Young upbeat couple coming to the US for the first time. Ideas of outings?

[Anonymous]

Our au pairs's family visited us around the same time last year (also first time visitors) and we took them and the kids to the haunted train and carousel at Wheaton Regional park. It was a huge hit. But I think your list is great - they're coming at a great time!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You could put them on the train to Williamsburg and let them spend the night. The train goes right to the city--no car necessary.

Having known many upper middle class South Americans, I honestly think they would find that trip slow, uncomfortable and a waste of time. I would stay local and focus on shopping (Outlets and Tyson's) and the museums, maybe drop in on the White House if possible.

[Anonymous]

Harpers Ferry will be awesome in late October, the falliage is amazing.

[Anonymous]

How about walking around DC for a day? You know typical WH, L.M. J.M...etc. End it with nice dinner in Gtown. Oh, wait, are you taking your babies?

[Anonymous]

A drive out to lucray caverns-- but more to see the fall leaves. I don't think they see that much in Brazil.

[Anonymous]

A drive out to lucray caverns-- but more to see the fall leaves. I don't think they see that much in Brazil.

[Anonymous]

Those I've known from South America have been primarily interested in visiting the city for shopping and sight-seeing, not the countryside. Sorry for the sweeping generalization, but...just trying to help!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Philadelphia--It is SUPER easy to take the train up. I found it easy to walk to everything I wanted to see, but if they are less active, cabs are easy to catch too.

http://www.easternstate.org/ No longer a functioning prison, it is a very interesting self guided tour. There are also guides in various parts that will give brief talks, answer questions, etc. I'd allow about 3 hours for a visit here.

http://www.rodinmuseum.org/ So Rodin was French, not American, but still a great museum--small, you'll only need an hour or less here

http://www.nps.gov/inde/historyculture/stories-libertybell.htm I can't imagine visiting Philly and not seeing the Liberty Bell and other parts of Independence Hall. Timed tickets are free if you obtain them at the park the morning of your visit, or you can reserve them in advance for $1.50. Personally, since that is such a small fee I would do it in advance just for easier planning.

http://www.visitphilly.com/music-art/philadelphia/love-statue/ "LOVE" sign in JFK plaza

The "Rocky Steps" and statue are in front of the Art museum. Unless they are REALLY into art, it's probably not necessary for them to visit the art museum--they can see the statue and steps from outside without going into the museum...oh, and from the steps there is a beautiful view of the Philly skyline--lots of people take pictures there (weddings, etc.)


http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/ Fun place to grab lunch or a snack

I think for someone who is in decent shape, and wearing good walking shoes, all of these are within walking distance of the train station. But I think I might have a higher tolerance for walking than most people
Would this trip to Philadelphia just be them, or you and the kids too? I wouldn't expect a 4 year old to be able walk the whole distance.

How are they getting to NYC? Since Philly is roughly half way between NYC and DC, it would work well to take the train up to Philly early one morning spend the day touring Philly, spend the night in a hotel, then take the train to NYC the next day...

Around Halloween time, they turn part of into a haunted house. We went last year. It wasn't as scary as I expected it to be but it was still fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - what about Baltimore? Will it be too cold to enjoy the harbor? Is it worth going only for the Aquarium?

Any other museums besides the Air and Space?

Honestly, I wouldn't really expect a couple in their late 20's/early 30's to have that much interest in the aquarium. That would be more for your 4 year old

You think so? I would gladly skip it since I already took my 4y old over the summer and it is so expensive….I thought they might like it because I can't think of any decent aquarium in Brazil where someone can see sharks, giant rays, jelly fish, etc. I will ask them

I will be driving them to Philly since we will be taking the children (everywhere). Baby is very portable at this age and 4y old is used to travel with me and go out /walk. This couple is very helpful too as I said. They are really great people.

If the duck hunting starts on the 11 they won't be able to experience that since they will be here only until Nov. 7.

About Philly - is it easy to drive around there? What about parking? Are there lots of parking garages?

[Anonymous]

I'd think about Monticello instead of Williamsburg - I think an engineer would think its cool. And that's more the foodie part of VA.

[Anonymous]

Luray Caverns are cool. Kayaking in the Potomac. Wineries.

[Anonymous]

Markoff's Haunted Forest out in Poolesville, MD (I think it's there or somewhere close to it…). They do a great haunted walk through the woods and a big bon fire. You need to make reservations, but it wouldn't be for your little ones (too scary). They do a great job and it is very typically American.

[Anonymous]

Also, Skyline Drive in Shanendoah Valley is beautiful with the fall foliage that time of year.

[Anonymous]

Spy Museum, portrait gallery, national gallery of art, sculpture gallery, capitol tour, night tour of the mall, drinks at POV, dinner at Central or Zaytinia/Jaleo/Oyamel/Rasika. Drive through the Arboretum, visit Eastern Market on a weekday. Try some popular food trucks downtown. I love Hillwood House- they could walk around DuPont and see the embassies. Check out the WaPost Going Out Guide for current events and exhibits.

[Anonymous]

*Eastern Market on a WEEKEND