Life: Version 2.0 » washington dc

14 things to do in the DC Metro area

Susan — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 14:47:42 +0000

I put this list together recently for someone who asked for ideas on fun things to do in and around the DC area, so I thought I would share. This is just a start – if you have any ideas please let me know and I will update the list.

1. Visit vineyards – there are several vineyards in Virginia (about an hour drive). The views are fabulous, you can do wine tastings and have a wonderful picnic – lots of these vineyards have great springtime events. There are also companies that do local vineyard tours for a very resonable price. Visit the vineyards in the Northern Region: http://virginiawines.org/wineries/r-northern.html – here is a link to a great local wine blog where there is a wealth of information: http://vinespot.blogspot.com/; and here is a link to a company that does tours: http://www.vawineadventures.com/

2. Visit Hillwood Museum & Gardens – right in the heart of DC – http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org/ – the estate once owned by Marjorie Merriweather Post. This includes a wonderful home/museum and magical gardens. You can even have afternoon tea there!

3. Visit the National Arboretum: http://www.usna.usda.gov/ – I lived in DC for 20 years before I discovered this place, and I can’t believe I waited so long!

4. Take a haunted history tour of Old Town Alexandria: http://www.alexcolonialtours.com/graveyard.html – a lot of fun, especially after happy hour

5. Visit Mount Vernon: http://www.mountvernon.org – VERY important to honor our founding fathers. Mount Vernon was the home of George Washington, it is a remarkable place.

6. On that note, If you want to drive 2 hours – go see Monticello, the estate of Thomas Jefferson: http://www.monticello.org – this is also a must-see

7. Go to the Baltimore Aquarium – http://www.aqua.org/ – less than an hour from DC

8. Have brunch at a restaurant at Eastern Market in DC – then shop the open market as well

9. Walk around Georgetown, visit the university and go to Dumbarton Oaks Gardens http://www.doaks.org/Gardens.html

10. Have a picnic on the mall. Check out the Smithsonian museums, etc

11. Go to the National Zoo (it’s owned by the Smithsonian and it’s free!)

12. Take the Metro (we have the best subway in the country – and it is sure to imporess)

13. Go to Happy Hour or dinner somewhere in Adams Morgan

14. Visit the LIncoln and Jefferson memorials

Thankful for Thirty: Day 2: Washington, DC

Susan — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 16:42:49 +0000

I have lived and worked in the Washington, DC metropolitan area since 1981. It seems surreal that it has been so long, but it is true. I spent 12 years living in various parts of the city while working and going to school. I was reminded of how special DC is yesterday when my daughter and I took a short trip to the national arboretum. In all the years I have lived and worked in the area I never once visited this place. It was a fabulous day and ended up being a great escape from our daily routine

DC is a beautiful city, I have written about this before. Great personality, music, arts, architecture and a very diverse population. It is a great walking city with lots of parks and trees everywhere you go. While it may be very stressful at times, I wouldn’t want to live in or near any other major metropolitan area. DC is it for me.

Thus far, I have had a very successful life in this area. I am thankful for it’s abundance, beauty and culture.

traffic sucks

Susan — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:25:54 +0000

The Washington, DC metropolitan area ranks #2 in the US for traffic congestion. This fact was confirmed this morning when it took me 2 hours to drive 17 miles.

At least we are recognized for something other than politics.

Currently I am working very hard to maintain a positive mental attitude.

A brief escape: Hillwood Museum & Gardens

Susan — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 21:41:39 +0000

A few of us escaped from work today to check out a beautiful estate/museum nearby, Hillwood Museum & Gardens.

Marjorie Merriweather Post acquired Hillwood in 1955 and created a series of pleasure gardens for her leisure and the entertainment of her guests. Being that this is only 1 mile away from the office, we enjoyed a few hours investigating the gardens and touring the house.