September 8, 2004 -- If you've always considered Washington, D.C. a stuffy city that's all about politics, government and lobbying, think again. The nation's capital is a vibrant cultural destination with much to see and do -- not to mention some unusual ways to get around.
Getting There
If you want to take the scenic route and travel by train, Amtrak (800/872-7245; www.amtrak.com) runs half-hourly trains to and from Washington, D.C. along the northeastern corridor, with Acela trains running regularly every hour or so. From New York City, the journey will take you three and a half hours on the regular train and under three hours on the faster Acela trains. Prices for regular services are $148 roundtrip, $283 on the Acela in Business Class and $435 on the Acela in First Class.
Starting in the third week of September (launch date to be confirmed), Amtrak will be offering a 10% discount on all tickets purchased on their website. The discount will be valid on all regular train routes, however Acela and Metroliner trains will not be discounted. Tickets are valid for travel daily except Fridays and Sundays between 9am and 7pm. Check the Amtrak website after September 20 for full details and booking conditions.
The latest entry into the discount airline market is Washington, D.C.'s Dulles Airport-based Independence Air (800/359-3594; www.flyi.com). Currently servicing the east csoast with 35 departure points into Dulles, the airline will be extending its operations to include southern and west coast destinations in 2005. Their low, no-nonsense fares have no blackout dates so you don't have to pay more to travel on a long weekend or holiday. Tickets purchased online are discounted by $5 with a 14 day advance purchase required. However, if you want to travel same day and there are seats available, they will still honor the low-priced advance purchase fare. One-way fares from New York JFK are $49, from Pittsburgh or Norfolk $44, or from Jacksonville $74. Taxes and fees are additional.
Southwest Vacations (www.swavacations.com/deals) has fall season specials to Washington, D.C. for departures from a number of its Southern gateways. From October 11 to December 18th, it is offering packages that include roundtrip airfare on Southwest Airlines and two nights accommodation in Washington DC.
Staying at the Radisson Barcello, departures on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays from Nashville start at $269 per person and from San Antonio, $379 per person.
Saturday only departures from Manchester staying at the Westin Grand, Washington D.C., start at $219 and from Austin, $359 per person. Taxes and fees are additional.
For last minute options, Site 59 (800 845-0192; www.site59.com) currently has two-night packages to Washington, D.C. from New York at under $200 per person, including roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodation and all taxes and fees. Three-night packages start at around $230 all-inclusive. Two-night packages from Los Angeles start at $370.
The Washington, D.C. Convention and Tourism Corporation (800/422-8644; www.washington.org) offers a number of getaway packages that coincide with major events, such as the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian. Rates per night during these events start as low as $69 plus tax. Their website's "Where to Stay" section makes searching for accommodations in and around the city easy; you'll find discounted rates and a wide selection.
It's My Way or the Segway
Once you arrive in the capital, Segway in the City & Net Pedallers (800/734-7393; http://www.segsinthecity.net/) offers a unique way to get around to D.C.'s sights. You can rent a Segway Human Transporter from the "Bike the Sites" kiosk at the rear plaza of The Old Post Office Pavilion in the historic Penn Quarter (1100 Pennsylvania Ave). Rates are $50 per hour or $90 for two hours, helmets included.
Although simple to operate, there are certain techniques involved so it's not quite as easy as making a reservation and picking up your Segway. You must first complete a Seg-leg indoor 5-minute trial at a cost of $5 (refundable against your next Segway activity), and then take a "Safari" -- a training session where guides take you out for 45 or 90 minutes to test your Segway savvy. The 45-minute Mini Safari departs from Annapolis throughout the day and costs $45. The 90-minute City Safari costs $70, departs daily at 10.30am and 2.30pm, and explores the historic Annapolis district including the State House.
Once you have completed a safari, you are issued a license, which allows you to rent a Segway on your own. For more traditional transportation, Net Pedallers can also rent you a bicycle for rates starting at $8 per hour, or a scooter or tandem for $15 per hour.
What to See and Do
With so many museums, memorials, monuments and free attractions, it may be difficult to choose exactly what to see and do, so here are a few suggestions:
The first day of fall brings the Smithsonian's latest and long-awaited addition to the Mall's museums. On September 21, 2004 the National Museum of the American Indian opens in grand style with an array of activities planned to complement the museum's traditional architecture, exhibitions and landscaping designed by Native American architects. The opening ceremony will precede the six-day First Americans Festival, featuring more than 300 singers, dancers and storytellers from indigenous communities across the world and a symbolic procession from the Smithsonian castle to the foot of the US Capitol. Large crowds are anticipated and the galleries are small, so order your timed, free admission passes online at www.si.edu or by phone at 866/400-6624.
Before the season heats up, you can experience Washington's finest arts at the Kennedy Center. Until September 26, the nation's performing arts center presents its third annual Prelude Festival (www.kennedy-center.org/programs/festivals/prelude/), a spectacular pre-season celebration featuring the best performances from Washington and around the world. Catch the Show Shuttle, departing every 15 minutes from the Foggy Bottom/GWU Metro station.
