Long Branch Creek - Arlington, VA

One of the earliest European settlers in the area was John Ball, who received a land grant in 1742 and built a small log cabin, which remains to this day. Arlington was considered part of the District of Columbia until 1846, when it was given back to Virginia. The civil war was especially hard on the area, causing destruction and leaving bad elements in the wake of the battles. The situation improved with the extension of trolley lines and the railroad, establishing Arlington as a key suburb of Washington. The Pentagon was built in Arlington at the beginning of WWII and remains the largest "office building" in the world.

The Arlington Historical Society can be found near the Long Branch Creek neighborhood, west of Virginia Highlands Park. The Arlington Festival of the Arts showcases more than 100 local artists during April.

Restaurants can be found in clusters near the neighborhood boundaries, including a commercial area south of Jennie Dean Park, along Four Mile Run Park and in the Crystal City area, especially along 23rd Street South. Options range from Thai and Greek cuisines to Seafood and Mexican spots.

For savory Thai dishes in a sleek modern environment, try Urban Thai Restaurant on 23rd Street South. The menu features traditional Thai dishes adapted to fit the dietary desires of many modern Americans. The result is a fresh and lively cuisine free of guilt. Seafood fans love the Panang grilled shrimp, jumbo shrimp served with spinach, kaffir lime leaves, Panang sauce and fried herbs. Vegetarians should try the stir-fried wild mushroom with lightly fried tofu and bean sprout stir-fried with garlic sauce.

Tazza Kitchen features wood-fired and farm-grown dishes in a sophisticated yet relaxed environment. Ingredients are sourced locally, and menus change seasonally to reflect the ebb and flow of ingredient access. Try the updated and fresh-tasting fish tacos on corn tortillas with tomatillo confit, pickled red onion, radish, jicama, calabrese mayo and crunchy quinoa. Tazza has amazing in-house cocktail recipes, such as the Manchester, with Belle Isle moonshine, Cointreau, Aperol, lime and expressed grapefruit. Multiple bars and wine bars can be found nearby, including Cheesetique, a specialty cheese and wine bar. Begin your visit with a mini wine tasting as you walk inside, then treat yourself to the popular grilled cheese sandwich with a side of creamy tomato bisque. The unique menu teaches you how to pair the perfect wine with each type of cheese you order, and the relaxed ambiance lets you relax for a sophisticated night out with friends or loved ones. Capitol City Brewing Company on Campbell Avenue has a quintessential brewpub environment with a significant craft beer selection. Enjoy the free pretzels with horseradish dipping sauce, and be sure to come by during happy hour for excellent drink specials.

Common ways to get around the neighborhood include driving, walking, biking and public transportation. Hailing a cab can be difficult here, but plenty of local outfits provide pick-ups in the area via telephone. Uber covers the area as well for ride shares. Easy access to the Jefferson Davis Highway and Interstate 395 allow for commuting to all areas of the DC metro. Walkability scores high in the neighborhood, with the majority of errands possible to accomplish on foot. Biking in and around the neighborhood is easy and safe thanks to bike lanes and flat terrain.

Parks feature prominently in and around the Long Branch Creek neighborhood, ranging from small neighborhood parks to larger natural areas. Parks can be enjoyed free of cost and allow dogs on leashes.

Troy Park features 2 acres of green space with a natural stream, horseshoe pits, a playground area, two half basketball courts and a path that's great for walking or running. Frasier Park, also within the neighborhood boundaries, is a great park for strolling on a sunny day, with 2 acres of green space and barbecue grills. Dogs can run off-leash near the stream area. Nearby Fort Scott Park features 12 acres of natural environment with walking paths, a playground, baseball fields, a lit tennis court wall and a lit basketball court. The lovely Four Mile Run Park has amazing hiking and running opportunities along Four Mile Run Creek.

The cost of living in Long Branch Creek remains somewhat lower than the city average. Buses to downtown Arlington as well as to the District of Columbia cost $1.75. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence costs $1,438. The typical price of a beer at a local pub ranges from $3 to $6, depending on location and quality. Gas prices run 3 percent below the national average.

Major shopping areas include the Village At Shirlington Mall, the Crystal City Shops underground mall and the Pentagon Row outdoor shopping center. Other shops can be found sprinkled throughout the neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Local favorite Crystal Boutique sells modern women's clothing designs and fashions for both work and play in the Crystal City Shops mall. The shop provides complimentary hem and sleeve alterations on all its non-sale items to achieve a perfect fit for clients of all shapes and sizes. Make sure to check out the one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories like belts and handbags for all your fashion needs.

Gossip on 23rd is great for fashion forward designs, unique styles and elegant evening wear. Styles range from racy dresses and skirts to refined outfits and tops with everything else in between. Gossip on 23rd also features accessories such as belts, clutches, sunglasses, jewelry and more. Check out Southwestern-themed items like ponchos, vests and sweaters as well, bringing some SW color to the East Coast.

For convenient grocery access in the neighborhood, swing over to Giant, which has a wide selection of conventional grocery goods. Costco can be found near the Crystal City mall area.