Blink or look at the big box stores in the 3300 block of M Street NW in Georgetown and you'll miss the entrance to the charming Cady's Alley. Down the steep steps the alley, paved with Belgian block, it runs parallel to the C&O Canal. Tidily restored original stone row houses line the alley, and now house upscale shelter shops, suppliers, jewelry shops and designer clothing. Not in the market for furniture or cabinetry? I'd take a gander anyway; the stores here are like art installations, beautifully laid out and appointed.
High-end furniture shops and home building suppliers have congregated here, making it a destination for interior designers and other shelter enthusiasts. Without such a budget, I look for ideas to poach, including among the gorgeous displays of Waterworks, an upscale tile purveyor. Likewise with the fashion of Intermix, a NY fashion powerhouse, or the classic men's clothier from Richmond, VA, Ledbury. The food's more within reach -- there's nothing like meeting for a ladies lunch in the courtyard outside Leopold's Kafe Konditorei, whilst sniffing the sweet fragrance of District Doughnuts, frying a dozen varieties daily just down the alley.
Find your way with 101 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Public Bar" in DC turns into a real salsa club every Wednesday night. If you're serious about wanting to partner dance on a random Wednesday, it's for you.
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"LeTena" Washington DC takes a slightly different approach with Ethiopian food, somewhere between being a restaurant & a casual place. I love the prices.
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"The Coffee Bar" is a wonderful coffee spot in Washington DC, in a somewhat quiet area. I love their outside patio to enjoy my coffee with some sun.
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"Donburi" in Washington DC is a Japanese restaurant that makes my mouth water before I've even had a taste of the food! It's my comfort food in DC...
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"ArtJamz" in Washington DC is cool. It's basically an art studio where I go to hang out with friends, a date, or just to destress with a drink & paint.
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"Izakaya Seki" in Washington DC is the restaurant I go to when I want authentic but unfamiliar Japanese food, a place for somewhat adventurous diners!
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"Dupont Circle Farmers Market" is where I go in Washington DC to spend a fun Sunday morning. I recommend you get some coffee, walk around & take it all in.
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"Kramerbooks & Afterwords" Washington DC's Dupont Circle is an old-school bookstore with a café/bar & a restaurant. It's one of my favorites of this style.
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The streets ringing the National Mall in Washington DC is full of food trucks with food from around the world. Pick your favorite, find a bench and enjoy!
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Use the app "Food Truck Fiesta" to locate all the food trucks listed as active in Washington DC -- that's over 200 of them!
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101 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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