Location: 1600 20th St. NW

Readers’ pick: Dupont farmers market

If you’re missing your furry friends from home, take time to fawn over all of the adorable dogs you’ll see at the Dupont Circle farmers market.

Every Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. a stretch of 20th Street in Dupont Circle bustles with vendors selling local produce, artisan products and street food – and lucky for us, many of the shoppers bring their dogs along. While places like the National Mall or Rock Creek Park are also dog hotspots, there’s no other spot in the city where you can find the same density and variety of dogs that the Dupont Circle farmers market delivers.

Since the market is packed into two blocks, you’re sure to see a dog every few seconds despite the fact that its website states they’re strongly discouraged. More than 50 stands selling organic produce and goods line the streets. And starting May 5, there will be Thursday hours from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Whether you are there strictly to scout the dog scene or wrangle up fresh veggies for a spring salad, a list of the items you need – or the dog breeds you would like to pet – will help hone your hunt. As you stroll the market shopping for seasonal fruits and vegetables to whip up a fresh meal, you might notice that the most prevalent dog breed at the market seems to be the goldendoodle.

The curly cuties are popular for their sharp brains, inherited from their poodle side and their friendly disposition coming from their golden retriever genes. These dogs usually love attention and pets, but make sure you ask the owner before approaching. You’re also likely to spot French bulldogs and Australian shepherds – both popular city dogs.

All breeds of dogs gravitate toward the strong smells at the market like Shepherd’s Whey Creamery, which sells minimally processed cheese, or the sizzling bacon cooked at the Call Your Mother Deli stand. For a sure-fire dog sighting, these are prime locations.

But most dogs are at the mercy of their leash, so you are equally likely to make a furry friend at any stop along the market. Benches scattered around the market offer a popular hangout spot for people and their pets.

The market’s rule to keep pups away doesn’t stop swarms of people attending each week with their best friends. Make sure to plan a trip this Sunday for a substantial dose of doggy dopamine.