trip to D.C. and Virginia for 5 days

[opium13]

Im planning a trip to the east coast and I have a few ideas of things I'd like to do on DC and Virginia. I wanted to get some input and suggestions on things you think I should not miss in these places, eating out, and accommodation, etc.

Also, I only have 5 days.. where should i spend more time, DC or Virginia?

[Danny]

You're not giving much away 'opium13'! However, I can tell you some special places to eat and visit. If you're a history buff, you can visit the battlefields in Manassas, then down to Charlottesville to see Monticello where you can stay at the Inn on South street, and in Colonial Williamsburg you can check out the colonial taverns..all of these you can manage in for 2 days.

From Charlottesville, you can head then to D.C. for the other 3 days where you can stay at the Radisson Barcelo. In DC, you'll want to book one of DC night tours on an open-air bus to see the area and top attractions. Well worth it!

[mjhl]

There's whale watching this time of year on the coast of VA. Colonial Williamsburg and the surrounding area is nice to visit, but can NOT be done in one day. There's great crab cakes at the biker bar in York Town on the coast close to the battlefield.
Also, if you come to Charlottesville to see Monticello, you might want to eat lunch at Michie Tavern (right down the street on the hill). It's buffet style in a dark log cabin/tavern. The servers wear clothes from the older era. Also, while in Charlottesville, you can visit 2 other Presidential estates and Kluge vineyard as well.
Advice- don't come to VA in January - it snows!