DC area residents - Inauguration information?

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 3:06 pm

Well, it looks like we may be headed to DC for the upcoming inauguration.

Hubs is really into politics and government and he has this idea that starting now, he wants our son to see every inauguration (regardless of who wins or party affiliation)

I applaud his commitment to educating his son but I question the time commitment and logistics of this adventure.

I don't even know where to start researching. I already decided we will not be staying in the city. We will likely drive down and back the same day.

I guess I am looking for local information on the best way to get into the city, where to watch the parade, where to park (or not), should we take the train? - stuff like that.

mbw1024 · Post by **mbw1024** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 3:10 pm

I don't know anything other than I know I wouldn't drive. I'd stay over and out of the city but on a Metro line or I'd take the train if that's an option.
If you think you might stay over I'd book something like now.

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 3:49 pm

The original plan was to stay overnight until I saw an article in the WSJ reporting the Red Roof Inn in DC was getting $700 per night for rooms.

I am still going to look for a room but planning on not getting one.

RickG · Post by **RickG** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 4:03 pm

It's pretty impressive. I ran a wide search and the closest room I found for the night of the 19th was the
Fairfield Inn by Marriott Washington Dulles Airport. That's about a 40 minute drive to the Vienna Metro station.

Hmmm, since we live inside the beltway with a five bedroom house.... maybe we should skip the Inaugural Balls and go to St. John that week, paid for by renting our house to inaugural attendees? Heck, the kids are even off from school.

Cheers, RickG

flip-flop · Post by **flip-flop** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 4:14 pm

I have heard rooms inside the beltway at $900 and up and outside the beltway are $400 and up .... even the crappy red roof.

We live about 15 miles outside of the city and have put in our request for the lotto with our incoming rep. to get swearing in tickets but I don't see us being that lucky. I will definitely be going to stake a claim on the parade route at least taking my older child (she's 6 and was VERY interested in the election).

You can sign up at this site to get email updates and information. http://inaugural.senate.gov/?utm_source ... dium=email

Here's hoping it won't be FREEZING cold!

California Girl · Post by **California Girl** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 4:23 pm

RickG wrote:It's pretty impressive. I ran a wide search and the closest room I found for the night of the 19th was the
Fairfield Inn by Marriott Washington Dulles Airport. That's about a 40 minute drive to the Vienna Metro station.

Hmmm, since we live inside the beltway with a five bedroom house.... maybe we should skip the Inaugural Balls and go to St. John that week, paid for by renting our house to inaugural attendees? Heck, the kids are even off from school.

Cheers, RickG

Hey Rick! Maybe you could let people park on your lawn for $20 a day, like at Jazz Fest!

RickG · Post by **RickG** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 4:38 pm

CA Grrl, I think that would be a pretty good walk to the inauguration. At least they could just follow Pimmit Run to the Potomac and then walk down the river three miles to Memorial Bridge. I've done it in the winter and its

We'll be there, I'm just not certain at what events. Fireworks from my office rooftop are pretty darn nice!

Cheers, RickG

Chet · Post by **Chet** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 4:53 pm

hmmmm...Capitol Hill, 3 bdrm townhouse, 2 1/2 bath, gourmet kitchen, fireplaces, 3/4 mile from The Inauguration. For Rent!

cocosmom · Post by **cocosmom** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 7:15 pm

Rick,
Not such a crazy idea. Folks here around Annapolis rent their houses out for the week each year for graduation. Good money to be made.
Maybe take the metro to New Carrollton and head out here to Anne Arundel County to stay. About a 30 minute drive to the station. Better than driving home to PA.

cocosmom · Post by **cocosmom** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 7:18 pm

If you want to combine two city visits, hop on the train in Baltimore & come back and stay downtown. I just stayed at a wonderful B & B that is close to evrything & was less than the chain standard rooms. The rooms are to die for. Spend the next day in B-more, lots to do.

mbw1024 · Post by **mbw1024** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 7:49 pm

where did you stay in baltimore?

DCphoto · Post by **DCphoto** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 8:59 pm

I would take the train into Union Station, it is right near Capitol Hill and walk down to Pennsylvania Ave and stake out a spot along the parade route. If you have never been before, beware, security is real bad, anyone along the parade route has to go through security checks and metal detection, which can be time consuming. They will have different check points along the parade route. He will not get out of the car until he gets closer to the White House, and that might not happen this year, from what I have been hearing. Good luck!

Sandy

DCphoto · Post by **DCphoto** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:39 pm

I heard about this on the news. I really thought they were joking.
http://www.couchserfing.com/

People are renting out there couches for the inaugaration. Too funny!

DCphoto · Post by **DCphoto** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:40 pm

oops, I think that is the wrong link. Sorry

loria · Post by **loria** » Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:48 pm

oh couchsurfing is a real site and they really do 'couch surf'--back packers and the like.

i am thinking of bringing the kids down for the event---though i imagine they will think i am totally insane.
kids:' why are we standing here in the freezing cold since 7 am?"
mom: "because we are watching history!'
kids" "wouldn't we see it better on cable?'
mom: " no we need to BE HERE!"
kids' i have to go to the bathroom'
..................you get it......

usvi-on-line

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DC area residents - Inauguration information?

DC area residents - Inauguration information?