Faves and raves by

PERSON'S NAME

Sterling Crockett

Chairman of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce

PERSONAL STATS

AGE: 48

NUMBER OF YEARS IN D.C.: Nine

NEIGHBORHOOD: Mitchellville

- Brian Hughes

1. FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT

As an avid cyclist, my favorite hangout is CycleLife USA in Georgetown. It's a one-stop shop for everything you could ever want or need in cycling.

2. BEST MODE OF TRANSPORTATION

My bike. It's the only mode of transportation in D.C. that gives you some control against the horrendous traffic. But I do drive, too.

3. FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS EVENT

Any Sunday the Redskins are playing at home. The team's performance right now leaves a lot to be desired, but it's always great fun attending the games.

4. BEST PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC

As a huge blues and jazz fan, it has to be Blues Alley in Georgetown.

5. BEST PLACE FOR OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS

D.C. has so much to offer, but to get a true feeling of the area, I would send them to the National Mall for the museums and federal buildings.

6. FAVORITE MUSEUM

Smithsonian Museum of African Art

7. MOST ROMANTIC SPOT

A quiet dinner of French food with my wife at 2941 (2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church) always sets the perfect romantic mood for us.

8. FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A LAZY SUNDAY

We do so much running around in this city that my favorite way to spend a lazy Sunday has been relaxing in the back yard with my wife and dog by the pool.

9. BEN'S CHILI BOWL, OLD EBBITT GRILL OR CAFE MILANO?

Old Ebbitt Grill, all the way.

10. BEST OUT-OF-TOWN RETREAT

Meadowood Resort in Napa Valley, Calif.

11. BEST INSIDE-THE-BELTWAY RETREAT

Rock Creek Park. It's an oasis in the middle of the city.

12. BEST PLACE FOR LATE-NIGHT EATS

I would have to say, again, Old Ebbitt Grill.

13. PROUDEST PART OF LIVING IN THE NATION'S CAPITAL

D.C. is a breathtaking city. Every time you're here you will see something different. There are a number of challenges facing our country and leadership, yet we still lead the world and will continue to be competitive. It's that spirited energy you only find in D.C. which is reflected every day by the people -- both now and those who have come before us and done such great work.

14. EMBARRASSING PART OF LIVING IN D.C.

Uggh, the traffic.