If You Go (1)

Where to Eat

Forget about those high-powered steakhouses. For an unusual treat, head up to trendy Adams Morgan, where you can take your pick from one of dozens of Ethiopian and Eritrean cafes. One of the best is Fasika's (2447 18th St. NW, 202-797-7673). Here, you eat with your hands, tearing off bits of a spongy pancake-bread called injera to scoop up a variety of fiery stewed beef, lamb, chicken and seafood, as well as vegetarian dishes such as chickpeas and spicy lentils. Wash down your meal with some honey wine. Afterward, inhale the rich aroma of frankincense and enjoy a cup of ceremonial pan-roasted coffee.

Where to Stay

You don't get more Washington, D.C., than the Hotel Washington (515 15th St.) One of the oldest hotels in town, the Italian Renaissance building occupies a primo spot across the street from the White House. Rooms are small, but elegantly appointed with mahogany carvings and marble bathrooms. Don't miss the rooftop deck. Call 1-800-424-9540 or visit www.hotelwashington.com.

The Topaz Hotel (1733 N St., NW) is the hot new place to stay. With its in-room teapot, yoga mats and Aveda bath products, the Topaz really aspires to be more of a zen oasis than a hotel. Located off DuPont Circle, the neighborhood offers tons of bars and restaurants, boutiques and bookstores. Rooms are modern and comfortable, and the bellhop is referred to as a Sherpa. Plus, if you want to know your daily horoscope, just ask. Call 1-800-424-2950 or visit www.topazhotel.com.

Great Lakes Options

Fields of van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh is known for his starry nights, self-portraits and sunflowers, but his brush also returned many times to the meadows and fields around him. The Toledo Museum of Art has partnered with the Kunsthalle Bremen in Germany to present the first exhibit focused solely on Van Gogh's renderings of the field, including 22 paintings, two watercolors and three drawings. Van Gogh: Fields will be on display at the Toledo Museum of Art, its only venue in North America, through May 18. Timed tickets to the exhibit ($6 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and free under 5) are available by calling 1-888-763-7486 or visiting www.toledomuseum.org.

Blooms

Everything's coming up roses at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh. "Spring Has Sprung!" will be held through April 20 at the Schenley Park location. Phipps has a variety of events planned, including a used bulb sale, lectures by master gardeners and a plant auction. Or take a more passive approach by mellowing in the garden with jazz music. For more information, call the Conservatory (412-622-6914) or visit www.phipps.conservatory.org. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for students, $3 for kids ages 2 to 12 and free for children under 2.