Thanksgiving in Washington,DC

Well, after a long hiatus I am completing my Washington follow-up.

As I said before this was a great Thanksgiving trip. We arrived at Embassy Suites on Wednesday and had plenty of time to walk around and check out a few museums and map out the next day.

On Thursday, the weather was great. I got up early and jogged around a couple of blocks and came back to the hotel for the complimentary buffet breakfast. I had a delicious western omelet and hash browns. My wife and girls got to pick what they wanted plus had fresh fruit and yogurt. The weather was about 70 degrees and we walked around all day long. The girls got to go ice skating in front of the National Museum and signed the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives.

Later that evening we drove out to Georgetown to see the movie "The Bee" only because I didn't check and see that there was movie theater one block from the hotel in Chinatown at the Arena. After the movie, the girls were exhausted and slept well the whole night.

During the night my wife and I scanned the internet for a local Christmas parade on Friday or Saturday that we could take the kids to. The forecast was for the temp. to drop to the 30's on Friday which I considered perfect parade weather.

We lucked up and found the best little town parade around in Reston,VA. Now, if you go, get up early and get a good spot because this parade gets packed. The parade goes through the Main street of the Reston shopping center which is a cobblestone road with sops and stores all around.
The parade reminded me of a Hallmark movie. The costumes, bands, floats and dancers were top notched. They also had a grandstand with benches that the parade went past with an emcee
announcing each group.
The Reston Center also has an outdoor skating rink but it was too cold with the wind blowing.

On Saturday, our last stop was at the home of Frederick Douglass in Anacostia which is a must see also. The home has been restored and sits high up on a hill. You can see the Capitol Building form the home's front porch.

But except for the hotel ,gas ,ice skating, and movie the trip was pretty reasonable.

Now of course if can give further tips and details if anyone has any questions.

We plan on going back each year because you can not see it all in a few trips and enjoy, plus the educational experiences for the kids is invaluable.

Frugal Frank OTBS