Where the People Go: Washington, D.C.

When friends or family visit me here in Washington, I take them for hot cakes at the Florida Avenue Grill. Not only does it remind me of Saturday morning breakfast dates when I was a student at Howard, but “the Grill” is testament to the district’s place as a center of African-American culture and small-business success.

Even if yours is a return trip to the nation’s capital, and you’ve already visited The National Museum of African American History & Culture ( NMAAHC), put it back on your itinerary. Its newest exhibit, “Watching Oprah:  The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture,” celebrates our queen of media.

There is plenty more Black excellence to check out. Below, Chocolate City insiders share their picks for landmarks, hotspots and hangouts.

<strong>Neighborhood</strong>

“Every day, I head to work in Historic Anacostia and stop by Turning Natural, a Black-owned juice bar. Around lunch time I might drive past the home of Frederick Douglass, now a national historic site, on my way to MLK Deli for the area’s best crab cake sandwich.”

- Courtney R. Snowden, 38, the District of Columbia’s deputy mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity and a sixth-generation Washingtonian 

<strong>Shopping</strong>

“Nubian Hueman is a Black-owned boutique in Anacostia that offers unique goods, fashion, gifts and art by designers representing the global diaspora. Every piece has a story!”

Jaqueline Lara, 35, public relations professional

<strong> Landmark to see at night</strong>

“The MLK Memorial is striking during the day but the towering statue and wall of quotes — representing justice, democracy, hope and love — are even more stunning in the moonlight.”

- Ericka Boston, 38, Washington-based filmmaker

<strong>Exhibit</strong>

“The <strong>National Portrait Gallery’s </strong> official renderings of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama fill me with pride and joy. I’m a fan of Kehinde Wiley so seeing President Obama’s portrait was especially exciting.”

- Nicole Cutts, 48, artist, author and success coach

<strong>Events venue</strong>

“The National Museum of African Art produces community-based programming and ‘museum-after-dark’-type events, such as opening receptions where you can interact with the artists.”

Cheriss May, 46, has photographed newsmakers ranging from the Obamas to Maya Angelou and Jill Scott.