Life in the District (Washington D.C.)

Author: andHighWater (More Trip Reviews by andHighWater)
Date of Trip: July 2004

Relocating to DC is something many young professionals and interns encounter each summer. Find cheap food in markets that sell lunch by-the-pound and local sandwich shops. Get to know your neighbors, and discover amazing local flavor in this national city.

METRO!
The subway runs late on Friday and Saturday nights and the buses run even later. You can plan ahead by visiting the ride guide at Metro Opens Doors and mapping out your public transportation route. If you’re living in DC, a car is useful for shopping and weekend getaways to the beach or Baltimore, but parking gets pricy– running around $200/month downtown.

Eastern Market:
Eastern Market is a Farmer’s Market, Art Fair, Antique Flea Market and Community Meeting place. The old building houses meats, fresh cheeses, homemade pasta and pastries from local vendors that are unique and affordable when compared to grocery prices in this expensive city. These are specialty groceries, and an excellent place to look if you want to cook up a romantic dinner on Saturday night. The parking lot is full of local artisans’ tents and tables, each selling different merchandise every week. Here you can find anything from custom picture frames and antique tables to handmade paper and bracelets.

The sidewalk is covered with vendors who have the freshest flowers and fruits from the surrounding area. In the summer, make sure to get some fresh Georgia peaches. Warmed by the sun, eating one while looking around the rest of the market is the best way to start the weekend!

Take your time, walk around and browse throughout the neighborhood. During warmer months, those lucky enough to live near the Market will have yard sales and children will have lemonade stands. On 6th and 7th Streets, local musicians are often found entertaining shoppers and locals who are sipping coffee on front stoops and greeting friends. Not a typical tourist attraction, but near main attractions like the Smithsonian, this is wonderful way to spend some time on a summer day!

To get there, take the Blue or Orange Metro line to the Eastern Market stop; you can’t miss the street-fair atmosphere which will surround you!

Quick Tips/Suggestions:
Get air conditioning! The summertime humidity could kill. Find your local farmer’s market! On Saturdays and Sundays these neighborhood staples provide cheep, fresh fruits and veggies while you stay close to home. Join a neighborhood or tenant’s association! Getting to know your neighbors makes a big, busy city feel like home.