3 Best Places to Shop in Washington, D.C., USA

For 150-plus years, this has been the hub of the Capitol Hill community. Vibrantly colored produce and flowers, freshly caught fish, fragrant cheeses, and tempting sweets are sold at the market by independent vendors. On weekends year-round, local farmers sell fresh fruits and vegetables (Tuesdays, too), and artists and exhibitors sell handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, and furniture from around the world. A flea market unfurls on Sundays. The city's oldest continuously operating public market continues to be a vibrant and lively gathering place, complete with entertainment, art showings, and a pottery studio for residents and visitors alike.

Pick up a crab cake, Belgian waffle, or small-batch craft spirit made by local vendors at this farmers' market on Wednesday from 3 to 7 in early April through November. Similar fare is available near Lafayette Square ( 810 Vermont Ave. NW) on Thursday 11–2, April–mid-November. Other FRESHFARM markets are in the Capitol Riverfront (Sunday 9–1, May–September), Dupont Circle (Sunday 8:30–1:30, year-round), H Street NE (Saturday 9–12:30, April–mid-December), Penn Quarter (Thursday 3–7, June–mid-November), and elsewhere. All locations also sell local fruits and vegetables.

Blueberry popcorn, anyone? On Fridays from May through October, 9 am to 2 pm, you can pick up fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, and other baked goods (and that flavored popcorn) across from the Smithsonian Metro station. Appropriately, the market is in the parking lot of the U.S. Department of Agriculture building.