Quite honestly the Baltimore Area is known for Crabs and Seafood. Not necessarily creative or new but definately enjoyable and a tradition when in Maryland.Try Cantler's in Annapolis for Crabs  

http://www.cantlers.com/

DC has a more diverse selection of restaurants than Maryland but one that uses local ingredients and has a very creative chef is 701 Restaurant. They have an award winning wine selection.

http://www.701restaurant.com/

DC Coast is tied for my favorite.

http://www.dccoast.com/dccoast.html


For people watching I suggest Cafe Milano in Georgetown. This is the place where people want to be seen. The food is overpriced but still adequate but dont be surprised if you are sitting next to Supreme Court Judges, Senators, former presidents, A-List actors like George Clooney or Angelina Jolie or even myself

http://www.cafemilano.net/

My fave!

In Baltimore and vicinity:

Alewife
http://alewifebaltimore.com/

Woodberru Kitchen
http://www.woodberrykitchen.com/

In DC, not American but amazing local produce and fresh seafood
Dino
http://www.dino-dc.com

Second this

Take a look at the menus at Restaurant Eve (http://www.restauranteve.com/index.cfm/menus/).  Personally, I better enjoyed the slightly more casual Bistro menu than their Tasting Room menu but both were good experiences.

As a more casual alternative, the same chef operates The Majestic (http://www.majesticcafe.com/maj_menus.html) which is located a few blocks up from Restaurant Eve.

Both of these restaurants are in Old Town Alexandria, across the Potomac from D.C., but as you're coming from BWI anyway, what's a few more miles? :P

And FWIW, I love sitting at the bar at Founding Farmers for the atmosphere but the food can be hit or miss. I think of it more as a comfort food kind of place and less as a great dining experience.