These areas are not only filled with politicians and government employees, they’re home to numerous antiquing destinations. In 1946, Alexandria became the country’s third historic district – it retains its 18th century personality to this day. You can find this historic personality in the areas approximately 20 antique shops, several of which have earned a national reputation. Alexandria also puts on two high-profile antique shows, featuring outstanding American, English, Continental, and Asian furniture of the 17th through the 19th centuries. These shows are known as the Antiques in Alexandria Show, the Historic Alexandria Antiques Show, and the Lee District Antiques Show. The first one takes place in early March, the second, the third weekend in November, the third on the third weekends of February and August.

If you move along to Kensington, Maryland, you’ll discover an estimated 80 shops on Howard Avenue East and adjacent streets. These shops sell items ranging from 18th through 20th century American and Continental furnishings, to vintage fountain pens, to political memorabilia. In the nation’s capital, there are rich concentrations of antique shops in Dupont Circle, Georgetown and Adams Morgan. All of these shops represent the city’s early character and contain a lot of gems. D.C., like Alexandria, also hosts a few high-quality antique shows, including the Washington Antiques Show, held in early January, the Historic Indian and World Tribal Arts Show, held in mid-October, and the D.C. Armory on East Capital Street, which is the site to of a show featuring some 150 dealers. This takes place in early December and March. Other shows worth noting are the Stephens-St. Agnes Antiques Show, held in early January, and the Chevy Chase Women’s Club Antiques Show in early September.

When you decide to take a break from antiquing, D.C. offers a plethora of rich activities and historic excursions, such as the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the National Museum of American History, the Library of Congress and of course – the White House, to name just a few of its many highlight attractions.