Where can we get tickets to stand along the parade route during inaguration? nt

[my3boyz]

[LiberalEsto]

1. I think you just show up early and grab a spot

REAL early.

I live in Maryland, right outside DC, and took the Metro into town to protest the last two inaugurations. We couldn't get close to the parade route because there were so many people who had gotten there sooner.

PS If you're from out of town, don't even bother trying to book a room downtown. Anything that's available -- if there's anything -- will be astronomically expensive. Better to stay in the Maryland or Virginia suburbs and ride the Metro in. Gaithersburg MD has a few motels with good prices and free shuttles to the Metro -- try the Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn.

[my3boyz]

2. Thank you for the reply. I actually booked a room about a month ago

in Mclean, VA. The lady said there is a shuttle to take me to the metro station and then I can ride into DC. Now I'm just trying to figure out the details of our time in DC.

[seemunkee]

3. Count on long lines to get into the parade route

If they do things like they have the last 2 inaugurations there will be checkpoints to get close to the action.
Do not bring signs on poles, you can use cardboard tubes. Of course this time I won't need a protest sign, this time it will be a party.

[Virginia Dare]

9. Bring lots of warm clothes, it will likely be cold..

comfortable walking shoes, you'll be hoofing it a lot. There will probably be lots of street vendors selling food and hot drinks. I'm excited, I'm already planning on bringing my daughter down. I went to Clinton's second inaugural parade, it was a lot of fun. It's like a big party in the streets.

[MJkcj]

4. I live in MD too -

I have never been to a inauguration before and REALLY want to go this time and take my teenage kids.
ADVICE please!!! Obviously take the metro and leave the car at home. But what time do you need to be down town>? where is the best place to try and go so you can actually see something? How long will I be standing in the cold with teenagers who complain a lot?? what can I expect? anything you can tell me would be great.

[LiberalEsto]

5. Where in Maryland?

I live in Derwood near the Shady Grove Metro station, which is at the end of the Red Line. I predict the parking lot and decks at Shady Grove will be filled to the brim with buses and cars from the outlying areas. I don't know about other Metro stations. However I think the best thing is to get to a Metro station EARLY -- when the station opens, or even before, in order to grab a parking spot. You can always nap in the car. Metro also has a number of park and ride lots around the area with bus service to the stations.

I'm sure the Washington Post will have information in the days leading up to the Inauguration. You might want to ask their traffic columnist Dr. Gridlock. Dr. Gridlock appears in the Post's Metro section on Sunday and in the Extra section on Thursday along with the Post web site's Get There blog. His email is [email protected] or write to Dr. Gridlock at 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

You could try contacting Metro (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) http://www.wmata.com/ about the parking lots most likely to have spaces. But Metro is not the most reliable or helpful agency in the area, from my experience.

My husband and I will probably catch a local Ride-On bus to Shady Grove and take a train from there. I don't think we will try to get there early because I think African-Americans deserve the best spots for viewing on this momentous occasion. I don't care where we end up standing -- I just want to be there somewhere and be part of the cheering crowds..

[MJkcj]

6. I live in Potomac.

Nearest metros are probably white flint or downtown rockville. there is a lot of parking in the Rockville area but it may fill up as you say. I might see if a friend would be willing to drive me to metro so I dont have to deal with parking.

what metro station do you get off on downtown? smithsonian? then i guess you just follow the crowds to the parade route and find a spot where ever u can?

[LiberalEsto]

7. I would avoid Smithsonian

Try Foggy Bottom

[Virginia Dare]

8. Or McPherson Square or Metro Center which may be closer....n/t