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

[Anonymous]

They are 28 and 31, childless couple coming to visit the U.S for the first time and will be spending 10 days with us before heading to NYC. They will arrive just before Halloween and stay during the first week of November, so weather is a consideration with thinking about outings. They don't have any children but I have 2 - a 4y old and a 4m old baby.

They are very easygoing and friendly - every time I go visit my home country with my children they are nothing but super helpful and nice. They are very excited to visit the US for the first time of course and the husband has these ideas of seeing typical American things like seen in movies (e.g eating contest! lol)

I doubt I can find a eating contest around this area, but I was thinking of:

a) Take them to Cox Farms so they can see a typical fall festival, hay ride, and all that stuff.

b) They can take my 4y to trick or treat on Halloween eve.

c) DC museums - which ones? He is an engineer so I was thinking he might like the Air and Space museum in Dulles?

d) They mentioned visiting Philly, so I am thinking of going there for a day trip. What to do there though? I have only been once and don't know the city well besides the Children's Museum and the Frankly institute. Any ideas besides the Chidren's Museum (no going since it is only a day trip and it is not of interest for them)?

e) What about Williamsburg? Is a day trip doable?

They are from Brazil so lots of shopping is planned. Everything here is SO MUCH cheaper!

About outings, any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

I think those are great ideas. With two kids, you might want to put them on the Metro to the city. Mount Vernon is another option. Perhaps a vineyard in Loudoun?

[Anonymous]

ps. If he is an engineer, I bet he'd enjoy the whole day at Air and Space. If I were you, I'd mix it up--take them some days, send them others.

[Anonymous]

Shopping: Leesburg Outlets
Tyson's
Fair Oaks

You could go to Leesburg Outlets and do lunch or dinner in oldtown Leesburg.

[Anonymous]

Daytrip to Williamsburg is doable--but long and tough. It should be a three hour drive--but can take longer depending on traffic.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

ps. They can take the train from Alexandria to Williamsburg.

[Anonymous]

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?

[Anonymous]

the history museum is interesting, especially the pop culture room. even though they aren't american, it might give them a sense of Americanism. I enjoy history museums in foreign countries. Also the natural history museum, all the usual monuments etc.

[Anonymous]

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...

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

PP here that gave the list of things in Philadelphia--

I should mention that I recommended those things with only the couple in mind. If you are going too--and bringing the kids, I would NOT recommend Eastern State Penn., or the Rodin museum, and Reading Terminal Market gets kind of crowded--personally I don't do well with crowds and I find it even worse when it's crowded and I have little kids with me!

[Anonymous]

Duck tours are a pretty good example of American cheesiness.

Alexandria does haunted walking tours that time of year (with a guide dressed in colonial garb, etc). Other neighborhoods may as well.

Maybe a corn maze?

[Anonymous]

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?

Inner Harbor is fun, especially if you couple it with a trip to Little Italy for dinner. It's only a few hours event though.

[Anonymous]

Let them go duck hunting with a guide opening day is the 11th. Take them to a shooting range. UMD - Ohio State football game . Orioles and nats will be having numerous playoff games. Ravens and Redskins will be having football games. Home football game at the Naval Academy would be awesome with tailgate and eat/shop at city dock later. Go on a rock fishing charter out of Deale or Chesapeake beach . Hike sugarloaf mountain and then go to the winery. Antietam battlefield.