Washington, D.C.
Resource Guide 2005
United States Department of Justice
Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management
Washington, D.C.
Please note that this Guide is intended for
informational use only. The preparation and dissemination of this
Guide, by the Department of Justice or the offices therein, does
not constitute an endorsement of any of the products, services,
or businesses listed.
1. Moving to the D.C. Metro Area?
A. Short-Term Housing
B. Permanent Housing
C. Neighborhoods
D. Utilities
2. Dining and Entertainment
A. Dining Guides
B. Dance Events
C. Live Entertainment
D. Performing Arts
E. Theater Guide
F. Movie Guide
G. Shopping.
H. Hobbies and Recreation (Indoor and Outdoor)
I. Sports
3. Summer in D.C.
4. Sightseeing
5. Trains, Planes and Automobiles
A. Transportation
B. Airports
6. Other D.C. Resources
1. Moving to the D.C. Metro Area?
Welcome to the Department of Justice. Whether you are joining us
for a few weeks, months, or have accepted permanent employment, you
will benefit from knowing where to look for answers to some of your
important questions.
A great source of information is the District of Columbia Home Page
at www.dc.gov.
It contains a broad range of materials about living, working, playing,
dining and shopping in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.1.
Housing
A. Short Term Housing
American University’s Housing Site-
www.american.edu/dccampus/
Georgetown University’s Housing Site-
http://och.georgetown.edu
Georgetown University Law Center’s Summer Associate Housing
Program-
www.law.georgetown.edu/reslife/summer/index.html
Telephone: (202) 662-9290
University of Maryland’s Off-Campus Housing Site-
www.umd.och101.com
Housing for people working in the public interest-
www.DCHousing.net
The Housing Forum-
thehousingforum.com
Summer Sublet Web Sites-
www.washingtondc.craigslist.org/sbw
Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH)
www.internsdc.com/
B. Permanent Housing
Apartments.com- a free nationwide apartment search.
www.apartments.com
Rent.net- an on-line rental guide.
www.rent.net
“Find a Home”
www.rrc.dc.gov
Helpful information found on this site:
HomesDatabase- “The most comprehensive and up-to-date real
estate website for the Mid-Atlantic region”.
www.homesdatabase.com
Washington City Paper- “The City Paper’s classifieds
include housing for sale or rent, but it specializes in housing
to share (roommate or group housing situations).”
www.washingotncitypaper.com/class/classifieds.html
The Washington Post- “The Real Estate section of The Washington
Post provides information online to buy, sell or rent an apartment
or home in D.C.”
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/realestate
The Washington Times- “Find an apartment or home for sale
or rent in the metropolitan area using The Washington Times real
estate section.”
www.washingtontimes.com/fhg
C. Neighborhoods
Neighborhood Information- Find out more about the place where
you live and how to get more involved by visiting www.dc.gov. Select
“Living and Working in D.C.” then “Live in D.C.”;
neighborhood information is listed under “Civic Information.”
Capitol Hill - “Our Nation’s Neighborhood” is
filled with things to see. The dome of the U.S. Capitol can be seen
from every corner of Capitol Hill as well as throughout Washington,
and summer concerts are often held here. Union Station is still
an operating train station as well as a shopping mall and a cinema.
Eastern Market, a farmer’s market/craft bazaar/flea market,
is open every day except Monday. Also in the neighborhood are Folger
Shakespeare Library, Navy Museum, Supreme Court, and Lincoln Park,
as well as other historic sites. Metro: Union Station on the red
line; Capital South and Eastern Market stations on the blue and
orange lines.
Georgetown - Georgetown existed long before Washington, D.C., and
is chock full of stores, restaurants, and bars. The college atmosphere
makes this area an ideal location for young adults to live, although
it tends to be more expensive than other areas. Some of the historic
homes are available for tours. Though not directly metro accessible,
Georgetown is located a short walk from the Foggy Bottom/GWU metro
on the blue & orange lines.
Dupont Circle - Dupont has D.C.’s greatest concentration
of cafes, bookstores, art galleries, restaurants, museums, stores,
theaters, and historic residences. There are about thirty art galleries,
most of which have an open house the first Friday of each month
from 6 to 8 p.m.. Regardless of what you are looking to do, Dupont
is filled with options. The vast array of activities draws a younger
crowd to this area. Metro: Dupont Circle on the red line.
Adams Morgan - This neighborhood is known for its art, clothing,
jewelry, antique stores and the D.C. Arts Center. Additionally,
Adams Morgan is home to a variety of restaurants many of which double
as bars or clubs. The active night life attracts many young adults
to reside in this neighborhood. Restaurant choices include Caribbean,
Ethiopian, Asian, French, and West African. Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams
Morgan on the red line.
Foggy Bottom - Home of The George Washington University, Foggy
Bottom has much to offer and is a popular location for many young
people. Located between the Foggy Bottom/GWU and Farragut West metro
stops on the blue and orange lines, this quaint neighborhood is
also home to the Kennedy Center and the Watergate, and is a short
walk from the Lincoln and Vietnam Veterans Memorials as well as
the White House.
Chinatown - Although quite small, Chinatown is the best place to
go for authentic Chinese food. Many restaurants hang roasted duck
in their front windows. Many area stores sell authentic Chinese
items including traditional medicines, books, etc. Location: G and
H streets between 6th and 8th street, NW; Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown
on the red and yellow lines.
Alexandria - Just south of National Airport is historic Alexandria,
VA, the birthplace of Robert E. Lee and the stomping ground of George
Washington. Like Georgetown, Alexandria was a thriving community
long before the founding of Washington, D.C., and served as a significant
port along the Potomac for the sea trade. The “Old Town”
section of Alexandria features historic 18th century buildings that
now house shops, restaurants, craftsmen and private residences.
The quaint yet lively atmosphere makes this a great location for
those looking for a mix between a historical town and an active
social life. The heart of Old Town is located at the intersection
of Washington Street (aka The George Washington (“GW”)
Parkway) and King Street (Rte. 7). Follow the GW Parkway south,
and you’ll end up in George Washington’s back yard at
Mount Vernon. Metro: King Street on the yellow line (a 10-block
walk from Old Town, but they are short blocks).
Arlington - The land that comprises the County of Arlington, VA,
was part of the original land grant for the city of Washington.
Ceded back to Virginia in the 19th century, Arlington takes its
name from the family estate of Robert E. Lee’s wife, which
sits in the center of what is now Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington
is home to an eclectic mix of professional singles and families,
as well as immigrants from Southeast Asia and Central and South
America. The restaurants, bars, and shopping venues constitute an
equally eclectic mix. Most of the social activity is centered along
the “Orange Line Corridor,” on Wilson and Clarendon
Boulevards between the Rosslyn and Ballston Metrorail stations.
In the southern section of Arlington you’ll find Pentagon
City, Crystal City, and Shirlington (a remodeled “village”
with an artsy movie theater and restaurants galore). Metro: The
orange line between Rosslyn and Ballston, including Clarendon and
Courthouse stations; and Pentagon City and Crystal City stations
on the blue/ yellow lines. Shirlington is located off of I-395 at
the Shirlington/Quaker Lane exit.
Bethesda - Located in Montgomery County, MD, just northwest of
Washington, Bethesda has long been a popular inner suburb with its
quiet, tree-lined streets and older homes. In recent years, however,
Bethesda has become a center for dining in the area, with restaurants
in all price ranges serving cuisine from all over the world. You’ll
also find L’Academie de Cuisine, a cooking school which offers
half-day classes, tasting dinners, and other food-oriented fun for
the “recreational cook” (www.lacademie.com).
Central Bethesda is located on Wisconsin Avenue at Old Georgetown
Road. Because of its ideal location and variety of activities, Bethesda
is heavily populated by young adults. Metro: Bethesda station on
the red line.
D. Utilities
Verizon- the local phone service. Verizon rates for Maryland and
D.C. are comparable, but rates are slightly higher in Virginia.
DC: 202-954-6263
MD: 301-954-6260
VA: 703-954-6263
PEPCO & VEPCO- the local electric power companies. PEPCO is
the local authority for D.C. and Maryland. VEPCO serves Virginia.
PEPCO: 202-833-7500
VEPCO: 888-667-3000
Washington Gas Company- The local gas company. They require at
least 72 hours notice (excluding weekends and holidays) and may
also require a security deposit.
For more information call (703) 750-1000.
WSSC- local water company.
Contact at: (301) 206-4001 or 1-800-634-8400
2.Dining and Entertainment
Washington has a seemingly endless list of exceptional restaurants
and exciting events. For detailed information, visit www.dc.gov;
“Living and Working in D.C.”; then select “Play
in D.C.”, and visit the Entertainment Section.
Highlights on Entertainment-
A. Dining Guides:
Active Diner
The Washington Post Dining Guide
WashingtonDC.com
Washingtonian
DC Registry Dining Guide
For information about other dining options, visit the following
websites:
www.washingtonian.com
B. Dance Events:
Helpful information from this site-
DC Dancenet- “Provides a listing of area dance events and
classes, including swing, ballroom, country-western, salsa, tango,
tap, clogging, and squares.”
C. Live Entertainment:
DC Pages- “Lists area entertainment, including comedy club,
bars and pubs, amusement parks, dancing, billiards and concert halls.”
http://dcpages.com/Entertainment/index.html
D. Performing Arts:
Performing Arts- “Lists venues for performances in music,
comedy, opera, and multi disciplinary arts.” (accessible from
Entertainment”)
Highlights include:
Birchmere- “Music hall presents musical acts as well as
dance events in the bandstand.”
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop- “Offers performances and exhibitions
in music, drama, movement and dance, literary and visual arts.”
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center- “Six halls at the
University of Maryland offer dance, music and drama.”
DAR Constitution Hall- “Hosts music concerts and other events.”
DC-Artbeat- “Presents experimental multimedia events.”
DC Arts Center- “Hosts performing arts events, including
spoken-word evenings, monthly art salons, and comedy improv.”
Folklore Society of Greater Washington-“Presents traditional
folk music, dance, and other folk events.”
Lisner Auditorium- “George Washington University offers
music, opera, and other cultural events.”
Merriweather Post Pavilion- “Concert venue in Columbia,
MD, hosts big-name rock, pop, and country acts.”
Strathmore Hall- “Multi-disciplinary programming includes
music concerts, film festivals, artists’ talks, and art exhibits.”
The Warner Theatre- “Offers music, drama, comedy, and dance
events in a surviving movie palace.”
The Washington Opera- “Presents operas, such as those by
Verdi, Mozart, Puccini, Donizetti, and Barber.”
Washington Performing Arts Society- “Promotes multi-disciplinary
performing arts and presents performances such as modern and traditional
dance, jazz, Latino artists and traditions, classical European music,
world music and contemporary performance work.”
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts- “Offers opera,
music, dance and theater.”
E. Theater Guide:
Theater Guide- “Provides a listing of theaters in DC and
an online guide to other area theaters.”
Highlights include-
Arena Stage- “Focuses on American classics, but also premieres
new American plays, and is the area’s largest not-for-profit
theater.
DC Arts Center- “Serves as a performance space for a number
of small theaters, including Landless Theatre Company, Trumpetvine
Theatre, and Venus Theatre.
Ford’s Theatre- “Produces musicals and plays that
embody family values, underscore multiculturalism, illuminate
the eclectic character of American life.”
GALA Hispanic Theater- “Seeks to preserve, promote, and
expose the North American population to the Hispanic culture in
the US, through the presentation of bilingual theater.”
Kennedy Center- Produces an unmatched variety of theater, musicals,
dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular and folk music,
and multimedia performances for all ages.”
National Theatre- “Features live stage attractions, movie
showings, vaudeville performances, and some free programs.”
Shakespeare Theatre- “Focuses on the tradition of classical
theater in America through productions that reflect the current
world.”
Studio Theatre- “Produces contemporary theatre, provides
opportunities for emerging artists, and offers rigorous dramatic
training.”
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company- “Uses theater to reach out
to the broader community. One of the first American arts organization
to offer “Pay-What-You-Can” performances.”
F. Movie Guides:
Highlights include-
Movietickets- www.movietickets.com/default.asp
Moviefone- http://movies.aol.com
Fandango- www.fandango.com
G. Shopping:
Highlights on site-
DC Pages- “Lists places to shop by category.” www.dcpages.com/shopping/index.html
DC Visitor Information Center- “Lists places to shop.”
www.dcvisit.com
H. Hobbies & Recreation (Indoor and Outdoor):
DC Registry- “Offers a listing of recreational activities
in Washington, from scuba diving, to climbing, to yoga.”
www.dcregistry.com/recreate.html
Department of Parks and Recreation- “Provides swimming pools,
tennis courts, basketball courts, and recreation centers.”
National Aboretum- “Conducts research, provides education,
and conserves and displays trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants
to enhance the environment, in 446 acres with 9.5 miles of winding
roadways.”
National Park Service- “Lists more than 25 parks, gardens,
and memorials in the DC area.”
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club- “Lists places to hike and
backpack within a six-hour drive of the city.”
Smithsonian National Zoological Park- “Home to more than
5,800 animals located in 137,000 acres of Rock Creek Park.”
I. Sports:
Local Sports Leagues- The D.C. area is teaming with organizations
and opportunities to play or watch just about any game you can name:
soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, biking, rowing and more.
Visit www.dc.gov/; select “Living and working in D.C.”,
then “Play in D.C.”, then “Sports” for information
on the following:
Sports Teams
Washington Redskins - NFL Team for D.C.; www.redskins.com
Washington Nationals - D.C.’s baseball team; www.washington.nationals.nlb.com
Washington D.C. Capitals - D.C.’s hockey team; www.washingtoncaps.com
D.C. United - Washington’s Major League Soccer team; www.dcunited.com
Washington Freedom - D.C.’s women’s soccer team (WUSA);
www.washingtonfreedom.com
Washington Wizards - D.C.’s NBA team; www.nba.com/wizards
Washington Mystics - D.C.’s WNBA team; www.wnba.com/mystics
3. Summer in D.C.
Fourth of July
Independence Day Parade - The parade takes place on the morning of
the Fourth of July on Constitution Ave and runs from 7th to 17th Street.
National Folklife Festival - Located on the Mall, the festival features
different ethnic groups and runs from late June until Independence
Day.
PBS concert at the Capitol - The concert takes place the evening
Independence Day and features the National Symphony. A spectacular
fireworks display follows.
Annual Festivals
The Maryland Renaissance Festival - this entertaining event generally
begins at the end of August and runs through the end of October. For
more information call 800-296-7304 or visit their website at
Latin-American Festival - this festival features Latin-American food
and culture as well as a parade. It takes place near the end of summer
in downtown D.C.
D.C. Caribbean Carnival - This festival, which takes place in late
June, showcases Carribean arts, fashion, music, & food and also
features a parade.
Other Fun Events
Bastille Race - Get ready for France’s Independence Day on
the 14th of July. Waitstaff across D.C. show up to demonstrate their
keen balancing abilities as they run to the Capitol and back carting
a tray of wine glasses and other breakables. Runners start at Les
Halles restaurant located at 12th & Pennsylvania Avenue. For more
information on this midday race consult the Washington Post in July.
Screen on the Green - Come see a free movie on the National Mall
(at 17th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW) selected Monday nights
during the summer. Movies start when the sun goes down. For more information
call 202-333-2554
National Barbecue Battle - Contestants from all over the U.S. come
to battle it out over BBQ. The rest of us get to eat it. Pennsylvania
Avenue between 9th and 14th Streets in late June.
4. Sightseeing
Check out the following places to see why our nation’s capital
is better than ever.
The White House - The White House is open to the public for free
tours Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets are distributed at the Visitor
Center (15th and E Streets) beginning at 7:30a.m. for tours the same
day only. Changes in tour schedules are occasionally made because
of official events and notice may not be given until that morning.
Call 202-456-7041
United States Capitol Building - The Capitol is among the most popular
tourists attractions in D.C.. The building is located at the east
end of the Mall and is open to the public everyday except Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and New Year’s Day. March through August the hours
of operation are 9:30a.m. to 6:00p.m., and September through February
the hours change to 9:00a.m. to 4:30p.m.. Thirty minute guided tours
are available. 202-225-6827
Supreme Court - The Supreme Court offers a variety of educational
programs such as exhibits, which are changed periodically, and a theater,
where a film on the Supreme Court is shown. Lectures in the Courtroom
are given every hour on the half-hour on days the Court is not sitting.
The building is open from 9:00a.m. to 4:30p.m. Monday through Friday
and is closed Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. Located at
One First Street, NE, across from the Capitol Building, the closest
Metro stops are Capitol South (Blue and Orange) and Union Station
(Red).
Arlington National Cemetery - The National Cemetery is a great way
to spend a few hours. Visit the Kennedy grave site with its infamous
eternal flame, walk through General Robert E. Lee’s House, witness
the changing of the guards, or just walk around the grounds. Metro:
Arlington Cemetery on the blue line.
Smithsonian Museums - There are 14 museums and the National Zoo in
Washington D.C., which are open every day and free to the public.
For information on each museum, visit the general information website
at www.si.edu/museums/ or call 202-357-2700.
Holocaust Memorial Museum - Adjacent to the National Mall, the Holocaust
Memorial Museum tells the story of the Holocaust through an extraordinary
collection of artifacts, films, videos, photos, and oral histories.
It is located near the National Mall, just south of Independence Ave,
SW, between 14th Street and Raoul Wallenberg Place. Hours are 10a.m.-5:30p.m.
daily (closed for Yom Kippur and Christmas), and it’s a good
idea to arrive in the morning to get tickets before they’re
gone.
Ford’s Theater/Peterson House - If you have a particular interest
in the Lincoln assassination, the basement of Ford's Theater should
be on your list of sites to see. Afterwards, head across the street
to the Peterson House, the place where Lincoln actually died. It is
located at 511 10th St., NW, and the closest metro stop is Metro Center
(red, orange, blue lines). For more information call 202-426-6924.
National Archives Building - Our country’s important historical
documents such as The Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights,
The Constitution, and The Emancipation Proclamation can be found here.
It is located at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue and is open daily from 10a.m.-5:30p.m.
in the winter and 10a.m.-9p.m. in the spring and summer (April 1-Labor
Day). Research hours are Monday & Wednesday 8:45a.m. - 5:00p.m.;
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8:45a.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 8:45a.m.
- 4:45p.m.; Closed Sundays and Federal Holidays. Metro: Archives/Navy
Memorial yellow and green lines. 1-800-234-8861; www.archives.gov/index.html
National Museum of Health and Medicine - See the bullet that killed
Abraham Lincoln, what a kidney stone looks like, and an enormous hairball
from an 11-year-old girl’s stomach. This museum is rarely seen
by tourists, but it’s full of interesting (and somewhat disgusting)
exhibits. Admission is free. Open 10a.m.-5:30p.m. everyday except
December 25th. The museum is located at 6900 Georgia Avenue and Elder
St., NW, Building 54 and is a short cab or bus ride from the Silver
Spring or Takoma Park stops on Metrorail's Red Line. For more information
call 202-782-2200.
5. Trains, Planes, and Automobiles
A. Transportation
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Bus and Subway)
Home Page
www.wmata.com
Maryland Mass Transit Authority Home Page
www.mtamaryland.com
Virginia Railway Express Home Page
www.vre.org
Airport Express Limo
703-241-9247
Alexandria Yellow Cab Company
703-549-2500
Arlington Red Top Cabs
703-522-3333
Arlington/Falls Church Blue Top Cabs
703-243-8294
Diamond Taxi Cab Company
202-387-6200
Dulles Taxi Service
703- 481-8181
Washington Flyer Taxi
703-661-8230
NOTE: D.C. taxis operate on a “zone” or rate system
rather than a meter system. Since D.C. has the most taxis, per capita,
of any U.S. city, finding one is usually not difficult, particularly
on well-traveled streets between 6a.m. and Midnight. Taxis in Virginia
operate on a meter system, and in some jurisdictions, local laws
do not permit taxis to pick up patrons who attempt to “flag”
them on the street. Taxi stands can be found at hotels and most
metro stations. Otherwise, call a local cab company for service.
B. Airports
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)- the best choice
for easy access to downtown; it has its own metro stop on the blue
and yellow lines (National Airport), and metro fares to downtown
are under $2. The commute from DCA to Union Station takes approximately
40 minutes. Washington Flyer buses (approximately $8 one-way) and
SuperShuttle vans (approximately $10 one-way) also serve DCA. (Approximately
10 miles from Metro Center).
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)- the airport offers
a free shuttle bus to its train station (approximately 10 minute
ride). On weekdays the Maryland Mass Transit Authority runs its
MARC trains from BWI to Washington’s Union Station for $5.00
one-way or $8.75 round-trip. The commute takes anywhere from 25
to 60 minutes (see train schedules). On weekdays and weekends the
Amtrak trains run from BWI into the city for $24.00. SuperShuttle
vans (approximately $30 one-way) also serve BWI. (Approximately
30 miles from Metro Center).
Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)- located in Loudon
& Fairfax counties in Virginia, Dulles is accessible through
Metrorail combined with Washington Flyer service from West Falls
Church metro to the airport. The cost is approximately $10 one-way,
metro and Flyer service combined to/from downtown. See www.linkinfo.org/flyer.html for schedule information. The commute takes approximately an hour
and forty-five minutes from Union Station. SuperShuttle vans (approximately
$22 one-way) serve IAD from downtown (approximately 35 minutes).
A Washington Metro bus (Route 5A) also serves IAD – you can
catch this bus at the Ground Transportation level of the airport.
The bus leaves from port #4 every hour at 40 minutes after the hour.
The cost is $1.10 and the bus stops at Herndon, Rosslyn Metro Station,
Farragut West Metro Station and L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station.
(Approximately 25 miles from Metro Center).
Additional transportation contact information:
Airport sites
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority: www.metwashairports.com
Transportation sites
Maryland Mass Transit Authority (for MARC train schedules): www.marylandmta.com
Virginia Railroad Express:www.vre.org
Amtrak: www.amtrak.com
Washington Metrorail: www.wmata.com
Washington Flyer: www.washfly.com
SuperShuttle: www.supershuttle.com
or 1-800-BLUE VAN
6. Other D.C. Resources
The Washington Post Home Page - good site for everything from local
news, to apartment searches, to the city’s best restaurants;
www.washingtonpost.com
The Washington Times Home Page- another good site for local news,
classified ads, and information about the metro area; www.washtimes.com
The Washington D.C. Pages Home Page- one of the city’s best
resources for information on events, concerts, clubs, and other activities
in the D.C. area; www.dcpages.com
DOJ Resources
Justice Federal Credit Union Home Page- offering very competitive
interest rates and low-fee accounts for Department of Justice employees;
www.jfcu.org
Justice Gymnasium- offering limited health club services at a low
monthly fee for interns; phone: 202-514-3930
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