A slice o’ Maine Avenue Fish Market (also called The Wharf) on DC’s Southwest waterfront. This is one of the few remaining open air seafood markets on the east coast, and although just blocks from some of the area’s most popular tourist attractions, this market is the locals’ best kept secret. Chock full of fresh and cooked seafood, as well as fresh vegetables, vendors yell at passersby, hoping to nab sales from their competition.

Back in the late 50s and early 60s, my parents would come here and buy fresh shrimp, then take them across the lot to another vendor to have them steamed with plenty of Old Bay Seasoning. Yummm. If you’re not up for cooking, there are several popular seafood restaurants right next door, which look out over the Washington Marina.