Richmond Va and Washington DC

[eyes_only_Fan]

My husband and I are going to be heading to Richmond Va during the middle of April. His company is paying for the hotel room since he will be at a conference. Since we have never been to Washington D.C. we figured that now maybe the time (we live just outside of St. Louis). I need tips of things to do and where to eat. I have picked out our hotel for Washington - we are staying at the La Quinta Inn in Waldorf, MD. It is much cheaper than hotels in downtown Washington DC and breakfast is included! We need websites for coupon deals, and places to go visit in both towns. Also restaurant recommendations - since I have 15 of the $25 gift certificates (I bought during the 90% off sale!). We may also be bringing our two dogs with us. So I may also need a great doggie day care. This is the one item I am willing to spend more money on. Had one horrible doggie day care - so I am now very picky since the dogs are like my kids lol.

[Troop1379]

I live right outside richmond and I would like to know a few thing. is it just you and your hubby or do you have kids as well coming with you

[eyes_only_Fan]

For the trip it will be just me and hubby. He will be attending a conference for part of the time that we are in Richmond. So for part of the time it will just be me looking for something to do and both of us at night. Some of his co-workers will be going with us - so I don't know if they will be going out on the town with us.

I will need a doggie day care - I love my boys but they will need somewhere to run. Any tips will help if you have any. Even places to avoid lol.

Also, could you please tell me which grocery stores are nearby. The couponer in me has to know lol. We will most likely be in town from a Wednesday to Saturday (possibly even Sunday).

Thanks

[blossomed]

I live about 10 mins from DC and I have a big concern - Waldorf to DC is a HIKE and not accessable by metro so when you go into the city you will have to pay to park. And waldorf is not a very exciting town at all.

DC Metro is awesome, clean and used by a lot of commuters who will help you if you stop (not real friendly but they will stop and help).

DC is so pretty in the spring - early april is peak season for the Cherry Blossoms!

so through the middle of the city is the Mall (not shopping) and along that is the Smithsonian (which has the air and space, american history, natural history) all for free paid for with your taxes and the Washington Monument.

I would DEFINATELY tour the white house. Also contact your local senator and they can get you tickets for The Capital. they might be able to get you white house too. Contact them now cause it takes awhile to what you need.

Restaurants - most are expensive and all the tourest places will gouge you for water snacks etc. Better idea if you are going to stay in the burbs would be to pack a picnic and eat on the Mall with a blanket while staring at a Monument. I just went on Restaurant website to see where you could use and the indian place Marrakesh is VERY highly rated but I have no personal experience.

Unless you are a politico spend some time checking out cnn bc it is common to see cabinet members, senators etc just walking down the street or having coffee.

pm me if you have any specific questions.

[Troop1379]

Richmond has Kroger and Food Lion that I know of.For things to do you might want to look at maymont park. I love going by myself and with the kids. ou can also try this website to help you out.http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60893-Activities-Richmond_Virginia.html