Field Trip to the 2009 RWA Nationals D.C. Site

Are you busy packing for Nationals? Do you wonder what the conference site will be like?

If so, I have a treat for you. My awesome CP, Anne Barton, math teacher by day and writer of great Regency romance by night, lives in commuting distance of D.C. She’s agreed to take us on a Cyber tour of the conference site in one of my rare Saturday Special posts. So, come armed with your questions. Those Anne doesn’t answer in her article, you can ask her in a comment.

And I have a fun tote bag to give away, one ideal for romance writers.

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Field Trip!

(to the site of the 2009 RWA® National Conference in Washington D.C.)

by Anne Barton

Did everyone bring their signed permission slips and brown bag lunches?

No worries! Today I’ll be your very own, personal, investigative reporter. I scouted out the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, got the lay of the land, and asked the hard-hitting questions . . . like, where is the nearest Starbucks? If you’re making the trip to RWA National this year or just want a sneak peek at the conference site, read on.

Front of the hotel

Before we begin, I should warn you that getting directions from me is like asking Hansel and Gretel the best way out of the woods. I took photos and talked to a very nice and helpful concierge, but in case of emergency . . . follow the trail of breadcrumbs.

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Metro

DC’s Metrorail system (the “Metro”) has a station on the Marriott site–the Woodley Park stop on the Red Line. It’s 160 feet underground, and riding the escalator into the station will make you feel like you’re on the set of Journey to the Center of the Earth. If you’re scared of heights or don’t do escalators, you can take the elevator instead. The station is just a one-minute walk across a service road and up a sidewalk to the air-conditioned lobby of the hotel.

Metro escalator

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Lobbies and Lounges

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There are lots of places to hang out, chat, and reconnect with your writing friends. The Wardman Park’s website has a great photo tour with pictures that (unlike mine) are focused and don’t have thumbs in them.  If you’re looking for a place to meet that’s away from the fray, I’d suggest the garden terrace.  It’s quiet and beautiful, and if it’s a little warm, you can always cool off with a frozen beverage.

Garden terrace

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Garden

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Coffee and Cocktails

Brace yourself. I’m going to do this quickly, like pulling off a BandAid . . . there’s no Starbucks in the hotel. And Perry (the concierge) said the nearest one is five blocks east.  If you would rather not use a compass to find your latte, never fear. There is a coffeehouse on site–Illy’s—and a little deli called Woodley’s that also serves coffee.

There are three bars on the lobby level of the hotel as well. I’m partial to Harry’s Pub because it looks like, well, an old English pub. The lobby bar is conveniently located just off the lounge, and the Stone’s Throw Restaurant also has a bar area.

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Nearby

There are tons of restaurants within a block or two.  There’s a sushi bar, a couple of cafes, and French, Italian, Lebanese, Indian, and Afghan restaurants. Some of the closest fast food restaurants are McDonald’s and Chipotle (sorry, Keli, no Taco Bell  ). Best of all, after a long day of workshops and meetings and book signings, you can treat yourself to Baskin Robbins ice cream. On the same block as the hotel you can also find two banks, a CVS/pharmacy, and a dry cleaners. If you stop by the concierge desk and ask for Perry, he will totally hook you up with a map to your favorite spot.

Surrounding Neighborhood #1

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Surrounding Neighborhood #2

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Surrounding Neighborhood #3

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Quick Trips about Town

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Me (doing my best Lois Lane impression): Say I only have two hours before the limo picks me up for my swanky publisher’s party (yes, yes, this is obviously hypothetical).  What sights could I see in two hours?

Perry (not buying my scenario for one second): Your best bet is to hop on the Metro and go two stops to the Farragut North station. From there, you can see the White House. If you get back on the Metro and go another three stops to the Judiciary Square station, you can walk to the National Mall and see all the monuments and museums.

Me: Thank you for not recommending the zoo.

Perry (who clearly deserves a raise): You’re welcome.

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Odds and Ends

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The hotel has an outdoor heated pool and a fitness center. Public areas have wireless high-speed Internet access, and guest rooms are wired. The hotel’s gift shop has toiletries (in case–Heaven forbid–your luggage is lost) and a decent selection of snack foods. There’s also a FedEx/Kinko’s business center, should you want to ship some books home.  Parking is $32 a day. Ouch.

Fed Ex/Kinko's

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Checkout Time

So, that’s about it. Can you just see the ballroom brimming with authors (and books!) at the Literacy Autographing? And hear the lobby clicking with cute shoes? Me too. It’s going to be great.

Thanks for coming along on the virtual field trip. If you have questions, I’ll try to answer them. If I can’t, Perry said it’s OK to give him a call. 

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Thanks, Anne, for another of your awesome articles. Even though I’m unable to attend Nationals this year, I’ll now be able to picture those of you who are having a blast at this great venue.

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Leave a Comment for Three Chances to Win

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Saturday Special Drawing

I’m giving away a cool canvas bag. This sturdy tote would be just the thing to take to a writers’ conference. Not only is it romance themed, but it can hold plenty of books, papers and chocolate.

To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on this post by midnight Pacific time July 11th and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On July 12th, I’ll post the winner’s name right here.

Congratulations to Sharon Lathan, winner of the tote.

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My Regular Drawing

My next drawing will take place July 20th.

The winner will receive a vinyl lined bikini bag, which is just the thing to toss in your tote for a trip to the pool, beach or seaside resort.

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To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on any blog post by July 20th and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On July 21st, I’ll post the winner’s name in the Welcome post at the top of the blog.

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You could also win a First Sale Scrapbook!

If you’d like to have a chance at winning a First Sale Scrapbook created by me, your blog hostess Keli Gwyn, leave a comment on any post between now and July 31st. Be sure to include your name and email address when prompted if you want to be entered in the drawing. (Your information will not be shared.) Click red link above to see samples of covers and pages.

On August 1st, I will choose one person who will have her/his choice of several covers on an 8×8 inch, twenty-page scrapbook in which s/he can document that long-awaited first sale. The pages will cover various milestones including The Call, signing the contract, receiving the first advance payment and holding your debut novel in your hands.

(No scrapbooking skills required. You just add your photos and journaling.)