Cleveland Park started off as a place for summer homes, so wealthy residents of Washington could escape from the horrendous heat and humidity - not to mention August outbreaks of typhoid fever!

It gets its name from President Grover Cleveland, who was one of its earliest renovators.  He bought an old stone house near 35th and Newark Streets and renovated it for use as a summer White House.  He sold it when he left office, and it has since been torn down.

In the late 1800's, street car lines linked the neighborhood to downtown and changed its character, turning it into one of the capital's early suburbs.

While President Cleveland's house fell to the wrecking ball, many of the big old frame houses remain, with their wrap-around porches and original details in tact.  And there is an active neighborhood historical society that keeps its eyes out to keep real estate developers from doing anything that could mess with the neighborhood's architectural character.

Cleveland Park is now a serious foodie's paradise.  There are restaurants from every continent except maybe Antarctica.  Sidewalk cafes line Connecticut Avenue near the local Metro Stop.

The National Cathedral (you see it on television whenever a President or other famous American dies and has a state funeral) is one of the neighborhood anchors.  If you come to visit Washington, an elevator ride to the top of the tower will give you a commanding view of the city.  And its gift shop has one of the best selections of gargoyles in the country.