Getting Here

Washington, D.C., has three airports:

• DCA: Located in nearby Arlington, VA, National Airport is Metro-accessible with easy access to downtown DC. It also is the smallest, and tends to be the most expensive to fly in and out of.
• IAD: Dulles is located 26 miles from the city center, but is the region's largest airport. Getting from Dulles to the city center can be a little tricky, but there are shuttle busses to the nearest subway station (Metro) or all the way into the city.
• BWI: Thurgood Marshall Baltimore Washington International is the furthest from the city (30 miles) and tends to have more limited transit options into the city. It also tends to be the most affordable option available.

Once You're Here

Driving yourself around the city:

• If travelling in from outside the region, I-95 and I-270 tend to be your best bets.
• You'll want to make sure your hotel includes parking, as driving in the city can be a chore if you're not familiar with it.
• The church for the ceremony is next to a parking garage, though there is a cost involved for parking there. The venue for the reception has a parking lot.

If you're not driving:

• We recommend Lyft over Uber - more local drivers.
• Metro (the DC subway) is a great way to get around the city in general, though it does not go particularly close to the reception location.
• DC also has a robust bus system and network of bike lanes, for the particularly frugal.
• The ceremony to the venue is about five miles of fairly dense urban environments in DC's sweltering summer. Despite how easy it may look on a map, we strongly recommend against trying to make this trip on foot.
• Overall, Judy's recommendation is to Metro to the ceremony (Metro Center Station, 13th & G exit), and take a Lyft/Uber to the Reception. The reception venue is across the street from the Franciscan Monastery, which has gorgeous grounds. We'll be taking some photos there, but feel free to wander the gardens and/or take a tour of the church inside before the cocktail hour starts.

You can RSVP at this link or call 202-661-2400 and mention you're part of our room block - Judy Thomas and Chris Yates.



"Historically known for its roster of A-list guests - including famous politicians, Hollywood starlets, and even the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley - Hotel Washington has been at the center of the action since 1917. Following a thoughtful renovation in 2019, it is now a beacon of modern luxury where old and new blend seamlessly. Toast to skyline views at the iconic rooftop lounge, VUE, and explore the city's top attractions just outside the doors."

Recommended, but no hotel block due to competing conference.



Does what it says on the tin: "We're two blocks from the White House. The McPherson Square metro station is a few steps away – from there it's 17 minutes to Ronald Reagan Airport. The Lincoln Memorial, US Capitol, and National Air and Space Museum are all within two miles. Our on-site restaurant, The Third Rail, serves breakfast and dinner, and the Shop is open 24 hours for drinks and snacks."

If you're thinking of getting an AirBNB or the like, some tips:

• DC has many excellent, walkable, and quiet neighborhoods that make for great alternatives to a hotel.
• Chris & Judy live in Hill East, but the entire Capitol Hill neighborhood is great. (Keywords: Captiol Hill, Eastern Market, Hill East). Any of these will put you near a Metro station that has Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. Those will take you to Smithsonian (the Mall), MacPherson Square (the White House and downtown), and Arlington Cemetery if you wish to pay respects with a visit.
• The reception is in Brookland. We would recommend a stay in Capitol Hill or Eastern Market, and just taking an Uber or Lyft back to your rental.
• In general, there are not a lot of residences near the ceremony venue (in the middle of downtown).