DC's Capitol Hill is a Cultural and Historical Hot Spot the Whole Family Will Enjoy!

What images are conjured up by the phrase Capitol Hill? Politicians? Lobbyists? Power lunches? Sure, you may run into some well-known politico while dining on a duck confit quesadilla at the Hawk N Dove, a Washington dining institution on Pennsylvania Avenue. But there's another Capitol Hill. It's a community of long-time residents, families, and locally owned businesses. It's a neighborhood full of open green spaces, delicious food, and loads of family activities. 

Parks abound on Capitol Hill, each with its own flavor. Take to the extensive playground of Marion Park or find your way to Lovejoy Park with the littlest set. Enjoy a picnic, tennis, basketball, and bocce courts at Garfield Park. Stroll the Capitol Grounds under the gleaming dome of the United States Capitol. Or, take a jog with your stroller around Lincoln Park surrounding statues of Abraham Lincoln and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. Whatever the outdoor adventure you and your kids' desire, you will find it on Capitol Hill. Check out happyly's Capitol Hill Stroller Run, a loop that runs about two miles.

Perhaps the gem of The Hill, however, is the bustling marketplace, Eastern Market, a neighborhood anchor since 1873. The Italianate architecture of the original building is grand but the vendors are locals. Pop inside the pavilion and grab a spot at the communal table beside The Market Lunch for incredible crab cake sandwiches. Inside you'll also find fresh-made sausages, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and flowers. Your kids will love exploring the arts and crafts tables and feasting on the free samples and when they need some space to roam, there are several parks in the surrounding area! 

Outside, along the market booths, pick up your fresh local produce and take in the sights, smells, and colors of artisan soaps, watercolor paintings, and other handmade textiles. Eastern Market continues to be a draw for the entire city. Surrounding the market are numerous brick and mortar stores such as Groovy DC, for your gifts and party supplies, Summit and Soul, for your boutique athletic clothing, and East City Bookshop, the go-to place for book clubs. 

Capitol Hill also holds its own on the dining scene. Perhaps you will find yourself at the staples of Good Stuff Eatery, Matchbox, Ted's Bulletin (with homemade pop tarts), Le Pain Quotidien or Hank's Oyster Bar. But be sure to splurge now and then on the award-winning Rose's Luxury or Pineapple and Pearls. For a great salad, just drop by Sweetgreen. Regardless, it would be a true challenge to find an unrepresented cuisine on Capitol Hill.

As a designated historic district in Washington, Capitol Hill has the ability to whisk you back 100 years or more with its charming federal townhomes suspended in time. The Library of Congress boasts stunning architecture and proves a surprising happyly favorite with kids in tow. Capitol Hill also fulfills your every need for daily family life with convenience, walkability, and a thriving community of people working for a common goal, a beautiful place to call home.