sootman's Journal: So, what is there to do in D.C.?

I'm going to Wasington, D.C. next month for the DC PHP conference. I've been there once before with family and enjoyed it a lot but this time I'm going alone and I'm wondering what there is to do in the evening. Seems like all the museums close around 7 or 7:30 and I don't remember there being much else to do at night but walk around looking at the monuments. (Which is fun, but I've got 3 or 4 nights to fill) Any thoughts? Any unique geeky things I shouldn't miss while I'm in town? (I've already been to the Air & Space museum.) Is there an SR-71 parked anywhere nearby? That would be worth a rental car. :-)

VT

[Harmonious Botch]

Try the forums at virtualtourist.com.

Re:

[sootman]

Thanks. They've got some good info but it's just like the Web in general--lots and lots of general stuff. I'm specifically looking for techy/geeky things to do, and I'm pretty much limited to after 5pm. Just looking for a few ideas.

Re: your name--fan of the painter, or Michael Connelly?

SR-71

[Free the Cowards]

Yes actually there is an SR-71 parked fairly nearby, at the Udvar-Hazy center, which is an annex to the Air & Space museum which lives in a giant hangar at Dulles Airport, and thus has all of the really neat toys. I haven't been but I'm told that it's well worth checking out. As with the rest of the Smithsonian admission is free, but they do charge for parking.

stuff in dc

[AndroSyn]

Yup there is an SR-71 at the Udvar-Hazy center. If I remember correctly, they run a shuttle bus from the Air and Space Museum down on the mall out to there. Also if you are a beer drinker, you might want to pay a visit to the Brickskeller in Dupont Circle, they have a huge beer selection there. The International Spy Museum at 800 F St NW is fun too, though as its a private museum, they charge a bit for it. I'll try to rack my brain for some other things.

Re:

[sootman]

Nice to know about the shuttle to U-H, I'll definitely have to look at that. Hope it runs on Sunday, which is my only full open day. I'm not a beer drinker but the spy museum sounds great and I'm staying within walking distance of it. I've probably got enough now to keep me busy but I'd love to hear more suggestions, so keep racking your brain, but not too hard. :-) Thanks!