U Street

Perhaps not coincidentally, it’s also the birthplace of celebrated DC hero, jazz musician Duke Ellington. Today, this section of the city is as vibrant as ever, anchored by the lively 14th Street corridor to the west and the refurbished Howard Theatre bordering the Shaw neighborhood to the east, where a towering sculpture in reverence to Ellington stands.

Food is eclectic and exciting. One of the best ways to experience the food in the neighborhood is with Blue Fern Travel on a U Street Food Tour. From soul food to Italian to the world-famous Ben’s Chili Bowl and its signature half-smoke sausage, the area's a cornucopia of eats to be excited about. And uniquely, on the eastern end, you’ll find a handful of homey eateries in an area known as “Little Ethiopia” for its concentration of residents from that country. If you’ve never eaten with your hands before, now’s your chance. Plus, there’s a Saturday farmers’ market at U and 14th streets, and plenty of coffee shops to get your caffeine fix.