Like many neighborhoods in Washington DC, the food scene in Georgetown is exploding. While Georgetown lays claim to having the oldest tavern in the city, this historic community is also blessed with multiple bakeries and is the perfect place to celebrate just about anything.

One of the first eateries in Georgetown to gain national recognition was Georgetown Cupcakes. Lines form around the block daily to purchase designer cupcakes in their pretty pink boxes.

Dog Tag Bakery will not only feed your sweet tooth, but the treats here are baked by disabled veterans and their caregivers. Working at this mission provides these American heroes with training and work experience. Don’t miss their gingersnap cookies fresh baked daily and their seasonal pumpkin pudding.

Pie Sisters, near the campus of Georgetown University, is popular with students and neighbors who love Pie Sisters’ “cuppies,” or miniature pies filled with a variety of fresh fruits, creams and liquors. The shop offers full size and savory pies with vegetables and meats. You can even buy a crispy cinnamon and sugared crust twirl for $1 to eat on the go.

The international Paul Bakery recently opened a shop in Georgetown. The brick building was originally the City Tavern built in 1889, and shares a birthday with the first La Maison Paul, founded in Lille, France in 1889. Georgetown’s Paul features authentic French baguettes and butter croissants, as well as elegant tarts and cakes. The upstairs café is a cozy place to nibble your sweet masterpiece.

It’s never too cold to have gelato, especially when it’s one of the many original flavors from Dolcezza. They also serve sorbet and espresso. Some of the most unforgettable flavors include Valrhona Chocolate Amargo, Crookneck Pumpkin, Espresso Hair Bender, Marscapone & Fig, Salted Caramel, Thai Coconut Milk and Lemon Ricotta Cardamom. Good luck choosing!

The colorful  Olivia Macaron is another bakery in Georgetown selling handmade cookies as pretty as they are tasty. Comparable in quality to an exclusive French macaron house, Olivia Macaron sells 12 flavors daily ranging from the favorite, salted caramel, to the exotic, licorice. You can even order a custom creation or design your own gift box.

The legendary fixture in Georgetown is Thomas Sweet known for the enticing and imaginative flavors created and made in house. On a warm day, you will see lines waiting for their homemade waffle cones and a triple dip. It’s worth the calories. Seriously!

The most beloved of bakeries in Georgetown is still Baked and Wired. Choosing one of these phantasmagorical cookies, pastries and cupcakes is a challenge, but whichever you choose, you can sit down and enjoy them with a fresh brewed espresso while listening to local musicians playing original arrangements.