M Street shoppers, Georgetown, Washington, D.C., October 2015

In April of 2014 and October of 2015, I went to Georgetown in Washington, D.C. What a great Scenic Shopping town! And very busy with tourists, students from Georgetown University and other area colleges, and residents. Georgetown has many chain shops and boutiques but there are unique independent shops too like Hill and Dale Records, Tugooh Toys, American Holiday, Appalachian Spring, Dawn Price Baby, Hu's Shoes and Hu's Wear. These shops had wonderful store windows displaying their fall themed goods.

Left: Appalachian Spring shop window displaying fall colored housewares, Wisconsin Ave., Georgetown, D.C.
Right: American Holiday shop featuring home decor, gifts, jewelry and one of kind items in its Fall window on Wisconsin Ave., Georgetown, D.C.

Walking uphill on Wisconsin Avenue leads you to Book Hill, a small section of independent shops and galleries. Fortunately in late April (2014) I happened upon the annual Georgetown French Market (this year it will be April 29-May 1, 2016) with a fun sidewalk sale. Shops put tables on the street featuring jewelry, accessories and housewares. Some shops in Book Hill and nearby are Egg by Susan Lazar (infant and children's clothing), Village Art & Craft (belly dancing apparel and more), Ella-Rue boutique, A Mano (gifts, home decor, jewelry, apparel), Pretty Chic Boutique and several art galleries and antique shops.

Left: Village Art & Craft shop displaying belly dancing attire, Wisconsin Ave., Georgetown, D.C.
Right Top: Egg by Susan Lazar shop window showing children's clothing, Wisconsin Ave., Book Hill, Georgetown, D.C.
Right Bottom: French Market celebration on Book Hill, Wisconsin Ave. in April of 2014, Georgetown, D.C.

Cafes and cupcake shops abound in Georgetown. You will be able to find great coffee and baked goods on M Street, Wisconsin Avenue and side streets. These include Georgetown Cupcake, Sprinkles Cupcakes, Olivia Macarons, Baked and Wired, Saxby's Coffee, and Dog Tag Bakery.

Left Top: Saxby's Coffee on O Street near Georgetown University, Georgetown, D.C.
Left Bottom: Dog Tag Bakery, non-profit veteran staffed bakery and cafe for breakfast and lunch; dog biscuits too, Grace Street off of lower (south of M St.) Wisconsin Ave., Georgetown, D.C.
Right Top: Sprinkles Cupcakes, M Street, Georgetown, D.C.
Right Bottom: Georgetown Cupcake, M Street, Georgetown, D.C.

Canal and Waterfront Park are within walking distance and bring you to relaxing water views. Bridges over the C&O canal allow you to get down to Georgetown Waterfront Park. Walking south on Wisconsin Ave. downhill toward the Potomac River, Waterfront Park comes into view. This lovely park has a large fountain and benches. You can see the city of Arlington across the river. Walking left along the river leads you to Washington Harbour, a large complex with a pretty fountain, several good restaurants, some with seasonal outdoor seating and in winter, an outdoor ice skating rink. In October I enjoyed eating lunch at Nick's Riverside Grill where I had the crab cake sandwich which was delicious. They had several seafood entrees, sandwiches, and salads as well as burgers. Cyclists and walkers can be found enjoying this relaxing area. River views provide a peaceful respite from city streets.

Left: View of C&O Canal from bridge on Wisconsin Ave., Georgetown, D.C.
Right: Georgetown Waterfront Park along Potomac River, near the Washington Harbour Complex, Georgetown, D.C.

Taking the bus ride (MetroBus or Circulator) from Georgetown to downtown DC is a convenient way to get to the monuments and museums in the capital. I had a great time seeing the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool, the National Museum of American History, the Capitol building and the Jefferson Memorial.

Jefferson Memorial and the Tidal Basin, Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian museums and the monuments have free admission, making D.C. a great April break vacation for families. There were many school groups too and I had great weather -- 70's and sunny everyday, though that was a bit lucky since it can be chilly and rainy too in April (average temps from the 50's to 70's). For some destinations, such as the Washington Monument, National Archives and the White House, reservations are recommended, especially at this time of year.

Staying at hotels on Wisconsin Ave. in Georgetown worked out for me but there are plenty of hotels in Georgetown and downtown DC. I have enjoyed staying at the Savoy Suites and the Holiday Inn Georgetown, but unfortunately the Holiday Inn Georgetown is now closed. Nearby Arlington just over the Key Bridge has several hotel choices too. See our Georgetown page for links to hotels in and around Georgetown.

I barely scratched the surface of the possible sightseeing and shopping. There is so much to take in. I know I'll be back!

Scenic Shopping Georgetown for shop, restaurant, hotel and activities links

Springtime Shopping and Touring in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. - feature article about visiting Georgetown