Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Well, the honeymoon has been booked in and the Future Mrs Sebster and I are coming to America.

We're there for a month, as that was the most time the Future Mrs Sebster could get off work, and we know how big the US is, so we wanted to stick to one area to avoid flying around a lot, but there's every chance this will be a once in a lifetime deal and there's stuff on both coasts we really wanted to do... so we've basically accepted that we'll be flying around a whole lot

We're starting out in San Francisco (after sitting in an LA airport for as little time as possible), and heading out to Alcatraz and into Yellowstone, but other than that we've got nothing planned for the four days. Then we're in Vegas for one day, before driving down to the Grand Canyon and into Zion National Park, before driving back up to Vegas to fly into Washington. We're in Washington for five odd days, with a day trip out to Gettysburg, before we take the train up to New York for a week, before a stopover in Hawaii on the way home.

So any tips, any places we have to see, or have to eat at in any of these locations? Or places to avoid, for that matter?

SOHO is always fun in NY. Lot's o' shopping and good restaurants. Very touristy though.
But... How can you go to San Francisco and not visit her sister city, New Orleans?

If you are staying on the Best coast why not bring your army and come visit me. 2 hours away from San Fran!

But in all honesty San Fran is fantastic as is everything north of it

Yellowstone is awesome. I went there when I was a kid but I still remember all the awesome things too see there.

Gettysburg actually has numerous good options for food in the area. A little pricy, but most of the local places are worth it.

The American Museum of Natural History at New York is awesome. I used to visit my grandmother there years ago, and we went every year during Thanksgiving. The Museum is one of the best in the country imo.

While in DC, you MUST go to the Smithsonian (you'll probably want to dedicate a full day to it). Though I'm guessing that since you're there for five days you probably plan too. American History, Natural History, and Air and Space are amazing. The National Portrait gallery I hear is great too but I've personally never gone. Its not actually in DC, but there is a second Air and Space museum by Dulles Airport in Virginia and there's a wonderful collection there, including the Enterprise Space Shuttle. Not sure if you'll be able to get there as the trams don't include it as far as I know.

Do not come here. Maine is a place where dreams die. I'd give a portion of your time to the California coast, though living in Australia already you're probably fairly used to sandy beaches. I'm surprised you're not flying in to the capitol. DC is loaded with sites.

I think he is going to DC. Its hard to take a day trip to Gettysburg from Washington state

That or I'm about to feel like a total idiot XD

EDIT: Oh, Library of Congress. You don't have to stay long, but damn is there a lot of paper in there

LordofHats wrote:I think he is going to DC. Its hard to take a day trip to Gettysburg from Washington state

That or I'm about to feel like a total idiot XD

EDIT: Oh, Library of Congress. You don't have to stay long, but damn is there a lot of paper in there

Isn't Gettysburg in Pennsylvania?

ShumaGorath wrote:

LordofHats wrote:I think he is going to DC. Its hard to take a day trip to Gettysburg from Washington state

That or I'm about to feel like a total idiot XD

EDIT: Oh, Library of Congress. You don't have to stay long, but damn is there a lot of paper in there

Isn't Gettysburg in Pennsylvania?

Yes, but there are actually numerous bus tours in surrounding metro areas (all the way to Baltimore) that will take you to Gettysburg.

Honestly, I just assume he means DC because I can't think why out of all 50 states someone would want to visit Washington. YOu'd think that being named after the first president would get a state... more interest.

If going to the Grand Canyon, make sure to be up before dawn so that you can see the sunrise over the blasted thing. It'll blow your mind. How long will you be at the Grand Canyon? It just says you are going there and then will be going back up, but not really sure on the time frame, unless it is less than a day.

Washington DC:
Smithsonian (could spend the whole time there)
Arlington
Lincoln Memorial
Jefferson Memorial
The Hotel were Marion Barry was caught doing blow
Capitol building

You might want to go to the White House on the outside, but considering the time constraint I don't think doing the tour would be a productive use of time. I generally second LordofHats assessment as well.

You MUST go to New Orleans and Seattle... YOU MUST!

Aside from that, when you're on your way from DC to NYC, stop by Philadelphia, there are some historic sites dating back to the American Revolution (and be educated in the proper method by which a colony gains its independence from the British Crown ) as well as checking out the battleship New Jersey (its AWESOME). New York has no shortage of things to see, assuming you're here in the summer, Central Park is always lovely, there is the Intrepid Sea, Air, Space museum (a vintage aircraft carrier, submarine, and destroyer) on the waterfront, plenty of options for eating, museums, art exhibits, shows to take in, shopping, etc.

Also check out Baltimore, if you're a fan of literature there is an Edgar Allen Poe museum, and the waterfront there is rather nice as well.

ShumaGorath wrote:

LordofHats wrote:I think he is going to DC. Its hard to take a day trip to Gettysburg from Washington state

That or I'm about to feel like a total idiot XD

EDIT: Oh, Library of Congress. You don't have to stay long, but damn is there a lot of paper in there

Isn't Gettysburg in Pennsylvania?

He said they are taking a day trip out to Gettysburg.

If you are interested in outdoorsy things, you should go check out the Redwoods in northern California. I have never been myself, but I hope to go out and see them one day.

Yeah, sorry going to Washington DC, not Washington state.

Good to hear the museums and sites in the capitol are as good as I've been told by some other people, I love that kind of stuff. And, well, the future Mrs Sebster will have to learn to love it

Soho is good, then? I don't mind doing the things that tourists do, as I've pretty much gotten over my 'can't be just like a tourist' thing, and figure that's what I am, might as well enjoy it

Cheers for the tip on the museum of Natural History in New York, LordofHats. We've kind of only thought of Washington in terms of all that stuff, but there'd be plenty in New York too. Is the Guggenheim worth the trip?

And yeah, shuma, we're pretty spoiled for beaches. In fact it's kind of funny whenever people I know go overseas and come back saying 'so and so beach is so overrated', because we basically do have the best beaches in the world. And not just Australia in general, but specifically the south west of Western Australia, they're simply incredible. And I don't even like the beach

Ahtman, we've booked a night's stay in a little town outside of the Grand Canyon, just so we can see the sunrise over it. Other than that to be honest I'm not really sure on the time frame, I think we head off to Bryce or Zion national parks.

Is it practical to stop off while travelling from Washington DC to NY? We've got Amtrak tickets and other places I've travelled have had options to get on and get off as you please, while others have been a booking for specific seat on a specific train. I would like to see Philadelphia and the historic Revolution sights.

I heard New Orleans hadn't really recovered from Katrina. I'd like to go, the food always appealed.

I've never heard of the Redwoods. I'll look them up tonight. We've got a spare day in San Fran, but no car booked there. if we can get a bus tour or something out there I'm sure the future Mrs Seb would love it.


Oh, and could someone please explain tipping. People here have been explaining it, but everyone tells a different story. Is it 10%, and 15% if it's good?

If you can swing it come to St. Louis. It has the best pizza and the best baseball team. Also you will not find better people than in down state Illinois or in the St. Louis area across the river. If you are so inclined Cahokia Mounds is also a stop, as it is a great place to learn about prehistoric native americans in the mississippian valley.

Oh, and could someone please explain tipping. People here have been explaining it, but everyone tells a different story. Is it 10%, and 15% if it's good?

For food 20% of the bill price is somewhat standard so long as they actually served you in a personal capacity. If they didn't (counter food or buffets or whatnot) then you can go lower if you tip at all. For other things it really depends on how generous you're feeling.

The redwoods are the huge trees, some of the largest in the world. Here's a pic:



The road there is helpful for comparing just how big they are.

The general consensus in the US for tips is anywhere between 15-20%.

EDIT: The Indian mounds by the way are really awesome. DOn't know if you have the time, but they're pretty sweet. Unfortunately there's just too many awesome things to see in the US. I doubt one trip will be able to net you everything. The Armor Museum at Fort Knox, the Air Force Museum in Ohio, that Ford complex in Michigan, St. Augustine...

There's so much stuff around DC alone. Antietam, Manassas, Annapolis. New York state has West Point! The Army Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen Proving Grounds have some amazing stuff, but unfortunately is too far out of the way from DC to actually visit (if it was still there *cries*). Really hoping they don't scrap that Nashorn, its the only one left

Again, this is for places where you sit down and actually get served. If you just order at a counter and you get your own food tips are typically not expected. A waitress's income is based on tips.

You seem to have a good trip planned out sebs. You could maybe plan on driving Yellowstone down to Vegas so you can hit all of the park and the very beautiful drive through Grand Teton National Park, and even the tourist trap that is Jackson (Hole).
As a friendly piece of advise, eat sparingly on the day you go to Yellowstone.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Oh and as a basic guideline. a 10% tip is for acceptable service, 15 for good service, 20 or more is for excellent service. Anything below 10 can be considered a thinly veiled insult, if you do it in change all the better.

Ahtman wrote:Again, this is for places where you sit down and actually get served. If you just order at a counter and you get your own food tips are typically not expected. A waitress's income is based on tips.

Its worth noting that, while rare, some more upscale places will note on the menu something to the effect of "15% gratuity added to total", or "pricing includes gratuity", so that's something to watch out for. Its a practice that isn't looked upon kindly (especially since the notation is usually in the fine print), but it avoids the issue of people failing to factor in the possible tip when determining if they can afford to eat somewhere.

Also, you're not generally expected to include drinks in the total cost of the bill when determining how large the tip should be. Though unless you intend on getting smashed with the missus, its seems like more mental math than is necessary.

you'd love austin texas, it's so much fun, and there's so many artists and things to do. that, or new york city.

sebster wrote:
So any tips, any places we have to see, or have to eat at in any of these locations? Or places to avoid, for that matter?

While you're in New York definitely stop off at the USS Intrepid Museum. It not only has lots of cool militaria, you'll have the opportunity to stand on the very same flight deck that was once graced by Nicholas Cage.

Another cool one is the Hornet in Alameda, this one also allows you to do your best Chekov impersonation. Also, the Hornet has a bunch of stuff from Apollo 11 and 12 because it recovered both capsules.

I would tell you to indulge in the seafood in San Francisco, but considering where you're from it won't be anything novel (though still good). Instead, one of things that California does best is Latin/Asian fusion food. Look out for things like Korean barbecue tacos, torta/bahn mi hybrids, and that sort of stuff.

If you do go to Philly, go to the University and see Eniac! Also, the steps of philly are the steps in the rocky movies.

Intercourse and the Amish country are also great places to go, delicious food and awesome fellowship with some great people.

Amtrak to DC will probably be non-stop (I went from Virginia to Philly, so I can't comment) But there is a service to Philly, that does it in an hour or so and terminates at 88th street station, Not sure if you could get a bus/cab out to penn.

Doctadeth wrote:Intercourse and the Amish country

The less successful follow up to Sex and the City.

Ahtman wrote:

Doctadeth wrote:Intercourse and the Amish country

The less successful follow up to Sex and the City.

sebster wrote:Oh, and could someone please explain tipping. People here have been explaining it, but everyone tells a different story. Is it 10%, and 15% if it's good?

Tipping in a restaurant depends on who you ask, and if they've ever had a job as a waiter. Waiters will tell you that 20% is standard. Others will say less is standard. The "traditional" tip is 15%, not including the bar tab, and pre-tax. But, if you do that these days, it's considered fairly insulting. I go with a 15% tip including drinks but pre-tax. You also only tip at restaurants where you both order and are served at the table. If you go to a counter to order or are at a buffet, no tip is required (but still nice).

At a bar, things get much more complicated. I try to keep things simple by following these rules: The quieter a bar is, the more you tip. The more complicated the drink, the more you tip. If you're just ordering a beer at a fairly busy bar, I usually leave the change (less than $1), or will give an extra dollar every other beer.

Taxis also require tipping. 10 to 15% is pretty standard, but if you're in a very short ride you should still give $1 minimum.

Delivery services (not UPS or package delivery) are tipped at 10 to 15%. But, I typically go with $2-3 no matter what they bring.

Bellhops and concierge and other services above and beyond the minimum service you'd expect also require tipping. Usually a few dollars, but it depends very heavily on how nice the hotel is. At really nice hotels, you should even give a few dollars to the guy that hails a cab for you.

Private tour guides are a bit more complicated. The "etiquette" is that you don't tip if they own the company, but you should tip if they are employed by someone else. The bigger the group they have touring, the less you need to tip. People explaining things at museums or ones who don't follow you around don't need to be tipped.

Grakmar wrote:
At a bar, things get much more complicated. I try to keep things simple by following these rules: The quieter a bar is, the more you tip. The more complicated the drink, the more you tip. If you're just ordering a beer at a fairly busy bar, I usually leave the change (less than $1), or will give an extra dollar every other beer.

This is good advice.

Though I will say that leaving some kind of paper currency is a good idea, because the general perception is that leaving coins alone is miserly. This isn't necessarily true in slow hours, but when things heat up that green rectangle is what they see, and associate with your face.

Also, don't think you can order a complicated drink at peak time and get away with an average tip. Complicated drinks are annoying, and they will know your face after that, so you need to give them a reason to not hate you.

I went to the grand canyon last year, and would highly recomend it to anyone.

However, when we went, we got a tour down there. Basically, up at 5, jump on a coach, which picks up from most hotels on the strip. Bus ride to the Building to get registered / further details, then got transported down to the canyon. We ended up going twice, albeit we were due to go on the helicopter tour the second time, but it was a little 'snowy' (light dusting of snow in the distance) and so we couldn't. But we saw everything in 2 days (we had missed a few things on the first day).

Anyway, enough rambling about my Grand Canyon experiance (which was awesome, imo), I hope you and the SO have a wonderful time
...Dont forget the camera!

Ah yeah, speaking of the Grand Canyon, make sure you hit this up:

See the redwood forests if you can. Heck, you could rent a car and drive up to Seattle and see a whole bunch of cool stuff. I've been to seattle once, and I loved it.

sebster wrote:

I heard New Orleans hadn't really recovered from Katrina. I'd like to go, the food always appealed.

N.O. Has pretty much recovered from Katrina at this point. The french quarter, the warehouse district, and the garden district are the same as they've always been for the most part. Other areas of the city are growing again as well. I make trips there fairly frequently year round. It's pretty much up to speed again.

I recommend the Olympic Rain Forest and one of the 3 bigger Great Lakes