What's hot!

Yes, I realize the irony of this title while it's snowing outside. I mean "hot" as in "trending topics," or "questions we have received often enough to become blog-worthy." So here we go.

• When should you be here? 
• Well, the main event is midday Sunday, but there will also be a "rehearsal lunch" on Saturday in downtown DC. Everyone is invited to both of these events, and we'll set up an RSVP link at some point. We might do a small family-only event on Friday evening; details to follow. So in a nutshell, Friday night-Monday morning is ideal, but Saturday morning-Sunday evening would also work. 
• Where should you stay?
• If cabin camping is your thing, you're good to go. (We'll collect RSVPs later; there's enough room for everyone.) If not, you have a few options. The area with hotels closest to the venue is Potomac Mills (city of Woodbridge), which is an enormous outlet mall development. You can get a cheap hotel and maybe a new outfit to wear, but it will not be scenic or cultural. For that, you should head to DC or nearby environs. (Potomac Mills is around 30 min from DC without traffic, 60+ in rush hour.) Alexandria (e.g. King Street/Old Town) is in between DC and Prince William Forest, historically charming, and on the metro line to DC. For DC proper, there are a lot of good options. If you want to be able to walk to the downtown attractions, some good neighborhoods to search for are Penn Quarter, Chinatown, or Foggy Bottom. (Try roomkey.com to book hotels at a good price *and* still earn points.) The only area with lots of hotels that I don't recommend is Rt. 50/New York Avenue northeast of town. It's far from anything you want to see (except the HQ of a newspaper run by the Moonies). If you want to co-locate with others, or have specific questions, feel free to use this blog's comments section. 
• Do you need a car?
• No...except for getting to the actual wedding. How's that for a caveat? Getting around DC without a car is pretty easy and all the airports are accessible via public transportation. However, Prince William Forest Park is south of the city and while the park has a high population density of deer, birds, bears, and other delightful wildlife, it's not enough to warrant a bus line. Again, feel free to use the comment section of this blog to arrange for carpools. 
• What should you wear?
• DC weather in May is usually pretty nice -- 70s and not humid. Or 90s and humid. Or 50s and raining. In other words, don't pack yet. Our event will be pretty casual (it's the woods, after all) so don't worry about special-ordering a some Gore-Tex Manolos. 

Anything else you'd like to know?