I'm an ex-Washingtonian and I miss the city dearly (will be back there next month -- hurray!). Things I miss (and you might enjoy):

-- Hanging out in the Dupont Circle neighborhood and browsing through books at Kramerbooks and Afterwords (they had the idea of combining a bookstore and cafe way before Borders or Barnes &Noble), and if you like mysteries, MysteryBooks. (Both stores are on connecticut Avenue, north of the circle. (Metro: Dupont Circle.)

--Hanging out on 18th Street NW in Adams-Morgan: This is a very multi-culti neighborhood with lots of boutiques, bars and restaurants along its main street. (Metro: Woodley Park/Zoo/Adams-Morgan, then walk across Duke Elington Bridge on Calvert Street.)

--Rock Creek Park. This huge park is in some places more like a rain forest. It's a great place to get away from the city without getting out of the city. Also, this is where the National Zoo is. If you like zoos, this is a good one. The Zoo entrance is along Connecticut Avenue. (Metro: Woodley Park/Zoo/Adams-Morgan or Cleveland Park.)

--If you are a National Geographic fan, the National Geographic Society's Explorers Hall is a must. It's downtown at 17th and M streets NW. (Metro: Faragut North)

--Strolling through the residential sidestreets of Georgetown. This part of the neighborhood is historic and really quite beautiful. (Wisconsin Avenue and M Streets, the main streets, are very noisy and commercial and overrun by teenagers and chain stores.)

Hope this is of some help.

Bons voyages!

Evan in Paris