Follow Along with These 8 DMV Creatives

While not explicitly known for its creative scene, the DMV area is home to many talented designers, artists, shop owners, and more, all of whom enjoy chronicling their local adventures on Instagram. If you’re looking for some new creatives to follow, you’ll definitely want to get to know the eight individuals profiled below. Here, we asked them about their favorite DMV spots, top places to bring visitors, go-to meals, and more.

Spencer Beck

Based in Ashburn’s One Loudoun neighborhood, artist Spencer Beck has called the DMV home for the past 10 years. Follow him to keep tabs on his artwork, DMV adventures, vintage home finds, and more. Beck adds, “I also love sharing the gorgeous and wildly overpriced things that my husband refuses to buy for me!”

What do you do for a living?

I am an artist, making line drawings, acrylic paintings, collages, and an apparel line with my designs. My originals are in private collections all over the world, and my work can be found in local shops in Downtown Leesburg like Muz & Rose and wldwst.

What are some of your go-to DMV spots?

I love going to Café Riggs in Penn Quarter for their French 75, and my husband and I go to Eddie Merlot’s in One Loudoun for happy hour almost every week! I am also often found sipping a matcha latte with lavender and oat milk at Goosecup in Leesburg.”

What’s an underrated DMV spot that you think deserves a little more attention, and why?

My husband and I love to spend our weekends browsing local antique stores, and our most frequented stops are Pear Tree Cottage in Vienna and Elliott’s in Frederick. Both shops are fabulously curated by their exceptional owners, and we never leave without a new treasure for our home.

What’s your go-to spot to bring visitors?

The National Gallery of Art is always a go-to for out-of-town guests. Having access to world-class art in the Smithsonian—and admission being free—is such a fun thing to share with visitors. Being able to stop and meander for hours or just dash through to visit Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait is always a treat.

What’s your favorite meal in the DMV?

I’m a big brunch guy, and the cornflake-crusted French toast with fried chicken from Matt & Tony’s in Alexandria is my favorite brunch around! A close second: the thick-cut bacon from Saint Anselm in Union Market!

Mariella Cruzado

Interior designer Mariella Cruzado, based in the Shaw neighborhood of DC, is the founder of Splendor Styling and has called DC home since 2008. “My brand celebrates luxury living and aims to promote enjoying life to the fullest,” she says. Follow her to get inspired to celebrate the everyday.

What do you do for a living?

I run my own interior design studio serving DC, MD, and VA.

What are some of your go-to DMV spots?

Rock Creek Park, the Georgetown waterfront, the National Mall, and the Kennedy Center.

What’s an underrated DMV spot that you think deserves a little more attention, and why? Definitely West Potomac Park. It’s a nice escape inside the city in front of the water. There are gorgeous willow trees that provide you with shade, and depending on the time of the day it can be a quiet spot to enjoy reading a book or a light picnic at sunset.

What’s your go-to spot to bring visitors?

I’ll take them to the bar at the W Hotel/Hotel Washington overlooking the White House, have a nice picnic at West Potomac Park, go to any rooftop at the Wharf, or eat at Kafe Leopold in Georgetown, Causa/Amazonia in Blagden Alley, Wild Days rooftop at the Eaton Hotel, or the Lady Bird rooftop.

What’s your favorite meal in the DMV?

Rumi’s Kitchen in Shaw.

Matthew Dandy

A Northern Virginia native, photographer Matthew Dandy later lived in Baltimore for a decade before settling in Alexandria. “I currently live in Del Ray,” he says. “Special thanks to Hannah Lynn from The Lynn Group and McEnearney!” Follow him to keep tabs on beautiful interiors and architecture in the DMV (and to catch occasional cameos from his dog, Poe!).

What do you do for a living?

I am a photographer, specializing in architecture and interior design photography along with hotels and travel.

What are some of your go-to DMV spots?

King Street in Old Town, especially Founders Park for a picnic, Torpedo Factory for art, and Red Barn Mercantile or Shop Made in VA for unique gifts.

What’s an underrated DMV spot that you think deserves a little more attention, and why?

Planet Word Museum. It’s not as well known as the museums on the Mall, but is a totally unique experience and well worth the entrance fee.

What’s your go-to spot to bring visitors?

The Alexandria Waterfront or Mt Vernon Ave in Del Ray. Or we’ll take a quick Metro ride into DC for a museum trip.

What’s your favorite meal in the DMV?

Way too many to pick from, and the variety is amazing. Recently I’ve been really into Padaek and Spice Kraft.

Imani Keal

Dupont resident and content creator Imani Keal, who first moved to DC 10 years ago to attend Howard University, is committed to celebrating life at home. Follow her for DIY inspo and more. “I live by the motto, “Rent or own, love your home,’ so if you’re looking for design advice that’s budget and renter-friendly, I’m your gal,” she says.

What do you do for a living?

I’m a full-time content creator and interior decorator. Through my blog, Instagram, and TikTok, I create content showing people how to make the most out of their rentals.

What are some of your go-to DMV spots?

Food: Reveler’s Hour, Martha Dear, Martin’s Tavern, Your Only Friend, Jane Jane, Albi, St. Vincent, Thomas Sweets, and Bagels, Etc.
Shopping: Miss Pixie’s, Salt & Sundry, Made In DC, and The Phoenix.

What’s an underrated DMV spot that you think deserves a little more attention, and why?

In a city like DC where everything is expensive, I really love Jimmy T’s for breakfast because it’s cheap, delicious, and quick. No reservations, just walk in and enjoy. Perfect for a Sunday morning.

What’s your go-to spot to bring visitors?

It depends on the visitor! If it’s parents or someone I want to impress, I’d take them somewhere nice, but approachable, like Reveler’s Hour for family-style pasta and grilled chicken. If it’s a friend who loves cocktails and late-night fried chicken, I’m going to the Service Bar. And Old Ebbitt Grill is always on my list because I love shrimp cocktails and its easy-going service.

What’s your favorite meal in the DMV?

My current favorite meal in DC is at Your Only Friend. I get the Hot Nug, which is a sandwich with a fast-food-style chicken nugget, Nashville hot sauce, and chicken-style Duke’s Mayo. I also get the Irish Cream Soda cocktail. I never knew cream soda and Irish whiskey could be such a delicious combo.

Heather Bien

Heather Bien first moved to DC in 2008 and is currently living in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, where she and her husband are in the process of restoring a historic townhouse that had served as a group house for 20 years. Follow her to check in on the renovation process and learn more about weekend getaways in the DC area (and maintains a rental home on the Rappahannock River), vintage finds, and classic style.

What do you do for a living?

I’m a freelance writer, marketer, and content creator. I write for lifestyle publications, work with agencies and small businesses on email, website copy, and marketing materials, and I also create content on my blog and Instagram.

What are some of your go-to DMV spots?

I love to grab a coffee at Wine & Butter before strolling around Lincoln Park. Beuchert’s is a favorite date night spot of mine. I love popping over to Union Market for SHELTER and Salt & Sundry for gorgeous things for both me and my home. Of course, if I have a free afternoon, you can guarantee I’m escaping the city to go poke around the antique shops in Middleburg or Frederick. And, for a super casual, divey night, I always go back for the mozzarella sticks at Tune Inn, a bar that’s been on the Hill since the 1930s.

What’s an underrated DMV spot that you think deserves a little more attention, and why? This is a tough one because I feel like almost everywhere has been discovered! So rather than a restaurant or spot, I’d say it’s the creative scene that deserves more attention! There are so many people doing incredible things, whether they’re creative business owners, marketers, artists, or content creators, and it’s time people realize this isn’t just a one-industry town!

What’s your go-to spot to bring visitors?

I always bring visitors to the weekend market at Eastern Market. It’s a lively farmers market meets flea market vibe that shows the most vibrant, diverse side of DC. Picking up an almond croissant from the French baker who sets up outside is a must!

What’s your favorite meal in the DMV?

Oh gosh, this is impossible to narrow down! A classic is the Welsh Rarebit from Martin’s Tavern, one of the most iconic Georgetown institutions. You also can’t beat the food journey that is Compass Rose. A recent favorite is Kyojin, which I covered when it opened last year, and I just snagged a reservation to go back later this month.

Molly Acorn

Molly Acorn, the owner of Mantel House DC, was raised in the Maryland suburbs and left the area before later returning to raise her children on Capitol Hill. Follow her on Instagram for interior design and architecture inspiration, as well as plenty of antique and custom marble mantels!

What do you do for a living?

I’m the owner of Mantel House DC, which sells, sources, restores, and customizes antique marble fireplace mantels.

What are some of your go-to DMV spots?

My favorite local spots for food and shopping include Le Diplomate, District Doughnut, Toki Underground, Sushi Taro, Ella Rue, and Secondi.

What’s an underrated DMV spot that you think deserves a little more attention, and why?

The Barbie Pond on Avenue Q for a local, free exhibit that is sure to make you smile.

What’s your go-to spot to bring visitors?

Union Station, the National Mall, the Library of Congress, the Botanical Gardens, Eastern Market, and Yards Park.

What’s your favorite meal in the DMV?

Le Diplomate: It has a great brunch, the best burger, and outstanding service.

Libby Rasmussen

Having lived in DC for 13 years, Libby Rasmussen now calls the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood home. Follow her on Instagram, where she enjoys sharing new restaurants, small businesses and artists, and a bit of design inspiration. “My page is a reflection of my passions and interests, where I delight in sharing glimpses of my life and the things that bring me joy,” she says.

What do you do for a living?

I have a social media and marketing company, Living Colorfully Media, and a DC-based home décor and vintage store, LIBBY & MY.

What are some of your go-to DMV spots?

To Eat: Thip Khao, Compliments Only.
To Shop: Ron David Studio, LIBBY & MY, Georgetown Opportunity Shop, Goodwood.
For Art: Chela Mitchell Gallery, Hirshhorn, Stable Arts.
For Outdoors: National Arboretum and Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

What’s an underrated DMV spot that you think deserves a little more attention, and why?

Eden Center in Falls Church. It’s a cultural hub with vibrant Vietnamese heritage, cuisine, and community spirit. It needs to be preserved as a cherished national and historical landmark, safeguarding it against potential future development. For those interested in supporting this cause, I highly recommend following the Viet Place Collective (VPC) at @avietplace for opportunities to engage and contribute!

What’s your go-to spot to bring visitors?

My neighborhood, Mt. Pleasant to show them a different side of DC, Rock Creek Park, and Hillwood Estate in the spring.

What’s your favorite meal in the DMV?

Naem Khao with a Kua Mee soup at Thip Khao, Omakase at Sushi Nakazawa, and the Crunchy Boi Sub (with extra mayo) at Compliments Only.

Jess Harrell

Jess Harrell grew up in Frederick but has lived in Northern Virginia “except for one epic year in my 20s living in DC with my best friends” since she left home to attend George Mason University. Having resided in Fairfax, Vienna, and Falls Church, the interior designer is now living with her husband and kids in Purcellville. Follow her for a dose of humor and lots of “colorful and personality-packed interior design.”

What do you do for a living?

I’m an interior designer with a background in psychology. I work with people who want their homes to celebrate who they are, speak their language, and make them feel alive inside. I take a very personal approach and dig deep to learn my clients’ personalities, quirks, and what’s meaningful to them. When your home truly feels like you, it becomes a place where you don’t just live—you thrive. Interior design is really just self-care to me.

What are some of your go-to DMV spots?

The Lucketts Store (and their spring and fall Markets) is my favorite place to shop for vintage and antiques. Mom’s Apple Pie in Leesburg is my go-to for a special dessert. My husband and kids always want their Boston Cream Pie for their birthday cakes. The Riggs Hotel is my favorite spot for a night in DC. It’s in the old Riggs National Bank building, and the original architectural features give it so much character. The restaurant bar is the real star, though. It’s chic and sophisticated, and the furniture is super loungeable. It’s very hard to leave! I always try to stop at The Italian Store if I’m in the Arlington area. I crave their subs!

What are some of your go-to DMV spots?

I’m slightly biased since I grew up there, but downtown Frederick is very underrated. It’s grown a lot since I was a kid, but it’s still just as charming. You could spend a whole day there checking out all the cute shops, eating good food, and walking along Carroll Creek Park.

What’s your go-to spot to bring visitors?

I love taking visitors to hike up to Bear’s Den Overlook. The view of the Shenandoah Valley is incredible. If they weren’t impressed with that view, I’d take them to Dirt Farm or Bear Chase for beer and wine with a view of the Loudoun Valley. Rumor has it that you can see the Washington Monument with binoculars, but I’ve never tried.

What’s your favorite meal in the DMV?

Dinner at Rose’s Luxury in Southeast DC was hands down the best meal of my life. The pork and lychee salad is unbelievable. And I’ll always remember the Brooklyn-style cheesecake at Caruso’s Grocery (also in SE). So, so good.

Sarah Lyon Headshot

Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9