Comicsgirl

Wait, why would you want to leave Small Press Expo? You’re making me sad. I mean, we have a legendary chocolate fountain and the Ignatz Awards on Saturday night. Why you’d want to skip out on that, I have no idea.

But if you’re a little SPX-ed out and haven’t spent a lot of time in the D.C. area, here’s a few recommendations.

Museums
Yeah, so you know of The Smithsonian Museums — well, you know of the Air & Space Museum (cute, but dated) and the National Museum of Natural History (OK, still pretty cool) and probably the National Museum of American History, but don’t overlook the Freer and Sackler Galleries and the National Museum of African Art. Both usually aren’t as crowded as they should be and are constantly wonderful. Off the mall is the National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum, both of which are fun (I especially like the modern art room in the American Art Museum — it just needs a DJ and a bar).

Outside of the Smithsonian system is the National Gallery of Art (huge! You probably want to pick a particular part and focus on that) and the National Building Museum, which is always great and a gorgeous space. It also has one of the best gift shops/bookstores in the city (sadly, you missed the Lego exhibit, though).

I haven’t been to the Newseum, because I actually work in journalism and therefore I can’t afford it. If for some reason you’re insane and want to go to Madame Tussauds, we have one of those. Other people love the International Spy Museum, but I think it’s a little overrated.

Drinking and eating, but mostly drinking
Since you’re comic book types, I’m going to guess you’re not looking to go to exclusive clubs or anything of that nature. (And if you are, I can’t really help you out there.) The Black Cat is an institution and great for hipster-watching. You’ll be tempted to go to Brickskeller, but I’d recommend sister bar R.F.D. instead.

H Street NE has taken over as the center of cool in D.C.with Rock ‘N’ Roll Hotel, Little Miss Whiskey’s, and Palace of Wonders (which has a burlesque show on Saturday night with a $10 cover). If you’re still looking for a great meal, I am partial to Sticky Rice. If you do want to go to H Street, there’s a free shuttle than runs from Gallery Place, which is conveniently on the Red Line. There’s not really a Metro stop nearby, so if you’re without a car, do take it.

Other stuff
Intervention is also going on and it’s just two Metro stops away from SPX. With a focus on web comics and Internet culture and with guests like Molly Crabapple and Fred Gallagher, it’s probably going to be a good deal at $25 for Saturday, $15 for Sunday or $45 for the whole weekend. While it’s really unfortunate that it’s taking place on the same weekend as SPX, that sort of overlap happens pretty frequently in the D.C. area, especially once fall hits.

DC VegFest is taking place on Saturday, which makes me a bit sad because I would’ve gone otherwise. But that may only be of interest to me.

Things to keep in mind
Saturday is obviously the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, so expect a few things in remembrance of that (however, most of those seem to be in Arlington). There may be a little bit of extra security on the Metro, but it’s probably nothing you’d really notice.

If you want to make your own plans, Washington Post’s Going Out Gurus and The Washington City Paper are good places to start.

And if for some reason you’re still in the area Sunday night, come to Arlington’s Galaxy Hut to drink some awesome beers and to help save the Arlington Planetarium.

Last year’s guide is still a good one, with the best places within walking distance. Still, if you want to see what else is there, here’s a Google map with everything:

View Larger Map

(Just so you can judge distances a little bit better on the map above, the White Flint and the Twinbrook Metro stations are about 1.5 miles apart. It’s up to you about how you decide what’s within walking distance or not).

The area isn’t particularly pedestrian-friendly — Rockville Pike is a major road and a lot of what is around is strip malls. Just be careful if you’re walking.

Your nearest grocery stores are Harris Teeter and Giant, each less than a mile.

If you’re looking for an awesome selection of beer, friends recommend Gilly’s Craft Beer & Fine Wine. It’s within walking distance of Twinbrook. There is also a Trader Joe’s less than a half-mile from the Twinbrook stop, if you’re going that way.

DC also has a good selection of restaurants if you want to venture into the city (and I’ll have a few recommendations for that in tomorrow’s post) but do keep in mind you are pretty far out in the suburbs and so getting anywhere will probably take a little while.

Yesterday: SPX 2010: Survival Guide
Tomorrow: What else to do

This is more or less the same one as last year, but with a few new things. If you committed that one to memory, you’re good. In fact, even if you haven’t, you’re going to be good anyway. Still, if you want to maximize your Small Press Expo experience, here’s a few tips.

• I don’t think I need to say this, but bring cash with you. A few of the bigger publishers do take credit cards, but mostly, you want cash. There is an ATM on site (the line can get long, though, and last year, it ran out of money. As did another nearby one). Smaller bills are the best, overall.
• You’ll also want to bring a bag. This may seem obvious, but it’s really not — you’ll want something to put your comics in because trying to juggle your purchases as you go through the show isn’t fun. Those snazzy reusable shopping bags are good as are messenger bags (which is typically what I use). If you forget, some exhibitors did give out bags with purchases, like Drawn & Quarterly did last year. And you’ll get to be the coolest person at the grocery store
• You’ll probably want to wear layers. Since SPX is a bit earlier this year, fall hasn’t quite hit the D.C. area yet, but right now, we’re looking at highs in the lower to mid-80s with lows in the mid-60s and possible thunderstorms on Sunday. You say “Yes, but I’ll be inside most of the time.” This is true, but last year, the exhibit hall was freezing on Sunday. Having a jacket on hand may be helpful.
• Check out the programming. Yes, I know it’s easy to get distracted and lose track of time, but the programming is an under-appreciated part of SPX. I’m totally excited about this year’s line-up and the Animation Showcase looks like it’s going to be a great addition.
• Likewise, check out some of the Ignatz nominees. You can’t be expected to buy them all, but they always highlight a diverse group of comics.
• Buy mini-comics. I am broke (and I’ve reported widely in the past) so my purchases will be pretty limited this year. Still, I will set aside some money specifically for mini-comics. They are a great way to support creators and find new things you might like. Or hate. Most run $1-3 and it’s a good value for your money.
• Don’t be afraid to take a break. The North Besthesda Marriott actually has a lot of nice, comfy places to hang out if you just want to sit and read for a bit. You can decompress, check out what you’ve bought and then go back for more. Just don’t sleep in the middle of the floor, OK? I saw some people doing that last year.
• Be courtesy and thoughtful with regard to the other events that are going on in the hotel. I’ve only heard a couple of reports of bad behavior at SPX, so I trust everyone, but SPX usually isn’t the only event going on. Last year, there was a gospel revival, a fancy-dress fundraiser and an expo or some such for beauty pageant contestants. Don’t be rude to people there for other events and always obey hotel and SPX staff. Somewhat related, if you’re sick, please stay home. Yes, missing SPX sucks, but getting other people sick isn’t very nice.
• If you had fun, strongly consider volunteering next year. SPX is a labor of love — it’s run completely by volunteers, by people who just love comics and the event. It’s always a good time — you get to meet a bunch of cool people and make friends and be a part of something really awesome. We have cookies and temporary tattoos. I don’t know what else I have to tell you to sell you on it.

Tomorrow: Where to eat!
Thursday: Other stuff to do in the area!

If you’re like me, the last thing you want to think about right now is going to another con-like event. Otakon this weekend, and had it been any other weekend, I may have considered it. Next weekend is Philadelphia Alternative Comic Con and I’ll see what I feel like on Sunday. At the end of August is Baltimore Comic-Con. And I feel like there are a few things I’m missing. Are you feeling exhausted yet?

But on Sept. 11-12 is one of the highlights of my year — Small Press Expo. And this is my call to encourage you to volunteer if you’re going to be in town. You only have to commit to four hours and you’ll get free admission. You’ll have the opportunity to do awesome things like direct your favorite creator to the bathroom or the 7-Eleven across the street. You’ll make friends and have fun. And while I’m not saying the two things are at all related, Nate Powell was a volunteer one year and he now has an Eisner.

You’ll also get to hang out with me. And we’ll have removable tattoos.

I am not being asked to do this. I just really like volunteering at SPX and I definitely recommend it to everyone.