We started across the street from the actual "market" where, on weekends, there is a flea market. We browsed through the stalls full of old LIFE magazines, yard art, crafts, jewelry and $5 sunglasses! (This was especially exciting since Joy had broken 2 pair at the beach).
After the sunglass purchase, we rounded the corner and came to the farmers market section. Almost every stall had samples of their peaches, berries and watermelon. Brady enjoyed his samples so much that he bought (and immediately devoured) 2 peaches.
We then wandered into the building which houses more produce as well as bakery, fresh meat and seafood stalls. It was definitely alot to take in!
Joy had pre-purchased $20 worth of lunch (via http://www.livingsocial.com/) at Chicken Tortilla which was about 8 blocks away. We decided to explore the neighborhood on the way to lunch. We stopped in the street to take a picture with the U.S. Capitol in the background - you can see how well that worked out!
Near the market, Brady spotted a used bookstore. This was 3 floors CRAMMED full of books. There was little or no organization to them, which made it even more fun. We spent alot of time in there browsing. There were even books in the bathroom!
Our trek toward lunch continued as we passed the Marine barracks....not alot of activity on a Sunday morning. We were now only 2 blocks from lunch - yay!
As we approached our lunch destination, it looked VERY empty....so empty in fact.....it was CLOSED. Not open on Sunday - just like Chick-Fil-A. It was a sad, sad, moment!
We saw a Quiznos and a Papa Johns but we try to dine on local neighborhood fare so..... forlorn, hot and thirsty we started the trek back toward Eastern Market.
The good news is that our 8 block walk included a "Tour of Duty" - 16 signs detailing Barracks Row Heritage Trail. We always fit a bit of history into each and every mission! It was also around this spot that Brady got to do a random act of kindness by giving two ladies directions to Union Station.
While we were walking back towards the market, bells started ringing. Joy thought it was the 12:00 signal but they just kept ringing. So we veered over 2 blocks to check it out. The bells at the episcopal church rang well over 200 times - for at least 10 minutes. Our explanation is that they continue ringing until all parishioners have left the building! =)
We FINALLY made it back to the Eastern Market where thankfully they have a food counter. We checked out the menu board and ordered 2 cheeseburgers, fries, a LARGE sweet tea and LARGE lemonade. We were even fortunate enough to find two empty seats! The best part of the meal was Joy's "oh no, Mr. Bill!" pickle!
After filling our tummies and resting in the A/C for a few minutes, we were ready to hit the train again and head home! Eastern Market is a place that we'd wanted to visit for a long time so we're thrilled to now check it off of the list! Hopefully we're headed out again soon. Where have your travels taken you this summer?
