Chevy Chase DC - Washington, DC Area Guide

Until Senator Francis G. Newlands acquired much of the land in Chevy Chase for development, it was mostly unincorporated farmland, and the prevailing idea was to turn the rural area into a "streetcar suburb" of D.C.

Chevy Chase lies only miles from the world-class Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., but the area also houses some excellent museums of its own. Spirited-minded folks should visit the Meditation Museum, or bring the kids to the Be With Me Playseum, which offers lots of hands-on educational exhibits.

Many artists call Chevy Chase home. Check out nearby Bethesda's annual Fine Arts Festival, which showcases art of all mediums from the area.

The diversity of restaurants close to Chevy Chase makes it hard to want to stay home and cook. You can find Mexican, Italian, Japanes,e and more within just a few miles.

La Ferme Restaurant serves upscale French cuisine in a cozy country-home atmosphere with high ceilings and balcony seating. Live piano music serenades you as you enjoy your meal. Try the creamy calf liver, fillet mignon or French onion soup. Definitely save room for dessert because the chocolate soufflé alone makes it worth the trip.

For a more casual meal, head to Comet Ping-Pong , which serves up more than just pizza as its name suggests. Try the brick-oven pizza varieties, such as the Jimmy with Comet sauce or the Yalie with clams and lemon. Many people frequent Comet's solely for the wings, which slip right off the bone and are served hot or mild. The family friendly establishment also serves up some brews for the adults, which might help your ping-pong game. If you aren't too thirsty, get a half-pint of any beer for only $3.

Blue 44 Restaurant and Bar's menu features new American, French and Italian fare. Seafood- lovers should taste the crab cakes and the oysters. The pork duo and perfectly seasoned duck egg rolls also surprise the palate. The atmosphere, described as both casual and intimate, works well for a first date. Ask your server about the specials because it often runs heavily discounted meals, such as fried chicken with biscuits, or $1 oyster appetizers.

Plenty of nightlife options surround the Chevy Chase area. For a casual scene, try Chevy Chase Lounge, which connects to its Greek restaurant. Enjoy the Hellenic wines and spiked coffees, but also take advantage of the lounge's decent beer menu. Snack on grape leaves while you sit on the outdoor patio and enjoy the view.

Beer-lovers should check out Simple Bar and Grill, which boasts over 40 bottled brews. Although it runs as a relaxed, family-friendly restaurant and bar during the week, it turns into a hipster hot spot and music venue that hosts local musicians on the weekends. Nurse your hangover at its brunch, and try one of its specials, such as the steak and eggs combo, which also come with bottomless mimosas.

Most residents own cars because they make driving downtown and running errands easier and faster. Additionally, the numerous highways in the area make driving a convenient option. However, parking can be troublesome. If you do not have a driveway, you may need a parking permit to park on the street in certain areas of Chevy Chase.

However, vehicles are not an absolute necessity for residents. The Metro's red line services areas of Chevy Chase, and you can get to downtown D.C. within 50 minutes or so on the J2, J3 or J4. Additionally, most areas of Chevy Chase provide safe walking pavements and biking trails, so you can run local errands by foot or bike. Cab services and Uber also provide locals with transportation around the neighborhood.

Two and a half times larger than New York's Central Park, Rock Creek Park provides recreational opportunities for everybody. Start at the nature center, which hosts nature and educational programs in addition to acting as the information center for the park. The center also operates a planetarium. The park lists miles of walking and running trails, including a quarter-mile wheelchair accessible path called the Edge of the Woods. All the education programs and admission to the park are free, but visitors pay fees for venue rentals. Dogs are welcome to enjoy the park, but they must stay on a leash.

Some might find Fort Reno park a bit more manageable. Its baseball fields and green grassy areas allow locals to take a short reprieve from their busy days. The park also hosts musicians during the warmer months, and it enjoys a wide reputation for its epic 4th of July celebration.

Although the cost-of-living runs lower in the neighborhood than in downtown D.C., the Chevy Chase area has a reputation as a more affluent suburb, and the cost of living reflects this. For example, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,570 per month, and a domestic pint at the pub sets you back about $5. Gas prices average about 12 percent higher than in the nation as a whole, but transportation to the center of D.C. costs less than $5 depending on your departure station.

Locals shop for groceries at Chevy Chase Supermarket in the center of the neighborhood. But plenty of grocery stores such as Giant and Safeway are also near by. Fans of farmers markets can head to Norman's Farm Market. Buy your fresh fruits and veggies a la carte, or join the Community Supported Agriculture program to pick up a new share of produce every week.

Plentiful upscale shopping exists in the neighborhood. Additionally, visit bordering Friendship Heights for high-end retailers such as Bloomingdale's and Hermès, but don't neglect the locally owned shops. Bibliophiles enjoy spending time at the famous Politics and Prose. The book shop's spacious floor plan and coffee shop delight locals and tourists alike. Check out one of the store's many author events.