Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Confidential to National Association of REALTORS Mid-Year Meeting Attendees


Last year, I put together a set of tips for those traveling to our glorious nation's capital, which I emailed to all of the Washington REALTOR members who planned on attending. I received many grateful responses, so I thought I'd reprise that same information here, where it can live forever (and you can't delete it "on accident" from your inbox!).

TIPS FOR SURVIVING THE NAR MID-YEAR CONFERENCE:


CHECK THE WEATHER (AND PLAN FOR RAIN).
When it rains in D.C., it RAINS. Plan to bring a small, portable umbrella or to purchase one during your stay. For an extended forecast, go here.


LEARN THE METRO.



For cheap, quick and easy transportation, you can't beat D.C.'s subway system, the Metro! Snatch a day pass or a week-long pass and ride the rails to your heart's content. Check out the Metro's schedules and fares.



SEE THE SIGHTS.
 Though your schedule is likely to be busy, plan to use your downtime to see some of the great landmarks, history and culture of our national capital. Head out to Arlington, Virginia. Take a tour of George Washington's home in Mount Vernon. See the incredible national memorials. Tour the Smithsonian museums. Go to the National Zoo. Hop on the Old Town Trolley or the D.C. Duck for a tour. Learn more about D.C. walking tours here.

Take a walk through the National Mall… It's even more fun than the kind you shop in!

Even if you can't do everything, make a point of doing something. The capitol city and surrounding areas are chock-full of history. A good place to learn about the area's attractions can be found here.


"THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKIN'."

Or, at least, they should be. D.C. is a walkin' kind of town, and comfortable shoes are a must. If you're attending business functions, tote a canvas bag (get a FREE one at the trade show!) that you can toss your "professional" shoes into, but stride to your meeting in sneaks. Trust me on this, folks. I've got blister scars to prove it.



4 comments:

  1. Great tips - - don't forget to eat and hang out in the funky Adam's Morgan area. We're about 2 hours from DC . . . too far to meet halfway?

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  2. Well... I won't have a car, but I can get anywhere the Metro goes... We have a suite at the Wardman. Wanna come party?

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  3. Oh, that brings back memories. I used to live in northern VA...I miss the metro and the Air & Space Museum and the downpours too.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog!

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  4. CK - - so wish I could come party! But lacrosse, business travel, blah, blah, blah makes the 2 hour trip not feasible. But I know we're gonna make it happen on one coast or another! In the meantime, we have an award for you over at lipstickdaily!

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