A train station may seem like an unlikely (and last minute) option to go shopping. One of the district's most popular tourist sites, Union Station not only hosts daily trains and buses but also over 30 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 some include bluemercury, Aurea, Cava, Hudson News, MAC and Pret. Opened in 1907, the station features touches of Roman architecture throughout the structure. METRO: Union Station. METRO: Union Station.
Recommended for Best Shopping 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.
Have some time before an event at the Capital One Arena? Head to Gallery Place located next to the entertainment venue for a little retail therapy in the Chinatown neighborhood. Chose from stores like Aveda and Urban Outfitters or grab a bite at one of their many eateries like Thai Chili or Bar Louie. Want to have some fun? Catch the latest movies at their 14-screen Regal movie theater if you need a break from retail therapy. 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 Best Shopping because: A great shopping destination to hit up before attending an event at the Capital One Arena.
Gina's expert tip: If you are driving, there is parking on site. You can reserve a spot ahead of time which is probably a good idea especially if an event is happening nearby.
Hope your credit card is warmed up because it will surely get a workout at these outlets set in beautiful Leesburg, Va. Shoppers can take their pick of around 100 outlet stores ranging from luxury labels to well-known brand names like J. Crew Factory, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Under Armour and Michael Kors. For those searching for deals on children's clothing, chose from nearly a dozen stores including Carter's, and Tommy Hilfiger Kids. Looking for a great pair of shoes? Try UGG, Skechers or Nike Factory Store. Since you are sure to work up an appetite, there are several food spots onsite including Far East Asian Fire and Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen.
Recommended for Best Shopping because: While it is a bit of a drive for Washingtonians, you can hit up a number of other attractions including vineyards and historic structures.
Gina's expert tip: If you join the VIP Shopper Club, you get exclusive online coupons and email updates on sales and special events.
Composed of dozens of locally-owned businesses, Downtown Frederick has multiple shopping options in a beautiful historic setting. Check out Dancing Bear Toys and Gifts to find a child's present free of batteries. Go to Zoe's Chocolate Co. for some sinfully delicious treats or get your paintbrushes ready to create some pottery at I Made This. Downtown Frederick really comes alive during First Saturday events which have a different theme every month. The holiday season is especially a wonderful time to visit as the trees are decorated in festive lights and parking is free!
Recommended for Best Shopping because: A winning combination of locally-owned businesses surrounded in a rich, historical setting.
Gina's expert tip: Drop off your packages at your car and take a walk along the nearby gorgeous Carroll Creek Park.
During one national Small Business Saturday, then-President Barack Obama brought his two daughters here to buy holiday gifts and once you step inside, you will understand why. Locally owned by two former "Washington Post" reporters, the store has more than 100,000 titles to chose from for those book worms in your life. Don't want to get your loved one something they already have? The store offers the option to create gift registries and wish lists. You could also enroll someone special in the Book-a-Month gift program. Tell the store your loved one's preferences and a staffer will carefully chose a winning book to come their way every month. METRO: Van Ness
Recommended for Best Shopping because: Whatever title you are searching for, this book store is sure to have it or know how to get a copy.
Gina's expert tip: Check out their events calendar to see local and nationally-known authors who will be stopping in for a visit.
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 dozens of 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 Best Shopping because: Looking for a friendly neighborhood vibe while you shop? Then head to this unique shopping option.
Gina's expert tip: Be sure to check out the flea market during the holiday season!
Located in Arlington, Va., just outside the nation's capital, this shopping destination has more than 160 stores to tempt your wallet and bank account. You will find high-end stores mixed in with name-brand shops. Some stores include Apple, Nordstrom, Macy's and Bucherer 1888. 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 Best Shopping because: With more than 160 stores onsite, 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, Gucci, Prada 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 Best Shopping because: Tysons Galleria is an upscale shopping experience in the Washington, D.C. 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.
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 recently. Thanks to CityCenterDC, a 10-acre, mixed-use development, folks can scoop up high-end shopping options like kate spade New York, Burberry, Tiffany & Co., 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: Fig & Olive, Piccolina and Tatte Bakery. The shopping destination also offers a weekly farmers market so you can fill your refrigerator as well as your closet in one trip! METRO: Metro Center
Recommended for Best Shopping because: If you are looking for luxury items, CityCenterDC is the place to shop.
Gina's expert tip: Using your car in the District can be a pain, but this shopping hub has over 1500 parking spaces and valet service.
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? The center offers shopping bag and luggage storage at the concierge desk for a fee. METRO: Tysons Corner
Recommended for Best Shopping 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.