Well if you’re sick of museums but not ready for a nap, then it’s time to hit up some of Washington, D.C.’s best shopping. While the District may not necessarily be known for its shopping like New York or Chicago is, it certainly has enough to keep you busy and entertained. Plus, D.C. has its own unique variety of stores, where you can find treasures only the nation’s capital has to offer.
One of the first places you’ll want to stop is Eastern Market, the pride and joy of Capitol Hill. Tuesday – Sunday, you can stop at the indoor market where you will find vendors including bakers, florists, butchers, as well as café serving breakfast and lunch. You can find all sorts of unique treats at the market such as paella, gourmet pasta, Spanish tortillas, pulled pork, every kind of fish you could possibly imagine, marinated kabobs, and much more. If you are entertaining and want to impress your guests, stop by Eastern Market to select fresh and unique fare. Additionally, the market hosts a flea market every weekend where you can spend an entire day browsing artisans’ stands which hold gems such as jewelry, purses, clothes, art, books, furniture, and more.
Fans of the outlet malls will not find them within Washington, D.C. proper, but if you have a car you can find Potomac Mills Outlet Mall about only 30 minutes outside of the city. Potomac Mills has a great variety of discount stores including J. Crew Factory, Kenneth Cole Factory, Nordstrom Rack, Johnston & Murphy Factory Store, Kirkland’s Outlet, and much more. Plan to spend the whole day here and even bring your Christmas shopping list with you. At Potomac Mills, it’s possible you could get it all knocked out in one day!
Souvenir hunters must visit the Congressional Gift Shop located inside the United States Capitol. You can find trinkets such as coffee mugs, key chains, t-shirts, playing cards, collector dishes, and more all dressed in House and Senate décor. Please note that you cannot walk in and out of the U.S. Capitol freely, you need to get a stamped pass which you obtain by taking a tour of the Capitol (you may schedule this through your Member of Congress’s office or through the Capitol Visitor's Center). If you are not interested in taking a tour of the Capitol, visit the House gift shop located in the basement of the Longworth House Office Building, which you can enter freely 9am-6pm Monday – Friday.
Looking for something that no one else has? Head over to the U St. Corridor, which houses a number of funky thrift stores and artsy boutiques. For example, at Lettie Gooch Boutique, you can find chic women’s clothing and accessories that are moderately priced. If you’re in need of a creative piece of furniture that none of your neighbors have, then stop by Millennium Decorative Arts where you’ll find a number of modern pieces to warm up your apartment and give it some flavor. If you are in the need of more practical shopping, perhaps to fill your empty house if you’ve just moved here, hop on the Metro towards Columbia Heights where you’ll find DC USA. This is a newer shopping development which holds Target, Marshall’s, Bed Bath and Beyond, Best Buy, and Staples. If you’re planning to go on a weekend, be sure to wear your patient shoes because this place is always packed with long lines. If at all possible, aim to go on a week day week night.
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