Artifactory
A musty shop cluttered with unique artifacts collected around the world is about the last thing you'd expect to find in the East End, but here it is, and here it has been for over 35 years. Its collection is skewed towards African and Southeast Asian, especially antiques, masks, and jewelry. A casual shopper could leave minus only a few dollars, while a serious collector could easily drop ten grand here.
Da Hsin Trading Post
A Chinatown wouldn't be a Chinatown without an odds-and-ends shop, and D.C.'s shrinking enclave has held on to a couple. A nice long inventory of gifts and good deals on tea are mainstays, but you'll find a host of items that have nothing to do with China as well.
The Penn Quarter was once the capital's premiere shopping district. Macy's, 1201 G St NW, +1 202 628-6661 on top of Metro Center, is the only remaining department store, with a number of shops nearby on 13th St and several shops both on F St between 14th and 9th, and on 7th St between G and H and near D St. The museums here have great gift shopsâthe National Building Museum's is especially worth searching out. There are also shops oriented to tourists and a food court at the Pavilion at the Old Post Office
Springâfall, a Thursday farmers market is on 8th St between D and E, 3-7PM. In December, the Downtown Holiday Market is set up on F St between 7th and 9th, with an array of handcrafted items, jewelry, pottery, and food. And on 13 Sep, 11AM-5PM, Arts on Foot (http://artsonfoot.org/) includes an Art Market with some 80 artists and craftsmen selling their art on F St between 7th and 9th.
Political Americana
The political trinket superstore! Regardless of your political persuasion or era looking for a Know-nothing Fillmore/Donelson bumpersticker?, you will find your propaganda here. Expect to be confronted by walls of Obama tees upon entry.
Art galleries
At one time, Penn Quarter also had numerous art galleries and artist studios, a few of which remain. But with the development booms downtown over the past three decades, the artists have fled the soaring rents, and the galleries followed them north.
Goethe-Institut
A sponsor of German culture in the U.S. and of intercultural ties, the Goethe-Institut features mostly work in all mediums from Germany or by German-Americans. It hosts a ton of free events, lectures, concerts, screenings, etc., so check the website for details. Most work is not for sale.
Touchstone Gallery
This artist-cooperative owned gallery survived the neighborhood change throughout the past 30 years, and remains friendly and crammed with local artwork. Prices are reasonable, and events are packed.