Small Business Saturday: Goodhart Group Favorites

The holiday tunes are now on WASH-FM…..so you know it’s officially holiday shopping season! And what better way to kick it off than with Small Business Saturday? Alexandria is home to so many great shops, restaurants, and services – we just had to poll our team for a roundup of their favorite local small businesses. So get on out there and maybe try somewhere new today. Happy shopping and celebrating in the weeks ahead!

WINING & DINING

Allison loves the always cozy Brut Champagne and Wine Bar. It is the perfect place to pop in for a glass of wine after work. The small bar is intimate enough that you often end up meeting all of the other people in the bar! The staff is friendly and engaging and always ready to help you pick out the best bottle of wine in the shop for any occasion.

Sam loves LaFromagerie at 1222 King Street. She loves the stellar customer service and fabulous selection of wines and cheeses. They also have a menu of small plates, soups, salads, and entrees. La Fromagerie also offers a small catering menu of cheese and meat platters for your next event.

Port City Brewery, located at 3950 Wheeler Avenue, is Jamyn’s favorite spot around town. What’s NOT to love about Port City Brewery? Port City Brewery not only has a great selection of beers, something to satisfy even the snobbiest of beer snobs, but it offers a rich history that goes hand in hand with this area. It is the oldest packing brewery in the metropolitan DC area. It offers a long list of events including happy hours, pub crawls, beer tastings, brewery tours, live entertainment, and more! Events like Beer Yoga, Joggers & Lagers, Pedals n’ Pints offer something fun for everyone.

The first time Jamyn tried a Port City beer was solely based on the fact that it was local! She loves to support local businesses. And now that beer, Optimal Wit, is one of her go-to beers she spots it on a menu. The website’s description states that this beer “tastes like sunshine and happiness.” And it does. Try it. You won’t be disappointed.

Susie loves the locally owned and operated Lost Boy Cider (317 Hooffs Run Drive) for its amazing dry ciders and rotation of food trucks. Visit its modern warehouse tasting room on Thursdays and Sunday for DC Slices pizza, Rocklands BBQ on Fridays, and Basic Burger on Saturdays. Lost Boy offers also live music and you can even bring your dog! Insider tip: stop by on Pint and Growler Wednesday – buy one pint get the second half off!

SHOPPING

One of Sue’s favorite shops is Sara Campbell, located at 320 Prince Street. Offering both dresses (including the well-known Magic Dress) and fun sportswear, Sara Campbell uses amazing fabrics for both her classic and trendier designs. Not only are Sara Campbell designs made in the USA, but the company is committed to supporting local causes. The shop has been home to many Old Town fundraisers!

Owned by local Vanessa Moore, Unwined, is also one of Sue’s favorite shops in town. With locations in the Bradlee and Belle Haven Shopping Centers, it’s a convenient stop from anywhere in town. The knowledgeable staff always has a wine recommendation for whatever you may need. Gourmet goodies from around the globe and around the metro area abound at Unwined. Everything from handmade Italian pasta and French cheese to Virginia-made condiments and charcuteries can be found at this charming shop. Beer and cigar lovers will also find lots to enjoy there as well.

Allison is a frequent shopper at Bishop Boutique at 815B King Street for its fabulous selection of shoes.

Sara loves Three Sisters and The Lucky Knot, two Old Town boutiques owned by Stavroulla, Athina and Stella Kokkinis and mother Andrea. Both offer reasonably priced, high style products, The Kokkinises search all over the USA selections for their customers and aim to sell only “Made in the USA” products.

Old Town Books, at 104 S. Union Street,  is a welcome addition to Old Town Alexandria. Open seven days a week, this independent bookshop is exactly what the city needed! Susie loves to pop in to see what the latest staff picks are. Old Town Books offers lots of fantastic events as well. 

Tulusa features absolutely beautiful home goods such as napkins, pillows, and wall art. Its staff helped Susie personalize her home’s bathroom by block printing her walls. Its unique designs are carved from blocks and printed on heirloom-quality linen with colorfast, non-toxic inks (mixed in-house!) The staff then cuts, hems, and finishes pieces to order. Follow Tulusa on Instagram for inspiration. 

Bonnie’s favorite stop is Del Ray’s Kiskadee. With a range of prices and everything from cocktail dresses to party shoes, Kiskadee is the perfect place to get a whole outfit. Kiskadee also offers fabulous gifts and accessories which make great gifts! Open since 2007, Kiskadee’s bright yellow storefront is a landmark on Mount Vernon Avenue.

Sam’s favorite place to shop for the holidays is Red Barn Mercantile on King Street. This store sells home decor, bath items, paper products, kids’ toys and books, and some furniture. Sam always finds unique gifts there and especially loves its soy candles.

Allison loves dropping in The Hour, a vintage cocktail glass shop, when she needs a unique wedding or housewarming gift. Most of the glassware is one of a kind from the 1950s, 1960s & 1970s. Cocktail shakers, trays, bowls, pitchers, and decanters are also sold at this charming shop.

SERVICES

A Thyme and Place is Alexandrian Beth Hamed’s catering company. A Thyme and Place caters events of any size with a personal touch. From small private parties to weddings, A Thyme and Place does it all. As a fellow Alexandria working mom, Sue loves to use Beth for both personal and work events.

Marty is a big fan of Presto Valet dry cleaning at 1623 N. Quaker Lane. Their service is always courteous and professional. Presto is committed to using modern technology and methods to ensure the best results for their clients. Presto is also a certified environmental dry cleaner.

Bonnie’s favorite local spot is Xtend Barre at 1701 Duke Street. She loves the Xtend’s welcoming vice and spa-like space. It ‘s a great spot to get away for some “me” time. Bonnie reports that the classes offer lots of cardio (prepare to sweat!) and more traditional ballet moves.

Alexandria Myotherapy, located at 333 North Fairfax Street, is Susan’s go-to spot when in need of a high-quality, therapeutic massage. This message therapy center, founded in 1985, offers a variety of massage techniques such as hot stone, reflexology, deep tissue, craniosacral therapy, and much more. They are open seven days a week and offer evening hours as well — ideal for busy Alexandrians!

Susie highly recommends our neighbor, Vikriya Lab (106 N. Lee Street), which offers fantastic yoga, Pilates, and barre classes. With class options as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 8 p.m., you’ll surely find a class to meet your needs here.

Allison is enchanted by the Enchanted Florist at 139 S. Fairfax Street. She loves even just walking by this store on the way to work with its overflowing flower boxes, treats for dogs and an old-fashioned bicycle that sits outside. Full of charming, it makes you feel you feel like you are in Paris and in a small town all at once. They do beautiful flower arrangements as well, perfect for special occasions.

Alexandria offers so many charming and unique shops, restaurants and services with top-notch customer service — reminding us of the beauty of Alexandrians.

Looking for a to buy or sell in Alexandria or anywhere in the Metro DC area? Let us know! We are always happy to help.

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