DC

[ste_noni]

After hours on the phone, I finally got Joe, Ellie and I on the same flight. Who would have thought it would be so hard. We arrive on April 7, a Saturday, and we leave on the 13th, a Friday. Any suggestions on hotels? Ideally, I'd like something in a good location for walking to the downtown stuff, maybe near a metro stop.

Oh, and I could use some advice. Every time we've traveled with Ellie, it's always been to visit someone. I have a stroller, which I think I might need for all the sightseeing, but it's really a mall type stroller. Better than an umbrella stroller, but maybe not good enough for all day walking around. I'm considering buying one of the those backpack carriers. Any stroller/backpack suggestions, pros, cons?

Here's my next issue...is it socially acceptable to ride in a cab without a carseat? Am I supposed to bring hers with us? I normally do but I don't think we will be in anyone's car on this trip. If we do get in a taxi, I want her to be safe, but I dont' think I've ever seen anyone buckle in a car seat before getting in a cab.

Oh, meara and maria, will you guys be around those days?

eta: Oh, and one more thing. I have never been to any of the Smithsonians (there is more than one, right?) although I have seen most of the monuments. Is there one that is better than the rest? Air and Space, maybe? Is there one that would really appeal to Ellie?

Comments

[scrappylj.livejournal.com]

This is my fave Smithsonian Museum. http://americanhistory.si.edu/ It is one of my fave museums in the world, actually. Great cultural scope and fun, fascinating exhibits.

[mfnlaw.livejournal.com]

It's my favorite too, except for the fact that it's closed for renovation until summer of 2008. The National Air and Space Museum is a good choice, and they also have a temporary collection of the most popular items from the American History museum.

It all depends upon what you're looking for. I think Ellie would be fascinated by the Natural History museum as well.

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

It looks so cool! I'm hoping that even though it's closed, the cool stuff will be at Air and Space.

[mfnlaw.livejournal.com]

I'll be around during the week. April 6th-8th, we'll be in PA (I think) for Easter.

Hotels...it really depends on how much you want to spend. You're coming for work, right? It will be easier to narrow down the selection if I had an idea where you'll need to be. Most downtown hotels are within walking distance of at least one major attraction and a Metro stop. Whatever you do, don't wait too long, because it's the National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 31st to April 15th. The city's crazy packed with tourists and hotels fill up quickly. You may have to compromise.

I have no horse in the stroller/backpack race, except to say you will definitely need something. Rugged is good.

I've seen parents use a car seat in a cab, and I've seen them not. If it's not going to add a lot to the metric ton of stuff you already have to pack, I'd bring it. Both meara and I have cars, and you never know if we may get the urge to go somewhere that requires one. If it's going to be a hassle, then we'll work around it.

Yay! You're going to have so much fun.

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

I was hoping it was Cherry Blossom time!

I don't know which hotel we will be in for the conference yet. They are very unorganized. I was just hoping to find a place for the two nights we pay for ourselves for the reasons you mention.

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

Oh, and like i told meara, if we see you great, otherwise you will just have to come to PR.

[mearagrrl.livejournal.com]

I'm with the others, that American History is one of my faves, but sadly closed. So, Air and Space might be nice. Natural History could be neat, for Ellie...(plus, jewels! bugs! dinosaurs!)

I am not currently sure what my schedule is for that week--the plan HAD been "come back from LA on Friday, be around Easter weekend, go to Minneapolis Mon/Tues", but now might be way more complicated and involve possible trips to San Fran and/or Portland in addition to the other bits. It's uncertain for now. :( But if I am in town, I would certainly love to see you!!

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

I"m okay with leaving things open. If you are around, great. If not, hopefully next time. Or you will just have to come to PR.

[mearagrrl.livejournal.com]

Well, I should hopefully know in the next week or so if I'll be around...

[casperflea.livejournal.com]

I think a standard Graco-style stroller should be fine - Washington is very flat and pedestrian-friendly, including the metro (though the elevators are broken with irritating regularity.) A backpack gets heavy for all day long - if I had the choice I'd take a stroller. If Ellie wants to walk you can stash your stuff in it.

I have used a car seat the few times I have taken a taxi with one of the kids, but I think it would be okay (and I think it is legal) to go without. I do take them on the bus practically every day without a car seat. This might be something you can find more info on on a parenting board, especially one with NYC posters!

At Ellie's age I think she is liable to like anything. If she likes animals, Natural History is a good choice, as they have those old-fashioned stuffed animal dioramas. The other good thing about the Smithsonians is they are all free, so if one thing isn't working, you just walk down the mall ad try to next one!

I wish we could run up and see you, but we are expecting mr. flea's parents for Easter that weekend.

[casperflea.livejournal.com]

Oh, I forgot: go to the Zoo! It's on Metro, between 2 stations - get off at the father station and them you walk downhill to the zoo, through the zoo, then downhill to the next metro. Also free.

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

The Zoo is a great idea. I think Ellie will love that!

[cashmerepett.livejournal.com]

Taxis and livery cars, as well as public transit are exempt from carseat laws. It's' acceptable to go without one and I would say with as much stuff as you're going to be packing, to only take it if you have the space and want to deal with it.

DC is a very stroller friendly city and I'd choose that over a backpack carrier.

The zoo is GREAT! And the monuments all have such great open spaces.

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

I think we will bring the seat if there's room but since we only bought two tickets, i'm not sure there will be. Anway, it's good to know we have the option.

[cashmerepett.livejournal.com]

You can check the carseat with your bags. Then you have it and can use it if you need it.

I'd probably do the same.

Have a good trip!

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

Does it count as one of your bags? We only have 4 for the three of us. We probably only need 1 each, but you never know.

[cashmerepett.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it does count as a checked bag.