Williamsburg at Christmas (Day trip to DC)

[harveyhaddixfan]

We check in Christmas Day in Williamsburg for a week. At some point we may drive back to Charlottesville and visit Monticello. We are definitely taking a day and going to DC.

My question is about DC. Due to it being cold, I don't want to do a "ton" of walking outside. The original plan was to hit the National Archives and the Air & Space museum since they are both on the same metro line and there is a stop close to each one. Is it possible to fit in a tour of the Capitol on the same day? Or would we be happier going to Chantilly to the Air & Space museum there to see the shuttle?

Also, what is there around Williamsburg that wouldn't be on a top 5 list? I've already walked all of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown settlement & a few other things. Looking for something that "locals" would recommend.

 

[chapjim]

The waterfront in Norfolk might be be a possibility.

 

[elaine]

it's a really short walk from Archives to Air. You can also take the green or yellow line at archives to right across the street from air--but unless there is a blizzard, it's a 10 minute nice walk down 7th Street. the bigger issue will be parking. You will have to use a parking garage and if it is snowing, just forget trying to drive into DC--better to park at Pentagon city mall and take the metro in.
Air at Dulles is really interesting--but a ton of walking thru airplane hangers (indoors). Dulles is an easy connection to route 66 which takes you to towards Charlottesville. Just went to Monticello--worth a visit. There is also Montpelier in Orange, VA, which was Madison's home. Shirley Plantation is near Wllbg is on DD's to do list.
There is no metro from Air to Capitol. 20-30 min nice walk past American Indian Museum (where you oculd take a look, get food/drink/warm up) or take a cab for under $10. Plenty of time to also do Capitol tour--check with representive in advance as they might be on Christmas leave.
ps--Sunday after Christmas will be a horrific travel day on interstates--plan to stay in Wllbg that day.

 

[harveyhaddixfan]

Ahhh yes. Forgot to mention that we would be parking at Pentagon City. We did that last May. Got off the Metro at Smithsonian station. Walked all over the place and almost 7 miles later got back on at Foggy Bottom. Will keep all of these suggestions in mind.

Also, our representative is on permanent leave. Cough, Boehner, cough.

 

[jasenj1]

Hello. I live in Newport News, about 1/2 hr from Williamsburg.

Some things not on a "top 5" list.

How about the Mariners Museum in Newport News? The Peninsula Fine Arts Center is adjacent and the Noland Trail is there for a nice walk through the woods (a popular local place to walk dogs & run).

There is also the Yorktown waterfront and the Waterman's Museum.

It sounds like you are not afraid to drive, so you might like visiting the battleship Wisconsin and Nauticus in Norfolk - next to the MacArthur Center Mall.

Hampton has a Bass Pro Shops store.

In Williamsburg there is the Muscarelle Museum of Art. (#6 on TripAdvisor's list of Williamsburg museums, so it meets your criteria. )

Or you could come by my house. No, you can't.

- Jasen.

 

[taterhed]

Ahhh yes. Forgot to mention that we would be parking at Pentagon City. We did that last May. Got off the Metro at Smithsonian station. Walked all over the place and almost 7 miles later got back on at Foggy Bottom. Will keep all of these suggestions in mind.

Also, our representative is on permanent leave. Cough, Boehner, cough.

I think the Udvar-Hazy is better than the SASM. You pay for parking, but the museum is delightful. Amazing IMAX cinema too. I like the capital tour, but that will definitely require some walking and standing outside. I'd skip it till cherry blossom time. One alternative to the metro: take the hop-on/off bus. It's a bit pricey (coupons?) but the service stops everywhere you need to go with a lot less walking. I wouldn't waste it on one or two stops obviously, but if you decide to see all the sights (maybe the weather is nice) you could grab tickets and park near a less busy stop (usually decent parking by FDR monument) and jump on from there. Just a thought for this time or next. (parking advice--YMMV)

 

[Big Matt]

No need to take metro to go from the Smithsonian to the Capitol unless you have health issues. It is an easy walk. Plus metro isn't free and it does take time.

 

[dwojo]

There are tour companies that run day trips from Williamsburg to DC. Look online to see what they cost and where they go.