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A touch of the exotic – such as a hookah with apple-juice-soaked tobacco – but mainly a comfortable bar with live jazz, and exceptional snacks. Chi-cha is a kind of Latin American beverage.

Animations, environmental and nature films, and child’s-eye views of life are compiled into lively shows the right length for children’s attention spans (see National Gallery of Art).

Chinese culture abounds here, with an array of restaurants and shops. A Chinese arch was funded by Beijing and constructed in 1986, with seven pagoda-style roofs ornamented with 300 dragons.

Assateague Island is famed for its wild ponies. The pony swim and auction, held on the last Wednesday and Thursday of July, is a major attraction. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is paradise for bird-watchers and nature buffs. The local seafood is first-rate, and the ice cream made here is justifiably famous.

Ten days of parades, fireworks, special menus at the restaurants, and unique events in Chinatown. Simply pass through the ornate arch at 7th and H streets, NW.

This elegant church, built in 1805, had many prominent parishioners, including presidents Madison and Monroe.

One of the many magnificent fabric creations available at these two Oriental museum stores. They also have unusual novelties such as haiku refrigerator magnets. In the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (see Art Galleries).

This extraordinarily inviting small theater is used by a number of local companies for productions of all types. With high ceilings and about 100 seats, it is renowned as a venue for interesting work.

Chef Michel Richard is famous for his innovative dishes. Described as French/Californian, the menu includes such items as scallops with fruit and tomato saffron emulsion.

Condé Nast Traveler magazine named this one of the 50 most exciting restaurants in the world. Both the cuisine and the decor are inventive.