11 Best Places to Shop in Northern Virginia, Virginia

The is where silver flatware and estate jewelry goes when it's ready for a new home.

More than 200 street-level and underground stores and restaurants are connected to the Crystal City Metrorail station. Most shop maintain standard business hours and close by 6 pm.

Alexandrian pet owners come to this small shop to spoil their four-legged friends. The friendly owner greets visitors as they enter the shop and helps them find the toys and treats (including special doggie cookies) that their pets will love, whatever the breed.

This four-story mall includes such shops as Macy's, Nordstrom, the Coach Store, Swatch, babyGap, Sephora, and an Armani Exchange. In addition to a skylighted food court, there are four full-service restaurants to choose from, including the popular local pizza chain Matchbox. A handful of additional shops and restaurants surround the mall, A Ritz-Carlton hotel and the Metro station are also connected.

Located just off King Street, is Old Town's best bet for women's designer duds. Friendly shopkeepers are at the ready to help you find the right party dress, knit sweater, or chunky necklace from brands like Diane von Furstenberg and Trina Turk.

Chefs and foodies alike hit this shop for their gourmet goods. For more than 30 years, this independently owned shop has sold professional equipment from Mauviel copper to Sabatier knives, along with a large selection of spices and other imports.

Dating to 1753, the may be the country's oldest operating farmers' market. Vendors sell baked goods, fresh produce, plants, flowers, and high-quality crafts. Come early; the market opens at 7 am, and by noon it's all over.

There are more than 220 discount and outlet stores at this mall, including Nordstrom Rack, Michael Kors, OFF 5TH Saks Fifth Ave. Outlet, and Bloomingdale's. There's also an IMAX theater and 25 restaurants, plus Swedish furniture giant IKEA is next to the complex. Check the website for coupons and deals at various stores.

Virginia's largest shopping mall houses more than 300 stores, from department stores like Macy's, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's to specialty shops like Lululemon and Apple. A true destination mall, retail is only one of the draws here. You'll find more than 50 eateries and restaurants, like seafood centric Coastal Flats and Shake Shack, a 16-screen AMC Theatre, and a Hyatt Regency hotel. An outdoor plaza has concerts, a kids zone, and ice skating in winter. Traffic is extremely heavy around the evening rush.

Across a busy highway from Tysons Corner Center, the Galleria has about 100 generally upscale retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Versace, and Neiman Marcus. There are a handful of average-to-good restaurants (like Maggiano's Little Italy), fast-food outlets, and a few local spots like Founding Farmers and American Eats Tavern by star chef Joséé Andrés. A Ritz-Carlton Hotel is located here, too.