That's not all: several mixed-use development projects are in the works – like downtown’s CityCenterDC and The Yards, along a formerly industrial stretch of the Anacostia River, both with opening phases throughout 2015 and beyond – with condos, hotels, retail and public outdoor spaces that are transforming the urban landscape and meeting the demands of the city’s large population of young professionals. Add to this a vibrant gay bar scene, incredible ethnic eats thanks to thriving immigrant communities (like top-notch Ethiopian) and a venerable performing arts tradition at venues like the Kennedy Center, and the nation’s capital is looking more epic than ever.