DC Washington Books

The book gives the greatest and indeed much needed insight on an African American Group of people, who fought many battles for religious freedom, and the right to educate their own children, through their own Church. Fighting for all types of Social injustices for all races. Having to fight government to keep property donated for the building of their our Church, and still having to sit in the back when White parishoneers would come to hear the music and visit the Black Catholic Church, so well known. A "Must Read Book for Washingtonians".

Even though I live in New York, I refer to the NYC addition weekly. On a visit to DC, I found it in some cases to be easier to use and read than those of AAA. The book format is also handy to carry around while strolling DC's neighborhoods.

I bought "Flashmaps" right before our recent trip to Washington.

Very convenient--it is just the right size for your purse or back pocket.

I found most useful the building diagrams, Metrorail map, and driving map of downtown.

With arrows detailing two-way and one-way streets, the driving map will certainly be a life-saver if you plan on exploring D.C. in your car.

I first bought the 3rd edition several years ago when I went back to DC as a part-time museum intern. On my extremely limited budget, this handy book of maps proved indispensable both for me personally, and on the job during assignments as a fill-in concierge. One look at the well-worn cover and others recognized its usefulness as well.

Maps primarily focus on areas of interest for tourism, embassies, and the downtown business core including The Mall. The two maps of Metro (the subway) show the full metro area system and downtown, the latter of which is detailed enough to show the multiple entrances for each stop down to which side of street. Certain sites and areas rate their own special maps, like the three area airports, the core Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, the White House, historic Alexandria, Georgetown, Embassy Row, and several others. Like the others in the Flashmaps series, there are separate maps identifying hotels, restaurants, transportation, shopping, and other general areas of interest; hotels and restaurants do have a price guide range identified by dollar signs. The WWII Memorial was built/completed after the 6th edition came out, so it does not appear on the maps yet.

The book consists entirely of maps. If you're looking for sight-seeing blurbs containing verbose details, buy an additional resource since this book contains none. If you're visiting Northern Virginia and/or Maryland, I recommend buying additional map(s) (especially if you're driving) as these areas are not covered in depth.

As hotels have changed hands, embassies have moved, and phone numbers are no longer the same, last year I opted to purchase the 6th edition. Even knowing my way around, this book is still as helpful during my annual return trips as when I first bought it.

Thirteen-year-old Francesca Vigilucci has always lived a privileged life in Washington, D.C., as the daughter of a wealthy lawyer. The year is 1913, and things are changing for women in the United States - although it seems as though life in the Vigilucci household is no different than it has always been. Francesca knows that her parents expect her to marry a wealthy man and raise a family, but that's not the life she dreams of. She longs to attend college and start an exciting career, instead of living a life like her mother's - a life that would be boring to Francesca. The only person she can share her dreams with is Laura, a girl her age who works as a servant in the Vigilucci home. The girls long to attend the suffragist parade to show their support for the women fighting to win the right to vote, but with Francesca's grumpy, traditional aunt in town, will they be able to find a way? This was another excellent addition to the American Diaries series. Kathleen Duey brought to life both the suffragist movement and the varying social conditions of the wealthy and the impoverished in early twentieth century America. As always, I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Imagine a travel guide that reads like a letter from a friend rather than a description of plumbing installation and that's what Bulkin delivers. She lets you become an instant insider on everything from the historic and modern gossip surrounding various D.C. hotels to where to find perfect picnic basket lunch items in Georgetown. Itineraries for 1 day and up stays are realistic and fun; she makes sure you can hit the high points and still have time to relax. Hotel and dining recommendations are on the mark -- we stayed in her favorite B&B and were not disappointed. Quick to point out the best values around in all categories, she is comprehensive in scope without being clunky, a real plus when you're standing on the sidewalk with a guide in your hand, trying to find the best resturant near Union Station! Overall, a must-have for visitors and D.C. old-timers alike; get more value for your money and have a fabulous time. Worth every penny!! Only drawback: 2-page spread location maps of hotels, attractions, etc. are difficult (if not impossible) to read in the cracks. Large included foldout map needs more color variation for clarity. It can be difficult to read, so be sure to bring or find another.

well if you are very limited on time the best way to see washington has to be the tourmobile you can pick it up at union station and get on and off all day for 25 bucks a person (35 for a 2 day pass) this guide was a buy and easy to carry. you can go to all the major monuments for free and the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier was impresive and moving this book and all the frommers portables are great in my experince.

I knew NOTHING of DC when I learned I had to attend a conference there. I purchased this edition of the Frommer's DC guide and the little bit of money I spent on it was well worth it!

I've never had to maneuver around a city without a vehicle and I was MOST worried about learning to use mass transit in DC. This guide calmed my fears about the Metrorail which was actually one of my favorite aspects of DC! I studied up on how things work and the tips saved me a lot of headaches. For example, one tip said to stand on the right of the escalators when exiting or entering the Metro station so that commuters in a hurry will be able to run up the left side. That one tip saved me from getting in the way of those who I know would have run over me!

I feel the ratings that the guide gives attractions are right on. Too many times, authors of guidebooks don't even visit an attraction and they just copy and paste a description that comes straight from the attraction itself. I've been to too many attractions that weren't worth my time, but who billed themselves as being worthwhile and exciting to visit. The writers of this guide have actually been to all of these attractions and are honest about what to see and what to skip.

I had two days outside of the conference I attended to do some sightseeing, but on some mornings and in the evenings during the conference, I had free time as well. The Frommer's guide gave me the information I needed regarding times and days that attractions were open. Also, knowing which ones were closer to the Metro stations was helpful when I knew I'd have limited time before I had to be back.

Even though the edition I used for this trip was at least a year old, I felt it was indispensable. I know one reason my trip was so wonderful is because of this book! The tips are very helpful. The writers are knowledgable. The information is correct. The only thing I would change would be the index - it could have been more comprehensive.

I've always relied on information from visitors' bureaus and tourist information spots when visiting a new city. However, those brochures and guidebooks are always written to glorify everything. They don't critique and they don't offer tips. After using the Frommer's guidebook, I'm a firm believer in avoiding visitors' bureaus and sticking to Frommer's.

Other guides may be useful for vacationers, but if you live in the DC area and have kids, this is the book to own. It comprehensively covers kid-friendly places from the classic (Glen Echo Park) to the relatively new (Exploraworld in Columbia). My mom had an earlier edition of this same book thirty years ago when my brother and I were growing up, and we both recommend it highly!

Wirebound map includes Montgomery County and Prince George's County in Maryland, Fairfax County, Arlington County and Alexandria City in Virginia and Washington DC. Also has airport maps, Commuter Rail maps, Springfield Interchange, schools, libraries, zip codes. Excellent street indexes for all areas including address numbers on maps. ADC does excellent cartographic work, a must for all residents and businesses.