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A Creative Spring Market Made Just for Mother’s Day
Saturday, May 3, more than two dozen makers will set up tents at Port City Brewing Co. at 3950 Wheeler Avenue in Alexandria’s West End. This family-friendly and pet-friendly event is always a good time, and it gives you a chance to shop for unique gifts for upcoming birthdays, graduations, and Mother’s Day. The annual Spring Makers Market event at Port City Brewing Co. is hosted by Made in ALX and sponsored by Willway Services and Williams Professional Painting.
Local Makers, Artists, Crafters, and Designers
Made in ALX is a unique marketplace rooted in Alexandria and dedicated to showcasing and selling art and handmade products crafted by local artists. Founded in 2020 as a response to the pandemic’s impact on local artists, Made in ALX quickly evolved from an online market to a seasonal pop-up shop to a permanent fixture in Old Town Alexandria at 415 King Street. Offering unique items as well as a variety of art classes for all ages, including “free crafts for kids” one Saturday or Sunday per month.
Click here for a complete list of vendors at the Spring Makers Market. If you are not able to attend in person, visit Made in ALX online or their shop at 415 King Street in Old Town Alexandria.
Decorated oyster shell by Carrie Masich of C. Shells
Prince Street Reflections, photograph by Dan Emhof
Port City Beer Bottle Candle by Heather Jenkins of Calm Connect Well
A Taste of Alexandria – The Cookbook by Howie Southworth
In-Person Classes & Workshops
Perhaps Mom would like a hands-on experience. Made in ALX offers a wide variety of classes and workshops, with no experience needed! Click here for a complete calendar of upcoming events.
- Make a Resin Galaxy Tray – Saturday, May 3 at 2 PM
- A Walk Down Flavor Lane with Apothecary Spices – Sunday, May 4 at 11 AM
- Candle-Making Workshop – Sunday, May 4 at 2 PM
- Made with Love: A Mother’s Day Soap Making Workshop – Saturday, May 10 at 2 PM
- Bath Bombs with Mom – Sunday, May 11 at 2 PM
- Upcycled Jewelry Flower Bouquet Workshop – Saturday, May 24 at 11 AM
- Learn to Make Danish Stars – Saturday, May 24 at 2 PM
- Kinetic Origami – Sunday, May 25 at 11 AM
- Iris Paper Folding – Sunday, May 25 at 2 PM
In addition, the Made in ALX workshop area is available to use for fundraisers, parties, and other private events.
Made in ALX is a strong supporter of local nonprofit organizations, partnering with Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats and partnering with organizations such as the Mountain Seed Foundation, Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail, and Volunteer Alexandria on local events.
About Port City Brewing Co.
The longest operating brewery in metropolitan Washington, D.C., Port City offers regular tastings, tours, and events at its state-of-the-art facility in the historic PORT CITY of Alexandria. In late 2024, award-winning taqueria La Tingeria opened at Port City Brewing Co., offering a variety of dishes.
Visit corcoranmce.com to search listings for sale in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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2024 Father’s Day Gift Guide
This week we would like to share gift ideas provided by our partners at The Scout Guide that we know any father would love!
For the dad who craves adventure, the grandpa who takes style seriously, and the father figure who appreciates the little luxuries in life, our 2024 Father’s Day Gift Guide is sure to hit the mark. Here’s to celebrating dear old dad on June 16th and cementing your favorite child status for years to come.
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2024 Mother’s Day Gift Guide
This week we would like to share gift ideas provided by our partners at the Scout Guide that we know any mother would love!
From indulgent self-care items for the mamas who always prioritize nurturing others, to beautiful baubles as inspiring as their wearer, this 2024 Mother’s Day gift guide is brimming with unique small-business finds. Show your adoration for the incredible mom’s in your life by shopping our Scouted selects below and exploring more amazing options through The Scout Guide Directory.
Turquoise and Amethyst Round Pendant
Kelsey Leigh Fine Jewelry & Gifts in Austin, Texas
Deepa Gurnani Arina Clutch
Bridgette’s in Tyler, Texas
Forte Forte Ruched-Detail Skirt
Willamina in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Mercedes Castillo Adria Sandal
Kat + Noelle in Dallas, Texas
Montana Sapphire and Enamel Earrings
Alara Jewelry in Bozeman, Montana
Ryan Studio Lily Flower Spa Blue Pillows
Quintessentials in Raleigh, North Carolina
Stoneware Domed Dish With Glaze
Furnish in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Marco Bicego Jaipur Gemstone Ring
Simmons Fine Jewelry in Meridian, Idaho
Gucci Sunglasses
Scarpa in Charlottesville, Virginia
Frances Valentine Hannah Lunchbox
KEEP in Fort Myers, Florida
Osea Malibu Undaria Algae Oil
Heyday in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Framed Lithograph c1800s
The Paradise Antiques in Middleburg, Virginia
Turquoise With Green Handle Acrylic Pitcher
Frank. in Winter Park, Florida
Davis Classics Bracelet
Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky
Brochu Walker Newport Midi Dress Calico
Primm’s in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Ayond Eau De Parfum
Jones + Co. in Boulder, Colorado
Hammered Hoop Earrings
Kaminer Haislip in Charleston, South Carolina
Brie Baker With Lid + Spreader
Brick & Linen in Wayzata, Minnesota
Loeffler Randall Malia Curved-Heel Sandal
Nines Apparel in Midland, Texas
Sassy Women’s Pima Cotton Spa Wrap
Lila + Hayes in Fort Worth, Texas
“Overflowing Love”
Juliann Lancon Art in Naples, Florida
14k Yellow Gold Bezel Set Solitaire Emerald Necklace
David Adams Fine Jewelry in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Hamilton Kaftan
Sue Sartor in New Orleans, Louisiana
Pleated Stoneware Dish
Confia Collective in Denver, Colorado
Elongated U-Link Bracelet
La Enovesé Designs in Wellington, Florida
Take a look at our website for all of our listings available throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
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It’s an Animal Print Winter
Remember back in 2013 when Jenna Lyons, then the executive creative director and president of J.Crew, proclaimed leopard to be a neutral? We certainly haven’t forgotten the bold statement, and over a decade later, we’re still going wild for leopard (and all other types of animal print, for that matter). If you’re looking to liven up your space with some animal print this winter, look no further than our shopping picks below for the home.
Photo courtesy of Tuckernuck
DC-based retailer Tuckernuck knows how to do animal print right. This colorful tea towel, featuring two leopards, makes for a great hostess gift (or just a little treat for yourself!) and will add tons of pep into the kitchen.
Photo courtesy of Etsy
A travel pouch like this one will have you feeling excited to pack up all of your cosmetics for a weekend getaway. Grab another to keep in your everyday tote and fill it with on-the-go essentials like bandaids, hand sanitizers, breath mints, and the like.
Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn
What could be better than spending a winter weekend afternoon snuggling up with this faux fur cheetah throw while flipping through a stack of magazines? An oversized blanket like this one will add a pop of pattern to your living room even when it isn’t in use. Choose from two different sizes—you can even tuck it into your bed for an extra layer on particularly chilly nights.
Photo courtesy of Cambridge Uncommon
Take your next gathering up a notch with chic cocktail napkins featuring darling leopards which are accompanied by witty phrases. They’re on sale right now, too, coming out to just $6 per reusable napkin, so you’re scoring an amazing deal.
Photo courtesy of Matches
Is there anything more stylish than a tray like this one? We think not. Place it on your coffee table, dresser, or bar cart—whether you use it to corral remotes or perfumes, it will add plenty of sophisticated flair to your home.
Photo courtesy of The Inside
X-benches are super versatile in that they can serve as seating but can easily function as a side table when needed (just place a tray on top and you’re golden). This leopard print bench will brighten up any room of the home in an instant and is sure to garner compliments. We like the idea of sliding two of these under an entryway console for a little extra pizzazz.
Photo courtesy of Spoonflower
Removable wallpaper is a no-fail way to experiment with a new look without committing to it for years on end. This leopard design would be extra fun in a kid’s room, powder bath, or walk-in closet. The possibilities are endless!
Photo courtesy of CB2
If your sofa is begging for a little something extra, take a peek at this tiger throw pillow, which is sure to impress. It looks way more high-end than its $50 price tag suggests – if you ask us.
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
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Experiential Gifts in (or near) the DMV
What do you get for that person in your life who seems to have everything? An experiential gift, of course! From theater tickets to sporting events to cooking classes, we’re sharing a few ideas that will appeal to a wide range of individuals. Note that opting to gift an experience is also an excellent approach if you’re shopping for a minimalist or someone who has a very particular taste and likes to buy most of their own clothing and home goods. You truly cannot go wrong with any of the six options below!
Swan Lake Tickets
It’s always fun to receive a gift for a performance or event later on in the year—once the holidays are over, it’s nice to have something special to look forward to, even if it’s several months away. Why not surprise your mom, sister, or BFF with tickets for the two of you to see Swan Lake at the Kennedy Center together? The show will run from February 21 through 25, and tickets begin at just $49 each. The American Ballet Theatre’s dancers are sure to dazzle.
Sur La Table Cooking Class
Whether they’re a seasoned chef or more of a novice, the foodie in your life will be thrilled to attend a cooking class at Sur La Table. There are many Sur La Table locations in the area, and below you’ll find the schedule for the courses offered at the Alexandria store. Budding chefs will enjoy dabbling in Thai food making, brushing up on their knife skills, making their own sushi, and so much more—there are plenty of class themes to choose from.
Sewing Lessons
Sewing is a great activity for all ages and is a fun indoor hobby to enjoy during the cold winter months. A Special Lee offers sewing classes for kids, teens, and adults in the Petworth neighborhood of DC, while Tilden House Studio also offers classes for all ages in Brentwood, Maryland.
Concert Tickets at The Fillmore
If you’ve never attended a concert at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, you’re missing out. The venue is constantly hosting amazing performers and is easily Metro accessible. To take a look at the shows coming up in early to mid 2024, check out their website here.
Photo courtesy of the Washington Capitals
Caps Tickets
If they love cheering on the Caps from the comfort of their couch but have never viewed a game at Capital One Arena, it’s time to change that. Grab a pair of tickets for early 2024 and get ready to rock the red.
Book a Weekend Away
Looking to go a bit further than an Uber ride away? Surprise your loved one with a weekend getaway in the area—splurge on a stay at The Greenbrier, take a trip up to Baltimore and stay at The Pendry, enjoy a spa weekend at the Salamander Resort…the list goes on and on!
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
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Gift Guide: Top Titles from Birch Tree Books for 2023
It’s that time of year again, when the weather gets chilly, lights go up in trees and windows, and holiday shopping season begins. At Birch Tree Bookstore, you can avoid the stress that sometimes creeps up at this time of year by filling your Birch Tree shopping basket with meaningful gifts like books, plants, candles, puzzles, and fair trade toys for the little ones.
Everything at Birch Tree is carefully curated by the owner, Leah Fallon, and staff. The ethos at Birch Tree has always been about connecting our community with quality merchandise and book titles that will be a perfect fit for each reader. This blog will help guide you through some of our favorite seasonal picks and timeless titles as you find the perfect gifts for your friends and family.
Down the hall past the kids room in Birch Tree, you will find the owner Ami Mason planting and propagating in the clinic of Foliage Plants, a business within a business. All the plants in Birch Tree books are from Foliage. And what would be a better gift to pair with a book than a neon pothos trailing from a disco ball planter, or a calathea and a cute watering spike, or a showstopping pink princess?
After browsing this blog, making your list, and checking it twice, come see us at 11 W Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia where we just celebrated our first year anniversary in this amazing location! (Across the street from McEnearney Associates Leesburg location!)
Note from McEnearney Associates: If you would like to support Birch Tree Bookstore as a local independent bookseller but are unable to visit in person, consider ordering online from Bookshop.org. Your order is shipped to you and if you choose Birch Tree Bookstore they will receive the full profit from your purchase.
Board Books
For little ones who are just learning to love books, in Where’s the Snowman? they will find the simple illustrations and soft felt flaps to be fun and engaging.
For a book with a nostalgic, classic feel, pick up Merry Christmas, Little Reindeer.
Children’s Picture Books
Local author Kate Anastasio has written and illustrated one of the sweetest Christmas books of the season, The Bright Red Envelope – a story about brotherly love and being seen and understood.
Mo Willems has done it again with Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! A fun holiday take on the modern classic, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!.
Elementary Books
For the nonfiction reader, Science Comics offers graphic novel introductions to a variety of topics from dinosaurs, coral reefs, the solar system, volcanoes, and bats to frogs and so much more!
For the fiction readers, the Dory Fantasmagory series just released the 6th book of Dory’s adventures as she entertains her little siblings and plays make-believe. With a distinctly nostalgic tone, these books are timeless, and you can find all six in the series at Birch Tree.
Middle Grade Books
Hardcover gift: If you grew up as a middle-schooler reading and loving the Eragon series, you can now share the magic with your middle grader in this special new illustrated edition of Eragon. If your middle grader has read series like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson and is looking for a new fantasy world to dive into, this edition of Eragon would be the perfect book to read aloud together.
Stocking stuffer paperback: Kelly Barnhill first became known for The Girl Who Drank the Moon, a universal favorite. She’s back with another beautiful story somewhere between fantasy and fairytale, full of heart and good life lessons with The Ogress and the Orphans.
Young Adult (YA) Books
Hardcover: If you are looking for a breathtaking fantasy with faerie court intrigue, romance, and betrayals, Holly Black is a trusted name in fantasy and this edition of The Cruel Prince has the absolute works: velvet gold foil, beautiful end papers, additional content, and sprayed edges.
Paperback Stocking Stuffer: Ali Hazelwood has become wildly popular for her adult romance-in-STEM books, and now you can get her much-anticipated YA debut Check & Mate about the intricacies of competitive chess and the people you might be competing against.
Nonfiction Books
Hardcover: Along with explaining some of the biggest topics in astrophysics such as the big bang, black holes, and time travel, in To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery, Neil de Grasse Tyson and Lindsey Nyx Walker also examine what Hollywood gets right – and wrong – about the cosmos.
Paperback Stocking Stuffer: Though this one is a heavy read, Killers of the Flower Moon is an important story to know as David Gann brings to light the historical true crime story of murders in the Osage Nation, the beginnings of the FBI, and how prejudice can affect the pursuit of justice.
Memoirs
Hardcover: Tis the season of memoirs and biographies! Britney Spears, Dave Grohl’s paperback, Tupac Shakur, Leslie Jones, Jada Pinkett Smith, Matthew Perry, Kerry Washington, John Stamos, Henry Winkler–phew!! But to help you narrow it down, Hilary Burton Morgan’s beautiful Grimoire Girl (signed copies still available!) and Barbara Streisand’s My Name is Barbara would be good places to start looking for crowd pleasers.
Paperback Stocking Stuffer: For a small paperback with a lot of heart, Alexi Pappas’s Bravey is a moving, hopeful memoir told in essays that everyone can find inspiration in.
run like a bravey
sleep like a baby
dream like a crazy
replace can’t with maybe
Fiction Books
Hardcover: There have been so many great literary fiction books out this year, but a Birch Tree and Foliage favorite is Shark Heart: A Love Story. This is a unique and artful debut from Emily Habeck with a touch of magical realism about a couple who are going through the process of one of them slowly turning into a great white shark. It truly is “a love story,” about love in many different facets. Heart-wrenching and magical, pick up Shark Heart for all your friends and grab one for yourself while you’re at it.
Paperback Stocking Stuffer: Now out in paperback, A Little Hope is a quiet, human story about small town life and how people come together for each other.
Mystery & Suspense Books
Hardcover: Stephen King listened to the people when they said they wanted more Holly Gibney, and here she is in her own novel, Holly, solving a missing person’s case and going up against formidable suspects that might be more than meets the eye.
Paperback Stocking Stuffer: There are a lot of books about mistaken identity out there, but how often does a book come along where a single mom and struggling novelist is mistaken for a contract killer? Mystery, real-life takes on motherhood, and hilarity ensues in the Finlay Donavan series. Start with Finlay Donavan Is Killing It, and get through the next two titles, Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead and Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun before Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice comes out in March 2024!
HONORABLE MENTION: For an Agatha Christie-esque holiday read, follow Roz Parker through Murder on the Christmas Express as she tries to solve mysterious murders on a snowbound train.
Science Fiction Books
Hardcover: Sometimes classified as hopepunk or solarpunk, Becky Chambers’s A Psalm for the Wild-Built shows a future where humans have lost their AI and robots and built a new kind of society. We follow a tea monk as they search for purpose in a peaceful future and meet a wild-built robot along the way. The dedication is “for anybody who could use a break.”
Paperback Stocking Stuffer: If you are shopping for someone who likes sci-fi adventures, spaceships, hacking, bionics, and character-driven stories with a lot of dry humor and snark, pick up the first in the Murderbot Diaries, All Systems Red and start them on a journey with their new favorite series. The seventh in the series, System Collapse has just been released!
Fantasy Books
Hardcover: Even people who don’t read a lot of fantasy will love Nettle and Bone. Funny, beautiful, heartwarming, and meaningful, this book is for anyone who would like a fairytale with powerful fairy godmothers, a 30-year-old protagonist who is finding herself, and a ragtag group of people (plus a very special chicken and dog) on an important quest.
Paperback Stocking Stuffer: For a cozy stocking stuffer to curl with up, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries just came out in paperback and is exactly what it sounds like: a grumpy professor doing field work studying faeries in the snowy north finds friendship and maybe even love along the way. Or, for a staple in the genre of cozy fantasy, the sequel to Legends and Lattes, Bookshops and Bonedust, has just come out. For anyone that loves Dungeons and Dragons but also comfy, low-stakes stories with charming characters and bookshops, of course.
Romance Books
What better setting for a meet-cute or a magical, romantic moment than the holidays? The biggest question is how to choose which title? In a Holidaze; A December to Remember; A Holly Jolly Ever After; Bright Lights, Big Christmas; A Merry Little Meet Cute… I know, I know, this blog is supposed to be helping to narrow down choices, but look at that list! There’s just no narrowing down. Good thing romance books are special because many of them release straight to paperback instead of hardcover first, so you can just stock up on a bunch of titles to make a book bundle or pass around to friends.
Coffee Table Books, Cookbooks, & Statement Pieces
Talk about a statement piece, look at Smithsonian America: The Atlas. This utterly unique piece done by the experts at the Smithsonian tracks American history from thousands of years ago to modern day in maps. This is a true coffee table book — visual and flip-through-able, and filled with information.
There’s no competing with soup this time of year, and the book Every Season is Soup Season is easy to follow, colorful and dynamic, and has a wide range of recipes to satisfy anyone’s cravings.
Classics
When in doubt, get a classic. Even if the giftee has read it already, these editions are so stunning, they’re just fun to collect and add to anyone’s at-home library.
Poetry and Short Stories
Hardcover: For the person in your life who wants to start the new year right with good habits and meditative time for themselves, pick up A Poem to Read Aloud Every Day.
Paperback Stocking Stuffer: This sweet, quiet anthology of poems The Wonder of Small Things: Poem of Peace and Renewal is accessible to any reader and will bring a touch of calm and hope to anyone’s life.
Holiday Specific & Gifts
If you’re in NOVA, it’s worth it to stop by Birch Tree just to enjoy the beautiful decorations and browse the holiday offerings—within the wide variety of puzzles and specialty books, there’s the perfect gift for someone who you don’t know very well or to take to a fun event like a gift exchange.
Plants
After you pick up books for all the readers in your life, you probably still have a few friends or family members on your list who might not want a book but also deserve a local Leesburg treasure. Plus, you’re already here, you don’t want to go to ANOTHER shop while you’re laden down with books.
That’s when you step down the hall to Foliage Plants and pick up a poinsettia, a cute pot, or both!
Books and plants are what we do best here at Birch Tree and Foliage, so we look forward to seeing you and helping you find the perfect book, plant, or gift for all the special people in your life this holiday season!
Contributor Laura Seabourne is a bookseller at Birch Tree Books and a lifelong book-lover. She particularly loves science fiction and fantasy, but really, how can a reader choose just two favorite genres? In her spare time, she enjoys reading books, thinking about books, teaching books, writing about books… and knitting, of course. CR: Legends and Lattes and Bird by Bird.
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Gift Guide: Shop Local for the Perfect Gifts this Holiday Season
The Saturday after Thanksgiving celebrates small businesses and shopping local. Practices we embrace wholeheartedly for both in-person and online shopping! Whether you are shopping for gifts or the perfect holiday attire, we hope this selection inspires you to support businesses in your community.
Photos courtesy of Mint and Ivy
Mint and Ivy
Shop Online | Instagram
Mint & Ivy curates beautiful gift boxes that will be used, remembered, and loved. Jingle all the Way includes a Cosmopolitan Cocktail Kit, Lavender Bath Bome, Amber & Vanilla candle, and a festive holiday cracker. Or maybe a Hot Toddy is more to your liking including Hot Toddy Mix by Wood Stove Kitchens, Spiced Hot Toddy candle, dried lemon slices, and a bundle of cinnamon sticks’
Photos courtesy of Salt & Sundry
Salt & Sundry
Logan Circle, 1625 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE, Washington, DC 20002
Shop | Facebook | Instagram
Salt & Sundry is a home + lifestyle boutique featuring an eclectic mix of goods from independent makers and designers, both local and from across the globe. Looking to sparkle during the holidays, try the hand-made, Pearl Scalloped Triple Drop Earrings or the adjustable Gold Mosaic Naked Wrap Bracelet featuring stamped gold beading.
Photos courtesy of Hoagland Handmade
Hoagland Handmade
Shop Online
This husband and wife team creates finished natural fiber knits and notions for other makers, and offers some of their favorite local yarns for other knitters, crocheters, and weavers including fibers farmed, grown, or hand-dyed in Virginia. Some favorites include the Lightweight Asymmetrical Shawl in Merino featuring lace, color blocks, & solid sections to add visual appeal and the Hand-dyed Merino Children’s Mittens in a variety of colors.
Photos courtesy of The Lucky Knot
The Lucky Knot
101 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314
176 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401
9 N King St, Leesburg, VA 20176
100 E Washington St, Middleburg, VA 20117
Shop | Facebook | Instagram
Offering clothes and accessories for men and women, The Lucky Knot showcases top-notch quality clothing that is not only stylish but also designed with your travel convenience in mind. The Barbour Bradford Gilet is an adaptable layer for any man’s wardrobe. Cut to a roomy fit with herringbone shoulder patches and two patch pockets with stud-close flaps and additional side entry for the added functionality of keeping hands warm. The Sail to Sable Charlotte Sequin Dress in Emerald is perfect for this festive season with its flattering tunic style neckline, breezy fit, and blouson sleeves.
Photos courtesy of Fahrney’s Pens
Fahrney’s Pens
Penn Quarter, 1317 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Shop | Facebook | Instagram
Founded as a fountain pen repair shop in 1929, throughout the years, Fahrney’s Pens has supplied fine writing instruments to some of Washington, DC’s most prominent officials. Today they offer a wide selection of pens as well as stationery, watches, and men’s jewelry. Fahrney’s Exclusive Victoria Vertical 8-Slot Pewter Pen Stand is beautiful and the perfect showplace for a Parker Special Edition Sonnet Mt Fuji Rollerball, Ballpoint, or Fountain Pen.
Photos courtesy of Lou Lou
Lou Lou Boutiques
Founded in Middleburg with multiple DMV locations
Shop | Facebook | Instagram
Lou Lou Boutiques offer apparel and home goods, but they made their reputation for their fashionable accessories. The ABLE Blaire Bucket Bag features an adjustable and removable crossbody strap and easy top handle, allowing it to be worn multiple ways. The ABLE Carolina Belt is a thick leather belt accented with an antique brass buckle. Perfect way to finish off your look in the most refined way.
Photos courtesy of The Urban Farmhouse
The Urban Farmhouse
5140 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205
Shop | Facebook | Instagram
Whether you are looking for hostess gifts or fun ideas for the family, check out the Urban Farmhouse, a home and gift shop located in a 120-year-old farmhouse. The Flora & Fauna 1,000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle is a charming way to spend chilly winter nights. Mix up a cocktail or mocktail with Grapefruit Rosemary Simple Syrup made in Virginia.
Photos courtesy of Ron David Studio
The Ron David Studio
Union Market, 1256 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Shop | Instagram
Ron David Studio is a luxury fashion brand of bold and unique eyewear, handbags, and clothing sourced from around the world and hand-selected by Ron David. The Supersnake Sunglasses feature dark brown lenses and privacy temples. A great layering piece, the Dress Fuschia Pink Ruffle can be worn loose or belted.
Photos courtesy of Quavaro
Quavaro
Shop Online
Founded by husband and Wife, Cesar and Pial Vega, Quavaro is a Washington DC-based brand that produces stylish and high-quality travel bags directly from their own small factory in Mexico. The roll-up design of the Hawk Backpack allows you to expand your bag when you are carrying a heavier load. The water-resistant waxed canvas exterior makes it durable. The Albatross Weekender has one top zipper which makes it a breeze to get in and out of. It comes with a shoulder strap and has metal feet on the bottom to limit wear and tear.
Photos courtesy of Becket Hitch
Becket Hitch
Shop Online | Facebook | Instagram
Becket Hitch offers a collection of modern home goods, exciting decor, apparel, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Show your state pride and brighten your home with the Maryland Flag Pillow. Food safe, these hand-carved, teak Milici Bowls are available in three different sizes and make a wonderful addition to any home.
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Shop Small & Support Local This Holiday Season
This week’s article is from our partners at The Scout Guide, giving insight on the best way to shop small and support local
At The Scout Guide, we take our statement to “Live. Love. Local.” to heart. Our purpose has always been to celebrate and shine the spotlight on local businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, and makers, and that’s never been more true than during the holiday season. As we enter this busiest time of year, we encourage you to remember your community and support local while checking off your gift list. Here are our top six reasons to keep your dollars in your town during prime gifting season:
Discover a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
When you shop locally, and start to frequent those shops, you’re building a lasting relationship that will not only benefit the business, but you as the consumer. You’ll develop a rapport with the business owner and employees, and they’ll get to know your likes and dislikes, which enables them to better meet your needs.
Ensight surprise and delight.
Local retailers deck the halls and stock their shelves with carefully selected items chosen with their customers in mind. That enables shoppers to find gifts that will be coveted by the recipient. And if you’ve got a tricky person on your list, you’ll be able to consult with shop owners to find the perfect gift. There’s nothing like watching the delight on someone’s face when they unwrap a present that’s the perfect thing they didn’t know they needed.
Skip the shipping and get it wrapped.
By shopping in person, you get to walk away with your purchase and avoid shipping fees (in addition to those tricky hidden costs that are bundled into the price). Added bonus: most boutiques offer gratis gift wrapping.
Deliver unique experiences.
Got a few people on your list who seemingly have everything? Purchasing restaurant gift cards and services (home organizing, landscaping, beauty/spa) will always be appreciated. Shopping for someone not in your town? Check out our list of Scouted Cities and purchase from a local business in their city.
Your money stays in your community.
When you shop local, you’re funneling money directly back into your town, fueling municipal projects such as trail systems and parks, schools, and future growth. There’s no better compliment to the place you live than supporting it with your loyalty and business.
Celebrate hometown pride.
It’s a lovely feeling knowing you’re buying a product or service that supports local business owners and their families, that fuels an entrepreneur’s dreams, or even keeps a family heritage alive. Shopping local is not just a financial transaction— it’s emotional and rewarding to give back.
As we prepare for an undoubtedly busy holiday season, we encourage you to deepen your connection with your community as you discover wonderful experiences in store with vibrant local businesses who contribute to our towns—and our lives—in so many ways. Live. Love. Local. And don’t forget to tell them The Scout Guide sent you.
#McEnearneyLovesLocal
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Where to Find Great Father’s Day Gifts in the DMV
Ah, Father’s Day. A day of celebration typically filled with summer cookouts, sporting events, and gifts of new ties and coffee mugs. If you are looking for a truly special gift for the fathers in your life, check out our list of local shops — and keep the dad jokes to a minimum.
Lucky Knot | Alexandria & Leesburg, VA & Annapolis, MD, Locations Vary
Is the dad in your life in need of a new wardrobe or nice piece of clothing? If so, check out the Lucky Knot with locations in Virginia and Maryland. The Lucky Knot carries high-quality brands with a nautical feel such as Vineyard Vines, Southern Tide, Peter Millar, and more.
Photo courtesy of: Smathers & Branson
Smathers & Branson | Online with HQ in Rockville, MD
Smathers & Branson offer timeless needlepoint products such as belts, koozies, coasters, shoes, keychains, and more. You can choose from an array of sports teams and colleges. You can even customize your own needlepoint design.
Brimble & Clark | Washington, DC
For the dad who has it all, Brimble & Clark offers the ultimate shopping experience – a luxurious custom-tailored suit. He can choose every detail from the fabric to the stitching and know the suit was made exclusively for him.
Casual Adventure | Arlington, VA
For the adventure dad out there, check out Casual Adventure, a local family-owned and –operated outdoor specialty outfitting store for a full range of camping and climbing gear, sporting goods, footwear, and more.
Photo courtesy of: Shinola
Shinola | Online with locations in Washington, DC & McLean, VA
If you are looking for a gift that will last and always be in style, check out Shinola. From watches and clocks to beautiful leather bags and wallets, the craftsmanship is excellent. They even carry game sets for horseshoes, croquet, bocce, and corn hole!
Fahrney’s Pens | Washington, DC
There’s nothing like a well-balanced pen that glides across the page and Fahrney’s Pens, a Washington institution since 1929, offers an incredible selection of fine writing instruments, stationery, watches, and men’s jewelry. Visit in person or order online.
MANSE | Alexandria, VA
Located in Old Town Alexandria, Manse is a housewares and lifestyle store focused on unique and artisan-made products. From beautiful glassware, to cast iron skillets, and leather dog leashes and dust brooms, there is sure to be something here that dads will love.
Photo courtesy of: Rust & Feathers
Rust & Feathers | Leesburg, VA
Rust & Feathers is a multi-dealer shop with a focus on repurposed vintage finds. Each dealer brings their own signature style including industrial, architectural salvage, European antiques, classic design, farmhouse style, mid-century, and an eclectic mix of art.
511 Tactical | Throughout the DMV, Locations Vary
If your dad served in the military, or works as a first responder, then this is the store for them. 5.11 is the pioneering brand making purpose-built gear for those who demand more of themselves while serving the greater good. As their slogan says, Always Be Ready.
Photo courtesy by: All Tackle
All Tackle | Annapolis, MD
Founded in 1999, All Tackle provides the recreational and professional fisherman a dependable source of high quality fishing tackle and related equipment at reasonable, affordable prices.
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Great Gift Ideas for Graduates
To paraphrase Dr. Seuss, “Oh, the Places They’ll Go!” It’s graduation season and while cash is always welcomed, it can be nice to give something special to mark these milestones for college and high school graduates. We looked to local and national businesses for inspiration on personal and practical gift.
College Graduate Gifts
Watches & Jewelry
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Practical
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Personalized
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High School Graduate Gifts
Personalized
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Practical
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Take a look at our website for all of our listings available throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
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