Oxon Hill, MD

Oxon Hill was named after the manor of Thomas Addison who lived here during the 18th century. It's believed this area reminded Addison of Oxford in England. This manor exists even today though it was renovated in 1929, and it finds a place in the National Register of Historic Places. The construction of National Harbor on the Potomac drew people to this neighborhood.

The National Children's Museum on St.George Blvd is a fun place to hang out with your kids as they get to play with abundant toys and learn through different activities and role play. Ebeyana Studio Theater on Oxon Hill Road hosts performing arts and cultural events, so make sure you check the schedule frequently. Festivals abound in Oxon Hill and National Harbor, with the popular ones being Das Beer Oktoberfest, Beer Bourbon and BBQ Festival and Food & Wine Festival.

Oxon Hill proffers culturally diverse cuisine, with restaurants ranging from Chinese to Mexican and everything in between. Many popular restaurants reside on Oxon Hill Road though you can find good restaurants on other parts of the city as well. Ihop and Outback Steakhouse are right next door to each other to take care of your breakfast lunch and dinner eats.

Beijing Hunan Restaurant on Oxon Hill Road serves great Chinese food at reasonable prices. Try the pork fried rice and BBQ spare ribs, spicy shrimp and broccoli and won ton soup when you dine here as they have a unique taste. This restaurant claims to have no MSG, a surprise for Chinese cuisine, and it even takes orders to put in just salt and pepper on dishes. Fresh food and friendly service make this place a popular hangout for the locals.

La Hacienda, a Mexican restaurant also located on Oxon Hill Road, serves big portions that flood your taste buds with flavor and fill your stomach. Shrimp and lengua tacos, mixed burritos, horchata, carne asada with fried plantains, cheese pupusas and slaw, steak enchiladas and chicken fajitas are some of the signature dishes. A vibrant environment, Mexican music and excellent food make this restaurant an interesting place to dine with your family and friends.

For an all-American dining experience, stop by Mid-Atlantic Seafood on Oxon Hill Road. This restaurant plays Christian music in the background and serves authentic American dishes such as crab cake, sea trout, chicken and ribs, salmon and cabbage as well as the American staple – mac and cheese. Friendly owners and waiters coupled with a warm ambiance and tasty food make this place another favorite among the local population.

The National Harbor provides the most exciting and fun nightlife for area. This city within a city has several bars including Cadillac Ranch, Public House and Bobby Mckey’s. The bars are open till around 12am – 3 am on weeknights and the crowd usually keeps up till closing hours. With live DJs, happy hour specials,outdoor seating, and good food, these bars are sure to guarantee entertaining nights.

The Tasting Room located on Waterfront Street gives beautiful views of the harbor, and also serves fine drinks to suit most anyone's taste. Its wide selection of wines makes it a great place to hangout with friends or to just catch up with your partner on a quiet date night. Good bartenders and unique food make it a night to remember.

Proximity to Washington, D.C. ensures this neighborhood has good public transport options. To get to Capitol Hill, take bus routes A6, A7 or A4 to Anacostia Metro Station, and take the metro line to D.C. Service is available every 20 minutes and costs $237 for a 28-day unlimited pass. Many people prefer to take their cars as public parking is abundant and I-95 runs right through this neighborhood. I-495 and I-695 are close, and this makes it convenient for the local population to commute quickly. The Woodrow Wilson bridge is the best place for walking or biking. With breathtaking view of the Potomac River, Washington D.C., and Virginia, the bridge is a true are gem. The trails and bridge are usually filled with experienced runners/bikers, seniors, dogs and every one in between.

To spend a fun day with your kids, head to Oxon Hill Farm on Oxon Hill Road. It's a good place to walk, pet animals and take a fun hayride. This farm also features a variety of events throughout the year that allow both adults and children to get a taste of farm life. Nearby Tucker Road Community Center in Fort Washington has several amenities including two lighted tennis courts, gymnasium, picnic area, and restrooms. The park also hosts several workshops, festivals, and after- school programs and community events. Also Allentown Splash, Tennis and Fitness Park is the best place to stop by when you want to get wet. The area has a year round pool and seasonal outdoor pool. The park also offers swimming lessons for all ages and several water fitness classes.

Beautiful views of National Harbor and Potomac River coupled with proximity to D.C. make Oxon Hill fairly expensive as it sits about 20.30 percent higher than the average national cost of living. A one-bedroom apartment rents for an average $1,137, while a pint of beer costs $4.05 at the local pub. Gas prices in the area typically run 7.72 percent higher than the national average.

Oxon Hill houses the popular Tanger Outlets on Oxon Hill Road, and this attracts people from neighboring communities as well. A wide selection of clothes, shoes and other accessories at cheap prices make this area popular with budget-minded fashionistas. The outlets feature Michael Kors, Coach, American Eagle, H&M, Steve Madden, Nike, and several other stores to meet all your shopping needs.

For a smaller specialized boutique, visit Charming Charlie on Waterfront Street. This charming establishment features all kinds of jewelry and accessories to match any dress — all arranged by color for easy selection. Affordable clothing and accessories and friendly service make this store a favorite among locals. The Rivertowne Commons Shopping Center is a one stop shop with a wide mix of stores to meet every errand. The shopping center has a CVS Pharmacy, Staples, Home Depot, Sports Zone, Kmart, dry cleaners, and Ross. With plenty of parking and affordable prices, residents frequent this shopping center for all their daily needs.

Another little-known store that carries pretty clothes is South Moon Under on American Way. Affordable prices, a wide selection of clothing, including retro-style pieces, and helpful service attract people to this small store. For grocery needs, residents stock up at chains such as Shoppers, Safeway, Aldi and Giant. For a more diverse appetite, head over to Jumbo International Food Supermarket and Filipino Global Market.