Sue's Summer Picks
Alexandria, VA is the place we call home. It's old cobblestone streets, independent shops, restaurants and the fact that it's perched right on the edge of the Potomac River and just a few miles from Washington D.C. are just a few of the reasons that we LOVE where we live!
When you come to Old Town or to my neighborhood of Del Ray you can't help but notice that we have some incredible shops and restaurants. So many of them are owned and operated by women who look out for each other, support one another, and collaborate together to create some real magic here. It's all about #collaborationovercompetition
Below you'll find just a few of the great shops and some of our must haves for summer!
For over 10 years Red Barn Mercantile has been dishing out beautiful and practical gifts and home decor including our hand printed napkins in classic color-ways. They also have an incredible team of interior designers at the ready to make all of your decor dreams come true. Can't you see a tequila and watermelon juice cocktail shine against this milky white backdrop?!
Boxwood has been on the scene for about 4 years and has a vibe that is slightly preppy and totally hip. We love their array of home goods, gifts, and candles. This Sangria Cocktail Kit is perfect for a hot summer afternoon!
The Shoe Hive and its sister store, The Hive, have been a big part of what make Alexandria so special. There you can buy beautiful clothing and it's our favorite spot to shop for shoes. During the pandemic we discovered a shoe company that they carry called Roam. While can't seem to get enough of Roam's "Cloud" slippers we are ready to jump aboard the "Super Puff" train and click the BUY button on these Lemon Roam Super Puffs!
Honestly, you'll never feel cooler than in our block-printed muscle Tees! Whether you let it hang loose or knot it with high-waisted pants, these muscle Tees bring all the good vibes.
Sister-in-laws and business partners Megan Podolsky and Katie Coslov opened The Mint Collective right next door to the Mint Condition, a store that deals in designer labeled, well curated consignment. The Collective is their favorite (new) products and styles put together in one beautiful 200 sq ft shop in the heart of Old Town, we love shopping there for their gifts, perfectly priced clothing, and for the local designers like DMARAN design that they carry and cultivate an audience for.
Let's move over to my neighborhood of De Ray for a sec! I can't write a post without mentioning my go to, saved me during the pandemic, numero uno place for coffee and comfort food. If you've ever been to Del Ray you know about Nicole Jones and The Stomping Ground. This woman pivoted like nobody's business during the pandemic and thanks to her bestie, Megan Brown, from our amazing local studio Mind the Mat, I'm now 100% addicted to the Oat Milk and Vanilla Latte which is equally yummy hot or cold. Nicole recently opened up The Alley where my current favorite is The Summer Time Salad with Peaches and Burrata. Yes Please!
For you Die Hard Old Town people, very soon Mae's Market and Cafe will be opening up on Washington St so you'll be just a stroll away from comfort food at it's best.
Last but certainly not least I would be remiss if I didn't mention The Scout Guide: Alexandria. which is our local Scout Guide owned by Sara Phillips. Sara is the queen of bringing people together, giving shoutouts, and offering up collaborations to all of our locally owned small businesses. You'll find our local Scout Guide in just about any shop in Old Town or Del Ray and inside you'll see a map to help you discover all that our sweet town has to offer.
