Capital Gains

May 10, 2009

Touching history at the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial // © IstockPhoto

For most folks, the thought of a family vacation to Washington, D.C., conjures up images of multiple American history museum tours, long treks across the Mall and hours spent in congressional sessions. But Washington isn’t just about history and the government. Many visitors are excited to learn that the city is chock-full of art museums, sports of all kinds and amazing restaurants. To make the most of a D.C. adventure, plan to spend several days exploring the city.

Visitors have some choices when it comes to accommodations, from thrifty to luxurious. For an economical but hip hotel, check out the Aloft Washington National Harbor, situated on the Potomac River across from Alexandria, Va., 10 minutes outside of the district. The kids will get a huge kick out of taking a water taxi into the city to see the sights, and the grown-ups will love the price. Highlights include a special goodie bag at check-in, “kid-sized” air mattresses and special bedding and kid-friendly snack and meal options, as well as an indoor pool, a pool table and games in the communal lobby area. Our favorite features? The amazing views of the harbor from the guestrooms, plus the hot-out-of-the-oven homemade muffins available for purchase in the breakfast area each morning.

Interested in a suite? The Homewood Suites by Hilton, Washington, is only a few blocks outside of Dupont Circle, a happening part of D.C. Each suite features a separate bedroom and living room, a full bath and a full kitchen — great for when the kids need a late-night snack. What’s more, a hot Suite Start breakfast — complete with baked goods, eggs, bacon and cereal — is included in the room rate. Need groceries, too? Homewood will even hit the market for you and have your goodies waiting in your fridge when you get back to your room — all for no service charge.

If visitors want a more glamorous option, book the Bring ’Em Along package at the Hotel Helix where the kids will go wild over the super-fun family Bunk Room, complete with Nintendo 64. You can’t beat the amenities, including Twister in the lobby; a Bubbly Champagne Hour for mom and dad; and a pizza and ice cream party for the kids. You can even check out board games or watch a movie on the patio.

Once you leave the hotel, you’ll be on the go — wear walking shoes! Be sure to tour the White House and the Capitol building; call ahead to your congressman or senator’s office for reservations. Kids won’t want to leave the National Air and Space Museum, located right on the Washington Mall. The museum features vintage air- and spacecraft and offers kids an inside look at the history of flight. My daughter Zoe couldn’t get enough of the simulated Sky Lab and the real Apollo 11 module, which is housed inside the musuem.

The city’s National Zoo is one of the best in the country; it’s free, beautifully landscaped and home to a toddler panda named Tai Shan — who was born at the zoo three years ago — as well as a baby gorilla whose mom mugs for the camera. Even better, the zoo has educational programs at every turn, including opportunities to meet the zebras and see the elephants get a bath.

And if your brood includes junior spies in training, you should take them to the International Spy Museum where kids can check out espionage equipment and learn about the history of great spies.

If you’re not too worn out at the end of the day, consider a Washington, D.C., Monuments by Moonlight Tour onboard an old-fashioned trolley. Although D.C. is amazing by day, nothing can match the beauty of the monuments at night. Onboard, you’ll see some of the city’s most popular monuments such as the Capitol Building, the White House, the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument. The trolley will also make stops at the FDR Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Iwo Jima Memorial.

If you love concerts, take your older kids to hear the Capitol Steps, Washington’s satirical a capella group with off-the-wall performers who sing and make fun of current events. Once it’s time to refuel, you’ll have plenty of great dining choices to choose from. For great pizza, the wood-fired oven and homemade pizza dough at Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro make for some of the best pies in town.

If your family loves Chinese food, a visit to D.C. institution Meiwah is a must. The restaurant features a huge dining room with photos of all the political greats who have dined there, covering the walls. For dessert, head to Dupont Circle for cupcakes — and homemade icing — that will put a smile on your child’s face. I highly recommend the 24 Carrot or the raspberry flavors from Hello Cupcakes. All this could fill the itinerary of your first family trip to D.C. As for the next one, the Bureau of Engraving, the Supreme Court and the Pentagon await.

CAPTIONS
The White House; Below: D.C. is filled with family-friendly spots like the Sculpture Garden on the National Mall. Left: Touching history at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Aloft Washington National Harbor offers amazing views of the Potomac River.
The Lincoln Memorial is still a highlight of any trip to D.C.

The Details

Getting There

Washington, D.C., is easily accessible by rail and air. Take the train to D.C.’s Union Station (Amtrak’s Acela and regional rail services run throughout the day); fly into Ronald Reagan airport (in downtown D.C.), Washington Dulles (about 25 miles from the city in Northern Virginia) or Baltimore-Washington International (about an hour from the District, in Baltimore).

What to Do

Washington, D.C., features top-notch arts, sports, entertainment and, of course, history.

The Capitol Building
The U.S. Capitol is located at the far eastern end of the National Mall beyond the Capitol Reflecting Pool. Contact your congressman or senator’s office for tickets.
www.visitthecapitol.gov

The Capitol Steps
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
703-683-8330
www.capsteps.com

International Spy Museum
800 F St., NW
202-393-7798
www.spymuseum.org

Monuments by Moonlight Tour
50 Massachusetts Ave., NE
202-823-9800
www.trolleytours.com

National Air and Space Museum
Independence Avenue at 6th Street, SW
202-633-1000
www.nasm.si.edu

The National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
202-633-4800
www.nationalzoo.org

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Contact your congressman or senator’s office for tickets.
www.whitehouse.gov

Where to Eat

Hello Cupcake
1351 Connecticut Ave., NW
202-861-2253
www.hellocupcakeonline.com

Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro
713 H St., NW
202-289-4441
www.matchboxdc.com

Meiwah Restaurant
1200 New Hampshire Ave., NW
202-833-2888
www.meiwahrestaurant.com

Where to Stay

Aloft Washington National Harbor
156 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD 20745
301-749-9000
www.starwood.com/alofthotels