Apples, pumpkin spice and everything nice – that’s what the Georgetown Fall Market is made of.

 

     Georgetown residents and visitors alike attended the Fall Market on October 14 and 15, where local businesses and performers took over Wisconsin Avenue from Reservoir Road to N Street.

 

     The market, put on by Georgetown Main Street, is derived from the Georgetown French Market, an annual event held in April to celebrate French culture. Both the French and Fall Markets are held in partnership with Georgetown’s Business Improvement District to support local businesses.

 

     Samantha Ring, co-owner of Boat House Apparel, a clothing brand for lake life, appreciates the boost the market brings to her business, but is most excited about the opportunity it presents to connect with residents.

 

     “It has been really great for sales, but it really is more about getting to know the neighbors and them getting to know me so that we can bring the community together,” she said.

 

     Despite only opening the Georgetown location of Boat House Apparel five months ago, Ring did her first pop-up at last year’s market, where she was able to connect with community members. 

 

     “It was such a hit, and we had so much fun with it that I’m here again doing more of a sidewalk sale with all of our new arrivals,” Ring said.

 

     As a second-year vendor, Ring looks forward to continuing to connect with the community.

 

     “That’s the main thing that I’m here for. So that they can get to know who I am and what I’m all about,” she said.

 

     Despite rain on Saturday forcing the event indoors and postponing some activities, day two of the market attracted large crowds at local business pop-ups, face painting, and the Georgetown Lutheran Church, which hosted a bake sale and free pumpkin painting.

 

     Local eateries such as Patisserie Poupon and Jaco offered discounts in celebration of the event and introduced their fall menus, including apple-shaped apple tarts.

 

     While the event is catered towards Georgetown residents, people from all across The District were in attendance. The market even attracted international guests.

 

     Laura Martin and her family came all the way from Glasgow, Scotland. Martin decided to attend the event while vacationing in Georgetown after hearing about the event on Instagram.

 

     The autumnal celebration drew Martin’s family in, especially face painting, which her daughter was most excited about.

 

     “We saw face painting, so that definitely checked our boxes,” Martin said.

 

     The family-oriented activities, live music, festive decorations, and photo backdrops at the market all helped cultivate the fall spirit that attendees enjoyed.

 

     “It’s nice to see all the pumpkins, the braid bar, and the face painting. It’s all just really nice,” she said.

 

     The market brought the first taste of fall in D.C. to residents, business owners, and attendees, making many excited for the rest of the season. 

 

     “It’s just the best time of year, and it’s one of the best markets to pop up in because who doesn’t love fall in D.C,” Ring said.