Visit Washington D.C.

If you're into music…
Check out the 9:30 Club. You would think the concerts always start at 9:30pm, but that is not always the case. Check the website for listings. Oh, and it looks like a seedy part of town, but really - it's okay to park your car there, just don't go wandering down dark alleys. Jazz fans shouldn't miss Blues Alley. For over 40 years, Blues Alley has hosted jazz greats from Dizzy Gilliespie to Wynton Marsalis. Fans of Eva Cassidy - Eva had a loyal following at Blues Alley and recorded her famous solo album here.

If you need a break from your significant other…
Send them to Eastern Market. It's an upscale artsy/craftsy flea market with something for everyone. It circles the actual market, where fresh meats (literally, fresh - the fish still have heads and there's 600 varieties of pickled pigs feet and other unmentionables), vegetables, and best of all - cookies are sold. It has hours worth of entertainment and is a great spot for people watching. Open Saturday and Sunday until 4pm.

Still wearing your work clothes and want to kick back?…
Head to the bowling alley in Chinatown. It's right next to the MCI center and it's got bowling lanes and games for yuppies. It's not as bad as you think, those yuppies really know how to let loose! And if you're tired of talking business, the noise level is just high enough to eliminate the possibility of having intelligent conversation.

It's a beautiful day (anything is possible in DC)…
Check out the Sculpture Gardens down on the National Mall. Depending on your definition of art, the gardens are home to either; recycled trash and alien life forms (including Dorothy's relocated home in Oz) or incredibly talented modern works of art. At the very least, it's outside and has a nice fountain. Inside is decent, if not overpriced, food.

Curious about what goes on at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave?…
Go to Hotel Washington's top floor restaurant and request to be seated outdoors. The wait can get pretty long, and the line somewhat claustrophobic, but it's worth the wait. If you sit along the rail outside, you'll enjoy an impressive view of the entire city. But, best of all, you can watch the snipers pace back and forth on the roof of the White House. Don't taunt them, they mean business. If you watch carefully, you can see inside the windows, and hey, the drinks there are potent.

Afraid to admit you're a tourist and want to “blend”?…
Head to Georgetown and hit the Waterfront. It's a gorgeous area with several restaurants who combine their outdoor seating to frame the waterfront of the Potomac River. Food, drinks, scenery and people watching - the best spot on a nice day, hands down. Do not swim in the river, although tempting and many a drunken fool have done it- you don't want to know what's in there, and you won't smell pretty afterwards.

Like to exercise?…
Hains Point is your location. An island across from DC's waterfront is a hot spot for fishermen, runners, bicyclists, picnickers, and sunbathers alike. A pretty park in the middle of the river, complete with a modern statue of some god, I'm sure (although I'm not sure anyone knows which one) who looks as if he's half buried in the ground and in agony, very touching - or at least touchable, children love to play all over it.

Political activist?…
Wander around Capitol Hill. Not only will you run into numerous political figures and their lackeys, but you can join one of many protestors who will no doubt be camped out with picket signs and unique chants. If you don't relate to any of their causes, you can enjoy the park out front. Continue your stroll down the National Mall and take a ride on the carousel, fly a kite, or take your seat on a bench for more…you guessed it…people watching, the National Sport.

You've been to Chinatown in every other major city…
We have one too! Shocking. The gorgeous gates of Chinatown mark the entrance, so if you can't find Chinatown, you're on your own. If you go through the bowling alley and can gain entrance to the attached condo building, their deck is strategically placed right at the top of the gates - you can even touch it! If you're afraid of heights, stay on the ground and peruse the windows of hanging meats, green teas, and Hello Kitty merchandise. If you're looking for something else, you'll have to go inside.

Into ethnic food?…
Marrakesh - a Moroccan restaurant on New York Ave, has the world's smallest door, you have to stoop to walk in. Go inside and sit on pillows and watch the belly dancers. Similarly, in Georgetown, Mie N Yu www.mienyu.com has several different rooms, each with its own unique theme, one of which is a giant bird cage you can actually dine in. The Turkish tent has belly dancers, too! Las Tapas in Old Town, Alexandria on King Street - has flamenco dancers and gypsy guitarists, oh and tapas. Zaytinya has simply the best Mediterranean mezze all created by world famous chef José Andrés. Malaysia Kopitam serves up Malaysia's exciting cuisine in a cozy hole-in-the-wall.