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Planning: way in the hell in advance department.
Kirsten and I are planning on attending the 2009 Worldcon in Montréal. I'm determined not to spend the entire con in the Palais des congrès de Montréal the entire time, so... what are the must-see things in the city? I know we're going to have at least one stout native guide, but I'm interested in what others who live there/have been there think.
After that, we're thinking about going to Washington, D.C. for a few day. I have my political/military/history geek wishlist, but what are the hidden treasures?
After that, we're thinking about going to Washington, D.C. for a few day. I have my political/military/history geek wishlist, but what are the hidden treasures?
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I don't know if you're interested in cathedrals, but Notre Dame Basilica (http://www.basiliquenddm.org/en/) (in Old Montreal) is a pretty good example. The really crazed bit, however, is the Chapel in the back -- mind-boggling.
From there it's a short toddle down the hill to the Old Port (http://www.quaysoftheoldport.com/en/Default.aspx), where there's Science Centre I've never been in, a park where there are basically continuous festivals throughout the summer, boat tours, and so on.
Also in the Old Port is the Museum of Archeology and History (http://www.pacmuseum.qc.ca/index.aspx?lang=EN-CA). It's not very big but it does house an active archaeological site. You can walk down steps into the remains of 300-year-old buidlings, level by level, until you're standing on the flagstones of what was once the port itself, at the site of where the city was founded. Nifty.
A Metro ride will take you to the Biodome (http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/biodome/site/site.php?langue=en) The building is part of the insane 1970's futurist Parc Olympique. The Biodome is a no-brainer because, hey: PENGUINS!
Avoid the overpriced funicular ride up the absurdly tilted Olympic Stadium tower: it won't provide you with any view you can't get for free by wandering up to the belvedere on Mont Royal.
Just north of the Olympic Stadium is the Botanical Gardens (http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/jardin.htm). Worth seeing if you like carefully classified plants. Even better: the Insectarium (http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/insectarium/en/index.php)!
If it's still going on while you're in town (and I think it should be), the International Fireworks Competition (http://www.internationaldesfeuxloto-quebec.com/en/programmation/calendrier.aspx) is pretty terrific. I'll let you know where to find the best viewing spot (short of actually paying to see it from the bleachers at the amusement park, La Ronde (http://www.laronde.com/larondeen/)).
That's all I can think of at the moment. More will definitely occur. Summer in Montreal is crazy; there's always a dozen different festivals going on at once.
(Dunno much about military-history sites in Montreal; you're on your own there.)
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In DC itself, you get the big advantage that a lot of sites are concentrated in the central part of the city. Ford's Theater is worth a quick stop. The Spy Museum is a for-profit concern but is really, really cool - go early to get your tickets, as they have specific time-slots for entry.
Definitely see the National Archives. I suspect you will get the same chill up your spine when you look down at one of the original copies of the Constitution we both swore to uphold and defend.
If you can swing a visit to the Old Post Office at a time when the bell tower is open, you can take in one of the best views of the city.
One of the Civil War forts that ringed the city, Fort Stevens ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Stevens_(Washington,_D.C.) ) is maintained as a National Park. This is the one the Confederates attacked in July, 1864, where President Lincoln came out to watch the fight.
The big memorials (Jefferson, Lincoln, Viet Nam, WWII, etc.) will take up a good chunk of an afternoon, and are worth it. (I haven't been down there since the WWII Memorial went in, though.)
If you can swing a day or half-day to pop up to Baltimore, Fort McHenry is worth a few hours - and a baseball nut like yourself will definitely enjoy the Babe Ruth Museum near Camden Yards. Camden Yards > RFK, new or old. But if you can't make either, just out Route 50, about midway to Annapolis, is the AA Bowie Baysox stadium.
Annapolis & the Naval Academy could soak up another day easy.
Practicalities:
August in DC is sweltering, heat & humidity both in abundance almost every day. The DC Metro system (the subway) is actually pretty good, and the in-city bus service isn't bad. But don't rely on mass transit for anything outside of DC. Prices shouldn't be a shock for someone from the SF area, but they're steep compared to much of the country.
Feel free to PM with any questions about DC & the metro area (like good game stores ;) ).
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There's also Le Keg Steakhouse. OMG good food. and reasonably priced even when our $ equals their $
Right in Old Montreal, where there's also crepe houses and fondue houses and lots of fun.
The port has an Imax, and during the summer there's usually a cirque de so gay event going on.