Cherry Blossoms
DC has four distinct seasons, but the city arguably owns the magical season of spring. More than 3,000 cherry trees bloom a delicate pink around the tidal basin, attracting thousands to picnic, stroll and bike under the beautiful canopy. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs through April 15, but there is plenty to do outdoors in the nation’s capital year round, the city Cooking Light magazine ranked as one of the top three locations in the country for residents living healthful lives. In 2007, the Brookings Institution ranked DC at the top the list of the most “Walkable Communities” in the country. Sail, kayak or canoe on the Potomac or Anacostia rivers or hike, jog or walk on miles of trails along the C&O Canal and Rock Creek Park.

Eastern Market
Eastern Market was named one of the America’s 10 best neighborhoods, and it’s also the name of a bustling market where locals fill up on fresh produce, flowers, herbs and rely on butchers, fish and cheese mongers for lively service. Built in 1873 and designed by architect Adolf Cluss, the historic Market suffered from fire damage, but is just as vibrant due to the dedication of the merchants and their clientele. On Saturdays, the artists and craftsman line the street with locally designed jewelry, clothing, purses, candles, artwork and photography.

U Street
Once known as Black Broadway when home-grown music legend Duke Ellington graced the neighborhood, U Street is now again “the cutting edge of what this city is and can be.” Hot spots like Busboys & Poets and Marvin draw hip crowds today but pay homage by name to other previous DC legends including Langston Hughes and Marvin Gaye. Marvin is owned in part by Eric Hilton, a major force in DC’s contemporary music scene as part of Thievery Corporation and owner of ESL music label. The artwork behind the couple in the restaurant scene in the commercial was inspired by the artwork created by Brian Liu and Nick Pimentel of ToolboxDC.