Spending a Weekend in the DMV
Just in case you weren’t aware the DMV stands for D.C, Maryland, and Virginia. Many people are now commonly referring to it as the DMV. So no, I didn’t spend an entire weekend at the Department of Motor Vehicles haha.
I actually used to live in Silver Spring, Maryland for a few years when I was younger. I have pretty much been to every monument and museum. Silver Spring is extremely close to D.C. so if you are looking for cheaper accommodations this is a great option.
Silver Spring has certainly come along way from when I used to live there. They have built it up tremendously. There are a lot of big companies in the heart of it such as the Discovery Channel offices. Although the City Place mall looks deserted when you step inside, the outside area is great! It was fun to walk around and not only reminisce, but see all the new things around.
I picked the Hampton Inn in Silver Spring to stay at. Valet parking is $15 or you can park in a lot which I was told was around the corner. Also if you decide to Valet, keep in mind to call at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time if you want your car. The hotel staff was very nice and lobby looked inviting. They also served free breakfast in the mornings with a variety of food. It was really good and you were able to make your own waffles!
The room was very nice, it had a couch and a really nice comfortable bed. There were however, a few times were I could hear other people flushing the toilet. They could afford to sound proof the rooms a bit better. Hearing people in the hallway while you’re trying to sleep wasn’t that great either. A really nice pool that I enjoyed and a fitness room was located in the hotel. The best part of the hotel was being able to walk and have a ton of options of restaurants. It it also about a 10 minute walk to the Metro. I would certainly stay here again and recommend the hotel.
Speaking of the Metro, every person I encountered that worked there were extremely rude. This was not great because I had questions and they really didn’t want to answer them. A few tips about their Metro:
1. Everyone needs their own separate Metro Card.
2. The amount you spend on your ride, depends on how far you go. You need money on your card to get out of the station.
3. The trains run so slow and sometimes stop for long periods of time, so plan accordingly if you are on a time schedule.
Other than that the Metro is the way to go. Taking a cab, especially into D.C. is going to cost you a pretty penny. Mainly due to the traffic.
Although we missed the boat we were originally supposed to get on due to traffic, a very nice gentleman allowed us on another boat where we were able to ride up and down the Potomac River. It was a party boat, pretty much a club on water. I had a lot of fun enjoying the sights and people watching.
The day we decided to go sightseeing happened to be the day it wanted to on and off pour rain. Despite the rain it was an amazing day. It was fun seeing the Washington Monument, The Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and The World War II Memorial. The rain hindered a few other sightseeing and food options, but was still a ton of fun.
While walking we stopped a couple of people to ask where they thought was a good place to eat. They told us they just came from a restaurant, Elephant and Castle Pub and Restaurant. If you are into London delicacies like fish and chips this is the place to go. They also have American food. The food was good and the atmosphere was nice.
We also headed over to Rockville, MD were they are building up as well and it is really nice. Restaurants and a movie theater it felt very quaint. It was also fun heading over to the National Harbor outlet mall. It was a beautiful drive and a lot of great stores for me to do a little shopping. I also noticed they are getting ready to build an MGM Casino there.
All in all it was an amazing and fun weekend.
One Girl: One World
Thanks for clarifying… the travel community has been using “DMV” a lot lately lol and I thought they were talking about the vehicle department! >.< Nice post
Holly Dayz
Thank you! lol No problem. When I first heard the term I was like…huh?
McCool Travel
Looks like you covered some M and some D but no V. So much to see in this area.
Holly Dayz
Yup, there is a lot to do in VA. I have been there many times. As this was a weekend trip and a lot going on there was no room for the V, but it is still the DMV regardless. Perhaps next time.
LeAnna
I laughed at DMV because I had NO idea that area was being referred to as that! We have family in Baltimore and love going out there, there is just so much to see and a great place to take children to to learn about our country’s history
Holly Dayz
Yea, many people refer to it as that. There is so much to do!
Jennifer
I had never heard of the area being referred to as DMV – how funny! Your weekend does sound like it was a lot more fun than hanging out at the Dept of Motor Vehicles. Thanks for the great recommendations! We also stay at the Hampton often when traveling around the US – good choice.
Holly Dayz
Yea it sure is! Oh so much more fun! It was a good hotel, I liked it.
Rebekah Esme
Haha never knew it was called DMV! We road trip around America next year so I’m saving this info for then! 🙂
Holly Dayz
Awesome, glad to be of some assistant. I love road trips.
Andrea Butler
Hysterical! I was really interested how you were going to entertain with stories of waiting in line at the DMV 😉 In all serious though, fabulous recommendations! I haven’t spent much time exploring my own country (the US) and you’ve inspired me to take a closer look!
Holly Dayz
LOL I would cry if I spent an entire weekend there. I am glad I could inspire you. The US has so much to offer.
Himanshu
Thanks for sharing. Good post.
Holly Dayz
Thanks
Kathrin H
Great advice on your blog!
Holly Dayz
Thank you
CarmensLuxuryTravel
I just returned from DC this week. I spend most of my time in Friendship Heights in DC, but got a chance to go to Rockville shopping. It’s a shame that it rained when you went on the tour of the monuments. DC is a great place to visit, but it all depends on the time of the year you go.
Holly Dayz
I know! I used to live in Maryland and have went to many of the sights, but I am not a fan of rain at all.
Melody Pittman
I’m glad you clarified that DMV because I was thinking the same thing! LOL I think the metro is confusing and I’ve had great luck in DC with cabs PLUS you can cram them as full as you want (unlike NYC) and they do not seem to care. 😉
Holly Dayz
I am glad you had luck with the cabs. The driver was honest and said it would be cheaper to take the metro because of the traffic and dropped us at the nearest station.
Toccara
Ha ha… I was like, Huh?! Though sometimes it feels like you spent the entire weekend at the Department of Motor Vehicles! I’ve only been to DC once on a 6th grade field trip. There’s so much to explore in that region. I need to get back for another visit one of these days! A boat ride sounds nice, though I’d probably not opt for the party boat. Sounds like you had no choice, but enjoyed it nonetheless. 🙂
Holly Dayz
There is so much to do and see in DC. I hope you make it back soon. Yea the party boat was cool, it had good music, but I would have liked to go on the boat we were originally supposed to go on.
titi81
It sounds like a great weekend packed with many activities. I didn’t know what DMV was. Glad you let us know. I would love to visit DC one day!
Holly Dayz
DC is a great place to visit. I hope you get there one day