Urban Spoon: At first I thought of this as an alternative to Yelp.com, but Urban Spoon is only for restaurants and the reviewers seem to be mostly foodies (though I could be wrong). It looks like this site also provides reviews from local critics. The only thing that could make it more convenient would be if you could make your reservation for tonight's dinner online. Oh look, you can. The mobile version is said to be slightly less user-friendly than Yelp's, but quite a few Washingtonians swear by it, just the same.
Yelp: Used wisely, this website can be quite a handy tool for locating just about any type of business. Keep in mind that you don't actually know the people writing the reviews and that they might have a very different way of rating things. Or, in some rumored unfortunate circumstances, have either a grudge against or relation to the owners of the establishment.
WMATA: The site for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is the site we always go to for trip planning and navigating the Metro Train system. The site includes travel tips and updates. If you're planning on being here a while, get yourself a SmarTrip card. Permanent and rechargeable, you swipe it over the SmarTrip area at the gate, so it never leaves your hand. You can also manage your SmarTrip card online.
Angie's List: There is a membership fee for this site (you can pay monthly or annually), but it quickly pays for itself with not only great reviews from people just as invested as you are, but offers coupons for a discount on certain services (offered by the companies who are listed on the site). There is also a healthcare section, but we're still looking into it. If you need a contractor, plumber, landscaping services, etc. this is the site for you.
Meetup: A site for finding likeminded people, especially when you first arrive in the area (though plenty of people who have been here a while partake). Meetup allows you to search by topic or interest and by the area you're in (or want to be in). You can also create your own Meetup group.
The Washingtonian: Yes, it's a magazine, but aside from the resources you'll find in it, there is a whole website just waiting to be explored. The Washingtonian site has neighborhood guides, guides for your visitors, a directory for best doctors and lawyers and a cultural events calendar. My favorite sections are dirt cheap eats and weekend trips. Looking for a great job, a good place for happy hour, or a spa? You can find all that and more right here.
DC Blogs: This site offers both a blog directory for blogs about the DC area and a live feed if you don't want to sift through the hundreds of blogs in the directory. Jess has a few favorites to recommend: Hannah, Just Breathe, Shopping Hungry and Ghosts of DC. Take a look around, this directory could be a great tool for finding whatever you need.
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