Washington, DC 

Shopping in DC is a neighbourhood adventure. Here are some highlights:Located on Capitol Hill, Eastern Market is one of the city’s liveliest open-air weekend arts and crafts markets. Nearby is Barracks Row along 8th Street, SE, a historic community that combines the arts with retail in a pedestrian-friendly environment.Union Station, DC’s glorious Beaux-Arts train station, houses dozens of shops like Victoria’s Secret, The Body Shop, Ann Taylor and Nine West.

Dupont Circle is an eclectic, cosmopolitan neighbourhood that’s home to trendy galleries, used bookshops and national retail outlets. Pick up funky accessories at the Proper Topper, one-of-a-kind gift items at the Tiny Jewel Box or browse gay and lesbian literature and gifts at Lambda Rising.

Georgetown is one of DC’s most celebrated neighbourhoods. Its historic cobblestone streets are lined with locally-owned boutiques, antique shops, national retail outlets and a mix of pubs and restaurants that are perfect spots for celebrity-spotting.

Along U Street near Logan Circle, fun and funky home furnishing shops like Go Mama Go! and Home Rule stock playful kitchen accessories, tableware and wearable art. Locals gather at the bohemian bookstore and restaurant, Busboys & Poets, to surf the Internet, chat about politics or participate in open microphone nights.

Shop for high-end designer fashions in metropolitan Washington’s Chevy Chase district, where you’ll find Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales and exclusive boutiques like Jimmy Choo, Max Mara, Gucci and Tiffany.

Maryland 

For unique handmade arts and crafts visit Arts at Canal Place, a cooperative gallery featuring more than 30 area artists, located in the Canal Place Heritage Area in Cumberland.

Harborplace & The Gallery is Baltimore’s premiere shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Located at the famous Inner Harbor, you can browse through a variety of popular national retailers and locally inspired shops, satisfy hunger cravings at over 20 eateries or one of 10 delectable restaurants, and enjoy year-round entertainment.

If you’re seeking antiques, the Beaver Creek Antique Market in Hagerstown has been noted as one of the finest on the East Coast. More than 150 quality dealers exhibit in the beautiful complex where a smile and a fresh pot of coffee will always welcome you. More than 435 antiques dealers are located in Laurel, Frederick, Emmitsburg, Bowie, New Market, and Kensington. Historic Antique Row in Baltimore features decorative objects in bronze, ceramics, books, clocks, furniture, silver, fine art, and more.

Value and outlet shopping opportunities abound across Maryland. Arundel Mills between Baltimore and Annapolis features 17 major anchor stores and over 225 specialty stores that feature outlet, discount and specialty retailers, themed restaurants and entertainment. The Premium Outlets in Queenstown and Hagerstown are difficult to resist with specialty outlets stores such as Anne Klein, Barneys New York/Outlet, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Calvin Klein, COACH, Crate & Barrel, Escada, Jones New York, Michael Kors, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th and Williams Sonoma.

Virginia

Missing your four legged best-friend? Visit Barkley Square in Alexandria for homemade, all-natural pet treats and cakes, including Chewy Vuitton and Jimmy Chew. Do a little shopping for yourself at Diva Designer Consignment, a boutique with new and almost new women’s designer clothing, shoes and accessories by Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Marc Jacob, Burberry and Diane Von Furstenberg.

For upscale mall shopping, Tysons Galleria will not disappoint. Located in Fairfax County, Tysons Galleria houses Sur la Table, Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue, Salvatore Ferragamo, Neiman Marcus, Chanel and Burberry. Across the street at Tysons Corner Center, check out national retailers such as Nordstrom, Macys, Lord & Taylor and Bloomingdales.

Virginia boasts 32 outlets such as Williamsburg Premium Outlets, with more than 120 designer and brand name stores, and Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets, with 110 stores including Adidas, Burberry, Coach, J.Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Williams-Sonoma and many more.  Don’t miss Potomac Mills, located near Washington, DC, featuring more than 200 stores under one roof, including Bloomingdale’s – The Outlet Store and Last Call by Neiman Marcus, as well as full-service restaurants.

Take advantage of the variety of shopping opportunities in Virginia including flea markets, museum shops and art galleries. For a twist on antiquing catch one of Virginia’s many auctions like Alexander’s Antiques and Auctions in Richmond.