Washington D.C

Washington D.C. can be described as a patchwork quilt of unique neighborhoods blending together to create a city rich in history, politics, and cultural diversity.

Strolling through the various neighborhoods is the best way to really get inside this incredible city. Each community has its own vibe or personality and people tend to settle based on individual lifestyle preferences. Most areas are pedestrian friendly with easy access to public transit or biking trails. This makes it easy to live on the outskirts, but still work at the Capital or attend one of D.C.'s many accredited universities.

D.C. is a city that has the best of the best. On the cultural front, its museums and galleries are among the finest in the world and feature such institutions as the Smithsonian, National Geographic Museum, Phillips Collection or the National Gallery of Art. Theatre also has huge appeal here, with over 65 professional groups producing over 350 productions each season.

A city proud of its heritage, there are numerous districts designated as historically significant. One of the many walking tours will take you through such buildings as Mount Vernon Estate, the 500-acre, 1674 estate of George Washington; the Willard Hotel or the Old Ebbitt Grill, the oldest saloon in D.C. The residential neighborhoods exude their own charm with the many lovingly restored Victorian and brick Row Houses still sitting next to the big old trees planted way back when.

If politics gets your blood pumping, imagine touring The U.S. Capitol, the White House or Ford's Theater where Lincoln was assassinated. Stand in front of the Lincoln Memorial; the Greek temple like structure and setting for the famous seated statue of the 16th President. View the carved inscriptions of Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address and Gettysburg Address, or where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his legendary "I Have a Dream" speech.

When the sun goes down the D.C. nightlife is varied and exciting. Beer lovers can choose from among 1,000 different varieties of ale at The Brickskeller Saloon or the Brasserie Beck for over 70 Belgian brew selections. Visit the jazz clubs on U Street where Duke Ellington got his start, or the H Street corridor for rock venues such as the Rock & Roll Hotel. During the summer, check out one of the many free music events including live music daily in Farragut Square.

D.C. shoppers will find the token malls and plazas, but the real adventure begins when you stroll through the various neighborhoods discovering the many unique specialty boutiques and stores. Serious shoppers head straight to Georgetown for trendy shops featuring everything from women's fashions to organic baby clothing. Start your day with a scrumptious crepe at Cafe Bonaparte and head straight down Wisconsin to check out the boutiques.

D.C. chefs feed some of the most powerful people in the nation, and we reap the benefits in the form of many world class dining establishments. If you're intent on rubbing elbows with some of Washington, D.C.'s rich and famous, visit some of the dining spots known to attract this type of clientèle. Popular power spots include Sam & Harry's (also known for the best steaks in the city), The Caucus Room, or The Palm, apparently visited by every president since Nixon.