Spend a week in Washington DC
Article courtesy of Ciao Bambino,
www.ciaobambino.com, a global guide to family-friendly
vacation properties.
Monday: It’s monumental
You can’t possibly be in Washington D.C. and not visit the national
monuments. But instead of fooling yourself into thinking you’ll pop in
and out of all the major landmarks along the National Mall (www.nps.gov/nr/travel/wash/dc70.htm)
without breaking a sweat, be forewarned that they’re spread so far apart
that you’d be better off blending the monuments in as part of a day of
fitness. Pack baby up in a jogging stroller and go for a nice run/walk
from the Capitol Building (www.aoc.gov)
to the Lincoln Memorial (www.nps.gov/linc).
Take a break in the center at the Washington Monument (www.nps.gov/wamo),
where the flags will mesmerize your bambino and he can get in plenty of
tummy/crawling/wandering-around time while you lick a strawberry
shortcake bar from the corner ice cream man. (That’s about the only food
you’ll find at the National Mall.)
Tuesday: Get to know George
Georgetown’s vibe is a bit more college than mama, but that’s why you’ll
like it. It’s always hoppin’ and there’s plenty of shoppin’ to do with a
baby in tow. Clothing shops rule the roost, so come on a day when your
body confidence is at a peak. Stop off for lunch at Clyde’s of
Georgetown (www.clydes.com),
where they make a mean crab cake and give out cute plastic cars to
little ones. Save room for an ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s (www.benjerry.com).
Wednesday: Become a Smithsonian whiz
Beat the heat on a hot summer’s day at a couple of the nation’s best
museums. Go first to the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum (www.nasm.si.edu)
and introduce your baby to planes and helicopters of all sizes. There
are lots of hands-on exhibits—with plenty of button-pressing and
lever-pulling that he’ll get a kick out of even if he has no clue what
the exhibit means. Walk across the mall or hop on the Circulator bus and
go to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (www.mnh.si.edu/).
Nibble on a hot dog on its front steps, feed your toddler a pack of
crackers from the hot dog stand, then go inside to check out all the
gems and stones, making sure to stop off at the super-gigantic elephant
for ooohs and ahhhhs.
Thursday: Grab shelter
Maybe today’s the day it rains and pours. Head straight to Union Station
(www.unionstationdc.com),
a big, ornate, old building that still serves as a train and bus
terminal but has tons of other ways to stay busy, like cafés and
boutiques. Better than any suburban mall, this is a place to sip a cup
of coffee and watch the commuters race to catch the next train. Ahhhh,
is there anything more satisfying than seeing the “other folk” in a mad
dash while you gaze down in total bliss at the new love of your life?
Knock off the latte calories by fast-walking back and forth a few times.
Friday: Plan for your baby’s future
Stow your camera in your diaper bag and head to the White House (www.whitehouse.gov).
Sorry, but you won’t be allowed on the premises. These days you need a
group of 15 and a prearranged (aka 6-month advance booking) tour to get
anywhere near Dubya’s headquarters. But a photo of your infant in front
of the gates will be a treasure for years to come. Cash in on D.C.’s
top-notch dining by booking a table at an upscale, yet baby-friendly
restaurant. My two faves: Acadiana (www.acadianarestaurant.com)
and DISH + Drinks (www.theriverinn.com).
