Cultural and Community Center, Eastern Market

Constructed in 1873, Eastern Market has been a landmark for tourists and locals alike. It is a community gathering space and a piece of DC history.

You will find handmade arts and crafts, antiques, clothing, and other goods on the weekends, when the market is in full swing (get there early on Saturday for a stack of blueberry buckwheat pancakes!). It's a great way to support local artists and small businesses. You will also find local, fresh produce from nearby farms as well as fresh cut flowers, baked goods, and artisan foods. Everyday of the week (with the exception of Monday), Eastern Market offers bakery, deli, and produce items inside the hall. 

This building has been serving the community uninterrupted since 1873, despite a fire in 2007 that devastated the building. The community reaction to this tragedy was one of urgency: the building must be restored! A temporary hall was put in place so that the market could continue while work was done on the main building. 

I love perusing Eastern Market on weekends. You'll often find performers playing music and artists painting as you wonder through the tents and tables. There are fresh peach and berry samples laid out on platters as you walk through. Friends meet up over coffee or crepes (to avoid the line, get there by 9am!), or my favorite, fresh squeezed lemonade, limeade, or orangeade. People are able to interact with others from their community and support their missions. People walk dogs, people ride bikes, and people brunch. There is also a fantastic used bookstore right across the street from the main building, which I highly recommend. 

Truly the best thing about Eastern Market is the atmosphere and sense of community it embodies. It is a gathering place--a meeting place, for old friends and new. Check it out next time you're in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. It's a great way to experience DC's history and get connected to the community.

--Megan