Getting to the Inauguration may not be as difficult as everyone’s making it out to be - as long as you don't try driving.
Getting In -- Without Swearing
Less than a week out, you can still reserve some early morning seats on Amtrak on their site. But an important note: Their website still cautions you to “consider using the restroom before detraining and before returning to the station” because of the crowds.
Scour sites like Craigslist, and you’ll find last minute “Inaugural deals”. This one offers you a place to stay 87 miles away in Delaware. And presumably you’re not carpooling in with the Bidens.
And you can still find legitimate hotel rooms on sites like Hotels.com. They’re not cheap (think $250 on the low-end for a budget hotel an hour away), but they do exist.
Once you’re there, be sure to check out official Inaugural sites (here and here) for details on where you can actually go.
No matter where you are, there will be a jumbotron. Click here to view a map showing all 20 jumbotrons across the National Mall.
Presidential Stay
If you're staying put, you may want to eat like the Obamas will between the swearing-in and the parade.
- First course: Seafood Stew.
- Main courses: Duck Breast with Cherry Chutney, Herb Roasted Pheasant with Wild Rice Stuffing.
- Dessert: Apple Cinnamon Sponge Cake.
Try making their luncheon recipes; download them here.
We're also keeping track of parties and events going on locally, here... including a chance to watch the Inaugural festivities on a big screen here. We'll update this as the information comes in.
