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A visit to this solemn burial ground brings conflicting emotions – pride in the determination of defenders of freedom, pleasure in the presence of its great beauty, but dismay at the loss of so many lives marked by the arrays of headstones (see Arlington National Cemetery).

Locally, Bethesda is best known for its enormous quantity and range of restaurants, most of them clustered into a lively downtown area that still retains the atmosphere of a traditional town center. The high-end employment offered by Bethesda’s world-renowned biotechnology industry, however, has also generated a spirited music, performance, and arts scene catering to its cultured and wealthy residents. The city is especially strong on public art. Its streets and parks spotlight distinguished contemporary works in every style, by way of sculpture and stunning painted murals.

Without a doubt the finest current view of George Washington the man, and of the agrarian plantation life that was an important stream leading to the revolutionary break with Great Britain.

This new display and restoration center for some of the museum’s magnificent collection of the artifacts of flight (see National Air and Space Museum) opened in December 2003 near Dulles International Airport. Two giant hangars with accompanying support buildings provide over 760,000 sq ft (70,611 sq m) of much needed extra display space.

This is a wonderful place for strolling, summer and winter. The diversity of Washington is on parade, the sailboats, yachts, and houseboats are picturesque, and the seafood – both cooked and raw – at the Southwest Fish Wharf is a showcase of what’s best in eastern waters. The Fish Wharf is the current raucous embodiment of colorful markets that have flourished here continuously since about 1790. It is famed for its crabs, oysters, and clams, and also specializes in river fish not widely available elsewhere, such as perch and bass.

For much of the 20th century, U Street, NW was the main street of this bustling and prosperous African-American neighborhood. Opened as a movie theater in 1922, the Lincoln Theater has now been refurbished and presents performances of every kind. Next door is the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl, turning out great simple food for capacity crowds. The legendary jazz musician Duke Ellington played his first paid performance at True Reformer Hall at the junction of 12th and U Street, NW. The poignant sculpture and plaza of the African-American Civil War Memorial commemorates African-Americans who served in the Civil War.

This noble hand-crafted church is so faultless that the cathedral seems to have belonged on its elevated site forever.