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Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum: All aboard!

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

As the country's biggest port, once upon a time, it only made sense that Baltimore would then develop the first major commercial railtrack in 1829. All this history is carefully preserved at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum in West Baltimore. Once the campus for surveyors, engineers, and businessmen to build America's railways is now a museum of history for many of the country's railroad artifacts. It is an extremely popular place for visitors to browse around old locomotives and rolling sto

National Museum of Natural History: The world, the universe

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The National Museum of Natural History is one of Smithsonian's first buildings built to house collections and research facilities. Established in 1910, the museum contains more than 126 million natural science specimen and cultural artifacts. It can take more than a month to examine everything within the museum, from the collection of butterflies to dinosaur bones and the Hope Diamond. The good part is, like anything at the Smithsonian, admission is free. So take your time, focus on one section

L'Academie de Cuisine: Teaching good food

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Everyone should be able to cook at least five recipes by heart and prepare one entire meal from appetizer to dessert. If you're lacking those abilities, or want to just learn a new style of cooking, fear not. L'academie de Cuisine, or Academy of Cooking for non-francophiles, offers cooking classes for all levels with emphasis in French techniques, whether you're looking to pursue a degree and career, or just to master enough to impress some friends or a date.

Lavandou: A Franco-American experience

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Lavandou is a classic French restaurant, slightly Americanized in its service (quicker than in France), but with all the herbs, slow-cooking and butter that necessitates true French cuisine. Located away from the downtown hype in an unlikely part of town, in quieter Cleveland Park, Lavandou is a real treasure trove of moules and pate and rillettes de canard. If you're a real francophile, or really enjoy French cooking, an evening at Lavandou will whisk you away to Provence, the restaurant's reg

US Botanic Garden: Garden in America's Backyard

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Every yard needs a garden, and the National Mall is no different. Situated at one end, off to the side by Capitol Hill, sits the United States Botanic Garden. Housed inside what appears to be a giant greenhouse of multiple levels, the garden is actually in three parts. There's a conservatory with a variety of different plant species, a National Garden with various gardens within, and Bartholdi Park, which was created in 1932. Though it takes up only two city blocks, the garden is impressively la

National Gallery of Art: The nation's expressions, free for all

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The greatest part about the National Gallery of Art is not the Henri Matisse cutouts, the famous Alexander Calder mobile, the Sculpture Garden or the Self-Portait of Vincent Van Gogh. The greatest part about this museum is that you can see all of this for free.

Chop't: Salad in the District in 30 seconds

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Chop't: a lunch place that prepares your food so quick, it doesn't even have time to write out Chopped . This salad specialty place makes salads in almost 30 seconds (more like three minutes, but who's complaining?) and ushers people in and out the door in a New York or DC minute. It's fitting considering the restaurant has about 10 locations between the two cities.

C&O Canal: Where history and nature meet

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal ( C&O ) lies next to the Potomac River, a 184-mile stretch from Cumberland, Md. to Washington, D.C. Built in 1824 as a series of locks to allow shipping and boat transport, it became a national park in 1938 and today serves as a popular biking and hiking trail for locals. Its end point is in Georgetown, marked by a obelisk monument. Several of the locks are visible in Georgetown and are still in use for demonstrations.

Chinatown: A preservation of history

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Chinatown in Washington is a ghost version of its original, which thrived between the 1930's and 1960's. Chinese restaurants and businesses still exist, but the neighborhood has been overshadowed by shopping-mall type stores, chain restaurants, and the Verizon Center. The only reminder of Chinatown is the enormous Friendship Arch and signage in Chinese characters, plus a small handful of Chinese restaurants.

FDR Memorial: Tribute to the longest-serving U.S. president

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The FDR memorial is an unusual and unique tribute to an unusual and unique president. Unlike other memorials which feature a statue of the individual standing tall with wise words inscripted around him, Franklin Delano Roosevelt is sitting, naturally, and his memorial is like a small park with many visuals of his presidency and the historical moments that took place during it.

Club Joola: Where table tennis reigns

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

At Club Joola, ping pong reigns. This isn't your parents' basement anymore. This is where the pros come to play this vicious game, and where others come to become pros. The private, full-time table tennis club in Rockville, Md., features several regulation tables in a well-lit gymnasium strewn with orange balls across its red floor, and is complete with pro shop selling Joola-brand shirts, paddles, equipment and even special shoes.

World War I Memorial: Modest memorial to a forgotten conflict

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

In the shadow of the large, shining new World War II memorial lies a forgotten, neglected memorial. Standing quietly in the trees along West Potomac Park, this modest memorial was designed to commemorate the 26,000 citizens of Washington, D.C. who served in the first World War. It was designed by architects Horace W. Peaslee and Nathan C. Wyeth and dedicated in 1931 on Armistice Day.

Old Ebbitt Grill: Where food meets history

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

A true Washington institution, almost as old as some of the monuments and buildings around town, Old Ebbitt Grill continues to draw politicians and pundits, locals and tourists to hang around with a stiff drink and a good meal the same way Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Teddy Roosevelt once did.

Nationals Park: Where America goes out to the ball game

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Finally, there is a place for Washington to cheer on its American pasttime: baseball. For the past two years, Washingtonians have been able to don a scripty W hat and take the Metro to the Nationals Park by the Navy Yard to watch its new home team, the Nationals, participate in the sport each summer. This year, the team acquired the latest pitching sensation in Steve Strassburg, explaining why his name is appearing as frequently as President Obama's in the local media.

Mr. Yogato: Wackiest frozen yogurt ever

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Domo origato, yogurt fans. It's like the Pinkberry craze that took over the West coast and made its way East though its origins really are from the far East. The tangy, low-fat dessert has become so popular thanks to Mr. Yogato's prime location on 17th Street in Dupont. Here, the line usually goes out the door of the brightly lit, no-frills, basement shop on hot summer evenings. It's a great place to stop after dinner, with friends, or with a first date to play old-school Nintendo games while

United States Supreme Court: Home to the ultimate judicial arbiters

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The United States Supreme Court never fails to awe visitors, whether they come from across the world or across the street. Its marble Corinthian columns, giant presence and all that it stands for makes people hush with respect. It is, after all, within these walls that some of the greatest court cases of all time are battled out, decided and become the basis through which our country creates its legal rules of conduct.

Red Star Bar & Grill: A homecoming

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Folklore has it that Red Star was named for the nautical red stars painted by women on sidewalks in lieu of shining red lights, which were prohibited at the time in Fells Point. Lonely sailors who reached Fells Point followed the red stars to the various places with homey comforts (a good meal, cold beer and perhaps some more intimate items on the menu). Today, the Red Star Bar & Grill, located right on the water by the water where boats pull ashore, offers those traditional meals and cold dri

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial: A tribute to a true man of peace

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Few can argue that Mahatma Gandhi was one of the world s most influential and honorable leaders. Naturally, in the city of memorials and statues paying tribute to great leaders, one of Gandhi stands wearing a simple dhoti and bearing a walking stick. He is actually in stride, as if walking, which he did often in his lifetime as a leader of many great marches to bring India s back to the people of India.

Woodberry Kitchen: beyond organic

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Woodberry Kitchen takes a great deal of care in creating unique and tasty menu options that change with the season and availability of ingredients. It's obvious just from tasting the dishes alone. Combined with great chef artistry, the food is among some of the freshest, flavorful in all of Maryland, explaining why people drive from all over the state and beyond to visit this oasis.

Adela: a Spanish inquisition on your senses

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Tapas is taken to a whole new level at Adela, in the bustling activity of Fells Point in Baltimore by the water. This low-key but fancy gastronomical experience, combined with its small plates options, creates a perfect second-date or group outing. Pair it with a sangria and some toasted almonds and you re sure to give your taste buds and your senses a worthy evening.

Robert A. Taft memorial: Remembering "The Republican"

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Standing tall on the north side of the Capitol is a 10-foot bronze statue of Robert A. Taft, a three-term senator from Ohio in the early to mid 20th century. Affectionately called "The Republican" by his colleagues, he is remembered for his honesty, indomitable courage, and high principles of free government symbolized by his life as inscripted above the statue.

Jazz in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden: Art within art through Sept. 10

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Summer comes, and suddenly Washington is exploding with outdoor activity on the National Mall. If you've been dreaming of spending your Friday evening surrounded by great works of sculptured art, the nation's monuments in the background, live jazz, a picnic spread and a pitcher of sangria, just head to the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art on Friday evenings.

Textile Museum: The fabric of our lives

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Textiles are one of those types of art forms that are so appreciated in the home, but perhaps not always recognized as true art. That s because they re applied to so much of our daily lives in clothes, on furniture, as rugs, curtains, tablecloths that the average individual doesn t realize that an artist designed and created each of those items. In comes the Textile Museum, where curators, docents and volunteers bring their love and devotion to the art of textile to the public.

Sushi Taro: A courtly Japanese ritual

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Sushi Taro is a true cultural dining experience. Besides having sushi that is extremely fresh and a lunch menu that's among the tastiest around Dupont Circle, Sushi Taro is so much more than just a really good Japanese restaurant. It is a genuinely elegant ancient court cuisine mixed with the simplicity of Buddhist fare. This concept is known as Kaiseki, designed to taste the natural flavors of food at its peak of freshness.

Gifford's Ice Cream & Candy Co: Bringing out Washingtonians' sweet tooth

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

There's ice cream, and then there's history. Gifford's Ice Cream & Candy Company is both. Opened in 1938 in Silver Spring, Md., the shop sold homemade ice cream and candy to fans of all ages and fame: President Eisenhower and First Lady Kennedy were said to be regular patrons. Its ice cream, candy, cakes and accoutrements continues to bring out sweet tooths as it has for years.

Obrycki's Crab House and Restaurant: A Baltimore tribute to crabs

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

If you ve researched Crabs in Baltimore, you re bound to have turned up results for the highly acclaimed, famous Obrycki s restaurant on Pratt Street. Only open during warm months, this huge restaurant pays tribute to crabs and all that can be made with crabs with its large, page-turning menu of seafood dishes, appetizers, entrees, and non-seafood options. Recently opened for the season, Obrycki s is already humming with busy customers who waited impatiently for its doors to bring in the crabs

National Japanese American Memorial To Patriotism During World War II

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The National Japanese-American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II is tucked off the northwest side of Capitol Hill's offices, off the mall, yet nearby enough to remind Congress of the time when America once treated its own citizens so poorly. It honors Japanese-American soldiers who fought in the United States armies during World War II while the United States housed its families and other Japanese-Americans in internment camps.

Salt: Because there's real flavor here

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Anyone walking by this brick brownstone exterior on the corner by Patterson Park would have thought nothing of it: perhaps another neighborhood pub-in-the-wall type place for locals to dwell past hours. But there's something about the name, Salt, and its glowing green industrial lights as seen from the outside that will make people look twice. Food is a modern art form (in a good way) that you'll only partially understand, particularly the menu descriptions, but an extraordinary experience that

Janes Island State Park: An Eastern Shore refuge

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Summer in Maryland brings visions of the Chesapeake Bay, green lawns, sandy beaches with tall grasses and splintery wood fences, crab traps, crabs with corn on the cob, lanterns and general laziness. If you're lucky, you already sport a summer home on the Eastern Shore. If not, don't worry you can still get a taste of waterfront vacationing at Janes Island State Park.

Ford s Theatre: The country s first presidential assassination site lives on

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. s Ford s Theatre, where Lincoln was gunned down by John Wilkes Booth, is simultaneously national historic landmark, live playhouse and consistently popular tourist site.

Newseum: History from many perspectives

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Just as you might have become jaded with the news coverage today, a visit to the Newseum will refresh your perspective of today's journalism profession. This exciting, interactive multi-level (seven, to be exact) museum, located off the Mall, pays tribute to news editors, news writers, TV personalities, photographers and those who spend their careers dedicated to bringing stories and headlines to the general public.

Blue Agave: Tequila haven

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

In a land of crabs and Old Bay, it s easy to miss the other stand-out cuisines in Baltimore. Blue Agave, however, is not one that Baltimore residents should miss. Its giant tequila menu and upscale Mexican dining options are beyond the tortilla places of Fells Point, lending itself to a real feast for the senses.

Suki Asia: A new kind of "fast" food

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Suki Asia has had its ups and downs. Through the past year it's gone through three owners, and its food and service quality has bounced around like the Dow Jones Industrial Average. But finally, this little Asian lunch place found a rightful owner who treats it and its customers well. Lines have formed again starting at noon, and orders of boologi bibimbap have risen just because it's fun to say.

Tabletop: A bright retail oasis

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Tabletop is a small breath of fresh air among all the Ikea-laden apartments. The little Dupont shop, tucked in the garden level of a brownstone, features whimsical home accessories and gifts that always makes it a fun trip to visit, even if you don't buy anything.

Washington National Cathedral: A little bit of church and state

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The National Cathedral is a religious retreat for all believers, even the non-believers, away from the hustle and bustle of Washington s other touristy sites downtown. Located in a quiet section of the Northwest corner near Tenleytown, the expansive space, both inside and out, allows people to mix church-and-state in one ornate and exquisite place.

Kramerbooks and Afterwords book store & caf : Where Washington reads and debates

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Picture the perfect place in a movie for two intellectuals who meet in a bookshop and then debate philosophy over a cup of coffee, and you would choose Kramerbooks and Afterwords caf for your setting. Except that this popular Dupont Circle bookshop is filled with actual literati and bookworms, and anyone who just loves spending an afternoon browsing among the shelves.

Michael s Noodles: Authentic Taiwanese food, kept authentic

Mon, 31 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Tucked away from the I-270 and off the grid of Big Box Central (i.e., Rockville Pike), Michael s Noodles is a wonderful welcome of authentic Chinese-Taiwanese style cooking. Don t be fooled by its sad location in a strip mall sandwiched between corporate campuses those employees are oh so lucky to have Michael s as a lunch option.

Woodend Sanctuary: A suburban getaway

Mon, 31 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Nestled within the Beltway and outside the city in Chevy Chase is a quiet little estate known as Woodend. Situated on Audubon Naturalist Society property, Woodend is a 40-acre woodsy, scenic, leafy getaway for nature lovers, where many a child learns about butterflies and woods creatures and many a couple have said I do."

Hello Cupcake: A cupcake in every neighborhood

Mon, 31 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Hello Cupcake is Dupont Circle s answer to the cupcake phenomenon that drove America wild about five years ago. Sure, sometimes trendy items take a while to reach Washington, D.C., but it was only a matter of time before a store advertising buttercream frosting would entice and beckon Dupont passers-by to stop in for a cupcake.

Shenandoah National Park: A Washington retreat

Mon, 31 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Shenandoah National Park is Washington s own stretch of preserved wilderness, complete with hiking trails, scenery, campsites and rivers for canoeing. Located about 75 miles south of the Capitol, the national park is a favorite getaway for vacationers and camping enthusiasts. It s an ideal location for a weekend trip or even a day excursion to scramble up a mountain and be home by dinner.

Library of Congress: The country's literary archive

Sun, 30 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Library of Congress isn t your everyday library. It s America s library housing millions and millions of books, publications, photographs, recordings, maps, manuscripts and sheet music. None of it can be checked out, but they can be used on the premises. If it s published, it s likely to have a place in the Library of Congress, though not every book is at the Library. Almost half of the Library s materials are in 470 other languages besides English, illustrating the richness of its collect

Wolf Trap: Washington's favorite picnic

Tue, 25 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

As the summer season makes its way around the corner, Washingtonians, too, like to head to the great outdoors and relax on a hot night under the stars. Throw in a picnic, a bottle of wine, and some live music, and you ve got the perfect evening right at Wolf Trap in Northern Virginia.

National Portrait Gallery: Showcasing America's most influential

Tue, 25 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Smithsonian s National Portrait Gallery is a distinct and specific museum, dedicated to honoring those who contributed to the United States. It s a distinguished place, where presidents, first ladies, politicians, philanthropists, artists, writers, and American influencers dwell. In 2008, the National Portrait Gallery made headlines when news comedian Stephen Colbert actually succeeded in having his portrait hanging above the bathroom on the second floor of the museum, outside the American P

World War II Memorial: A commemoration to freedom and peace

Tue, 18 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The World War II memorial was a long-overdue project that was authorized by President Clinton in 1993, broke ground in 2001 and was open to the public in 2004. Located across the street from the Washington Monument and in front of the Reflecting Pool, the memorial is a grand plaza of marble, with tributes to every state and territory inscribed on 56 granite pillars adorned with oak and wheat bronze wreaths. In the middle is the Rainbow Pool with a fantastic fountain that sprays as soon as the we

Levante s: A Turkish (and more) delight

Tue, 18 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

If you like dips, such as hummus or Baba Ghanouj, but you don t like restaurants dressed up like the Parthenon, then Levante s is a perfect setting to enjoy both. It features a prominent and popular outdoor sidewalk space across from the Dupont Metrorail subway station for people watching during warm weather. Levante s offers a Mediterranean menu with foods from Greece, Turkey, Lebanon and even Israel in the form of falafel, stuffed grape leaves, Turkish pides, cheese-filled fried phyllo cigars

Logan Circle: The hipper Dupont

Tue, 18 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Once the stepsibling of the much-desired Dupont Circle and once a popular site for drug deals and prostitution, Logan Circle has since risen quite high above its previous standards and has become one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city.

Logan Tavern: Never-disappointing chic American fare in D.C.

Mon, 17 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Logan Tavern is an accurate nod towards the booming neighborhood taking over the desirability that was once in Dupont Circle. Situated across from Whole Food, Logan Tavern aims to be a shabby-chic restaurant with a varied New American menu and casual atmosphere for the young, but equally chic, neighborhood professional.

Scott Circle: Washington, D.C.'s hidden memorial on Embassy Row

Mon, 17 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Though Washington, D.C. was designed to resemble Paris, probably the closest similarity between the two is the traffic circles dotted throughout town. One well-traveled, but lesser famous circle than its neighboring Dupont is Scott Circle, featuring not one but three grand memorial statues few tourists stumble upon

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: An emotional tribute to a difficult American conflict

Thu, 13 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial strikes a chord with many visitors, who realize that many of the names on there are young men who were drafted and uprooted from their lives, and died for their country as the soldiers did at neighboring memorials. The famous granite wall lists the names of 58,261 fallen soldiers from the Vietnam War.

Woodcraft Artisans: Unique teak furniture

Thu, 13 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

If you re looking for a unique piece of furniture that will last, and you don t want to find that all your neighbors bought the same one at Pottery Barn, go no further than Woodcraft Artisans shop in Annapolis, Md. The owner travels to Indonesia a few times a year to hand-pick and ship pieces back to his bright, quaint shop for sale. Most of his furniture is hand-made from teak, which is hard and durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions, major usage, small children and pets.