Join Joey and Cheryl, along with their daughter and Moriah, as they recount their family trip to Washington D.C., exploring historical landmarks, renowned museums, and local eateries. Hear their unique perspective on navigating the nation's capital with a multi-generational group. From the solemnity of the Holocaust Museum to the grandeur of the Washington Monument, discover the highlights, challenges, and memorable moments of their adventure.

Key Discussion Points:

Trip Overview:

Travel Dates: December 2024/January 2025 (around New Year's)

Travelers: Joey, Cheryl, Madison (17), Moriah (15)

Accommodation: An AirBNB brownstone in Capitol Hill.

Transportation: Rideshare, plus the DC Metro.

Day 1: Arrival & Evening Monument Tour Monuments by Night:

Took a bus tour of the monuments, highlighting the beauty of the lit-up memorials. Monuments Visited: World War II Memorial, Jefferson Memorial (Joey's favorite), MLK Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and White House.

Day 2: Ford's Theater & Peterson House Morning: Visited Ford's Theater and the Lincoln Museum. Peterson House: Explored the house where Lincoln died. Union Station: Explored the historic train station and its modern mall. National Postal Museum: Visited the museum, learning about the history of the postal system and viewing rotating exhibits.

Day 3: Udvar-Hazy, Holocaust Museum & Tacos Morning (Solo Adventure): Joey visited the Udvar-Hazy Center (Air and Space Museum Annex) near Dulles Airport, emphasizing its massive size and impressive collection. Afternoon: Visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum. Discussed the somber but important experience.

Day 4: Natural History, Washington Monument & American History Natural History Museum: Explored the museum, seeing the Hope Diamond and dinosaur exhibits. Washington Monument: Experienced a highly coveted, timed entry to the top of the monument. American History Museum: Visited Cheryl's favorite museum, seeing the Star-Spangled Banner and the First Ladies' exhibit. Evening: Watched "National Treasure" in preparation for their National Archive tour.

Day 5: National Archives, National Gallery of Art & the Library of Congress Morning: "Rope drop" at the National Archives for timed entry. National Gallery of Art: Explored the art museum, seeing famous pieces like "The Thinker" (which was smaller than expected). Lunch: Enjoyed a DC staple, Ben's Chili Bowl, on U Street. Library of Congress: Visited with timed entry, making up for a previous short visit. Discussed the impressive architecture, the ability to get a library card to read books, and various exhibits.

General Travel Tips: Afternoon Naps: Crucial for maximizing late-night activities and avoiding crowds/heat during the day. Rope Drop: Arriving at opening for museums and attractions to avoid crowds. Docent-Led Tours: Highly recommended for a more in-depth and passionate understanding of exhibits. Snacks: Essential for long days of walking and museum visits to prevent low blood sugar. Timed Entry/Reservations: Book in advance for popular attractions like the Washington Monument and National Archives; look for last-minute releases the day before or day of. DC Museum Hours: Most museums close at 5:00 PM (sometimes 6:00 PM), so plan accordingly. Security: Be prepared for tighter security at national monuments and archives.