You beat me to it, Dave, I was going to suggest this as a must do.
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Checking out Annapolis, MD is a must!
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I was going to say Dave's is a must-see :-)

Peter, for stuff in DC I think it would help a little if you had certain interests. There's the history, memorial, restaurants, etc. Every person is different in those scenarios.

I think a lot of it depends on what you or the wife are interested in. That being said, do you know what area you are looking to stay at? There are advantages to staying outside and advantages to staying inside the city. Maximizing time doing things versus in the train/car is important. Also helps us pinpoint a good place you can go smoke at :-)
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I grew up in D.C. so you are in for a great vacation! There are so many things to do and see in D.C. One of the best parts of visiting DC is that the National attractions (e.g., the Mall (the area where most of the muesems are located), Zoo, White House Tours, etc.) are FREE. Restaurants are fit for foodies, but be fore warned that the food tax is 10%, so with tip expect to add 30% to the cost of a meal. The Hayadams is great, but pricey (I've stayed there and didn't think it was worth the dime (great service though)). Definitly stop by for a happy hour drink or two, if you want be check out the polical power scene. National is a great airport and is connected to the Metro, so you don't really need a car to get around. There is just too much to DC to outline in one post, so I'll pop in and add more comments as your trip gets closer.

P.S. Boo to Icehog's Mayor Berry comment! IL politicians don’t necessarily have the greatest track records either… :-)
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Never been here before, but my friends love the all you can eat meat place fugo de chao
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I Lived in Washington DC for a year when I was in the Air Force. I was Stationed at Bolling AFB. I Enjoyed it.. I didnt have a car there, and i used the Metro all the time. Get the extended passes When i was there they had a week Pass, I think it was 20/30 bucks for a week pass. Tour the Pentagon. Its really neat. The Metro goes right too it. Also if you get a chance Write a Letter to a State Senator telling them you are going to DC and when, and that you'd like to Tour the White House. You have to be recommended by a senator in order to get a tour.

Also The Metro you can get to the Mall (Smithsonian) Also easy access to anywhere as long as you dont mind doing some walking.

I was in the Presidential Honor Guard when I was there. And I was Privileged to see alot of neat stuff. Stay away from the South East Side of DC Over near where Bolling AFB is.
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Changing of the guards at the Arlington Natl Cemetary is worth a visit as well.
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If you have the time and a car, a ride down 95 to the National Marine Corp museum is pretty cool.
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Since you have 8 days, I would recommend making the drive to Baltimore and checking it out for a day.
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Definitely. One of the best experiences I have ever had. But remember NOT to cross the rail. A lady tried to cross the rail to get to another seat when I was there. The guard was facing away with his back to the lady. Man had eyes in the back of his head. He spun on a dime, changed his rifle from parade rest to ready rest (I think thats how you call it when moved from shoulder to a two handed grip), and with utmost authority said, "Mam, please return behind the guard rail immediately"

Was awe inspiring. And the changing of the guard was even better.
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I may be able to assist with accomodations if you need them.

PM me if I can help.

It's been a while, but when my brother graduated from Annapolis, we spent some time there and I was extremely glad I paid for the tour where you can get on and off all day and see the highlights with someone telling you what you are looking at.
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if you can get out to dulas and check out the air and space hanger there, it is awesome. Parking sucks @ $15 but the hanger is really cool to see. Don't bother going t the nra museum....it blows goats
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Thanks everyone for all the suggestions so far. As I said before, there is no way I could do everything I wanted to if I had 8 weeks - let alone 8 days.

Based on these suggestions and those from family and friends outside of CA, we now have much to look into.

Keep the suggestions coming.

:-)
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