International Spy Museum Shop
Everyone needs a pair of reverse-mirrored sunglasses once in a while, whether you're being followed or you just want to check out the hottie behind you in the elevator. Other Bond-gear that might come in handy includes concealed video and listening devices (now play nice), disguise kits, micro-cameras and recorder pens. Very Get Smart.
Tel: 202 393 7798
Tel: 866 SPYMUSEUM
Address: Downtown 800 F St NW
Hours: Apr-Oct 10:00-20:00, Nov-Mar 10:00-18:00
Second Story
Up to its eyeballs in dusty used tomes, this Dupont Circle fixture also offers used LPs and CDs, and a small stock of Asian antiques. It's a good place to stop on your way to the local cafés, and an impromptu pick-up scene flourishes among its shelves. It's such a beloved DC institution that Defense Secretary William Cohen wrote a cheesy poem in its honor ('Hieroglyphics heaped/in deep layers of ink...').
Tel: 202 659 8884
Address: 2000 P St NW Dupont Circle
Hours: 10:00-22:00
Renwick Gallery
One of DC's best museum shops offers handmade textiles and hand-dyed silks as well as glasswork, woodwork and unique jewelry, much of it quite affordable (a pair of hand-blown ruby-glass earrings costs around 12). Its excellent choice of books includes how-to manuals on jewelry- and fabric-making, ceramics, glassblowing and cabinetry, many appropriate for kids. You can also learn: It feels like an organic extension of the crafts museum upstairs.
Tel: 202 357 2700
Address: 17th St & Pennsylvania Ave NW Foggy Bottom
The Shops at Georgetown Park
In this large indoor mall right on the canal, shoppers can find the expected fashions, but also electrical goods, luggage, and many other specialties. There is a food court and popular restaurants.
Dean & DeLuca
The New York-originated gourmet food store is about as luxurious as a grocery store can get. The salad bar is superb, and the ready-made meals have brought success to countless Georgetown dinner parties.
Appalachian Spring
This shop might as well be an informal museum, considering the quality of many of the hand-made crafts for sale. The quilts, carved wood, pottery, and fabrics would grace any setting.
The Phoenix
A charming store with contemporary clothing in natural fibers, classic jewelery, folk and fine art, and Mexican antiques.
Commander Salamander
More extreme fashions for young people – Goths especially. Also serious boots and shoes, and see-through backpacks.
Georgetown Flea Market
There are some usual flea-market items here, but its reputation for selling high-quality furniture, antiques, and decorative items has increased in recent years. Sundays only.
Urban Outfitters
Casual city clothing is the staple product here. The store has its own good-quality brand of clothes. Other “urban” items, from aromatherapy candles to kitsch decorations, are stocked intermittently.
Bridge Street Books
Georgetown has few dedicated bookstores – this one is fertile ground for anyone with a serious interest in literature, history, film, politics, or poetry.
Tysons II Galleria Beyond Comics 2
Countless wares, fascinating for all ages, fill this shop. Not just comics but also action figures, T-shirts, posters, and novelties.
Up Against the Wall
More fashionable clothing – some for clubbing but much suitable for street wear and even business. The store sets a contemporary music theme for shoppers, and even has a part-time DJ.
Tyson's Corner Center
This shopping center is home to over 300 name brand shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. They are located just 13 miles from the Nation's Capital.
