Best of Washington 2007

We tested, tasted, and toured for this year's favorite things: the coziest spots, the most exciting ski adventures, the ultimate brownie, a kids' band that rocks, and lots more. Plus, a few of the year's clunkers.

Best of Washington: Eating In

We tasted, tested, and sipped for this year's favorite things: the ultimate brownie, the most delectable roast chicken, and much more. more

Best of Washington: Chef's Specials

Dive bar delicacies, a roll-up that rocks, and other favorite eats from local restaurants. more

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Live it Up!

VIP views of Washington; dreamy hotel getaways; designer handbags.

Almost Too-Hot-to-Handle Handbags Yves St. Laurent and Chanel handbags are the "it" accesories of the season.
Behind the Velvet Ropes Who to call for the A-list celebrity treatment.
Tempting Hotel Treats Luxurious accomodations and packages designed to cater to your every whim.
Beds that Beckon Hand-embroidered, $1,530 linens—bedtime bliss does not come cheap.

Get Wired

Great coffee shops and hangouts with free wi-fi; web sites for shopping, travel planning, and more; high-tech baby surveillance.

Holy BlackBerry! Thanks to his PDA, pastor T.L. Rogers can get out from behind the pulpit when he preaches.
Round-the-Clock Help Online Web sites for shopping, news, weather, and gossip to help you make it through the day.
Sound Advice for New Parents A baby monitor that can also regulate your baby's room temperature.
Wi-fi Hot Spots Looking to get out of the office and go mobile? Here are our favorite spots with free wireless Internet access.

Going Green

Ecofriendly buildings, home furnishing, purses, and other products.

Power in a Bag Solar-paneled bag that keeps you connected wherever you go.
Sitting Pretty A handcrafted chair made from sustainable bamboo and nontoxic stain and glue.
Sustainable and Sensational Great home appliances and other products that do not harm the environment.
Green Ribbons A look at some of the area's greenest buildings.

Homefront

Hot neighborhoods; hunting online for a house or apartment; how a trip to the country can lead to great furniture deals.

Furniture Worth a Trip This discount furniture retailer carries more than 200 manufacturers, including Ralph Lauren, Hickory Chair, and Maitland-Smith.
Neighborhoods on the Rise Trying to decide where to buy real estate? These areas are experiencing a development boom.
Curb and Web Appeal Web sites for those interested in real-estate listings (and snooping).

Playtime

Is the Hula Hoop the next Stairmaster?; best days to hit the ski slopes; bound for Olympic glory?

Homegrown Olympic Hopefuls Local young athletes to keep a close eye on.
Ski Days to Remember Don't forget to mark down your calendar for some of ski season’s best day trips.
Hoop Dreams Hula Hoops are making the jump from backyards and playgrounds to gyms as part of a latest fitness trend.

Night Lights

Music venues on the rise; hot clubs, bars, and drinks for every night of the week; Washington's most creative cocktails.

Best Ways to Have Fun All Week From salsa dancing to arm-wrestling to 25-cent beers—there are plenty of ways to enjoy your week.
Cocktail Queen PS7’s Tiffany Short makes drinks with edge—like the Bolshevik, made with beet-infused vodka.
Music Off the Beaten Track Up-and-coming music venues for local and national bands.
Party Girl's Best Friend Must-have items for women who know how to have a good time.

Eating In

We tasted, tested, and sipped for this year's favorite things: the ultimate brownie, the most delectable roast chicken, and much more more

Chef's Specials

Dive bar delicacies, a roll-up that rocks, and other favorite eats from local restaurants. more

Steals and Deals

Where to pay less for luxury; A-list hotel bargains; why a beachfront home may be a smart buy; discounts on the Web. more

Coziest Corners

The best spots in the city to curl up by the fire. more

Kids Stuff

Yoga for tots and teens; new children’s books; birthday parties that’ll wow the neighborhood; How new drivers can avoid highway spills. more

So Long, Virginia?

Northern Virginia sends millions to Richmond—and gets pennies back. It’s one of the world’s most dynamic regions, while other parts of the state are still fighting the Civil War. Why not secede and become the 51st state? more

Where Can You Still Get a Valentine’s Day Table?

There's still reservations available at top restaurants—but act fast! more

Make Mine a Single: Valentine’s Parties Where You Don’t Need a Date

Who needs a stinkin’ significant other anyway? Here’s a list of parties where all the single ladies (and gentlemen) can party this Valentine’s Day weekend—and where you might even find your next soulmate. more