Sounds like a pretty nice weekend!

re: Moonlight carriage tour of the monuments - not sure if that's too great of an idea as the monuments aren't really all that close to each other & unfortunately, there is still a lot of vehicle traffic along Constitution Ave in the evenings. Also, it's not horribly cold in DC in October, but when fall hits DC, it does get noticeably colder - it's cool in the evenings right now. Maybe a monument dinner cruise or an evening cruise without dinner on the Potomac instead? If it were me, I'd go for the one without dinner - just make sure you give yourself time to get from dinner (in midtown most likely) to the waterfront where tours depart.

Check out the Hirshorn for modern art - it's a great museum. Also the National Gallery. The Museum of the Native American is relatively new and could be a nice choice. If you want to do a limo pick-up/drop off at either airport, try Neill at Blue Ridge Transportation - 703.525.2771 or [email protected] - he's got competitive prices & when I used to work in a job that required a lot of limo pick-ups & drop-offs for clients, we used him regularly. Very reliable guy at a good price. If you're coming into DCA, then just use a cab or car service - if you're coming into IAD, then it may be nice to use the limo as its not all that more expensive than a cab.

The Ritz G'town is a pretty nice from what I've heard - I've never had the pleasure or luxury of staying there though. Out of the Ritz's in DC, I would say that its got the best non-business location. The one in Tysons is too far out, the one in Pentagon City is spectacular, but it's also too far out & the one on 22nd street is more for business travelers than leisure travelers.

As for restaurants, Olive's is great; Vidalia's another good restaurant; as is Citronelle - do a search on Google with each restaurant's name & Washington DC & it should be the first or second hit. All three require advance reservations & I believe all participate in OpenTable.com too.

I've never been to an opera, so I have no clue about that.

If you were going to be around on a Sunday, I'd suggest the Kennedy Center, the Corcoran, or the Key Bridge Marriott brunches - each is damn good & reasonable priced (~40/pp) - the Key Bridge has a great view of DC/G'town from their 14th floor restaurant.

I'm not answering for gleff - but you may want to PM him as he knows a lot about the restaurants & options in DC.