| Midpoint | 21 May 2009 9:58 a.m. PST |
I have a holiday in Washington DC coming up. Any recommendations for mil-history related sightseeing? Preferably in Washington as I don't drive – Gettysburg et al would be great but not practical in the time I have. I have an ex-girlfriend who often visits the Pentagon so I might pop along to see her for lunch. |
| 45thdiv | 21 May 2009 10:05 a.m. PST |
Air and Space museum is good. |
| GoodBye | 21 May 2009 10:58 a.m. PST |
Air and Space is great so is US History to see the Star Spangled Banner. The American Indian Museum sadly is a tad disorganized and more of a cultural celebration instead of traditional museum however the upper floor has some excellent weapons displays even if they are a bit politically motivated. The Spy Museum is a must see IMO-get reservations though, it's on 9th and F. I work at 7th and F so if you give me advance notice I'll take you to Five Guys for lunch one day. Donald~ |
| Gallowglass | 21 May 2009 11:11 a.m. PST |
Second the recommendations above, including 5 Guys. Get the Metro (suburban rail system) out to Alexandria and go for a walk around. The Mall and all the war memorials are well worth visiting. As for a battlefield, I'm sure you could probably manage a bus from DC to Manassass and tramp around for a bit. |
| Illumisar | 21 May 2009 12:27 p.m. PST |
Midpoint, Definitely the Air & Space Museum. It's an absolute must see. Here's a nice overview guide to the various Smithsonian museums and related touristy sorts of info: si.edu I'm at 7th and D and would be happy to join you and Donald at Five Guys! |
| GoodBye | 21 May 2009 12:50 p.m. PST |
OMG Mark-I had no idea  Regardless we need to get together for a bite soon somewhere and catch up. D~ |
| Eclectic Wave | 21 May 2009 2:17 p.m. PST |
I was disappointed with the Air & Space Museum that's on the National Mall, the The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (another branch of the Air & Space musuem)near Washington Dulles International Airport is much better. The International Spy Museum is located in Downtown, Washington, DC within the Pennsylvania Quarter neighborhood is really good. Although it's really really crowded. |
 enfant perdus  | 21 May 2009 7:45 p.m. PST |
Not strictly mil-history, but I always recommend the US Holocaust Memorial Museum to visitors. |
| nycjadie | 22 May 2009 9:12 a.m. PST |
The Holocaust Museum is pretty good. The Native American Museum has a great selection of period items. Not crazy about the curating, though. The Star Spangled Banner should be on view from the Battle of Baltimore. While it probably is more of interest to Americans, it is arguably our greatest relic from the War of 1812. Just the sheer size and age of the flag is amazing to me. The condition and the meticulous restoration demonstrates that it resonates with history and meaning for people. |
| Gallowglass | 22 May 2009 10:55 a.m. PST |
As for a battlefield, I'm sure you could probably manage a bus from DC to Manassass and tramp around for a bit. Okay, just been onto the Bull Run website which advises that the park is not served by public transport. Bum. |
| Col Durnford | 22 May 2009 12:53 p.m. PST |
I second the Holocaust Museum. It can be very chilling and well worth the time. |
| Midpoint | 01 Jun 2009 8:42 p.m. PST |
Aaaaand I'm back! Thanks for the suggestions chaps. Donald – thats a kind offer. We'll be in town the last week of June, staying centrally. Five Guys looks particularly unheathly :) |
