Visiting USA

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Japher
that was one long asss sentence... damn!

in response to Oxford, MS. Think, Japher, think.

[Japher]

Think, Japher, think.

Ouch! Now my head hurts!

[Winston]

Jaguar, it would be great to even meet just briefly. But when you say you're out of school by then, does that mean you're not in Washington at all?

Japher, suggestions and personal impressions appreciated as always. Keep'em coming!

I've been to Grand Canyon BTW, but it's true that maybe the days initially set aside for Philly could perhaps be better used by going on a 2 day trip to someplace a little more remote. I was thinking of Atlantic City earlier, Ocean City, MD is not in my atlas.

[Jaguar]

My school is in DC, my house is in Maryland.

[lord of the mark]

if you want an American Civil War battefield, but dont want to go as far as Fredericksburg, theres Manassas, site of two battles. You'll need a car to get there though. If you want a cute little gentrified Virginia town, and are willing to put a day into it, Fredericksburg will do, though.

I dont think they give tours of the Pentagon anymore, which is too bad. Old town Alexandria has a nice mix of history and nightlife. Not as crowded as Georgetown.

Dont know about Udvar Hazy. I havent been there yet, but POTM was. Lots of planes, she reports.

Hirschhorn has modern art, but if youre going to be in NYC and have time for MOMA thats better. National Gallery is not bad for more traditional, mainly European art. A new museum thats very different and kewl is the American Indian museum. You can also consider the Holocaust Museum. All right there on the mall.
Best of the Memorials is the Jefferson, IMHO.

Baltimore is fun if you have time to spare - inner harbor, Fells Point, Little Italy (restaurants only, no street life like NY) Balt Museum of Art with its Matisses, etc. An alternative to extra time in Philly.


Too much in NYC to even get started.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara


There's not that much in Philly to see: the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the statue of Rocky Balboa, and have a Philly steak & cheese and a stromboli. You can do that in a day.

City Hall and William Penn statue. Franklin Institute. The Mint. Rodin Museum. Funky nightlife on 6 st(?). U Penn.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Winston
Good suggestions and advice DanS, thanks! It is overwhelming to try and even get an overview of what is located along the National Mall. And it's enjoyable as well for me, the expectation is building by the hour!

I'm "avoiding" the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in late June/early July on purpose. While it might be interesting to see, my main interest is in the sights of Washington, particularly the Mall, without any special events, so to speak.

I had noticed the Spy Museum being mentioned favourably, that could well go into the itinerary. And the American History Museum I'll have to look into. I don't even know if that's the same as the newly opened Native American Indian Museum (unsure of the exact name).

You make many good points, and it's really appreciated, I'll be sure to check into them.

the Spu museum is private, and charges a fee (unlike smithsonian) and IIUC has fairly long lines - you may need to do some planning for that.

American History Museum and American Indian Museum are NOT the same - not only are they several blocks apart on opposite sides of the mall, they are curated on different principles. AHM is conventional history museum, with everything judged scientifically by anthropologists, etc. American Indians are not too fond of anthropologists, for various reasons, and AIM Is THEIR museum - showing Native American culture from a Native American point of view. Its a very interesting experience, but NOT the same as what you will get elsewhere. Note also, now that I think of it - there isnt that much Indian stuff at AMH. Being anthropology, that stuff is actually at the Natural History Museum, next store.

[Winston]

Several people have expressed their doubts about visiting Philadelphia, a kind of consensus seems to be building. And honestly my heart lies with the two other cities, so it may end up being "just" the two. It is of course very nice that I have so much flexibility built in, also if I should change my mind about something along the way.

I will need to do a little investigating, it's really only the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall that carries any recognition for me at this point.

[DinoDoc]

Originally posted by lord of the mark
No one would want to visit here

Save for the college students and the Faulkner Conference we don't get many international visitors, LotM. Hence the comment that Oxford isn't a major tourist trap.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Winston
Jon Miller, sounds great! I'm noting all the posters who express interest in meeting, and I'll get back to you here or via PM a little later for details and available times. You're also welcome to PM me with other means of contact, e-mail, phone or whatever you prefer.

I will be visiting the Library of Congress. Must.. see.. constitution.. + extras.

pchang, I'll check into the links, thanks. I have something spotted already at ~80 USD out on New York Avenue in the North East, close to Brentwood Park/Gallaudet Univ. It's not close to any metro station though, but I think it's doable. We'll see what else turns up.

Thanks also for the advice on Philadelphia, I'm completely blank there. Maybe I should consider skipping it altogether.

Be warned - that stretch of NY avenue is NOT attractive, and Im not sure how safe it is. You will almost need a car if youre staying there, or will need to take cabs downtown. Im sure theres a bus, but waiting for a bus on NY Ave NE will be a bit of an "adventure"

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
Save for the college students and the Faulkner Conference we don't get many international visitors, LotM. Hence the comment that Oxford isn't a major tourist trap.

Ive always had it on my list, for the trip down the Mississipi that Ive never taken.

[Winston]

Thanks for clearing up the American Indian mix up lotm. It does get a lot of positive mention, all the places I've seen.

So all the Smithsonians are free of charge? That's pretty extraordinary I think.

Do you live in or near Washington lotm?

[DinoDoc]

Lotm: Come down for a football game. You'll enjoy it.

[Winston]

Originally posted by lord of the mark
Be warned - that stretch of NY avenue is NOT attractive, and Im not sure how safe it is. You will almost need a car if youre staying there, or will need to take cabs downtown. Im sure theres a bus, but waiting for a bus on NY Ave NE will be a bit of an "adventure"

OK! Now that's something that's curiously never mentioned on the hotel presentation site! Most valuable piece of info, I think I'll probably look for something else then.

[pchang]

Originally posted by Winston
pchang, I'll check into the links, thanks. I have something spotted already at ~80 USD out on New York Avenue in the North East, close to Brentwood Park/Gallaudet Univ. It's not close to any metro station though, but I think it's doable. We'll see what else turns up.

Do not stay there. That neighborhood is not safe at night. In DC, you really want to be within easy walking distance of a Metro. If you cannot afford downtown prices, then look across the river in VA along the metro lines (like Crystal City, Arlington, etc.)