An Insider's Guide to DC

Think you know Washington? Think again. Washington, DC may be worth visiting again. A world-class city housing people from all over the world, the District has a unique flavor like no other. Get off the usual "beaten path" of the National Mall area to discover seven of the Washington area's most hidden gems-hidden to tourists, that is. Let's go where the locals go.

Take in the spectacular interior views of the 316-foot Great Hall in the National Building Museum ( www.nbm.org ) located right across the street from the Judiciary Square Metro Station on the red line. Formerly the headquarters of the U.S . Pension Bureau, this little-known museum features hands-on activities for the kids, an acclaimed souvenir shop, and exhibits for the design aficionados of the family.

Whether you're checking out an independent film over at the AFI Silver Theater ( www.afi.com/silver ), sampling baklava at Lebanese Taverna ( www.lebanesetaverna.com ), or shooting some pool at the local billiards facility, the hip, downtown Silver Spring ( www.silversprung.com ) area has a little something for everyone. Did I mention it's in Maryland? Sitting right on the border of Northwest Washington and Montgomery County, Maryland, this bustling downtown vicinity is easily accessible via Metro's red line.

There's no need to spend wads of cash while on vacation in Washington. The Kennedy Center's ( www.kennedy-center.org ) Millennium Stage hosts a free show at 6:00 p.m. every single day of the year. Rain or shine. From traditional Japanese dancers to down-home blues guitarists, the Kennedy Center features an eclectic mix of performers sure to hold the kids' attention (and yours) for about an hour. While you're in the area, check out the classy digs over at the 600 Restaurant at the Watergate ( www.600restaurant.com ) located on the grounds of the now-infamous Watergate Hotel (it's a favorite among State Department power players). After dinner, cross New Hampshire Avenue to take in the amazing view of the Potomac river as the sun goes down.

Grab a bite at the Zagat-rated Florida Avenue Grill located near the historic U Street Corridor on the corner of Florida Avenue and 11th Street, NW. Featured in John Grisham's "The Street Lawyer," the grill will give you a taste of some of the most authentic and inexpensive soul food in the Washington area. And hey, you may even spot a celebrity!

Catch some scenic views on the Potomac by taking a water taxi ride from the Old Town Alexandria ( www.visitalexandriava.com ) Marina in Virginia to the North Pier at the new National Harbor ( www.nationalharor.com ) located in Fort Washington, MD. With a round trip ticket costing about 12 bucks and running seven days a week, this water ride will give you an up-close and personal look of all the waterfront development popping up around the river.

If you're on your way to the popular Spy Museum located about a block from the Verizon Center, you could easily miss the National Portrait Gallery ( www.npg.si.edu ) which features portraitures of people both famous and unknown. After being closed for several years for renovations, the National Portrait Gallery has reemerged with portraits hanging on the walls ranging from Presidents to pop stars, and even poets. Schedule enough time to see all the exhibits, and make sure not to miss the Portrait Competition where you'll take a glimpse into pure humanity portrayed on canvas.

Score some bargains at Capitol Hill's most historic outdoor shopping establishment. Since 1873, Eastern Market ( www.easternmarket.net ) has been the place to purchase artwork, jewelry, antiques, and all sorts of wares. Open every day excluding Mondays, Eastern Market is located at 7th and C St., SE, across from the Eastern Market Metro Station on the blue and orange lines.