Planning a trip to Washington DC, MD, DE and NJ

[emily_the_spoiled]

You are wise to use the Metro. I live here and almost never drive downtown because I don't have the patience and you never know what will happen to shut traffic down.

If you are staying in Georgetown there are lots and lots of different restaurants to eat at. This is actually one of the best areas in town for that, so your problem will be deciding where to eat

The easiest (but not the shortest) route from Baltimore to DC, is go down 95 and take 495 (into Virginia). Just make SURE that you do not travel during rush hour (495 is REALLY bd at the best of times).

You can bring in cameras and flashes into all the museums, so that is not a problem. I would also recommend getting the tickets for Tia Shan now, because they go really quickly.

I suppose that you could walk across the bridge, but that could be a long walk... you would be better off taking the Metro across and then walking from there.

The one thing to know about travelling in DC, is that cabs are not that expensive. They are paid on the grid system, so it is a flat rate within each grid. Then once you pass over into another grid, there is an increase. But they do not charge by the mile or the minute, so taking a cab might be an option for you.

If you would like I will PM my home and work phone number for you. (I work down by the Mall)

[Vermontcat]

Emily, thanks for reminding me to get the tickets for the pandas and the Washington Monument. I meant to do that this weekend but I have been fighting off a cold that my son gave me.
There were no tickets for the Washington Monument on the Sunday so we are going there on Monday and to see the pandas on Tuesday. I booked both sets of tickets last night.
My husband and I still have to decide on a hotel in the Atlantic City area of NJ.

Yes, I was thinking of getting your (and Lbaker's) phone # before we leave for DC. Right now my PM box is full again (sorry) I hope to give it a good cleaning out tonight when I have more time online. So if you can wait until tonight or tomorrow to PM me your info, I will be able to PM you back with my contact info.

[Ginger's Mom]

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, I will need to check for a good route from Atlantic City to NY. But my gut says Garden State Parkway or Atlantic City Expressway to the Turnpike. I would not recommend 206, it is one lane in both directions in the southern-most section, it is busy, it is not well kept up (plan on your car going *thunk-thunk, thunk-thunk* for about 3-5 miles in Burlington County), not real scenic. Nah, not my choice. I will check Map Quest tonight and see if anything looks like a nice drive.

[catnapper]

Hmmmm.... I do not see Pennsylvania in that listing!

Perhaps you couls swing by good ol' PA?

[Vermontcat]

Emily, I got your PM so I have the contact #'s for you and Lbaker now. Thanks.
I will PM you my contact info this weekend.

Ginger's Mom, it looks like we better stick to a main route and stay off those bumpy back roads. We have enough roads like that here in Vermont.
Let me know if you come up with a better route, I may just want to head over through Trenton or Philly into PA if that is a better route.

Catnapper, actually I was thinking of asking you and Jen what town the Petsmart is in that you work at and some of her foster kitties are at.
Do you work on Saturdays? What are your hours? Does Jen still have DaVinci up for adoption there? On Saturday the 29th we may have time to visit if we go through that area. You can PM me if you don't want to post it here. I still have your phone # from last summer.

[jenluckenbach]

Actually, DaVinci is home with me right now............but I could certainly make sure he is at the adoption center if you like. (You won't be able to resist him)

The Petsmart is in Wyomissing, PA> 1183 Berkshire Blvd.

I would be working Saturday the 29th. with my work hours and the drive to the Petsmart I would not be able to be there before 5pm. BUT, if your plans call for a dinner in Reading/Wyomissing, it would be certainly worth the effort for me to come down.

[Vermontcat]

Jen, we will be driving back north to Vermont on the 29th so it would be around mid-day that we might be going through your area.
We still have to decide which route to take from southern NJ to get back to NY state on our way back to VT.
I will let you know if we do head out your way.
Give DaVinci some hugs and kisses from me.