Eastern Market is a treat for locals and visitors alike. Located in the historic neighborhood of Capitol Hill, this farmer’s market and bazaar runs year-round on Saturdays and Sundays.
Here are some things to keep in mind and check out while you’re browsing and wandering through Eastern Market!
WHEN: Saturdays (7 a.m. – 6 p.m.) | Sundays (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) WHERE: 225 7th Street SE, Washington, D.C., 20003 COST: FREE (bring cash along for smaller vendors that don't have credit card machines) *Get there early. While here are always a few stragglers and vendors that stay late, the majority of activity happens in the morning, before 1 p.m. Also, remember that it’s outside. If you’re going in mid-February, dress accordingly!Stock up on fresh produce | Taste the samples!
At its core, Eastern Market is a farmer’s market, so of course there’s tons of fresh produce for sale. Stock up on strawberries, tomatoes, and other delicious assortments of fruits and vegetables. All the vendors are local to the tri-state area. You should also make sure to taste samples of new jams, sauces, and pasties. Make a date with your significant other, friend, mom, whoever, and come early to sip fresh coffee and taste warm breakfast pastries. There’s nothing quite like it. [caption id="attachment_7055" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
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Buy (or admire) art!
Eastern Market is also known for having loads of creative, quality, and beautiful art in many different types of media. If you love pieces that represent the local Washington, D.C., community, there are several artists that either photograph or paint not just important city landmarks, but also quaint corners of the city! While it’s iconic to display a painting of the Lincoln Memorial, there’s something even more poignant about having your favorite neighborhood framed in your living room. It will really up your décor game. Let’s say you love sculptures, figurines, that sort of thing. Eastern Market has you covered from small knick knacks you can place on your windowsill to larger-than-life-sized animal sculptures. [caption id="attachment_7056" align="aligncenter" width="750"]
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Get your jewelry fix.
And if you like the kind of art you can wear around your neck, this bazaar has tons of that, too. Eastern Market is a haven for all the crows out there, boasting loads of vendors selling rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, you name it. There’s really a spectrum in quality -- from pieces made out of copper wire to high-end silver and gold. [caption id="attachment_7057" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
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Check out the surrounding shops!
Besides the fair, Eastern Market is lined with the cutest streets that are home to adorable shops and restaurants. Check out Capitol Hill Books, a used bookstore literally overflowing with books. The smell of books immediately fills the air as you step into the shop, and the walls of books will have you browsing for hours. Often, they'll even have a stand outside selling vintage records. If vintage clothing is more up your alley, step into Clothes Encounters to shop unique finds. They’ve got everything from fur coats to beaded purses to suit your fancy. [caption id="attachment_7058" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
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Have brunch on the patio and people-watch.
Yes, it’s February, but soon it will be warm enough for Washington, D.C.’s favorite past-time: indulging in brunch outside. Eastern Market is lined with restaurants galore, and the neighborhood is especially known for their bottomless brunch deals. Enjoy a mimosa, or five, at Acqua Al 2, while people-watching. Grab a bold and spicy bloody mary at Finn McCool's Irish Public House, and chow down on brunch favorites like eggs Benedict and French toast. If you’re willing to go a little off the main market street, eat at Jimmy T's Place. The place hasn’t changed much since it’s opening in the 1950s, and it's renowned for serving up classic breakfast staples and coffee in a no-fuss environment. [caption id="attachment_7059" align="aligncenter" width="620"]
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Set up a photo shoot.
Capitol Hill is very picturesque. The side streets are historic and quaint, with some row houses over a hundred years old. Eastern Market itself is lively, filled with color and all sorts of people. It’s the perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed or lifestyle blog. Snap pictures of the scene, or wear a cute outfit and have whoever you brought take pictures of you. Either way, you’ll have fun and have beautiful photos to show for it. [caption id="attachment_7060" align="aligncenter" width="936"]
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This is just a snapshot of all there is to do at Eastern Market. There are so many vendors that it’s not possible to list them all, but if you’re looking for something specific, you can check out the full list here. You can also get some basic information about Eastern Market here.
Have you been to Eastern Market before? What is your favorite thing to do there? Let us know in the comments below!
