Mount Pleasant - Washington, DC

Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore, was a "hands-off" Governor for the Province of Maryland. In fact, the young ruler only visited his province briefly in 1732. He preferred to stay in England, where he was a prominent politician, serving as Lord of the Admiralty. Calvert granted James Holmead a land-grant in 1727 -- the area that is now Mount Pleasant. In 1750, Holmead's son, Anthony, inherited the estate. He chose the name Pleasant Plains. The land -- which originally included present-day Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights -- was eventually divided up and sold off. Mount Pleasant was named because it was the highest point on Pleasant Plains.

Learn more about Mount Pleasant's history and culture through the 90-minute, self-guided walking tour, the Village in the City: Mount Pleasant Heritage Trail, presented by Cultural Tourism DC. The tour presents cultural highlights of the neighborhood with trail guides available from local merchants.

Mount Pleasant sits just north of Adams Morgan, one of the most popular locations for bars, restaurants, and entertainment in the entire city. One of the attractions of the neighborhood is its proximity to such frenetic nightlife, along with the luxury of being able to get home on foot in 15 minutes to the peace and quiet of Mount Pleasant.

El Pollo Sabroso is known for chicken done Peruvian style. For authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine and music, check out Haydee's Restaurant, where you can listen to a live mariachi band while enjoying a quesadilla or buffalo wings. A festive atmosphere pervades, and Haydee's welcomes special events, such as wedding receptions, birthday celebrations, or other private events, with party packages full of food and fun.

Don't let the cheesy pun fool you: Beau Thai serves some of the best Thai Food in DC, as decreed by Washington City Paper readers for several years running. Their signature dish, the crispy tilapia, is served with your choice of either a spicy basil sauce or a black bean sauce. The indecisive can try both for a little extra.

Mount Pleasant is served by several bus routes, including the H3, H4, and H8 lines. The Columbia Heights and Woodley Park Metro stops are nearby and walkable in under 10 minutes. The Metro system runs throughout DC and the surrounding area, with direct rail lines serving Silver Spring, Bethesda, Arlington, and most of the District of Columbia. A Metro ride to the National Mall costs $1.75 from the Woodley Park Station and $1.80 from Columbia Heights.

Vehicle traffic is relatively sparse in Mount Pleasant, and while there aren't any bike lanes, bicycling is still a relatively safe form of transportation. Most streets have well-maintained sidewalks, and the neighborhood is easily walkable.

As with everywhere else in DC, the first step toward any travel outside the city requires getting on the Beltway that encircles Washington. Mount Pleasant residents can take 16th Street, which lies on the Eastern edge of the neighborhood, and just head north for about five miles to get on the Beltway.

Mount Pleasant enjoys a high density of trees lining its streets, but residents can connect even further with nature with a short stroll over to Rock Creek Park, the largest green area in DC, stretching across over 1,700 acres.

In addition to the tranquil waters of Rock Creek and a variety of plants and animals, the park offers special programs and facilities, including a planetarium and nature center. The National Park Zoo is a free zoo with thousands of animals, including giant pandas. The Rock Creek Hiking Trails follow the creek and provide excellent wooded views.

Admission to the park is free. While dogs are not allowed in the zoo, leashed dogs are permitted in other areas of Rock Creek Park.

The overall cost of living in the area is about 51 percent higher than the national average, while that of DC as a whole is about 34 percent higher. One-bedroom apartments in Mount Pleasant typically start at around $1,300, though more luxurious residences can cost up to $2,000. Gas is about six percent higher than the national average. Expect to pay about $5 for a pint of beer at a neighborhood bar, with prices slightly higher in neighboring Adams Morgan.

While mostly residential, Mount Pleasant does offer a shopping district centered around Mount Pleasant Street. A farmers market operates here every Saturday seasonally, as well. Locals take full advantage of Old School Hardware, where knowledgeable staff provide guidance on aspects of home repair and renovation. Locals with a taste for fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and eggs go to Each Peach Market. You can pick up organic, locally-sourced groceries or call ahead to pick up a specialty sandwich, such as the "Rock Creek Pork" with pork tenderloin, ham, swiss cheese, spicy mustard, mayonnaise, cornichon, and arugula.

If you want to spice up your living room instead, Paul Corrie Interiors has an unblinking eye for style. Corrie scoops up vintage furniture and accessories from flea markets, estate sales, and dealers, bringing the treasures to this distinctive boutique shop.