Norie Quintos, Senior Editor

If you think Shakespeare is hoary and irrelevant, you haven't been to the Shakespeare Theatre, and in particular its gleaming new venue at the Sidney Harman Hall. Whether it is an all-male casting of Romeo and Juliet or a dark, dramatic performance of King Lear, it's all about politics and power and love and loss. I find that so D.C. 610 F St. NW and 450 7th St. NW; +1 202 547 3230.

Nothing makes me feel better than a salmon bento box and an organic jasmine pearl green tea at Teaism (3 D.C. locations), D.C.'s original and best tea house. +1 202 835 2233.

The newspaper may be dying, but news is not dead. Explore old and new media at the recently reopened Newseum. Artifacts of recent history, including the Unabomber's cabin and the radio antennae from the Twin Towers bring it all home. 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; +1 888 639 7386.

Okay, so it's not in D.C. (it's in northern Virginia), but Wolf Trap is one of my favorite performance venues. It's got that wonderful outdoor amphitheater in the summer, but when the weather turns ill, there's the intimate venue of the Barns to ward the chill away. The eclectic lineup includes John Eaton, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and the Miró Quartet. 1645 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA; +1 703 255 1900.

Sheila Buckmaster, Senior Editor

For a splurge of a great lunch or dinner at a place that knows wine like no other you must visit Proof; the tuna tartare on fried seaweed is addictive. 775 G St. NW; +1 202 737 7663.

Skewers an NGS staff fave, for well-priced and prepared middle eastern fare—plus a belly dancer on Saturday night. 1633 P St. NW; +1 202 387 7400.

Consignment shopping is a green (and sad economy) rage. Clothes Encounters of a Second Kind on Capital Hill has been dressing House and Senate staffers (and the rest of us) for a good couple of decades. 202 7th St. SE; +1 202 546 4004.

Stitch D.C. is an unparalled LYS (local yarn store, in knitter parlance) with a fine selection of fibers and a vibe that helps make serious knitters out of newbies; Capitol Hill and Georgetown locations. +1 202 544 8900.