As I leave the District permanently after two years, just ahead of the killer hurricane / Irene (also my beloved grandmother), here’s my must-see list for time-pressed travelers:

• Walk the Mall. The Capitol is spectacular from all angles. Get the public tour to gaze up at the dome from the inside, where you can see George Washington being assumed into heaven. See if you can’t find a little room in your heart to be hopeful for democracy.
• Visit Eastern Market on the weekend, for the maximum display of fresh produce and artists. My favorites:
  –Crepes at the Market, a one- (sometimes two-) man crepe factory. Choose sweet or savory, make your own change. Kind of messy to eat, but generous and delicious.
  –In a Pickle, the homemade pickle stand. Only the kosher pickles have vinegar. Get there in the morning if you want to buy the wasabi pickles.
  –The cheesemonger. My husband calls the male half of this couple “the grumpy cheese man.” This very popular stand has its rules — cash only, hold your hand flat to get a sample slice — but no visible queue system (just crowd in!). Try their any of their excellent imported cheeses. They also have locally made butter, goat cheese and mozzarella.
  –The Pennsylvania produce stand, across from Marvelous Market. He has great potatoes, tiny Brussels sprouts, extra-sharp Amish-made cheddar cheese, homemade yogurt and fresh eggs.
  –The specialized butchers. If you don’t see it in their cases, ask. They probably have the beef bones or duck leg quarters you’re looking for in the freezer.

• Get a couple of cupcakes. Skip the overexposed Georgetown Cupcakes, though, they don’t need your business. In Georgetown, Baked and Wired on Thomas Jefferson is awesome, and Capitol Hill Cupcakes, a tiny new store in Capitol Hill at 18th Street and D NE, is very unassuming but has outstanding cupcakes.
• Take a ride on a red, rented Capital Bikeshare bike. A ride of 45 minutes or less is free!
• Visit your favorite Smithsonian Museum. They’re free, and the best museums in the country. My new favorites are the Portrait Gallery (especially the Presidential portraits) and the Museum of Natural History.