16. Reiter’S
City: Washington, DC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (202) 223-3327
Address: 1990 K Street NW
Description: Reiter’s claims to have more than 60,000 scientific and technical books, including tomes on computers, math, physics, engineering, medicine, nursing, business, and psychology. They’ll also make a special effort to hunt down anything not in stock. It’s open daily, and close to both the Farragut North and Farragut West Metro stops.
17. Second Story Books Inc.
City: Washington, DC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (202) 659-8884
Address: 2000 P Street NW
Description: Another Dupont Circle institution—the store’s been here for about 30 years—Second Story features old and rare books, first editions, fine bound volumes, or those that are just plain used. The three-store chain’s president, Allan Stypeck, is one of the Book Guys heard on National Public Radio. If you’re looking for something unique or just hard to find, try this shop. If a branch in Maryland is more convenient, drop in at 12160 Parklawn Drive, Rockville (301-770-0477), or 4914 Fairmont Avenue, Bethesda (301-656-0170).
18. Trover Shop
City: Washington, DC
Category: Shopping
Address: 221 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
Description: This family-owned and -operated shop has been around for nearly 50 years. It continues to be popular with busy Capitol Hill office workers as well as lobbyists, lawyers, and White House types. Right near the Library of Congress, this Pennsylvania Avenue shop specializes in political science, though you also can find plenty of lunch-hour escape reading.
19. Olsson’S Books & Records
City: Washington, DC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (703) 417-1087
Description: This popular shop is one of the oldest independents in the Washington Metro area. You’re bound to find what you’re looking for in both the music and book departments at Olsson’s. Check out the large cookbook section, as well as plenty of selections on subjects ranging from the military to psychology and self-help.
20. Maryland Book Exchange
City: Washington, DC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (301) 927-2510
Address: 4500 College Avenue
Description: The University of Maryland is one of the largest in the nation, with some 40,000 students, so it makes sense that this bookstore would be equally comprehensive. You’ll find more than 125,000 titles here—that’s right, we haven’t mistakenly added any zeroes. The store stocks plenty of text and reference books, fiction and nonfiction best-sellers, used books, and school supplies.
21. Apartment Zero
City: Washington, DC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (202) 628-4067
Address: 406 7th Street NW
Description: Finding quality contemporary furniture at reasonable prices can be a daunting task. Luckily, there’s Apartment Zero, a downtown home furnishings emporium catering to the young, hip, condo-owning crowd. While some of the stylish furnishings do come with high price tags, you’ll find some well-priced, functional pieces that will make your home decidedly chic.
22. Go Mama Go!
City: Washington, DC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (202) 299-0850
Address: 1809 14th Street NW
Description: Go Mama Go! doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional furniture and home furnishings store. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’re inside an international marketplace. Bright, colorful home furnishings and housewares are crafted from recycled glass and natural products like cork and bamboo. Nifty handbags, funky jewelry, lightly scented candles, and beautiful tea sets are arrayed atop functional tables and shelves—many of which are also for sale.
23. Home Rule
City: Washington, DC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (202) 797-5544
Address: 1807 14th Street NW
Description: One of the first businesses to open up in the now-thriving 14th and U Street corridor, Home Rule takes its name from D.C.’s long battle for self-government. The shop stocks a delightful selection of kitschy home products, from chopstick sets for kids and mesh trash cans to organization tools, organic soaps, and cleaning products.
24. Muleh
City: Washington, DC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (202) 667-3440
Address: 1831 14th Street NW
Description: Asian-inspired furnishings are in focus at this trendy furniture store. Owner Christopher Reiter built a loyal following with his first shop, located in Bethesda, then followed the real estate boom into the Logan Circle neighborhood for his second venture. Many of the featured pieces are designed by Filipino Kenneth Cobonpue, while others come from leading designers in Bali. Since the store’s opening, Reiter has also added a line of clothing and accessories.
25. Reincarnations
City: Washington, DC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (202) 319-1606
Address: 1401 14th Street NW
Description: What began as a yard sale and a simple furniture refinishing business has become a must-visit for furniture shoppers in the region. While owner Christopher Torres no longer refinishes pieces, his store carries an eclectic mix of new and restored pieces and unusual home furnishings. While the overall effect is very high end, the prices are affordable. Stop by during the holiday season to see some of the city’s most original decorations.
26. Theodore’S
City: Washington, DC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (202) 333-2300
Address: 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Description: Theodore’s has been at the vanguard of Washington’s contemporary furniture scene for 38 years. No fake colonial stuff here—just sleek, eclectic, innovative pieces that you won’t find just anywhere. Its location in upper Georgetown makes it a popular spot for trendies in the surrounding neighborhood, but people are also willing to travel to this one-of-a-kind shop.
27. Donald W. Reynolds Center For American Art And Portraiture (Smithsonian American Art Museum And Nati
City: Washington, DC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (202) 633-1000
Description: Downtown’s newest museum collection is home to an impressive new shop. Browse through tomes on American art and photography or pick up art-inspired jewelry, handbags, and stationery. Because the museums and shops stay open until 7 p.m., it’s also a great choice for last-minute souvenirs.
28. Hillwood Museum And Gardens
City: Washington, DC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (202) 686-8500
Address: 4155 Linnean Avenue NW
Description: This former residence of Marjorie Merriweather Post (the cereal heiress) features a large collection of French and Russian decorative arts, and reproductions are on sale in the gift shop. You’ll remember your visit with the Fabergé-style egg pendants and other items relating to the permanent collection.
29. Hirshhorn Museum
City: Washington, DC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (202) 633-1000
Address: 950 Independence Avenue NW
Description: The Hirshhorn Museum features modern art, and the jewelry in the gift shop reflects it. It’s quirky and interesting, especially the earrings, which are not the kind of merchandise you’ll find in a shopping mall.
30. John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts
City: Washington, DC
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (202) 467-4600
Description: Visit the Kennedy Center for a good selection of gifts with music, dance, theater, and opera themes.