Images x Article by Lia Summers
Washington, D.C. has blossomed into a world class destination in the past ten years. It has always been the seat of power, but massive investment in the city has spurred a tourist boom. Here’s the inside scoop on some out-of-the-way destinations.
Antiquing:
For Your Eyes Only, 604 Rhode Island Avenue N.E., Washington, D.C. — This is a massive (10,000 square feet) antique store on the top floor of an auto repair shop in front of Rhode Island Ave NE Shopping Center. The owner buys huge lots of antiques from estate sales and has a monthly opening where he hawks his newest wares. He has thousands of pieces of original art, mid-century modern furniture, jewelry, decorative items, clothing, comic books, clocks, prints, bicycles and more! It’s all arranged haphazardly for the happy hunting.
Fairgrounds Flea Market, 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, MD, www.johnsonshows.com — Every Saturday and Sunday at the North End of the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, MD. This is the biggest flea market in the area where treasures show up every week.
Botany:
United States National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, D.C. www.usna.usda.gov
Watch the seasons change on 446 acres filled with trees, shrubs, floral plants and a new nest of bald eagles. The Arboretum is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Research Service. Their stunning collections include bonsai trees, Azaleas, Aquatic Plants, Magnolias, Dogwoods, Maple, and Hollies plus the Asian Gardens and the Old Capitol Columns. The arboretum also has 9.5 miles of winding roadways that are perfect for biking.
Women’s History
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC, www.hillwoodmuseum.org
Located near Rock Creek Park, this 25 acre estate of socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post bursts with good taste and celebrates the art of living. Her Georgian Mansion is filled with Russian and French antiques, and she also has a Russian Dacha, Adirondack House, Cafe, Visitor’s Center, French Parterre and a stunning Japanese garden. Don’t miss the floral arrangements with flowers grown in their own greenhouse. Hillwood is Mt. Vernon for chicks!
Art:
Glenstone Art Museum, 12002 Glen Road, Potomac, MD, www.glenstone.org — Appointment only modern art museum on 300 acres in Potomac, MD. Experience large outdoor sculptures from Jeff Koons and Richard Serra and others among a pastoral setting.
Food:
Union Market, 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC, www.unionmarketdc.com
This trendy local market has really hit its stride after 5 years. There are over 40 artisan vendors with delectable food for every palate and unique gifts. It also has ample free parking and free drive in movies in the summer!
