Showing posts with label DC Guide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DC Guide. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Under-the-Radar Attractions in San Francisco

According to most travel websites, TripAdvisor and Yelp included, the most exciting things you can do in Washington D.C. is to pop in one museum, exit and pop into another one. While the list of museums in D.C. is quite endless and it will take you years to become familiar in all the museums’ offerings, it doesn’t make a trip to D.C. very exciting for those who have been there.

How about doing something less known or stopping by a restaurant that is not as crowded?

A 2013 report revealed that there was an influx of over 19 million tourists coming into Washington D.C. with or without their tour guides, packed charter buses and making a ginormous deal out of the view of Potomac River. Instead of doing what the tourists do, how about crafting your own itinerary, according to your preferences and hit the off-the-beaten paths instead?

But still, let’s start with the norm.


1. The Starting Point of your Washington D.C. Trip

Most people will warn you that the weather is unpredictable so, be prepared with a raincoat, an umbrella or just don a pair of good sneakers and get ready to run for cover once in a while. But hey, if you’re going to hide from the rain, might as well head into a famed Smithsonian museum, right?

Begin with the National Mall, White House, and the Washington Monument if you’ve never been there. This is like the starting point for all the runs around Washington D.C.: the White House (from the outside. Visiting the White House requires months of approval from the representative), the Washington Mall, monument, Vietnam War memorial, the Smithsonian African American Museum, the Treasury Department behind the White House, WWII memorial, etc.

Even if you’ve been there, there’s something to be said about the sweeping views of D.C. you’ll get from the National Mall. It’s THE BEST. One note: visiting the nation’s front lawn at night is even more awesome because the place will be lit up like a wonderland.


Source; Justyn Warner - Unsplash


The best thing to do is to go at your own pace. Take your time, grab a map, load your GPS and just more-or-less navigate and surprise yourself! While the beautiful sculptures are great for Instagram shots, don’t put your feet (or splash around) in the fountains. You’ll get the boot. Or at least get an evil eye cast your way or chastised for untoward behavior in a highly patriotic place.

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Lincoln Memorial

900 Ohio Drive SW, Washington , DC 20024
(202) 426-6841
www.nps.gov/linc/index.htm
What can you say? This was where the great American Dream was immortalized. It’s where the “I Have a Dream” speech was read by Martin Luther King Jr. When it lights up at night, it will blow your mind. The Greek Doric temple is fronted by a large (very seriously looking seated sculpture of Abraham Lincoln together with inscriptions of two of his most famous speeches, the "Gettysburg Address" and the "Second Inaugural Address".

The good news is that when you're done with all that walking and you’re almost keeling over with hunger, you get to choose from a buffet of options in the form of eateries and cafes. And if you feel like it, there are restaurants offering super cool cocktails and margaritas around the corner.


b DC Penn Quarter

Stylish chain serving creative burgers & elevated pub grub, plus craft beers & bourbons.
801 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
(202) 808-8720
Hours: Sun to Mon 11am  11pm, Fri and Sat  11am - 12am
www.burgersbeerbourbon.com
One thing’s for sure, the locals love their beers as much as they love their burgers! They’re creative, ice-cold, unique and perfectly creamy if you’ve ordered a stout. There are delicious chicken and waffle to devour, fried chicken for the kids, vegetarian burger, stuffed jalapenos appetizers, baconator, blue cheese burger served with caramelized onions, Sriracha fries and so much more.





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Have you been to Washington D.C. and popped into one or more of its Smithsonian Museums? Are you looking around for something different to do? Kayaking? Hitting a bar? Getting to know the locals? Shopping? Exploring unique neighborhoods? If that's what you have in mind, you're in luck! Bus Charter Washington DC has a whole new article out and it is filled with loads of useful info, pictures and links to hidden gems in Washington D.C.! Hit the link to continue reading!

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Our Experience in Washington D.C. Ground Transportation Says It All


We’ve helped customers charter hundreds of buses for large events, up to 500 coaches as a part of our events logistics package and also ferried school children to their field trip destinations. The bottom line is that Bus Charter Washington DC is a company that listens. With a combination of over a hundred years of ground transportation experience, you know we are a company you can always count on when you need large charter buses, coaches, mini buses, vans, corporate cars, shuttle buses and sleeper coaches to move groups of people from one place to another anywhere in Washington D.C. and nationwide.

Thanks to our in-depth knowledge about the charter bus rental industry, we understand and recognize the distinctiveness of your needs. Everyone is different and we listen to every request you have so we can deliver exactly that. Instead of listening to us speak of our quality services and vehicles, contact us right now or call us at 1-800-304-1993 and you’ll get an even better idea!

Don't wait and call us now!

Thursday, July 19, 2018

An 8-Minute Guide to Free Stuff in Washington DC

Anyone can tell you that when it comes to visiting Washington D.C., there's the usual list of free museums, free art galleries, free zoos, free aquariums and free parks. The free admission sure help visitors save tons of money when they are in the Capital.

The list of free things to do and the activities you can enjoy in Washington D.C. is mind-numbingly endless and they include poignant monuments, historical memorials, Smithsonian museums, a massive National Gallery of Art, fun festive events, quintessential nooks and crannies, The White House, the National Mall and many more! It’s impossible to cross off all the free things you can do in your checklist with one trip; chances are, you’d have to make other trips to D.C. to enjoy ALL the cool activities.

Most of these museums, memorials and kid-friendly attractions in our nation’s capital are open all year round (except for specific holidays). They are packed during spring and summer months which are peak seasons for Washington D.C. as a whole, so, if you’re not keen on crowds, autumn is best. It’s when things are slowing down and the number of tourists dwindles. Instead of choking heat, you’re left with a light and airy breeze to accompany you with big splashes of bold fall colors.

Since there’s plenty of entertainment, events, shows and tourist attractions to visit in downtown D.C., with many of them charging you absolutely or close to nothing, do come by to check out winter and holiday events too. It’s off-peak period so, chances are, hotel rates are also lower compared to other times of the year.

So, wait no more! Here is a summary of free places to visit and things to do that in downtown Washington D.C.



1. The Tidal Basin

The basin was designed and named after Major William Johnson Twining, Washington D.C.’s first Engineer Commissioner. Major Twining's idea was to construct a tidal reservoir to help flush the Washington Channel. Today, the basin is a gorgeous place to visit from mid-March to October especially during the Cherry Blossom Festival in April. Hotspots like Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Monument, George Mason Memorial, and the Franklin Roosevelt Memorial are found a short distance away from the Tidal Basin.

Today, the basin is used as an entertainment and cultural space rather than one for its original function. You can rent a paddle-boat when the weather is nice and head out for an outing with the entire family at an affordable rate. The basin takes up 107 acres of land and is approximately 10 feet deep, making it suitable for paddle-boating. Paddle boating is just one of those intelligent ways to get around the crowds, especially during the massive congregation of people during peak season. Another way to avoid getting into the pile-up of a lineup at the entrance is by making your reservations online; this guarantees you a boat during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Even as you make your way around the Independence Avenue to 15th Street towards the Paddle Boat Dock, you can hear the laughter, the cheer, the joy. The rental company is open every day from March to October and from 10am to 6pm. After paddling on a two-person or four-person boat, there are daily performances to enjoy during peak season. They come in the form of music, dance, song, martial arts, cultural offerings from bands, drum performances, rugby, walks, runs and lantern tours. If you’re lucky, take part in annual activities like the junior ranger programs, the Japanese Film Festival, Blossom Kite Festival, Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk, Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony, a waterfront fireworks festival, parade and many more!

Stop by during the night when the crowds have dissipated to enjoy a quieter walk, lounge around the waterway trails to take photos of Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, the National Mall and the White House, or head out early during the cherry blossom season for a calming, relaxing walk.



JEFFERSON MEMORIAL & CHERRY BLOSSOMS: Swipe ⬅️Left to see different perspectives! — PHOTO TIP - UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES: Change your #POV to tell the whole story in 5 different ways... 1. Use a prime lens with a shallow depth to blur the subject and focus on blossoms instead of the monument 2. I tell my students to “Get Down and Turn Around” because a better shot may be waiting for you. So for the second shot I sat down under a tree and looked up for unique lines. 3. When I turned around I saw a macro op where the blossoms had fallen. I used the closeup filters and water dropper I carry in my camera bag to capture a mini-fisheye lens effect in a water drop. 4. Next I captured the joy of a boy in a tree shaking branches on his sister who was dancing in the “blossom rain.” 5. Finally I saw an artist painting the scene and everyone taking in the glorious day! So don’t forget to get down, turn around and try unique techniques and perspectives. — — #tidalbasin #cherryblossom #cherryblossoms #jeffersonmemorial #monument #phototips #shallowdepth #wideaperture #primelens #sunrise #reflection #cherryblossomfestival #dc #washingtondc #perspective #pov #macro #closeup #waterdrop #tree #branches #lines #nature #landscape #travel #creative
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2. Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008
(202) 633-4888
Hours: 8am - 7pm
www.nationalzoo.si.edu
It’s a free zoo on a hill that does not compromise on its size and quality of care. It’s the fifth zoo of its kind to house animals who were born through artificial insemination and one of only four zoos in the United States with pandas. Visitors are reminded, time and again, to don proper footwear for their trip because it is built on a hill and you’ll be legging your way around the entire time. However, if you take it slow and spend adequate time at each exhibit, the entire day will feel like only a couple of hours. Food choices are not impressive but if you pack your own food and drinks, that's one potential problem out of the way.

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, also known as SCBI, is headquartered right here at the National Zoo and it is a renowned participant in the wildlife conservation scene. Not only are they extremely proactive in saving endangered species from extinction, training is provided to train future generations of conservationists. Covering everything from tackling modern day complex conservation challenges to learning new ways to interpret animal behaviors, reproduction habits, and ecological needs, the 163-acre zoo is home to 1,500 animals across hundreds of species.


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Continue Reading the article for information about etching out a satisfying trip to Washington D.C. without cracking your budget right open! 

You don't need to splash loads of cash to enjoy the splendor of Washington D.C. Psstt...many of them are FREE. Yes, free. On top of all the Smithsonian museums and galleries, you can include trips to a spacious, hilly National Zoo, explore the awe-inspiring compounds of a historic cathedral, learn about space and aviation history, enjoy a free live concert, and stuff your face with the best local cuisine that Washington D.C. has to offer!

Charter An Affordable, Luxurious Charter Bus or Minibus for your Trip to Washington D.C.


The same way a DC Explorer Pass can help you save big on your D.C. adventures, Bus Charter Washington D.C. will help you make the best of your time here in this amazing city! Check out our affordable charter bus and minibus rental packages that can take your group anywhere you want to go, be it within downtown Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia. We also cater to long-distance, city-to-city tours.

We are committed to delivering affordable, competitive charter bus rental rates for corporate functions, school trips, field trips, proms, weddings, casino outings, religious events, conferences, sporting events, airport transfers and more! Let’s get the adventure going by contacting us using the inquiry form on our website or dial 1-800-304-1993 to speak to our customer service representatives. We're available 24/7 a day and 365 days a year. You’ll find the perfect affordable, luxurious charter bus in our fleet in no time.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Quick Facts About The Quirky Side of Washington D.C.

Being the Capital of the United States, D.C. has more monuments, museums, and memorials than any other state in the country. These are the things that made Washington D.C. world-famous. Renting a charter bus, however, is merely one of the many ways to visit all the awesome sites around town. You can hop on the Metro if time is not an issue, hop on a bike, double-decker bus, paddle your way around the gorgeous Potomac River, or even go on foot.

What you’ll notice is that there are quirky corners around town that never found their way into those tourist-friendly brochures. We’re talking about the simple things you might not notice if a local did not point them out. The sheer number of languages being spoken on the streets of D.C., the blinding number of restaurants to choose from, the funky marketplaces, the cafes for people-watching, the green spaces for a relaxing day-out and local breweries that lend an exciting layer of flavor to the trip. So, instead of poking around touristy hotspots, here are five fun facts about D.C. you might not have read about. 





1. A Walk Down Memory Lane

Aside from the monuments, statues, museums, and galleries, there’s The White House. This heritage site has been home to every single sitting U.S. President since the inauguration of John Adams in 1800. George Washington, however, never did live in the monumental home because it was completed only a year after he passed on. George and Martha Washington never had children of their own although the first POTUS was known to be extremely fond of kids. Not only was George Washington not buried at the U.S. Capitol (he stated that he had a desire to be buried in Mount Vernon, Virginia), he also did not work in The White House. There is, therefore, an empty crypt underneath the Capitol Building which was where Washington was supposed to be buried.

It is harder to tour The White House because it continues to be an important legislative workplace; it’s far easier and just as interesting to take a tour around the beautiful riverside manor estate of Mount Vernon. The tour will give you a very clear insight into the mind of one of the greatest man known to American politics and governance. Take a languid walk around the garden while marveling at the agricultural innovation that was beyond its time, learn about the iconic mansion, outbuildings, tomb, farm and its working blacksmith shop. The tour can easily take up to the whole day if the attraction isn’t packed. It’s a wonderful way to open your mind up to the world of Washington through exhibits which include 700 artifacts, documents, pictures and immerse exhibits.

Abraham Lincoln, in the meantime, although technically stayed at The White House, took refuge at the current-day Lincoln’s Cottage to take a break from work. Lincoln’s cottage has a Visitors Center that is open from 9.30am - 4.30pm and Sunday from 10.30am - 4.30pm and it’s always memorable and fun to explore the grounds without being rushed through. It's akin to stepping back in time.

The White House is a property owned by the National Park Service and is a part of the President’s Park; it was ranked the 2nd favorite America’s Architecture as listed by the American Institute of Architects. Hence, touring the White House requires some advanced planning. Your group needs to submit a request to a member of Congress and it needs to be done at least 3 months in advance. If you’re an International traveler, get in touch with your home country’s embassy in Washington D.C. to get permission to tour the iconic home.


Continue Reading the other 4 quirky fun facts about Washington D.C. on our website Bus Charter Washington DC. Read about the unbelievable things found on an average day on the Metro, the second busiest subway in the country, or check out the swankiest wine bars in downtown Washington D.C.






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You’re a Few Short Clicks Away from your Free Washington D.C. Bus Charter Quote!

We are a family-run ground transportation business that is always willing to listen to feedback from our customers. We are here to get you the answers you need, and right here to help you find solutions, from the start to the end. We are honored, always, to be a part of our customers’ visits to Washington D.C. and work tirelessly around the clock to ensure that the time spent here means so much more to them long after their trip is over. And we hope to do the same for you too!

To get a bus rental quote on bus rentals in Washington D.C. or find out more about what’s available, all you need to do is to give us a call at 1-800-304-1993 or contact us via this easy online form. We hope to work together with you on your trip to D.C. soon!


Sources:
1. Freeimages.com