Weekend in DC

[Denny]

Well, thinking about doing a weekend in Washington DC... I know we
have had this discussion in the past but I'm too lazy to look it up -
and things may have changed...

I ask the wisdom of the group which is the best airport to use?
Any suggestions on a hotel?
What are the 'must' touristy things to do?

I would cheerfully spend every minute at the Smithsonian or the
National Gallery of Art, however my signifcant other doesn't find that
very exciting, so I will need to adjust to her wants...

denny

[JB]

On May 21, 8:31*am, Denny > wrote:
> Well, thinking about doing a weekend in Washington DC... *I know we
> have had this discussion in the past but I'm too lazy to look it up -
> and things may have changed...
>
> I ask the wisdom of the group which is the best airport to use?
> Any suggestions on a hotel?
> What are the 'must' touristy things to do?
>
> I would cheerfully spend every minute at the Smithsonian or the
> National Gallery of Art, however my signifcant other doesn't find that
> very exciting, so I will need to adjust to her wants...
>
> denny

There are 1/2 dozen airports that ring the city....Leesburg (JYO),
Manassas (HEF), Fredrick (FDK), and on and on. Some are within the
ADIZ, some outside. DO NOT attempt to get close by flying into one of
the DC-3 inside the FRZ. I live in No. VA and my plane is based at
JYO. Others prefer Maryland airports. I won't play tour guide here
and start listing the zillion things you should do as a DC tourist.
But please....do NOT become a local news items by busting the ADIZ and
giving GA pilots a bad name. An overhead camera shot of you lying
face down on the tarmac with Secret Service all around is not very
flattering. THe AOPA site has tons of info on what to do and what not
to do in and around the ADIZ. Its not overly hard or complicated but
there no slack is given if you screw up. If you have questions after
reviewing it, by all means come back and ask.

--Jeff

[Denny]

Jeff, thanks for the comments... Just looking for comments on airports
outside the ring...

I have ruled out the DC 3 just because I don't need the expense and
hassle to go through the vetting process for a one time visit... And,
sad to say, I no longer trust this administration, the HSA, and a
whole host of other initials... Never thought it would come to this in
my lifetime, but here we are...
Were I retired and had the time I would actually look at mounting a
lawsuit against the government for treating people flying light
aircraft different from people driving... My gut feeling is that the
HSA cannot withstand a constitutional challenge on this..
Anyway, looking at doing one of the guided tours on a Saturday, and
leaving Sunday for being on our own and hitting at least one museum or
art gallery <for me>...

denny

[Jay Honeck[_2_]]

> I ask the wisdom of the group which is the best airport to use?

We used Frederick, and enjoyed it immensely. Tour AOPA headquarters while
you're there, and don't miss the crab cakes at the on-field restaurant!

If you want to get even closer, flying into Dulles (and the ADIZ) is really
no big deal, and they have a very nice FBO. They've probably never seen an
Apache before, though. (They asked me what those big Ginsu knives were on
the front of my little airplane...)

;-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[JB]

On May 21, 10:02*am, Denny > wrote:
> Jeff, thanks for the comments... Just looking for comments on airports
> outside the ring...
>
> I have ruled out the DC 3 just because I don't need the expense and
> hassle to go through the vetting process for a one time visit... And,
> sad to say, I no longer trust this administration, the HSA, and a
> whole host of other initials... Never thought it would come to this in
> my lifetime, but here we are...
> Were I retired and had the time I would actually look at mounting a
> lawsuit against the government for treating people flying light
> aircraft different from people driving... My gut feeling is that the
> HSA cannot withstand a constitutional challenge on this..
> Anyway, looking at doing one of the guided tours on a Saturday, and
> leaving Sunday for being on our own and hitting at least one museum or
> art gallery <for me>...
>
> denny

There is a "DCPilots" group on Yahoo Groups. Most/All of us live and
fly in and around the DC area. Once you have your basic facts on the
ADIZ in hand, I'm sure folks would be happy to answer any specific
airspace questions and offer advice on airports and hotels. But I
think almost all of the 1/2 dozen or so that I referenced can provide
rental cars and are near plenty of hotels along the way into DC.

--Jeff

[Peter Dohm]

"John Smith" > wrote in message
...
> In article <x8WYj.173556$yE1.138161@attbi_s21>,
> "Jay Honeck" > wrote:
>
>> > I ask the wisdom of the group which is the best airport to use?
>>
>> We used Frederick, and enjoyed it immensely. Tour AOPA headquarters
>> while
>> you're there, and don't miss the crab cakes at the on-field restaurant!
>>
>> If you want to get even closer, flying into Dulles (and the ADIZ) is
>> really
>> no big deal, and they have a very nice FBO. They've probably never seen
>> an
>> Apache before, though. (They asked me what those big Ginsu knives were
>> on
>> the front of my little airplane...)
>>
>> ;-)
>
> I second Frederick.
> The Metro station is several block walk or the FBO will give you a ride.
> I have pros and cons for lodging outside DC and inside DC.

The Metro is very definitely the way to get around DC, and if Frederick is
still readily available to GA and also served by the Metro, it is the place
to go. BTW, I have heard that there is a map/atlas of the metro system,
which may include some local maps with sightseeing and hotel info near the
Metro stations, by Stationmasters at http://www.stationmasters.com/

BTW, and just for the benefit of the OP, the current administration are
about all that is left of the "good guys", as the "loyal opposition" are the
ones who have consistantly voted for the worst of the worst and then denied
it...

Peter

[JB]

On May 21, 3:35*pm, John Smith > wrote:
> In article <x8WYj.173556$yE1.138161@attbi_s21>,
> *"Jay Honeck" > wrote:
>
> > > I ask the wisdom of the group which is the best airport to use?
>
> > We used Frederick, and enjoyed it immensely. *Tour AOPA headquarters while
> > you're there, and don't miss the crab cakes at the on-field restaurant!
>
> > If you want to get even closer, flying into Dulles (and the ADIZ) is really
> > no big deal, and they have a very nice FBO. * They've probably never seen an
> > Apache before, though. *(They asked me what those big Ginsu knives were on
> > the front of my little airplane...)
>
> > ;-)
>
> I second Frederick.
> The Metro station is several block walk or the FBO will give you a ride.
> I have pros and cons for lodging outside DC and inside DC.

Dennis...be aware of the distinction between the DC area
subway...called the Metro, and commuter buses/rail. There is no Metro
station all the way out in Frederick but I'm sure there is a commuter
bus/rail that others are referring to that will take you to DC or to a
Metro stop (probably in Rockville).

--Jeff

[Peter Dohm]

"JB" > wrote in message
...
On May 21, 3:35 pm, John Smith > wrote:
> In article <x8WYj.173556$yE1.138161@attbi_s21>,
> "Jay Honeck" > wrote:
>
> > > I ask the wisdom of the group which is the best airport to use?
>
> > We used Frederick, and enjoyed it immensely. Tour AOPA headquarters
> > while
> > you're there, and don't miss the crab cakes at the on-field restaurant!
>
> > If you want to get even closer, flying into Dulles (and the ADIZ) is
> > really
> > no big deal, and they have a very nice FBO. They've probably never seen
> > an
> > Apache before, though. (They asked me what those big Ginsu knives were
> > on
> > the front of my little airplane...)
>
> > ;-)
>
> I second Frederick.
> The Metro station is several block walk or the FBO will give you a ride.
> I have pros and cons for lodging outside DC and inside DC.

Dennis...be aware of the distinction between the DC area
subway...called the Metro, and commuter buses/rail. There is no Metro
station all the way out in Frederick but I'm sure there is a commuter
bus/rail that others are referring to that will take you to DC or to a
Metro stop (probably in Rockville).

--Jeff

Actually, you are probably right. The last time I was there, the connection
from Dulles to the Metro was a shuttle bus that ran on a set schedule from
the Dulles terminal to the nearest Metro station; but it was far better than
renting a car and trying to find a parking place in DC!

BTW, one explanation point is not rearly enough!

Peter

[Margy Natalie]

Denny wrote:
> Well, thinking about doing a weekend in Washington DC... I know we
> have had this discussion in the past but I'm too lazy to look it up -
> and things may have changed...
>
> I ask the wisdom of the group which is the best airport to use?
> Any suggestions on a hotel?
> What are the 'must' touristy things to do?
>
> I would cheerfully spend every minute at the Smithsonian or the
> National Gallery of Art, however my signifcant other doesn't find that
> very exciting, so I will need to adjust to her wants...
>
> denny
Come the weekend of June 14th and you can actually be on display at the
Smithsonian!

/http://www.nasm.si.edu/becomeapilot/

Apply soon as the "apply to participate" page will vanish soon.

email me at work nataliem (followed by) @ (followed by) si.edu if
you have questions.

It will be a GREAT day and you can RON at Dulles.

What does your spouse find exciting. I suggest (other than the day at
the fly-in)

Start at the top of the Washinton Monument
conservatory
botanical gardens
NASM (both locations)
Duck boat tour

There's LOTS of stuff in DC

Plays, food, food, food

Margy

[Denny]

Thanks for all the suggestions...



denny

[John T]

"Denny" > wrote in message

>
> Well, thinking about doing a weekend in Washington DC... I know we
> have had this discussion in the past but I'm too lazy to look it up -
> and things may have changed...
>
> I ask the wisdom of the group which is the best airport to use?

This probably depends a lot on what you intend to do and how long you intend
to stay. My home base in Leesburg, VA (KJYO), for instance, is no sleepy
town any more and offers the closest VFR access to DC (with minor
limitations). Car rental and nice hotel accommodations are readily
available, too. You'll need the rental car, though, as public transportation
to/from DC is limited to buses and rush hour schedules.

Manassas, VA (KHEF) offers easier access to public transportation (via
Virginia Railway Express commuter rail), but that, too, is limited in
schedule.

Gaithersburg, MD (KGAI) is the most convenient to public transportation with
a true Metro station (vice commuter rail) fairly close by.

> Any suggestions on a hotel?

Let us know what airport you plan to use and we'll offer hotel suggestions.
:)

> What are the 'must' touristy things to do?

NASM's Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles (KIAD). There's an inexpensive shuttle
bus from the downtown museum if you end up staying closer to downtown. This
is the only place they can showcase the larger exhibits like the Enterprise
shuttle, the Concorde, SR-71, Enola Gay, etc. The docent-guided tours are
good, but I also enjoy just exploring.

Walking the National Mall is an obvious "must" with stops at The Wall,
Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington and WW2 memorials. The FDR memorial is, IMO,
grossly out of scope. Any of the Smithsonian exhibits are obvious choices
along the way, but the American History museum will be closed for renovation
until Fall 2008.

The Navy Memorial is also interesting and has a convenient Metro stop.

If you have the time, a harbor dinner cruise on the Potomac is entertaining
with nice views.

Mount Vernon is a fairly short drive out of town and provides a nice respite
from "the rush".

I'd also recommend a tour of the Capitol.

--
John T
http://sage1solutions.com/blogs/TknoFlyer
http://sage1solutions.com/products
NEW! FlyteBalance v2.0 (W&B); FlyteLog v2.0 (Logbook)
____________________

[Margy Natalie]

John T wrote:
> "Denny" > wrote in message
>
>
>>Well, thinking about doing a weekend in Washington DC... I know we
>>have had this discussion in the past but I'm too lazy to look it up -
>>and things may have changed...
>>
>>I ask the wisdom of the group which is the best airport to use?
>
>
> This probably depends a lot on what you intend to do and how long you intend
> to stay. My home base in Leesburg, VA (KJYO), for instance, is no sleepy
> town any more and offers the closest VFR access to DC (with minor
> limitations). Car rental and nice hotel accommodations are readily
> available, too. You'll need the rental car, though, as public transportation
> to/from DC is limited to buses and rush hour schedules.
>
> Manassas, VA (KHEF) offers easier access to public transportation (via
> Virginia Railway Express commuter rail), but that, too, is limited in
> schedule.
>
> Gaithersburg, MD (KGAI) is the most convenient to public transportation with
> a true Metro station (vice commuter rail) fairly close by.
>
>
>>Any suggestions on a hotel?
>
>
> Let us know what airport you plan to use and we'll offer hotel suggestions.
> :)
>
>
>>What are the 'must' touristy things to do?
>
>
> NASM's Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles (KIAD). There's an inexpensive shuttle
> bus from the downtown museum if you end up staying closer to downtown.

Sorry to say the shuttle between museums didn't make financial sense and
was terminated a few years ago. You can get a $3.00 bus from L'enfant
to Dulles and a $.50 bus to the museum from there.

This
> is the only place they can showcase the larger exhibits like the Enterprise
> shuttle, the Concorde, SR-71, Enola Gay, etc. The docent-guided tours are
> good, but I also enjoy just exploring.
The docent guided tours are excellent! (I'm the Docent Program Manager,
so take that as you may).

Another really good museum is the Marine Corp Museum at Quantico.


Margy

[DaveB[_2_]]

On Mon, 26 May 2008 09:34:40 -0400, Margy Natalie >
wrote:

>John T wrote:
>> "Denny" > wrote in message
>>
>>
>>>Well, thinking about doing a weekend in Washington DC... I know we
>>>have had this discussion in the past but I'm too lazy to look it up -
>>>and things may have changed...
>>>
>>>I ask the wisdom of the group which is the best airport to use?
>>
>>
>> This probably depends a lot on what you intend to do and how long you intend
>> to stay. My home base in Leesburg, VA (KJYO), for instance, is no sleepy
>> town any more and offers the closest VFR access to DC (with minor
>> limitations). Car rental and nice hotel accommodations are readily
>> available, too. You'll need the rental car, though, as public transportation
>> to/from DC is limited to buses and rush hour schedules.
>>
>> Manassas, VA (KHEF) offers easier access to public transportation (via
>> Virginia Railway Express commuter rail), but that, too, is limited in
>> schedule.
>>
>> Gaithersburg, MD (KGAI) is the most convenient to public transportation with
>> a true Metro station (vice commuter rail) fairly close by.
>>
>>
>>>Any suggestions on a hotel?
>>
>>
>> Let us know what airport you plan to use and we'll offer hotel suggestions.
>> :)
>>
>>
>>>What are the 'must' touristy things to do?
>>
>>
>> NASM's Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles (KIAD). There's an inexpensive shuttle
>> bus from the downtown museum if you end up staying closer to downtown.
>
>Sorry to say the shuttle between museums didn't make financial sense and
>was terminated a few years ago. You can get a $3.00 bus from L'enfant
>to Dulles and a $.50 bus to the museum from there.
>
>This
>> is the only place they can showcase the larger exhibits like the Enterprise
>> shuttle, the Concorde, SR-71, Enola Gay, etc. The docent-guided tours are
>> good, but I also enjoy just exploring.
>The docent guided tours are excellent! (I'm the Docent Program Manager,
>so take that as you may).
>
>Another really good museum is the Marine Corp Museum at Quantico.
>
>
>Margy


Friday evening parade at 8th & I Marine Barracks is very interesting
to watch. My father was in charge of the ceremonial guard detail , um
I attended more than I needed..........

www.mbw.usmc.mil

Regards
Daveb

[c320]

On May 21, 8:31 am, Denny > wrote:
> Well, thinking about doing aweekendin WashingtonDC... I know we
> have had this discussion in the past but I'm too lazy to look it up -
> and things may have changed...
>
> I ask the wisdom of the group which is the best airport to use?
> Any suggestions on a hotel?
> What are the 'must' touristy things to do?
>
> I would cheerfully spend every minute at the Smithsonian or the
> National Gallery of Art, however my signifcant other doesn't find that
> very exciting, so I will need to adjust to her wants...
>
> denny

I recently visited DC, flew into Manasses (HEF). I wouldn't go into
that airport again. It was a 50 min drive to the National Mall and
traffic wasn't too bad. I don't plan on returning to DC until they
remove the ADIZ and FRZ so I can go to a closer airport. You may want
to consider Maryland airport (2W5), it's a bit closer.

I stayed here:
http://www.holidayinn.com
WASHINGTON-CAPITOL
Holiday Inn
550 C STREET SW
WASHINGTON, DC 20024

I was happy with the hotel, a couple others I considered were:
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasjw-jw-marriott-hotel-pennsylvania-avenue/
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wascp-residence-inn-washington-dc-capitol