More walking paths than hiking in the immediate vicinity, but they’re nice. Check out custis trail, Potomac heritage river trail, river bend park (especially for the blue bells) and the billy goat trail.

Within a two and a half hour drive there are lots of state parks and national parks, the Shenandoah being probably the most impressive.

Politics depends on your social circle. None of my friends worked in politics.

The best farmers market around here is the one in DuPont (NW DC), but the Arlington ones are also pretty good.