Parents capital cup - info from those that live in that area

[GymBee97]

ok we will be there! we ended up in George Washington University Inn in one of there suits. So how bad is that area and hotel? We got a discount on hotel as we are going to visit university.

She and I are going for the Feb vacation week so dd can also do college visits. She wants to see GW University, American University and Catholic University. She is still trying to decide if we go see Howard U.

Any recomendation on restaurants we shouldn't miss? And dd wants to know where the "awesome" malls are LOL

 

[MaryA]

GWU is a nice area and walking distance to Georgetown where there is great shopping. It is a city, so if you feel uncomfortable in cities, you will feel uncomfortable there, but if you are used to being in cities, you will love it. Both of my girls were born at GWU hospital, but we have since moved away.

 

[GymBee97]

GWU is a nice area and walking distance to Georgetown where there is great shopping. It is a city, so if you feel uncomfortable in cities, you will feel uncomfortable there, but if you are used to being in cities, you will love it. Both of my girls were born at GWU hospital, but we have since moved away.

grew up in Boston so cities don't bother me one bit. Is there public transportation to get around? I don't mind driving in the crazy city streets but I know public transportation is easier

 

[MaryA]

There is a metro station at GWU, but not at Georgetown which is maybe a mile walk (give or take) from GWU. Parking can be a challenge, so definitely take public transport when you can.

 

[vagymmomma]

DC has just about every type of restaurant you can imagine. What kind of food do you like? As Mary said - the metro is the way to go in the city. Georgetown area or DuPont Circle have tons of restaurants. Hay Adams across from White House has a really nice brunch with Washington feel.

If you're serious about malls, Georgetown Park is on the corner of Wisconsin & M streets or Pentagon City Mall is just a couple metro stops away. Both are nearby. The Kennedy Center is right by GW so you may want to check what shows are there.

 

[GymBee97]

Yup serious about malls. DD wants to do some prom dress shopping and some other "mall shopping". She likes her malls.

 

[shelovestoflip]

Yup serious about malls. DD wants to do some prom dress shopping and some other "mall shopping". She likes her malls.

Have fun! Look foward to hearing about colleges...sooner than I think, we will be on that road, too!! Maybe there should be a college search forum on Chalkbucket?!!

 

[GymBee97]

Have fun! Look foward to hearing about colleges...sooner than I think, we will be on that road, too!! Maybe there should be a college search forum on Chalkbucket?!!

That would be good as I have no idea what colleges have gymnastics and if they do don't know the divisions.

 

[dani4]

I used to live in DC... GWU is definitely in a nice part of town, and the metro will take you just about anywhere you want to go... everywhere else is an easy cab ride away (Georgetown).

My favorite restaurant to take out-of-towners is the Old Ebbitt Grill - http://www.ebbitt.com/, it's right near the White House.

For brunch go to Kramer Books in Dupont Circle - http://www.kramers.com/index.html

If you like chili go to Ben's Chili Bowl on U St - http://benschilibowl.com/ - it's old and grungy and famous-ish.

There's another restaurant where you can eat on the roof and have a view of the White House, it's on top of a hotel.. I can't remember the name. Well it might not be so great in February .

If you find yourself on Capitol Hill and you like burgers made by TV chef celebrities you could go to Good Stuff on the SE side, http://www.goodstuffeatery.com/capitol-hill but I prefer Cafe Berlin on Mass Ave NE, http://www.germanrestaurantdc.com/ (the lunch sandwiches are incredible).

 

[vagymmomma]

If you plan to visit American, you may want to check on the availability of the shuttle from Tenleytown metro to the main campus. It used to run every day (I went there for grad school, but it's been many many years so I'm sure hours have changed). Also, confirm you don't need a pass to ride (we used to have to show our ID, but I'm sure they would let possible recruits ride as well).

Pentagon City is the larger of the two malls I mentioned above, but there are tons of restaurants in Georgetown and it should be a nice walk down there.

 

[MaryA]

When I was in grad school my husband used to do valet parking at the Old Ebbit Grill!
I love Capital Hill (though I am biased because that's where we used to live). Eastern Market is so much fun... art market, flea market, food... Maybe no prom dresses (at least no new ones) but a little something for anyone!

 

[vagymmomma]

My favorite restaurant to take out-of-towners is the Old Ebbitt Grill - http://www.ebbitt.com/, it's right near the White House.

For brunch go to Kramer Books in Dupont Circle - http://www.kramers.com/index.html

If you like chili go to Ben's Chili Bowl on U St - http://benschilibowl.com/ - it's old and grungy and famous-ish.

There's another restaurant where you can eat on the roof and have a view of the White House, it's on top of a hotel.. I can't remember the name. Well it might not be so great in February .

If you find yourself on Capitol Hill and you like burgers made by TV chef celebrities you could go to Good Stuff on the SE side, http://www.goodstuffeatery.com/capitol-hill but I prefer Cafe Berlin on Mass Ave NE, http://www.germanrestaurantdc.com/ (the lunch sandwiches are incredible).

Good ideas! Haven't thought about Kramer Books in forever, but lots of good memories. Ben's Chili Bowl is also a good call.

 

[MaryA]

I like Ollie's Trolly for a quick lunch if you're at the Smithsonian... Not healthy, but yum!

 

[dani4]

I went to grad school in Dupont Circle and worked & lived on Capitol Hill for several years.. it is a fun place to visit and live for a few years. Plus my mother-in-law still lives there so we go back every so often to visit.

 

[shelovestoflip]

I used to live in DC... GWU is definitely in a nice part of town, and the metro will take you just about anywhere you want to go... everywhere else is an easy cab ride away (Georgetown).

My favorite restaurant to take out-of-towners is the Old Ebbitt Grill - http://www.ebbitt.com/, it's right near the White House.

For brunch go to Kramer Books in Dupont Circle - http://www.kramers.com/index.html

If you like chili go to Ben's Chili Bowl on U St - http://benschilibowl.com/ - it's old and grungy and famous-ish.

There's another restaurant where you can eat on the roof and have a view of the White House, it's on top of a hotel.. I can't remember the name. Well it might not be so great in February .

If you find yourself on Capitol Hill and you like burgers made by TV chef celebrities you could go to Good Stuff on the SE side, http://www.goodstuffeatery.com/capitol-hill but I prefer Cafe Berlin on Mass Ave NE, http://www.germanrestaurantdc.com/ (the lunch sandwiches are incredible).

Thanks for the tips Will have to file away for my next DC visit! We did go to Old Ebbitt Grill last time...a DC friend took us so it must be the place you all take friends lol!

 

[shelovestoflip]

I like Ollie's Trolly for a quick lunch if you're at the Smithsonian... Not healthy, but yum!

Reading the Smithsonian reminds me that we really loved the cafeteria at the Native American Museum....you can get foods from all different Native American cultures....it was great! Oh, and we loved the museum, too

 

[shelovestoflip]

That would be good as I have no idea what colleges have gymnastics and if they do don't know the divisions.

I wasn't actually thinking of colleges with gymnastics necessarily! Just college search tips in general lol! From people who have BTDT or at least are in the trenches!

That being said, someone on this list, a dad maybe, is there a gymdad out there with a daughter in college?!! posted once a link to colleges with gymnastics...I think it's on the USAG website?? Certainly I'm sure lots of coaches out there have thoughts, too!

While it would be nice, I don't know that my daughter is necessarily looking for a school with gymnastics...just not sure she has the skills at the level they want, even though she is Level 9. I just tell her keep her grades up and work hard. She will find the right college when it comes time!

 

[MaryA]

Reading the Smithsonian reminds me that we really loved the cafeteria at the Native American Museum....you can get foods from all different Native American cultures....it was great! Oh, and we loved the museum, too

Mmm... fry bread! This thread is making me think we need to plan a DC trip soon!

 

[MaryA]

Hope this link works. Here's a map for your trip. People who know DC will get a giggle out if this.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZTjx6m_a2E/UoewRj_iFkI/AAAAAAABIF4/8c4Bkv-jC28/s1600/dc.jpg

 

[dani4]

I love that map- it is great! Funny how some things have changed.. I lived near yuppy circle back when there were still prostitutes there every morning. And what is now hipster land used to be a bit rougher when I lived there.

I agree that the Native American Museum cafeteria is the best. I don't love the museum itself.. but that is ok.