Metropolitan Washington D.C. Lifestlye

The cultural and recreational opportunities offered in Metropolitan Washington are abundant, diverse, and ranked among the world’s finest. Newcomers will find something for every budget and taste — from free concerts by the National Symphony Orchestra during the summer and parades down Constitution Avenue to dinosaurs fossils and the Hope Diamond at just one of the Smithsonian Museums. Modern art at the Cocoran Gallery, the Chinese New Year celebration — the list of venues, celebrations, and activities is virtually endless.

The Washington, DC metropolitan region hosts some of the most spectacular and dazzling performing arts events in the nation, from Bach and ballet to international festivals. Within our nation’s capital city are elegant, world-class venues like The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts or the DAR Constitutional Hall. Throughout the suburbs, wonderful cultural centers and smaller intimate theatres ensure a kaleidoscope of exciting performances and events. Support for the arts is strong in this region, and residents enjoy a steady stream of traveling companies from across the globe.

Widely diverse recreational activities and spectator sports add to the quality of life. In addition to the many health and tennis clubs are a variety of facilities for swimming, boating, hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, camping and bicycling. Spectator sports include thoroughbred racing at Pimlico and Laurel Race Courses, harness racing at Rosecroft and Delmarva Downs Raceways, and yacht racing in Annapolis. The area also hosts professional golf and tennis tournaments and popular collegiate sports.

Hundreds of miles of shoreline, scenic lakes, rivers and the Atlantic Ocean beckon boaters, anglers, windsurfers and swimmers. The Chesapeake Bay shoreline provides exciting and challenging boating for all levels of expertise. Protected creeks and coves are delightful for cruising, while public and private boat launching facilities are available throughout the state. Freshwater fishing opportunities abound, and fishing lakes or reservoirs are located in nearly every county of the region. Nature lovers can choose from a variety of camping and hiking experiences year-round, from state parks with modern facilities, to more rustic areas offering an undisturbed setting. A wide variety of sports and recreational activities for children are offered in county recreational facilities, and through neighborhood community recreation councils.

Shoppers will delight in the variety and abundance of upscale boutiques and prestigious department stores. Many shopping malls serve as amusement and entertainment centers as well. The quaint shops and cafes tucked away in historic neighborhood shopping districts provide a more relaxed, intimate shopping experience. Throughout the region’s cities and towns, welcoming neighborhoods nestled into gently rolling hills or along tree-lined city streets offer home choices from well-appointed subdivisions to luxury highrises and modern condominiums. The result is an atmosphere of gracious living and unparalleled urban amenities that make the Washington, D.C. area the ideal place to call home.

 

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