A reasonably laid back community bordering Washington, DC on the NorthEast. Middleclass, multi-ethnic town with small town qualities. Left of center politics.  Home to many writers, musicians, and artists. Hop on Metro and you can be anywhere in town (Washington) quickly.  For eats I recommend Roscoe's Neapolitan Pizza. Named after one of the town's spunky heros, a now deceased rooster (commenmorated with a bronze likeness in the business district), and the food's good. Sorry that I can't recommend a hotel in Takoma. If you don't have a friend to put you up try the next best thing, Silver Spring, the larger town a mile or so away. Not the same though.