Take a U-turn in our nation’s capital and visit the historical, artsy, and reinvigorated U Street District.

The Greater U Street Historical District in Washington, D.C., has long been the haunt of the jazz musician, including greats Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. Today, the Victorian-style architecture and theaters still offer up jazz, along with hip restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Country Home Art Director Shelley Caldwell bopped into this area to show us her favorite spots.

Goodwood  
This affordable antiques store features furnishings, rugs, accessories, and decorative arts—with new pieces unveiled each week. “I completely fell for the owners’ style of country,” Shelley says.
1428 U St., NW, 202/986-3640;
goodwooddc.com

Dragonfly Design Decor  
Asian antiques, art, furniture, and textiles, plus some contemporary pieces, are showcased against brightly lacquered walls in a large, industrial space.
1457 Church St., NW, 202/265-3359;
dragonflydd.com

Home Rule  
“You can get lost in here but then find everything you want,” Shelley says of one of the first shops to open in the area. She finds kitchen, bath, home, office, and other contemporary and quirky gifts.
1807 14th St., NW, 202/797-5544;
homerule.com

Ben’s Chili Bowl  
Since 1958, this D.C. institution has served the locals and the who’s who, including Bill Cosby and Nat King Cole. The counter, booths, and stools are all original, and the chili recipes have never changed.
1213 U St., NW, 202/667-0909;
benschilibowl.com

Timothy Paul Carpets and Textiles  
Timothy Paul Worrell houses his studio in a turn-of-the-century automobile showroom. Along with displaying old and new carpets and textiles as pieces of art, he stocks lighting and furniture.
1404 14th St., NW, 202/319-1100;
timothypaulcarpets.com

Simply Home  
Eat, drink, and shop at this one-stop spot. Shelley buys a shell ring from the Thai-imported clothing, accessories, and home-furnishings side. Then, she peeks in at the tree-trunk seats and Cyprus-tree wall art in the Thai-inspired restaurant that makes up the building’s other half.
1410 U St., NW, 202/232-8424;
simplyhomedc.com

Viridian  
Located in the same building as several art galleries, Viridian restaurant is an all-in-one arts and food experience. Shelley stops in for dinner made from locally produced, seasonal, and organic ingredients (she recommends the baby beets salad). Be sure to check out the curated art exhibits in the modern lofty space with floor-to-ceiling windows.
1515 14th St., NW, 202/234-1400;
viridianrestaurant.com

More Must-Stops
Nana  
This cute and colorful spot stocks brand-name and locally designed clothes, bags, and accessories. Don’t miss their vintage selection in back.
1528 U St., NW, 202/667-6955;
nanadc.com

Meeps  
Although it moved around the corner from its former U Street home, this men’s and women’s funky 1940s–1980s vintage-clothing shop is still a must-see.
2104 18th St., NW, 202/265-6546;
meepsdc.com

Eco-Green Living  (formerly Future Green)
Fair-trade home and living store that stocks organic bedding and clothing, green building supplies, and more.
1469 Church St., NW, 202/234-7110;
eco-greenliving.com