NW and SW are OK. Don't venture into NE or especially SE.

Street names start at the center of the city and increase outward numerically as well as through the letters and then single and double syllables. Numbered streets go N-S, Letters and names travel E-W. There are diagonal streets and main thoroughfares that follow no logic at all.

For another 1/2 hour drive time you can stay in Arlington or Crystal City right across the river and near Metro. Might be cheaper than downtown. There are tons of good restaurants everywhere. One of my kids favorites is Flat Top Grill in Arlington or being real adventurous one of the Ethiopian places in Adams Morgan DC, where you are allowed and expected to eat with your fingers.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma