Our Washingtonian Recommends lists bring you the best places to eat, drink, and be entertained—all selected by Washingtonian editors.
Kick off the morning at Stomping Ground (2309 Mount Vernon Ave.; 703-567-6616), a casual neighborhood spot that whips up some of the best biscuits around. Looking for something closer to Old Town? Venture to Misha’s (102 S. Patrick St.; 703-548-4089), a coffeehouse and roaster serving daily blends and single-origin varietals.
Then, it’s time to start shopping. Ask a well-dressed local where she shops and you’ll undoubtedly hear about Hysteria (123 S. Fairfax St.; 703-548-1615). The boutique carries labels like Tory Burch, Rachel Zoe, and Diane von Furstenberg.
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George Washington is rumored to have sold his produce at the Old Town Farmers’ Market (301 King St.; 703-746-3200). On Saturdays, customers browse fresh-made kimchee and Greek yogurt, and local meat. Continuing down King Street and peeking inside its antique stores is a great way to spend the rest of the morning.
For lunch, try Eamonn’s A Dublin Chipper (728 King St.; 703-299-8384). This fish-and-chips shop is not a boisterous place, but it’s filled with plenty of noise: the ripping of paper bags, the slurping of Guinness pints, and the loud crunch when you bite into a hunk of fried Maine pollock.
If you’re a beer-lover, take a detour to Port City Brewing Company (3950 Wheeler Ave.; 703-797-2739), located west of Old Town. The award-winning brewery sells a flight of six great beers for $10; tours and tastings are offered daily.
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Back in Old Town, check out one of the new tours the city is offering for fans of PBS’s mini-series Mercy Street. It starts at the Visitors Center (221 King St.; 703-746-3301), where a military historian will explain the ins and outs of a real Civil War hospital, including how medicine was produced and how bandages were changed. Tickets cost $149 for a group of five or fewer.
You’ll find a great dinner option right off King Street: Restaurant Eve (110 S. Pitt St.; 703-706-0450) marries the farm-to-table ethos with the gilded age of fine dining. No matter the weather, cap off the evening with a slow stroll down the Old Town waterfront.
This article appears in our Washingtonian Welcome Guide.