Whether it's unusual heirloom tomatoes, such as Aunt Ruby's German Green or Yellow Pear, or purple-leaved Black Pearl peppers, which were introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum in 2006, interesting-looking vegetable varieties are more widely available.

WSJ: Who Put Lettuce in My Daffodils?

In honor of President Obama they will be serving a Chicago Hot Dog cart with Vienna beef hot dogs, Kosher pickles, celery salt, yellow mustard, sport peppers, neon relish, diced onions, fresh tomatoes, and steamed poppy seed bun.

FORBES: Create Your Own Culinary Presidential Inauguration