Cool weekend: Visiting the National Air and Space Museum

[Don Plumley]

For my Son's 20th (gasp!) birthday, took him on a quick trip to DC to see the Smithsonian. We both like airplanes a lot so thought this would be a memorable way to celebrate.

On Friday night we took a redeye to Dulles, dropped our bags off at the hotel and then took the metro to the Mall and walked into the Smithsonian just as they opened:


(X-15)

After spending the day there, we walked down the mall past the Washington monument, into the Lincoln Memorial and then the Vietnam Memorial.

Birthday dinner at Central Michel Richard:


(Pork Confit!)

Sunday we went to the Steven Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles - an amazing collection of fixed wing aircraft. SR-71, Concorde, Space Shuttle.... One notable example:



My closest friend, an F-15C jockey and Colonel in the AF joined us and told some amazing stories along with the planes ("and there I was...").

And then we flew home. What a cool weekend.

When we tried to figure out what to get him for his birthday, and offered up a thing or an experience, years of parenting paid off when he said he'd rather do something with Dad instead of a gift. I'm really lucky, we've had many great adventures together. I'm really proud of my son and the fine young man he's becoming.

Thanks for letting a proud dad share...

[Jim Richards]

Very cool way to spend his b-day! I love those two museums.

[sc_rufctr]

Great photos and story Don.
My son is 14 and I've promised him a visit to the National Air and Space Museum.

We're planning to fly over next March for his birthday.

Did you take any pics of the SR-71 Blackbird?

(Or am I being naive thinking the Transformers movie was accurate?)

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Is there really a Dad of the Year contest?

Nice to see you enjoying time with your son.

I'm planning a DC museum hopping trip in late August/Sept.

The pork confit looks amazing! what was it like?

[red-beard]

Next to the Air and Space museum is an underground art museum. It usually has worldwide exhibits and is "off the beaten tracK". Skip the Whitehouse tour. You a herded through like cattle, and unlike the movies, there is NEVER a chance of running into the President.

I also love the American History Museum. The ground floor was always great. Printing and Engraving is good as well, and you can buy uncut sheets of real money.

[john70t]

Was at that same location a few weeks ago.
Wish there was a SR-71 alongside the X-15.
The Mall was a nice walk with (reasonably affordable for now)mass transit, and a variety of sites to visit relatively close by.

The Treasury and the WH was walled off with heavy security. Guess the bank robbers are still inside.

[s_morrison57]

Cool trip Don, doing things with the kid(s) that you both enjoy - priceless

[s_morrison57]

Cool trip Don, doing things with the kid(s) that you both enjoy - priceless

[Joeaksa]

I go there every chance I have and always find something new. Am going to Wright-Pat in a week and its also a good museum.

Good way to spend a day or three!

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

Wright-Pat

It's been 10 years since I went there, too long.

[BGCarrera32]

I went there in '93. Truly amazing. I went with my cousin who is an EE at Northrup Grumman (Westinghouse) back then. In a display case was a tabletop model of the Aegis radar- he says "hey, that was the model on Bob's desk..."

Back then you could get a tour of the White House and the FBI building. Glad I went when I did.

[Jim727]

Fantastic - great birthday treat! I'm very impressed by his thinking. Outstanding.

If he's really interested in aircraft, Joe has pointed you to the USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB outside Dayton. Incredible. They even have the only surviving B-70 there.