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Modern shops, bold restaurant concepts and access to Union Station lure commuters, creatives and gourmands to this always-evolving neighborhood.
Brooklyn-style bagels, Southern biscuits and locally made sausages headline the can't-miss eats at this rehabbed mid-century market. Come hungry and expect crowds.
West Coast-cool decor – an enclosed courtyard with low-slung sofas and firepits, an indoor dining room with an exposed kitchen and lots of exposed brick and glowing light inside – sets the scene for hot chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s inventive pastas, roasts and veggie combos. Pre-fixe menus highlight luxe ingredients like foie gras and lobster, but the vibe is relaxed and lively at the award-winning Masseria, and the cocktails are inventive, too.
Shop for locally made tea towels, unusual cookbooks and cucina utensils at local food blogger Amanda McClements’ carefully curated gift and housewares boutique at the Union Market District. Cool finds range from cocktail mixes to colorful teacups. Frequent events like tastings and author readings up the appeal.
In a landmark 1914 post office, this Smithsonian Institution museum showcases exhibits and artifacts devoted to philately (stamp collecting) and the history of the U.S. Mail. Look for early 20th-century planes, rare stamps (like a printed-upside-down, 1918 “Inverted Jenny”) and Pony Express saddles.
Rent wheels from Capital Bikeshare or put on your walking (or running) shoes to hit this paved, eight-mile trail between Union Station and Silver Spring station. Along the way, expect tree-shaded stretches and views of other neighborhoods like Brookland and Capitol Hill.
If running or walking the Metropolitan Branch Trail isn't enticing enough, we have another idea for you: explore the popular pathway by way of beer. Follow along the Metropolitan Beer Trail's 11 top-notch locations beginning at Wunder Garten and weaving up into the neighborhoods of Eckington and Brookland. Enjoy the outdoors and savor the diverse craft beer offerings at each stop along the way.
The second-busiest Amtrak hub in the nation, Union Station is situated along Massachusetts Avenue NE. With shopping, restaurants and tours galore, Union Station is a great place to stop as you explore NoMa.
11:Eleven
Urban gallery 11:Eleven makes the art scene more accessible for both up-and-coming artists – based locally and across the pond – and buyers. Born in the UK, curator and founder Nicola Charles focuses her efforts on supporting young careers of US- and UK-based creators, including organizing artist talks at under-resourced schools. In her space in NoMa, Charles offers a mix of price points, approachable payment plans and individualized “Art A La Carte” rentals, which she hopes will encourage anyone to be able to enjoy contemporary art.
NoMa and Union Market are home to a thriving vodka, gin, rum and bourbon distillery scene. While there are plenty of distillieries in and around DC, visitors to NoMa will find Cotton & Reed producing rum in a creatively outfitted former ice warehouse, as well as One Eight Distilling, Republic Restoratives Distillery, Jos. A Magnus & Co. and New Columbia Distillers/Green Hat Gin.
If you’re excited to explore all quadrants of the nation's capital, continue to make your own discoveries Washington, DC's neighborhoods.
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