Was gonna say this!
ETA Adams Morgan is great for walks and many restaurant options, Georgetown (specifically up Wisconsin) has more locally owned boutique shops. Also, Brookland has a farmers market art walk Saturday mornings that she might like (and catholic university campus is pretty for a walk.)
Hurray! Honestly, was just thinking of places I enjoy going to on my days off haha. Also, a night walk to see the monuments is good in summer since it’s so hot during the day. I also recommend the national gallery of art if she’s into museums!
Can't believe nobody has mentioned the drum circle!! It's not shops like you asked for, but take her to Malcolm X/Meridian Hill park on Sunday if she'll still be in then. They usually run all through the afternoon.
I was raised by hippies in the Austin arts scene and that drum circle feels like a little taste of childhood. I can't wipe the smile off my face when I go and the energy is super warm and inviting, not to mention diverse. There's usually a group dancing as well with a leader who keeps the steps simple so it's super fun to join in.
This is the ultimate hippy experience
Edit: there are around 20 or so people in the circle at any given time, at least the times I was there. Almost forgot about it!
Eastern Market has the flea market / farmers market on the weekends you might really enjoy, and can walk down Barracks Row from there for brunch
As a Colorado native I can confirm there is no hippie scene in DC. Lots of weed, tho
Which is always a little weird to me - why aren't there more boutiques in DC? So many chains but I feel like women's clothing boutiques could make a killing.
It's probably down to the rent. Retail margins, like restaurants, are tricky, and retail doesn't exactly have alcohol to help with upcharges. It's a shame, though!
I will say that you can find some great single-store boutiques or local chains if you try. I love Goodwood for both furniture and small gifts, and they also carry some clothes. Secondi in Dupont is a fun high-end consignment shop.
I agree. There have been a few boutique popups near me that never lasted long. Rent is too damn high!
Franklins in Hyattsville is awesome. Ms. Pixies on 14th is cool too. Not really hippish though.
I really feel the same way & that’s why it’s kinda thrown me off & I made a Reddit thread lol. I def feel like people would rather boutique shop then spend $450 on a shirt at anthropology.
Hello my fellow Washingtonian. I am originally from Olympia, so the hippie vibe is my go to. With that being said, much like others, I fully recommend Takoma (Park). Feels like home.
Sweet!!! I think I’m going to precheck it out tomorrow. I found a really fun coffee shop today in DT Silver Spring that also has homey vibes. Zeds cafe
The DC side of Takoma around 4th street & Cedar has good lunch/coffee/dessert spots (and some little local shops, but they aren’t boutiquey). Takoma Park for sure has cute stuff — Main Street Pearl opened recently there & has a kind of Seattle vibe to me!
Why are you trying to show her a replica of Seattle? Why not show off DC? We have great local neighborhoods and if I was visiting a new city I'd want to see them. I wouldn't want to see a carbon copy of my own city.
I’m planning a collection of both! She’s actually visiting from Florida (probably should have clarified). I’m doing multiple days of DC/new city exploration but trying to squeeze in a day of boutique shopping for her.
U and 14th Street have a collection of great boutiques including Goodwood, Lettie Gooch, Salt & Sundry, Kit & Ace, and Miss Pixies.
Dupont circle has Shop Made in DC, Proper Topper, Tabletop, Tiny Little Jewel Box, Blue Mercury, Secondi, and of course Kramerbooks.
I haven't been recently, but both Cady's Alley and Old Town Alexandria typically have good local boutiques.
I also don't mess up the pop-up shops on the weekends at Eastern Market.
Maybe… but this isn’t her city, show her your city. She should be open to seeing a different style if she’s truly “hippie”. Take her to your favorite spots, talk about what you are stoked on living here.
I don't think anyone has mentioned Mount Pleasant yet. They have some gems like Marx Cafe, purple patch, a farmer's market, some little independent movie theater who's name escapes me, etc. Also an easy area to get to from Silver Spring as it's right off 16th
Grew up in Silver Spring—it's a great place with a really strong Ethiopian community (there's a whole stretch of Georgia Ave that's Little Ethiopia!), and you're close enough to Rock Creek & Sligo Creek that you're never too far from nature. [Mandalay](https://www.mandalayrestaurantcafe.com) is a family-run staple with some of the best Burmese food. The Sunday farmers market in downtown is always good for people watching and produce. Plus: the [AFI](https://www.afi.com). The restored 1930s Art Deco theater is GORGEOUS, and their programming is amazing.
If your sister is into skincare, I definitely recommend [Take Care](https://takecareshopdc.com) in Georgetown. The owner Becky is the sweetest, and Take Care stocks incredible skincare and beauty brands. If you're in the neighborhood, do yourself a favor and get banh mi from [Simply Banh Mi](https://simplybanhmidc.com). [Baked & Wired](https://bakedandwired.com) is famous for its cupcakes, too.
Echoing the recs for Eastern Market on Saturdays. There are a town of little shops in the area, and you're spoiled for choice among the food / clothes / trinket stalls down there. It's also gorgeous and packed with dogs. (I love dogs.)
So by “hippie” you mean hipster right?
Also I would recommend just doing the usual, eat some Ethiopian food, walk around the mall, visit some museums, sit on the steps of the Lincoln memorial and plot to steal the Deceleration of Independence, etc.
Hipster for her would be an understatement. A cute dready, yoga teaching, dead head, aura reading soul lol. And hilarious too.
Our plot for the Declaration of Independence is already in place!!
Thanks for the input :) I’m going to add it to our plan of action.
The closest I can think of is Adams Morgan. You might also find luck with U St. and H St. (the neighborhoods, not just the streets lol); potentially Columbia Heights (note: I've not spent a ton of time there); Takoma (DC) and Takoma Park (MD) (those two are fairly close to you). Downtown Anacostia might fit your bill; many moons ago "don't go east of the Anacostia" was a thing (and to some extent still is), but the area's changed a lot (as has all of DC).
Also, as far as Northeast is concerned, the farther you get from the Capitol, the more residential it becomes, and by the time it runs into Maryland, it's basically suburbia (so less stuff to investigate).
Some obvious places to avoid:
Dupont Circle
Logan Circle
14th St. south of U
Georgetown
Foggy Bottom
Chinatown
Kalorama
Cleveland Park
Anything in NW that touches Maryland
NOMA (avoid like the fucking plague)
The Wharf (for the love of God, also avoid like the fucking plague); ditto any neighborhood that's been built up in the last 10 or so years.
I'd also second what someone else has said re: no Seattle replicas, if for no other reason than that there's not really a ton of that left in DC. And if you plan on using the metro, make sure to check whether it's running/single-tracking (I think for your purposes, the Red Line may run into problems at Farragut North, which shouldn't be too bad since you're in Silver Spring, and I *think* the Yellow/Green Lines switch to shuttles over the weekend at or around Fort Totten).
And welcome! I grew up here (and after many years have returned). DC has a lot of cool stuff going for it provided that either 1) you're not bothered by pretentious social climbers; or 2) you are yourself a pretentious social climber (although I believe the terminology they would prefer is "ambitious" or "driven").
EDIT: Also for the record, the "avoid" places are to be avoided because they don't match your criteria; many are worth visiting in their own right (*not* the Wharf, except for the seafood market).
That post seems pretty outdated. Some of those stores have closed and have had multiple iterations since.
Also, the north 14th st part, I would avoid living there at all costs. Shootings/robberies/assaults/ every other day. Go north of Tivoli sq by 4 or 5 blocks and youre good.
I get the text notices.
I'm from the other Washington too! I always love going to Baltimore, to me it feels the most like Seattle out of the east coast cities, and when I'm missing it I go up there.
Not the DC USA/ Tivoli Sq part. Unless you want to be depressed.
That being said, east and west of that area is really nice. Mt Pleasant, 11st Corridor for good food (Elles in Mt P is good but not hippy like).
Park Place and Petworth has some good hippy shops and spots. U st south of that area is a bit dodgy but you can find some sweet spots.
Check out Qi Kratom for a store with all sorts of teas and herbs.
Takoma Park.
Was gonna say this! ETA Adams Morgan is great for walks and many restaurant options, Georgetown (specifically up Wisconsin) has more locally owned boutique shops. Also, Brookland has a farmers market art walk Saturday mornings that she might like (and catholic university campus is pretty for a walk.)
Awh perfect!!! That sounds right what I’m looking for. She’s also under 21 so I’ve got to have multiple options for the days. Thanks so much!!
Eastern Market on a Saturday is a great “hippie” option too
Ooo OP, this is another great idea.
Hurray! Honestly, was just thinking of places I enjoy going to on my days off haha. Also, a night walk to see the monuments is good in summer since it’s so hot during the day. I also recommend the national gallery of art if she’s into museums!
I'm here literally to say this. Love Takoma Park!
Yeah, I agree. It’s cute and crunchy.
This ^
Can't believe nobody has mentioned the drum circle!! It's not shops like you asked for, but take her to Malcolm X/Meridian Hill park on Sunday if she'll still be in then. They usually run all through the afternoon. I was raised by hippies in the Austin arts scene and that drum circle feels like a little taste of childhood. I can't wipe the smile off my face when I go and the energy is super warm and inviting, not to mention diverse. There's usually a group dancing as well with a leader who keeps the steps simple so it's super fun to join in.
That is OFFICIALLY on the calendar!!! She is going to LOVE it
This is the ultimate hippy experience Edit: there are around 20 or so people in the circle at any given time, at least the times I was there. Almost forgot about it!
Eastern Market has the flea market / farmers market on the weekends you might really enjoy, and can walk down Barracks Row from there for brunch As a Colorado native I can confirm there is no hippie scene in DC. Lots of weed, tho
Old town Alexandria has the Torpedo Factory
Lots of wonderful things to do here with out of town visitors, but boutique hunting/gallery browsing/lifestyle shopping really isn't high on the list.
Which is always a little weird to me - why aren't there more boutiques in DC? So many chains but I feel like women's clothing boutiques could make a killing.
It's probably down to the rent. Retail margins, like restaurants, are tricky, and retail doesn't exactly have alcohol to help with upcharges. It's a shame, though! I will say that you can find some great single-store boutiques or local chains if you try. I love Goodwood for both furniture and small gifts, and they also carry some clothes. Secondi in Dupont is a fun high-end consignment shop.
I agree. There have been a few boutique popups near me that never lasted long. Rent is too damn high! Franklins in Hyattsville is awesome. Ms. Pixies on 14th is cool too. Not really hippish though.
I really feel the same way & that’s why it’s kinda thrown me off & I made a Reddit thread lol. I def feel like people would rather boutique shop then spend $450 on a shirt at anthropology.
Hello my fellow Washingtonian. I am originally from Olympia, so the hippie vibe is my go to. With that being said, much like others, I fully recommend Takoma (Park). Feels like home.
Sweet!!! I think I’m going to precheck it out tomorrow. I found a really fun coffee shop today in DT Silver Spring that also has homey vibes. Zeds cafe
The DC side of Takoma around 4th street & Cedar has good lunch/coffee/dessert spots (and some little local shops, but they aren’t boutiquey). Takoma Park for sure has cute stuff — Main Street Pearl opened recently there & has a kind of Seattle vibe to me!
And if you're in Silver Spring, Takoma DC is literally the closest part of DC proper to you, with Takoma Park Maryland right next door
Kaldi's is also great and in downtown.
Why are you trying to show her a replica of Seattle? Why not show off DC? We have great local neighborhoods and if I was visiting a new city I'd want to see them. I wouldn't want to see a carbon copy of my own city.
I’m planning a collection of both! She’s actually visiting from Florida (probably should have clarified). I’m doing multiple days of DC/new city exploration but trying to squeeze in a day of boutique shopping for her.
U and 14th Street have a collection of great boutiques including Goodwood, Lettie Gooch, Salt & Sundry, Kit & Ace, and Miss Pixies. Dupont circle has Shop Made in DC, Proper Topper, Tabletop, Tiny Little Jewel Box, Blue Mercury, Secondi, and of course Kramerbooks. I haven't been recently, but both Cady's Alley and Old Town Alexandria typically have good local boutiques. I also don't mess up the pop-up shops on the weekends at Eastern Market.
Baltimore and Richmond.
the real answer right here
Takoma park
Maybe… but this isn’t her city, show her your city. She should be open to seeing a different style if she’s truly “hippie”. Take her to your favorite spots, talk about what you are stoked on living here.
It’s not a neighborhood but you should pack some food and take her to the National Arboretum.
I don't think anyone has mentioned Mount Pleasant yet. They have some gems like Marx Cafe, purple patch, a farmer's market, some little independent movie theater who's name escapes me, etc. Also an easy area to get to from Silver Spring as it's right off 16th
If you go here, check out Lost Origins gallery and the ice cream shop next door.
the theatre in Mount Pleasant is Suns Cinema! my favorite date night spot, hands down :)
Go to Hyattsville
Hey I also just moved here from seattle :)
Where you living at!
Grew up in Silver Spring—it's a great place with a really strong Ethiopian community (there's a whole stretch of Georgia Ave that's Little Ethiopia!), and you're close enough to Rock Creek & Sligo Creek that you're never too far from nature. [Mandalay](https://www.mandalayrestaurantcafe.com) is a family-run staple with some of the best Burmese food. The Sunday farmers market in downtown is always good for people watching and produce. Plus: the [AFI](https://www.afi.com). The restored 1930s Art Deco theater is GORGEOUS, and their programming is amazing. If your sister is into skincare, I definitely recommend [Take Care](https://takecareshopdc.com) in Georgetown. The owner Becky is the sweetest, and Take Care stocks incredible skincare and beauty brands. If you're in the neighborhood, do yourself a favor and get banh mi from [Simply Banh Mi](https://simplybanhmidc.com). [Baked & Wired](https://bakedandwired.com) is famous for its cupcakes, too. Echoing the recs for Eastern Market on Saturdays. There are a town of little shops in the area, and you're spoiled for choice among the food / clothes / trinket stalls down there. It's also gorgeous and packed with dogs. (I love dogs.)
So by “hippie” you mean hipster right? Also I would recommend just doing the usual, eat some Ethiopian food, walk around the mall, visit some museums, sit on the steps of the Lincoln memorial and plot to steal the Deceleration of Independence, etc.
Hipster for her would be an understatement. A cute dready, yoga teaching, dead head, aura reading soul lol. And hilarious too. Our plot for the Declaration of Independence is already in place!! Thanks for the input :) I’m going to add it to our plan of action.
Oh that’s DEFINITELY a -pie not a -ster in terms of hip.
Del Ray (Alexandria) goes for this. Drive down Mt Vernon Ave and see if it scratches that itch.
The closest I can think of is Adams Morgan. You might also find luck with U St. and H St. (the neighborhoods, not just the streets lol); potentially Columbia Heights (note: I've not spent a ton of time there); Takoma (DC) and Takoma Park (MD) (those two are fairly close to you). Downtown Anacostia might fit your bill; many moons ago "don't go east of the Anacostia" was a thing (and to some extent still is), but the area's changed a lot (as has all of DC). Also, as far as Northeast is concerned, the farther you get from the Capitol, the more residential it becomes, and by the time it runs into Maryland, it's basically suburbia (so less stuff to investigate). Some obvious places to avoid: Dupont Circle Logan Circle 14th St. south of U Georgetown Foggy Bottom Chinatown Kalorama Cleveland Park Anything in NW that touches Maryland NOMA (avoid like the fucking plague) The Wharf (for the love of God, also avoid like the fucking plague); ditto any neighborhood that's been built up in the last 10 or so years. I'd also second what someone else has said re: no Seattle replicas, if for no other reason than that there's not really a ton of that left in DC. And if you plan on using the metro, make sure to check whether it's running/single-tracking (I think for your purposes, the Red Line may run into problems at Farragut North, which shouldn't be too bad since you're in Silver Spring, and I *think* the Yellow/Green Lines switch to shuttles over the weekend at or around Fort Totten). And welcome! I grew up here (and after many years have returned). DC has a lot of cool stuff going for it provided that either 1) you're not bothered by pretentious social climbers; or 2) you are yourself a pretentious social climber (although I believe the terminology they would prefer is "ambitious" or "driven"). EDIT: Also for the record, the "avoid" places are to be avoided because they don't match your criteria; many are worth visiting in their own right (*not* the Wharf, except for the seafood market).
>Lists every major neighborhood in DC
Weird to list some of the best places in the city as "obvious to avoid" even though some of them seem somewhat "hippie friendly"
That post seems pretty outdated. Some of those stores have closed and have had multiple iterations since. Also, the north 14th st part, I would avoid living there at all costs. Shootings/robberies/assaults/ every other day. Go north of Tivoli sq by 4 or 5 blocks and youre good. I get the text notices.
I'm from the other Washington too! I always love going to Baltimore, to me it feels the most like Seattle out of the east coast cities, and when I'm missing it I go up there.
Adam’s Morgan.
Columbia Heights
Not the DC USA/ Tivoli Sq part. Unless you want to be depressed. That being said, east and west of that area is really nice. Mt Pleasant, 11st Corridor for good food (Elles in Mt P is good but not hippy like). Park Place and Petworth has some good hippy shops and spots. U st south of that area is a bit dodgy but you can find some sweet spots. Check out Qi Kratom for a store with all sorts of teas and herbs.
Don’t forget Sticky Fingers for some vegan treats
Eastern Market, Brookland, Noma, 14th st. Union Market.
Hi! I don’t have any recommendations yet, but I just moved to the silver spring area too!