User Lists in Washington, DC Metro

Washington D.C.'s hotel scene is heating up, with several openings (and reopenings) taking place in recent months. Sure, 'trendy? and 'stylish? aren't the first words used to describe our nation's capital, but check out our list of the new hotels in Washington, D.C.--you'll be shocked by how hip the district can be.

Quick, portable, and always delicious, milkshakes are a perfect summer dessert. Maybe you'll have to suck them down quickly before they melt in the D.C. heat, but that's no matter--these milkshakes are so good you'll finish them in one sip. (Pictured: A milkshake from Ted's Bulletin)

Dupont Circle is home to some of the city's most interesting bars and lounges; no surprise, as it's also home to an eclectic mix of Washington, D.C., residents. From laid-back local bars to ultra chic clubs, the bars of Dupont Circle prove that when stiff drinks meet eccentricity, fun and excitement surely follows. See for yourself in our list of best Dupont Circle bars. (Pictured: Buffalo Billiards. Photo by Flikr user Jeff Kubina)

Perhaps one of D.C.'s most well-known neighborhoods, Dupont Circle is a bustling center of business, nightlife, shopping and dining. Restaurants along Connecticut Avenue and surrounding Dupont Circle are some of the best eats in D.C., and diverse too: You'll find Italian, French, Mediterranean, Asian, Mexican and classic American fare perfect for any dining occasion. With so many options, it can be hard to make a decision, so we've rounded up our favorite Dupont Circle restaurants. (Pictured: The Tabard Inn)

U Street restaurants have long existed as an epicenter for Southern cooking and great music. And the U Street Corridor, which spans from Ninth to 18th streets, continues today with a strong-as-ever restaurant scene. You'll still find Southern classics--think shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and mac and cheese--as well as great Mexican, Thai and Italian fare, too. Whether you're looking for a lazy weekend brunch restaurant or dinner with a view, you'll find it on our list of the best U Street restaurants.

There are a thousand and one things to do and see in Washington, D.C., whether it's attractions, museums, restaurants or shopping. In the city that fuses politics and cosmopolitan culture, you won't have time to do it all, so we've put together this list--a crash course, if you will--to highlight the ?musts? of the district.

Jazz clubs and jazz music have a fertile history in Washington, D.C. The city is, after all, the hometown of Duke Ellington, Shirley Horn and Frank Wess, among other notable performers. Though U Street was the original epicenter of the D.C. jazz world, the live music trend now stretches to every corner of the city. Check out our list of the coolest spots to jive in the district. (Photo by Flikr user Peter Es)

Lucky for us, Washington D.C. and its suburbs are endowed with dozens of parkland areas prime for taking

in the great outdoors. Favorites among joggers, hikers, and nature-enthusiasts, D.C.'s parks range from aquatic

gardens to waterfront boardwalks to entire islands. Check out our list of Washington D.C.'s most notable parks,

and start exploring.

The U Street Corridor is one of D.C.'s most popular nightlife neighborhoods. With the range of U Street bars, from divey saloons to sophisticated speakeasies, it's no wonder. The area's rich music history--both jazz and go-go flourished here--have made it a hot spot for decades, and now the bar scene is dominated by Ian and Eric Hilton, brothers who have built one of D.C.'s most successful nightlife empires. They have been involved in many of the corridor's best spots, from the Jamaican-themed Patty Boom Boom to the eco-conscious Dickson Wine Bar, and that's just the beginning. (Pictured: Dickson Wine Bar)

Grilled cheese sandwiches have gone gourmet in D.C. Yes, the classic childhood favorite has undergone an adult makeover with gourmet cheese, dip and interesting add-ons, elevating the usually humble sandwich. You may think you know grilled cheese, but not until you've sampled these deluxe grilled cheeses at some of the district's favorite restaurants. (Pictured: Jaleo's grilled cheese)