of pace from DC's history stops is Baltimore's Inner Harbor--just an hour away but a world away in atmosphere. Annapolis and Williamsburg are both fascinating, for very different reasons. And Alexandria is interesting as well (yep, the post about night life has it right). Like crafts and unusual stores? Ellicott City to the North, Occoquan to the south, and to some extent, Alexandria, have interesting offerings. The variety here is tremendous--I still haven't seen it all even after 15 years of trying. Talk to your husband about what kinds of things you want to do--you don't have to spend all of your time on monuments. Cons--the traffic is bad. Take the Metro as often as possible. Food costs in the downtown area are high. Hotel costs, of course, depends on where you stay. In general, the area does have the reputation of being expensive, but more for living here than for visiting. And if your hesitation is because we're living in a post 9/11 world, let me assure you of your safety. We might be a prime target but we've also got great security. Don't let the military presence you see around the Pentagon alarm you--it makes me feel safer. I have seen many visitors have a miserable time in DC, but it's because they didn't plan. They want to do everything, and it can't be done. The walking distance between, say the Washington Monument and the Capital can be a nice stroll or a forced march, depending on how much time you allow. Our summer's are hot and humid, but so are GA's--and in downtown DC, there's always an air conditioned building to duck into. And this summer has actually been a mild one for heat (but I think all the rain that has kept down the heat has made the humidity worse). If you come with reasonable expectations, you'll probably have a great time.
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janMD
23 years ago
Thw Washington Post Metro section gives a forecast each year for the peak of blooms. Having lived in the area for 6 yrs and seen the blossoms at varying levels, I think it's best to aim a little early than late.
PLACES TO STAY - I visited as a tourist several times before moving here and previously stayed in the Crystal City area, near the Rosslyn metro. The metro is probably the easiest way for out-of-towners to get around. Now that I live here, I know little tricks for getting around and parking, but it can still be very frustrating. If you are driving, you might consider the Bowie, MD area. It's a straight shot out Rt 50, is close to the New Carrollton metro and also another 20 min. to Annapolis, which is definitely worth visiting. The northern VA area has gotten extremely congested and I would not recommend driving there if you are unfamiliar with the area - especially anywhere near the Pentagon. There are more road closures and less street parking in the whole area post 9/11.
SEEING THE CHERRY TREES- My husband and I were at the Tidal Basin at dawn a couple of years ago. Parking was wherever we wanted, since we beat the crowd. We walked around the basin, had a picnic breakfast, then went to Arlington since they opened at 8 am. We like to do these touristy things even though we live here.
Everyone should make it to Washington at least once. It's a beautiful city and there's so much to see and do. Keep in mind the cherry blossoms bring the biggest crowds of the entire year. Plan some things off the beaten path so you're not dealing with crowds the whole time. There are plenty of things that fit that description and will not make you feel so tired from the press of other tourists.

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