Washington D.C.

A trip to ‘Chocolate City’ affords visitors an opportunity to visit numerous Smithsonian museums for free, including the relatively new National Museum of African-American History and Culture. The NMAAHC is located in a beautiful, Yoruba-inspired glass structure. Countless memorials and monuments also make for plenty of outdoor and free things to do. Given the small size of the city, it is possible to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. City Center offers upscale shopping, while Adams Morgan’s nightlife is varied and highlights the city’s strong international presence. H Street feels a bit hipster and is one example of some of the gentrification that has resulted in the city’s black population dipping under 50 percent nearly a decade ago. The Mecca of Howard University can be reached by train and continues to be an engine of DC’s black professional class. For those who like the water, head over to the Southwest waterfront for riverside shopping, eating and entertainment. Also be on the lookout for various festivals in the summer, like Folklife or the National Book Festival.

Stuff to know

• Population: 692,683 (Jul 2019 est)

• Attractions: Some interesting places to check out in D.C. are The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, National Mall, Frederick Douglas National Historic Site, The Lincoln Theatre, and The Phyllis Wheatley YWCA.

• Good eats: Like many large cities in America, Washington D.C. is home to many great restaurants and a variety of food from different cultures. Three restaurants that are a must try are Ben’s Chili Bowl (a Landmark restaurant), Dukem Ethopian, Negril the Jamaican Eatery, and Nu Vegan Cafe

• Language: English

• Sports: Basketball, football (soccer), & baseball.