Washington is a great city when it comes to independent bookstores. Oh sure, I enjoy wandering around Borders just like everyone else, but most Borders stores are basically the same. If I can find something with more idiosyncratic character, I’m there. Here’s two I like - one an old favorite and one a new discovery.

The new discovery, Politics and Prose at 5015 Connecticut Avenue, has actually been around since the mid-1980s, and I really don’t know how it slipped under my radar when I lived in northern Virginia.... Read More

 
If you’ve ever lived in or near Washington, you know that feeling—a sense that in some small way you’re a part of our nation’s history. There’s something about the presence of all those imposing government buildings and grand monuments that makes it seem like you’re closer to the “action,” so to speak. I lived in northern Virginia for 26 years before relocating to Florida, and I return every Christmas to see my mom. I always schedule a day in Washington so I can revisit a favorite museum, park or neighborhood, and on the eve of a new decade I thought it would... Read More

On our first morning in our nation’s capital, I quickly figured out that there was no monument or museum that was better (to a couple of Florida kids) than a big slope of fresh snow.

The ‘Blizzard of 09’ had hit over the last couple days, dumping over 16 inches of perfect powder on Washington. Getting here had been a challenge, but they were ready to play and the traditional planned itinerary went out the window to make time for snow.

I was really glad I chose the Omni Shoreham for our... Read More

I don’t know if I have ever been so glad to hand my car keys to a hotel valet parking guy as I was a few hours ago here in Washington D.C.

The attendant at the Omni Shoreham was friendly and upbeat for a guy who had probably been stuck there since the “Blizzard of ‘09” (as the local media is calling it) started Friday night. When I began planning this road trip to D.C. from Florida a couple months ago, one of the big questions the kids (Lindsey, 14 and Dane, 9) asked hopefully was “Will there be... Read More

     You can’t beat the Smithsonian museums in Washington for sheer sightseeing pleasure. Where else can you find such a concentrated assemblage of history, art and human endeavor? And they’re all so conveniently located around The Mall. Plus they’re free. This is a no-brainer, folks; when you’re in the Nation’s Capital, you spend an afternoon at the museums.

And that’s just what I did when I was in town recently visiting family. On this trip my destination was the National Museum of American History, which reopened in November 2008... Read More

Question: In April I'll be driving to Florida again for the 4th year in a row.  I have always used the CAA Trip Tik and they have always sent me down the I-95, which has always been fine, with the exception of a few slowdowns around the Washington DC leg of the trip.  While reading a few other blogs about this drive, some people have mentioned the I-84 west onto the I-81 south then the I-26 east back to the I95.  Using your click and drag option on your map, this adds about 3 hours to the trip that is usually given using just the I-95.  I have driven in 3 hours worth of congestion on the I-95 near Washington, so... Read More

Question: Leona Mattson asks: I am looking for a hotel in Washington, D.C. for a trip in April with two young children. We need a safe neighborhood and prefer a suite with separate bedroom. What do you recommend?

Answer: Rich Francisco, travel planner at the AAA office in Wilmington, Delaware, answers: The Holiday Inn Capitol at 550 C Street SW is located only one block from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and is within walking distance to all major monuments and Smithsonian Museums. This is a tourist area and is rated highly for walkability because... Read More