From fashion to food, jewelry to health and beauty products, this underground shopping emporium has it all and serves as one of Crystal City's top destinations. Located just outside the nation's capital, you will find casual and upscale dining options including celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn's Good Stuff Eatery, Morton's Steakhouse, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. For those looking to shop for gifts, you may want to check stores like The Engraving Shop, Relaxation Station, Flowers with Love and Schakolad Chocolate Factory. If you are looking to buy something for yourself, you are sure to find something unforgettable at this group of shops. METRO: Crystal City.
Recommended for Shopping Centers because: Crystal City Shops is an underground emporium located just outside the district in Virginia.
Gina's expert tip: Go to the Shops web page for store and center promotions.
Located in Arlington, Va., just outside the nation's capital, this shopping destination has more than 170 stores to tempt your wallet and bank account. You will find high-end stores mixed in with name-brand shops. Some stores include Apple, BOSS HUGO BOSS, kate spade new York, Michael Kors and Tumi. There are a number of eateries to grab a quick bite before heading out for more shopping. They have free Wi-Fi access so log on to avoid extra data use. Don't leave without taking a ride in the glass elevator which goes three stories high. METRO: Pentagon City.
Recommended for Shopping Centers because: With more than 170 stores on site, you are sure to get amazing deals and enviable finds.
Gina's expert tip: Head to the Centre's website for information on deals and events happening.
Not to be confused by the nearby Tysons Corner Center, this shopping haven has been known to be called the 'Rodeo Drive of the East Coast.' Luxury brands and fashion unite here with many names you will recognize — Cartier, Burberry, Chanel, Coach, Emporio Armani, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton just to name a few. You will also find several restaurants to enjoy during your trip including the Lebanese Taverna, Maggiano's Little Italy and P.F. Chang's China Bistro. If shopping leaves you completely exhausted, the galleria is connected to a Ritz Carlton Hotel just waiting to attend to your needs. METRO: Tysons Corner
Recommended for Shopping Centers because: Tysons Galleria is an upscale shopping experience in the Washington, DC metro area.
Gina's expert tip: Plan your shopping day so you can stop for lunch or dinner at Lebanese Taverna, an elegant restaurant serving delicious Middle Eastern fare.
Have some time before an event at the Verizon Center? Head to Gallery Place located next to the entertainment venue for a little retail therapy in the Chinatown neighborhood. Chose from stores like Ann Taylor, Aveda and Urban Outfitters or grab a bite at one of their many eateries like Clyde's of Gallery Place or Bar Louie. Want to have some fun? Head to Lucky Strike for a game of bowling or catch the latest movies at their 14-screen Regal movie theater. For those who are members of the Washington Sports Clubs, there is an on-site gym in case you want to burn some calories. METRO: Gallery Place/Chinatown.
Recommended for Shopping Centers because: A great place to go before an event at the Verizon Center.
Gina's expert tip: Every Sunday beginning at 8 p.m., Lucky Strike hosts Salsa Sundays featuring a live DJ, lessons and prizes.
Hope you are wearing your tennis shoes because this center is one of the largest shopping malls in the United States. With more than 300 specialty shops and restaurants, shopping is an all day event. Located just 13 miles outside of Washington, D.C., the venue features an AMC movie theater in case you need a break in between shopping. Be sure to check out the center's website for information on sales and events happening during your visit. Don't feel like carrying all those packages home? The center offers same day delivery for $5. Local zip codes only. METRO: Tysons Corner
Recommended for Shopping Centers because: As one of the biggest malls in America, folks are sure to find many places to tempt their wallets.
Gina's expert tip: Check out The Plaza, a walkway from the Silver Line Metro which hosts concerts and events throughout the year.
Many consumers would love to own designer labels yet affording them is the tricky part. For those looking for deals, take a short drive up I-270 to the Clarksburg Premium Outlets. Opened in late fall 2016, folks will find more than 90 stores featuring designer and name brand labels such as kate spade New York, Steve Madden, Under Armour, and Coach. Walkways are covered so a rainy day doesn't mean you need to stay away. Folks who want a break from walking will also enjoy the exterior escalators and elevators. Refuel at the Market Hall dining pavilion before hitting even more stores.
Recommended for Shopping Centers because: This shopping destination is a must for those driving north of the district.
Gina's expert tip: If you join their VIP Shoppers Club, you can get exclusive online coupons and email updates regarding sales.
If you are looking for a place that has great shopping options along with fun activities to do, National Harbor is your best bet. Located right beside the Potomac River, National Harbor features more than 150 retailers at the Tanger Outlets ranging from major name brands to specialty shops. All that walking makes you hungry so take your pick from over 30 dining options. The MGM National Harbor Resort and Casino opened in late 2016 and also features several stores including actress Sarah Jessica Parker's first brick and mortar shop SPJ. Be sure to leave some time to take a ride on the Capital Wheel which gives you a bird's eye view of some of the district's most well-known buildings.
Recommended for Shopping Centers because: More than 150 retailers with bargain deals and fun activities nearby make shopping fun.
Gina's expert tip: Reward all of your waking with a stop at the PEEP store for a sinfully sweet treat.
Built in 1873, this venue has served as a community hub for the Capitol Hill neighborhood and a destination for tourists from around the world. While the market is open during the week (except on Mondays), you will really want to come on the weekends where you can hear live music, get fresh produce from local farms and peruse over 100 exhibitors selling a wide variety of handmade merchandise including arts, crafts, jewelry and antiques. Be sure to sign up for their monthly newsletter to discover what will be going on when you visit. METRO: Eastern Market.
Recommended for Shopping Centers because: A great place to see a friendly neighborhood hub with unique shopping options.
Gina's expert tip: Check out the market's flea market around the holiday season.
A train station may seem like an unlikely (and last minute) option to shopping but after undergoing an $160-million renovation, you will understand why this place made the list. One of the district's most popular tourist sites, Union Station not only hosts daily trains and buses but also over 100 specialty shops and restaurants, an outdoor market and a 9-screen movie theatre. A list of stores can be found on the station's website but include Jos. A. Bank, H&M, MAC Cosmetics, and President Cigars. Opened in 1907, the station features touches of Roman architecture throughout the structure. METRO: Union Station. METRO: Union Station.
Recommended for Shopping Centers because: A great way to master the ability of multitasking while traveling and shopping at the same time.
Gina's expert tip: Be sure to check out the Swarovski Crystal shop even just to look at some of the items.
Luxury international fashion brands are worn by many power players in the nation's capital, yet people could not find these labels in downtown until a few years ago. Thanks to CityCenterDC, a 10-acre, mixed-use development, folks can scoop up high-end shopping options like kate spade New York, Burberry, Zadig & Voltaire, Allen Edmonds, Loro Piana, TUMI, BOSS, Longchamp and Salvatore Ferragamo. All of this retail therapy will leave you hungry so stop into one of the center's restaurants: Del Frisco's, Centrolina, Milk Bar and Dolcezza. I you are driving here, check out the eco car wash available Monday through Friday. METRO: Metro Center
Recommended for Shopping Centers because: If you are looking for luxury items, CityCenterDC is the place to shop.
Gina's expert tip: Check out the public space area while visiting. You may find a free workout program going on or a concert.