NYE in DC

[joelmthw]

so im plannin a road trip with 4 friends to go to DC from the 28th to the 31st/1st to check out the sights, etc. we are trying to figure out what to do for NYE. half of the group are over 21 and the rest are 20 so that may rule out some clubs/bars. we do like to party so we'll bring our own drinks. is there anything going down in the capital? (fireworks, etc.) or would we be better off going to philly or somewhere else close. suggestions welcome.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

Go to the washingtonpost.com website (registration required) and click on the Going Out Guide link at the top. They have the most comprehensive list of NYE events in the DC area.

 

[joelmthw]

guide looks great. much appreciated. any personal recs on some must visit places besides the usual touristy stuff?

 

[random-adam]

Park the car and use metrorail to get around. It'll suck less, especially if there's any snow on the ground. Memorize the last station on the line in the direction you want to go and get on the train with that station displayed.

Don't eat at any chain restaurants. Get on Yelp or the GOG mentioned above and find someplace better for as much or less money. DC's Ethiopian, Salvadorean, and Korean places tend to be decent; if you walk in and nobody there speaks English, you're probably in the right spot.

 

[speedy4500]

The big NYE parties in DC are notorious for being run terribly. I've avoided them but have heard more horror stories than good stories from people who've been. Being that you're not all 21+ it'll be difficult to run around to bars. Private house parties are usually the best bet in this town. Maybe you'd be better off just getting a nice hotel room to use for a party? See if you can find some women to join you and your friends? No NYE fireworks of which I'm aware.

There's a lot of stuff to experience in DC, if you give some preferences or guidelines I'd be able to give better recommendations.

 

[joelmthw]

maybe annapolis or philly for nye? bumpage

 

[username79]

Originally Posted by joelmthw

maybe annapolis or philly for nye? bumpage

Annapolis is great if:

- You have a significant other and the two of you will be spending a romantic NYE together.

Otherwise, go to DC.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

Honestly, there doesn't seem to be that much going on in DC right now. It seems like half the city has left for the holidays (most people being from elsewhere). I still think DC would be better than Annapolis or Philadelphia.

 

[Slopho]

Originally Posted by username79

Annapolis is great if:

- You have a significant other and the two of you will be spending a romantic NYE together.

Otherwise, go to DC.

+1, or you own a yacht

Originally Posted by Ambulance Chaser

Honestly, there doesn't seem to be that much going on in DC right now. It seems like half the city has left for the holidays (most people being from elsewhere). I still think DC would be better than Annapolis or Philadelphia.

+2, this place seems like a ghost town. I've had to drive to Tysons in the morning the last couple of days and 270 has been pretty easy down to the split.

 

[username79]

Originally Posted by Slopho

+1, or you own a yacht

Any other season, yes. Not too many deck parties in 20 degree weather.

 

[k9n]

For my first NYE in DC, I will be attending a party at the Grand Hyatt...tickets were $130 but it's an open bar. I'll let you know how it was.

 

[Jace]

NYE in DC is mainly parties in bars, where you pay ~100 for open bar for a few hours. There are a lot of choices for that though, so it may be a good place to visit and spend New Year's. Annapolis is much smaller than DC, and I don't think there will be much going on there.

 

[Joffrey]

As there are a good number of people I know without definitive plans, I'm trying to get a friend to to have people over at his place.

 

[username79]

Originally Posted by Jace

Annapolis is much smaller than DC, and I don't think there will be much going on there.
Annapolis used to have a very popular and large "First Night" celebration. Apparently they ran out of money and/or were mismanaged. Now they have two fireworks shows and a few live bands playing. Good waterfront bars in the area from which to watch fireworks.

 

[Slopho]

I am probably the last one in on this, but has anyone heard/been to Vetro in DC? Its on K street and they seem to be having some kind of NYE party tonight.

Any word?