"Near the seat of the U.S. Congress, this historic market—operating since 1873—brings together farmers from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia to sell produce, cheese, and meat (including ostrich, alligator, and buffalo). Weekends are particularly vibrant with live music and about 100 outdoor exhibitors plus countless artists and crafters in surrounding streets, while the South Hall Market inside offers specialty fare from butchers, bakers, and gourmet-food makers. Notable bites include blueberry-buckwheat pancakes and famous crab cakes from The Market Lunch, as well as half-smokes from Canales Quality Meats." - Veronica Stoddart