Politics and Prose
Washington, D.C.

Located on Connecticut Avenue, this bookstore is "a D.C. institution." The shelves are stacked with "a pleasing collection of books on a wide variety of topics." Because of its location, it attracts "influential authors to participate in nightly readings and signings." On a given month, for example, you might hear anyone from Rep. Chuck Schumer to Barbara Ehrenreich. Best of all, the employees "are really good about giving helpful recommendations." There is a reason why the P&P Program has paid members in 34 states outside the area. Read more.

The Tune Inn
Washington, D.C

While lawmakers debate the country's foremost issues in the U.S. Capitol Building, just four blocks away the D.C. natives are getting down to the serious business of drinking and having fun. Despite its location, this bar "looks like a dive that you would find out in the sticks," perhaps due to the "animal heads" (and even some "deer butts") hanging on the walls and the "country music on the jukebox." In a city where classy bars ooze power deals, the prices on the menu here are a refreshing change of pace, with "great burgers, an awesome breakfast, and, of course, beer."

Eastern Market
Washingon, D.C.

Included as part of L'Enfant's original vision for the city, this is "the only original D.C. market still in operation." In fact, "the building itself is historic." On Saturdays "the crowd represents the diversity that is Capitol Hill: white, African-American, Asian, Latino, straight, gay, old, young, and innumerable babies in strollers." From spring to fall, "the farmers from the area sell fresh produce from outside stands." Inside you can get organic cheeses, bakery products, meat, and seafood. Don't miss "one of the best brunches (crab cakes or blueberry pancakes) in the city for a song." Many wrote in to say that Eastern Market is "a Washington institution." Read more.

Tryst Coffeehouse
Washington, D.C.

Adams Morgan never had a "total community gathering point" before Tryst moved into the neighborhood. With its "gorgeous old pressed copper ceiling," you would never know that it's located in an old auto parts store, but today you'll find "mismatched" furniture and "overstuffed couches." Help yourself to one of the newspapers scattered on the "big communal table," which is adorned with a "massive vase of fresh flowers" each day. A special touch is that they "serve animal crackers with their coffee drinks," and there's also a bar with "great cocktails and a regular lineup of live jazz and rotating art by local artisans." Read more.

HR-57 Center for the Preservation of Jazz Blues
Washington, D.C.

HR-57 is a non-profit music cultural/community center with a mission of preserving American music. The "music is great" and going to the center "supports a great cause." The center is named after a House Resolution first passed by Congress in 1987 (H.Con.Res 57) that designated jazz as "a rare and valuable national American treasure." It creates "a real community atmosphere that attracts a lot of talent." This isn't your typical nightclub, it's BYOB. Read more.