Are you heading to #FTUDC this weekend?
Do you love talking points and miles on Twitter with other points and miles junkies?
Would you like to know what those people actually look like in real life and maybe have a conversation with them?
Well do we have an idea for you!
If you remember last year in December Travel Summary and us each wrote a set of blog posts (Travel Summary's here and here and ours here) about how important social media tools like Twitter can be in the points an miles game. It allows you to meet like people across the United States while sitting in your living room, well most often in our case, in a hotel room right ;).
Well with FTU DC happening this weekend in DC what better time to finally meet your Twitter friends in real life!
That's right...it's time for a #TweetUp. For those of you that have never attended at TweetUp all you need to know is its a chance for Twitter enthusiasts who share a common hobby, in our case travel, points and miles to get together in person and have a great time.
Our #FTUDC TweetUp is going to be an informal event in the hotel bar at the host hotel, the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner after all of the scheduled events on Saturday.
So come on down to the hotel bar after 5:30 pm and we will all finally get to meet everyone that you share 140 characters with on a regular basis and meet new people to follow in the process! I promise not to look at my phone and speak in #hashtags all night, if you do.
Hope to see you at the TweetUp!
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Follow us on Twitter @doit4thepoints!
Have a question for us? E-mail us at chris@doitforthepoints.com or jd@doitforthepoints.com
Showing posts with label FTUDC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FTUDC. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Monday, April 8, 2013
Getting to the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner for FTU DC
EDIT: If you are heading to FTU DC don't forget to stop by our FTUDC TweetUp on Saturday!
As FTU DC gets closer and closer we've covered the restaurants that you can't miss when you are touring around the DC area, but for the actual FTU event you will need to get yourself to the host hotel, the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner .
The hotel is located right next to the Hilton headquarters and was renovated when they moved their headquarters to the northern Virginia area so it is an absolutely beautiful hotel. I've stayed here before when doing a mattress run and the service is wonderful, the food delicious and the hotel very nice.
I'm going to break down how to get to the hotel from the two closest DC area airports: Washington National (DCA) and Washington Dulles (IAD). I'll cover it in three separate ways: by car, by taxi and by public transit.
Washington National (DCA):
By Car: If you elect to rent a car from DCA..then good luck. I say that half-joking and half-serious. They haven't voted DC traffic the worst in the nation for fun. The drivers here are a bit nutty and they can get a little stressed during rush hour. That combined with the crazy road patterns that make no sense to the outside on looker you might want to prepare yourself for this.
But if you do decide to drive here's how you do it:
OPTION ONE (Choose this option if it is outside of 4:00 pm -6:30 pm on a weekday or if you have 2 or more people in the car):
This option is a bit complicated, but it really is the fastest way to the hotel. If it is outside of the hours of 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm on a weeknight or if you have two more people in the car you will want to use Interstate 66. Why those hours? Well the road acts as an HOV only interstate during those hours, so unless you have two or more people in the car or feel like paying a nice hefty fine...stay off 66.
If you meet the HOV rules or it's outside of those hours you will want to take the following steps to get to the hotel:
1. Exit National Airport headed to the George Washington Memorial Parkway toward Washington, D.C
2. Take the Exit to I-395 S toward Richmond, VA
3. After merging ont I-395 you will exit on the right to 8B VA-110 toward I-66 almost immediately
4. Follow the signs to I-66 W
5. Drive Aprox. 7 miles and take exit 67 toward Dulles Airport/I-495N to Baltimore
6. After Aprox. 2 miles take exit 19A to VA-123 S/Dolley Madison Blvd toward I-495 S/Tysons Corner
7. After Aprox. 1.3 miles take a right on Tysons Blvd.
8. You will then take an almost immediate right on Galleria Dr. which turns into Westpark Drive.
9. Take the first right on Jones Branch Drive and the hotel will be on your right.
OPTION TWO (Choose this option if it's inside 4:00 pm -6:30 pm on a weekday or if you do not have 2 or more people during HOV times):
1. 1. Exit National Airport headed to the George Washington Memorial Parkway toward Washington, D.C
2. Drive Aprox. 11 miles and keep left at the fork following signs to I-495 S
3. Drive Aprox. 3 miles and take exit 46A VA-123 S/Chain Bridge Road
4. Drive Aprox .03 miles and turn right on Tysons Blvd.
5. You will then take an almost immediate right on Galleria Dr. which turns into Westpark Drive.
6. Take the first right on Jones Branch Drive and the hotel will be on your right.
Taxi: This is the most expensive option by far. When you arrive at National head to the baggage claim level and out the doors and follow the sign to one of the two taxi ranks. Tell them you are going to Tysons Corner and they will put you in a Virginia cab. The Washington Airport Authority estimates that the taxi will run you about $36 before extras for extra people and bags.
Public Transit: Washington has a Metro system that will get you most anywhere you need to be...sadly the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner is not really one of those places...but it can MOSTLY be done. But you will need to take a taxi from the Metro, so it won't get you all the way there.
When you arrive at National Airport head over to terminal B/C and follow the signs to the National Airport Station. When you get there look for a fare machine on the right side that has a touch screen that should say "SmartTrip Card" or something similar on it. Here you can purchase a SmartTrip card, which is a reloadable fare card that you can top up as you go, it will also save you $1 per ride over the rate for a paper farecard. The card will cost $10, $5 of that will be for the card and $5 to use as a fare. I would put more on the card because you will need it for the ride back and just in case the fare is a bit more than expected. The fares fluxuate during different times of the day, so it's hard to always predict exactly what it will be. But it should be between $3-6 depending on time of day.
After securing your fare card take the escalator to the platform and look for the Blue Line Train toward Largo Town Center. The train approaching will be on the display boards on the station platform as well as on the side of the train when it pulls up.
Once on the Blue Line you take it five (5) stops to Rosslyn Station. After exiting the train take an escalator to the lower level and board an Orange Line Train to Vienna. You will take the train seven (7) stops to the Dun Loring station where you will have to catch a cab to the hotel.
Washington Dulles (IAD):
By Car:
1. Exit the airport and head toward Dulles Access Rd. toward Washington, D.C. If you do not enter the Dulles Access Rd. you will merge onto the Dulles Toll Road and WILL have to pay a toll, so be prepared. The merge to the Access Rd. is to the left, so stay to the left till you merge on.
2. Drive Aprox. 13 miles and look for the exit to I-495 S.
3. Take exit 46A to VA-123 S/Chain Bridge Rd. toward Chain Br. Rd/Tysons Corner Vienna
4. Turn right onto Tysons Blvd.
5. Turn right onto Galleria Dr.
6. Galleria turns into Westpark Dr.
7. Turn right onto Jones Branch Drive and the hotel is on your right.
By Taxi: Again the most expensive option you will find. Follow the signs on the baggage claim level to the taxi rank. Taxis leaving Dulles are controlled by the airport authority so there is only one company that operates out of the airport, the Washington Flyer. They estimate the fare to Tysons Corner is about $30 before extra people and bags.
By Public Transit (Sorta):
Washington Flyer Coach: The same company that offers the taxi service also operates a passenger bus option from Dulles Airport. The ride will cost you $10 for one-way or $18 if you buy a round-trip ticket.
From Dulles you catch the Washington Flyer through Door 4 from Baggage Claim area. The bus will take about 20 minutes and will drop you off at the West Falls Church Metro stop. From there you will go up into the station and out the other side to catch a taxi to the hotel.
Hope this helps you as you make your transit choices to the hotel and if you have any questions or need help, feel free to drop me a line! (chris@doitforthepoints.com)
EDIT: A comment from Preston gave some great info on how to get to the hotel via public transit that doesn't involve a cab if people are interested:
"I won't be able to make it to FTU, but I live in Arlington and exclusively take public transit. From DCA, you can walk to Crystal City and take the 23A, which runs all the way through Arlington to Tyson's. You could also hop on the Blue line to Rosslyn, get on the 3A/B/E to Glebe Hwy and Lee Rd and then hop on the 23A going to Tyson's. Neither option is perfect, but it's only a $1.60 to take the bus ($1.80 if paying cash, with no change offered).
From Dulles, you could take the 5A to Rosslyn, the 3A/B/E to Glebe Hwy and Lee Rd, and finally, the 23A to Tyson's. Again, a huge hassle, but some people are extremely cheap"
EDIT 2: JerryIMM gives some more direct transit routes in the comments, thanks Jerry!!!
"It's even easier than that: take the Blue Line from DCA, and switch to the Orange Line for 6 stops to West Falls Church. Catch the 425 bus towards Tysons West Park Station. Take this about 20 minutes directly to the Hilton: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/routes/425.htm"
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Follow us on Twitter @doit4thepoints! Have a question for us? E-mail us at chris@doitforthepoints.com or jd@doitforthepoints.com
As FTU DC gets closer and closer we've covered the restaurants that you can't miss when you are touring around the DC area, but for the actual FTU event you will need to get yourself to the host hotel, the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner .
The hotel is located right next to the Hilton headquarters and was renovated when they moved their headquarters to the northern Virginia area so it is an absolutely beautiful hotel. I've stayed here before when doing a mattress run and the service is wonderful, the food delicious and the hotel very nice.
I'm going to break down how to get to the hotel from the two closest DC area airports: Washington National (DCA) and Washington Dulles (IAD). I'll cover it in three separate ways: by car, by taxi and by public transit.
Washington National (DCA):
By Car: If you elect to rent a car from DCA..then good luck. I say that half-joking and half-serious. They haven't voted DC traffic the worst in the nation for fun. The drivers here are a bit nutty and they can get a little stressed during rush hour. That combined with the crazy road patterns that make no sense to the outside on looker you might want to prepare yourself for this.
But if you do decide to drive here's how you do it:
OPTION ONE (Choose this option if it is outside of 4:00 pm -6:30 pm on a weekday or if you have 2 or more people in the car):
This option is a bit complicated, but it really is the fastest way to the hotel. If it is outside of the hours of 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm on a weeknight or if you have two more people in the car you will want to use Interstate 66. Why those hours? Well the road acts as an HOV only interstate during those hours, so unless you have two or more people in the car or feel like paying a nice hefty fine...stay off 66.
If you meet the HOV rules or it's outside of those hours you will want to take the following steps to get to the hotel:
1. Exit National Airport headed to the George Washington Memorial Parkway toward Washington, D.C
2. Take the Exit to I-395 S toward Richmond, VA
3. After merging ont I-395 you will exit on the right to 8B VA-110 toward I-66 almost immediately
4. Follow the signs to I-66 W
5. Drive Aprox. 7 miles and take exit 67 toward Dulles Airport/I-495N to Baltimore
6. After Aprox. 2 miles take exit 19A to VA-123 S/Dolley Madison Blvd toward I-495 S/Tysons Corner
7. After Aprox. 1.3 miles take a right on Tysons Blvd.
8. You will then take an almost immediate right on Galleria Dr. which turns into Westpark Drive.
9. Take the first right on Jones Branch Drive and the hotel will be on your right.
OPTION TWO (Choose this option if it's inside 4:00 pm -6:30 pm on a weekday or if you do not have 2 or more people during HOV times):
1. 1. Exit National Airport headed to the George Washington Memorial Parkway toward Washington, D.C
2. Drive Aprox. 11 miles and keep left at the fork following signs to I-495 S
3. Drive Aprox. 3 miles and take exit 46A VA-123 S/Chain Bridge Road
4. Drive Aprox .03 miles and turn right on Tysons Blvd.
5. You will then take an almost immediate right on Galleria Dr. which turns into Westpark Drive.
6. Take the first right on Jones Branch Drive and the hotel will be on your right.
 |
| Two Driving Options from Washington National (DCA) |
Public Transit: Washington has a Metro system that will get you most anywhere you need to be...sadly the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner is not really one of those places...but it can MOSTLY be done. But you will need to take a taxi from the Metro, so it won't get you all the way there.
When you arrive at National Airport head over to terminal B/C and follow the signs to the National Airport Station. When you get there look for a fare machine on the right side that has a touch screen that should say "SmartTrip Card" or something similar on it. Here you can purchase a SmartTrip card, which is a reloadable fare card that you can top up as you go, it will also save you $1 per ride over the rate for a paper farecard. The card will cost $10, $5 of that will be for the card and $5 to use as a fare. I would put more on the card because you will need it for the ride back and just in case the fare is a bit more than expected. The fares fluxuate during different times of the day, so it's hard to always predict exactly what it will be. But it should be between $3-6 depending on time of day.
After securing your fare card take the escalator to the platform and look for the Blue Line Train toward Largo Town Center. The train approaching will be on the display boards on the station platform as well as on the side of the train when it pulls up.
Once on the Blue Line you take it five (5) stops to Rosslyn Station. After exiting the train take an escalator to the lower level and board an Orange Line Train to Vienna. You will take the train seven (7) stops to the Dun Loring station where you will have to catch a cab to the hotel.
Washington Dulles (IAD):
By Car:
1. Exit the airport and head toward Dulles Access Rd. toward Washington, D.C. If you do not enter the Dulles Access Rd. you will merge onto the Dulles Toll Road and WILL have to pay a toll, so be prepared. The merge to the Access Rd. is to the left, so stay to the left till you merge on.
2. Drive Aprox. 13 miles and look for the exit to I-495 S.
3. Take exit 46A to VA-123 S/Chain Bridge Rd. toward Chain Br. Rd/Tysons Corner Vienna
4. Turn right onto Tysons Blvd.
5. Turn right onto Galleria Dr.
6. Galleria turns into Westpark Dr.
7. Turn right onto Jones Branch Drive and the hotel is on your right.
By Taxi: Again the most expensive option you will find. Follow the signs on the baggage claim level to the taxi rank. Taxis leaving Dulles are controlled by the airport authority so there is only one company that operates out of the airport, the Washington Flyer. They estimate the fare to Tysons Corner is about $30 before extra people and bags.
By Public Transit (Sorta):
Washington Flyer Coach: The same company that offers the taxi service also operates a passenger bus option from Dulles Airport. The ride will cost you $10 for one-way or $18 if you buy a round-trip ticket.
From Dulles you catch the Washington Flyer through Door 4 from Baggage Claim area. The bus will take about 20 minutes and will drop you off at the West Falls Church Metro stop. From there you will go up into the station and out the other side to catch a taxi to the hotel.
Hope this helps you as you make your transit choices to the hotel and if you have any questions or need help, feel free to drop me a line! (chris@doitforthepoints.com)
EDIT: A comment from Preston gave some great info on how to get to the hotel via public transit that doesn't involve a cab if people are interested:
"I won't be able to make it to FTU, but I live in Arlington and exclusively take public transit. From DCA, you can walk to Crystal City and take the 23A, which runs all the way through Arlington to Tyson's. You could also hop on the Blue line to Rosslyn, get on the 3A/B/E to Glebe Hwy and Lee Rd and then hop on the 23A going to Tyson's. Neither option is perfect, but it's only a $1.60 to take the bus ($1.80 if paying cash, with no change offered).
From Dulles, you could take the 5A to Rosslyn, the 3A/B/E to Glebe Hwy and Lee Rd, and finally, the 23A to Tyson's. Again, a huge hassle, but some people are extremely cheap"
EDIT 2: JerryIMM gives some more direct transit routes in the comments, thanks Jerry!!!
"It's even easier than that: take the Blue Line from DCA, and switch to the Orange Line for 6 stops to West Falls Church. Catch the 425 bus towards Tysons West Park Station. Take this about 20 minutes directly to the Hilton: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/routes/425.htm"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow us on Twitter @doit4thepoints! Have a question for us? E-mail us at chris@doitforthepoints.com or jd@doitforthepoints.com
Saturday, April 6, 2013
FTUDC Restaurants!
As FTUDC approaches and millions (ok maybe a few hundred) frequent fliers and miles/points lovers descend on Washington, D.C. I figured it was the perfect time to use my seven years in DC to put out some of my favorite restaurants to enjoy while visiting that won't be swarming with tourists and won't be a chain experience that will leave you wanting more. (Thanks to Thrifty Tourist for asking for recommendations and inspiring this post!)
Before starting a list it's important to give you the lay of the land. The suggestions that I have will be specifically for the Washington, D.C. downtown area, not the area where FTU will be held, which is in Tysons Corner in Virginia. As you can see on the below Google Map the "A" is the Hilton where all of the FTU events will be held. If you look to downtown Washington, right under the words "Washington" on the map is the National Mall (Your Monuments, Smithsonian Museums and US Capitol). So as you can see there is quite a distance.
But if you come into town early and spend some time in DC to do some sightseeing then you will need to eat and I have you covered. (PS If you need a dining companion or if anyone wants to get a pre-FTUDC DO meal going, let me know).
1. Founding Farmers - 1924 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20006 (Metro: Foggy Bottom or Farragut West)
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Follow us on Twitter @doit4thepoints! Have a question for us? E-mail us at chris@doitforthepoints.com or jd@doitforthepoints.com
Before starting a list it's important to give you the lay of the land. The suggestions that I have will be specifically for the Washington, D.C. downtown area, not the area where FTU will be held, which is in Tysons Corner in Virginia. As you can see on the below Google Map the "A" is the Hilton where all of the FTU events will be held. If you look to downtown Washington, right under the words "Washington" on the map is the National Mall (Your Monuments, Smithsonian Museums and US Capitol). So as you can see there is quite a distance.
But if you come into town early and spend some time in DC to do some sightseeing then you will need to eat and I have you covered. (PS If you need a dining companion or if anyone wants to get a pre-FTUDC DO meal going, let me know).
1. Founding Farmers - 1924 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20006 (Metro: Foggy Bottom or Farragut West)
"Since September 2008, the award-winning Founding Farmers has been one of the country’s leading restaurants to offer farm-inspired American True Food & Drink in a modern, casual, andeco-friendly setting. From our modern farmhouse, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch menus include homemade and “scratch-made” traditional American classics inspired by the heartland.
A collective of American family farmers owns our restaurant. We source our fresh products from family farms, ranches, and fisheries across the United States. We celebrate and share the longstanding connection between farmers — the first to lead the “green” movement — and their historic stewardship of natural resources.
We believe that everyone benefits by knowing more about the sources of the food they eat; we work diligently to ensure our restaurants walk the talk on matters of sustainability. Take comfort knowing that when ingredients are available locally and it is sensible for us to buy them, we do so.
We look forward to seeing you — and to sharing the best of our True Food & Drink."
The food at Founding Farmers, located just a few blocks from the White House, is good for any meal, but I especially love their brunch and dinner. If you are going for brunch you have to try one of their farm fresh benedicts or their red velvet pancakes, which are made with half pancake batter, half red velvet cake batter. You also MUST order one of their Made-to-order beignets which are not made until someone orders them and take 20 minutes so order as soon as you sit down. If you are going for dinner you have to try their popcorn of the day for an appetizer or their cornbread which comes with honey butter that is literally honey mixed with butter.
If you are someone who enjoys a good cocktail then Founding Farmers also has you covered. They infuse all of their alcohol in house and have an amazing set of cocktails. My favorite is to actually let the bartender choose what cocktail to make me. The server will ask what types of alcohol you like and which ones to stay away from and then the bartender will create something from that!
2. RFD (Regional Food and Drink) - 810 7th Street, NW Washington, D.C. (Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown or Metro Center)
"RFD is code for B-E-E-R and no place in town has a beer list quite like it. In face, WASHINGTON CITY PAPER proclaimed RFD's tap lineup the "Best Draft Beer Selection" in all of D.C."
With over 300 bottles of beer on offer and a further 30-40 draft beers they most likely have what you want to drink...if they don't have the beer you like...well I just don't know what to tell you. The restaurant is located in the Chinatown area and is near the Verizon Center which is the home of the Washington Capitols, Wizards, Mystics and Georgetown University Basketball. Outside of the beer list they have tons of great food options, including my favorite the grilled cheese and tomato soup...or the tater-tots...you can't go wrong with either!
Best news for Frequent Flyers...They are a Dining Rewards Member!!!
3. Good Stuff Eatery - 303 Pennsylvania Ave, SE Washington, D.C. (Metro: Capitol South)
"HEREIN, WHERE GOOD PEOPLE
...make good stuff, stands a restaurant committed to freshness, fellowship and friendliness: Good Stuff Eatery - quite frankly, the best way for Capitol Hill and surrounding areas to enjoy handmade burgers, hand-cut fries and handspun ice cream shakes that'll make you come back again and again.
We hope you're hungry"
This Capitol Hill burger shop is a great place to look for DC Celebraties or Villains...depends on your opinion of Congress. ;) I've seen dozens of Congressmen and women here along with lots of Hill staff sampling their dozens of burger and fry combinations and pairing it with delicious milkshakes. It's so good that President Obama has visited.
The restaurant was started by famous chef, Spike Mendelsohn and he has put together a great fresh menu full of many different kinds of burgers. My favorite is the free range turkey burger with avocado, munster, tomato and lettuce. I pair that with some fresh fries and a sampling of their different mayo dipping options including chipotle, old bay and sriracha.
These are just a few of my absolute favorite options...if you need more suggestions just drop me a note! (chris@doitforthepoints.com) I can't wait to meet all of you at FTU and I really hope that you enjoy your time in the Nation's Capitol. It's a beautiful city with many things to offer outside of the National Mall. Get out of the tourist zones and explore the different neighborhoods and you will see the other side of DC.
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Follow us on Twitter @doit4thepoints! Have a question for us? E-mail us at chris@doitforthepoints.com or jd@doitforthepoints.com
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