Hello,

I waited too long to post this message and now we are leaving tomorrow for DC. We're going to be doing a lot of the standard touristy things, seeing memorials and museums. We're staying at the Hotel Madera off of Dupont circle. Is there any cool shopping that we should also include? We love little boutique type shops, crafty items, and antiques. I was planning we'd go to the Eastern Market.

Also, are there any restaurants in the midst of things or near where we are staying that would be worth grabbing a nice lunch or dinner at? Firefly in our hotel has been recommned.

Thanks so much!
Rachel

Sadly, most of DC is overrun with the same chain stores youll find at malls all over. One area where this trend has not reached yet is U Street NW from about 12th to 16th, and 14th between P and U (home furnishings especially on 14th).
You can walk to U street from Madera by going north on New Hampshire; to get to 14th go east on P from Dupont Circle.

Kayd is wise. Those are exactly the places I would suggest too.

Thjere are certainly a few venues in Georgetown which are not chains (and some which are).

I second the U Street recommendation.

Also, I'm not sure what atmosphere you are looking for but Old Town Alexandria is overrun with antique stores. It's not my cup of tea (too many strollers) but a lot of people around here certainly enjoy it.

Firefly is excellent and has a great bar. I'd highly recommend it.

Thanks Kayd. That sounds like what I am looking for. Any restaurants in that area worth a stop?

Last time I went to DC I stayed in Georgetown and wasn't taken aback by the shopping there.

I'm going to look into Old Town Alexandria. Does anyone else have an opinion of going there?

Keep the suggestions coming!

Old Town is good, quite a few good clothing shops, antiques, and home stores too. Lots of artists in the Torpedo Factory, King Street west of Washington, Cameron St. between Fairfax and Pitt, have some interesting shops. Lots of good restaurants in Old Town as well -- Vermillion, 100 King, Mai Thai, South Austin Grill are all favorites.