Foodie shops, edgy restaurants and Union Station lure commuters, office workers and gourmands to this neighborhood of creatives.
This rising neighborhood just north of the U.S. Capitol takes its name from its location – north of Massachusetts Avenue NE. Slurp oysters and buy spices at hip gourmet destination Union Market, rent a bike and hop on the Metro Branch Trail or explore new businesses opening in old warehouses.
01
Catch a flick
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Snack your way through Union Market
Union Market in NoMa - Food hall and shopping center in Washington, DC
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.
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Sample edgy Italian fare at Masseria
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.
04
Outfit your kitchen at Salt & Sundry
Shop for locally made tea towels, unusual cookbooks and cucina utensils at local food blogger Amanda McClements’ carefully curated gift and housewares boutique at Union Market. Cool finds range from cocktail mixes to colorful teacups. Frequent events like tastings and author readings up the appeal.
05
Explore the history of the U.S. Mail at the National Postal Museum
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.
06
Ride (or run) along the Metropolitan Branch Trail
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.
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Shop, eat or catch a tour from Union Station
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.
08
Admire contemporary art
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.
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Sip locally made spirits
Cotton and Reed Rum Distillery in NoMa near Union Market - Distilleries in Washington, DC
North of Massachusetts Avenue NE near Union Market is 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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