It's Almost Time for Small Business Saturday!
Check out some of our favorite small businesses!
Hey y’all! As the holiday season approaches and families are in town for Thanksgiving and Christmas, we know you’re thinking about Black Friday. Did you know that the following day is Small Business Saturday? Each year, thousands of Americans celebrate their local small businesses by shopping and eating local on the Saturday after Thanksgiving during the holiday season. As the best escape room in the DC area, we’d love to be a part of your holiday tradition!
Last year, we wrote extensively about Small Business Saturday and even plugged some of our favorite small businesses! You can read our recommendations from last year by clicking this link. For this year, we have some new local favorites! So read on:
Neetu’s Picks:
They sell very delicious loose teas and tisanes as well as premade blends. If you’re into aromatherapy they sell that as well. They also have tea sets, mugs, tea accessories, stickers, and original art made by locals.
Sincerely Yours Stained Glass Studio
Owned by artist Barbara Perry for over 30 years, her studio offers classes for stained glass, repairs and restoration, and custom art glass creations for your home or business. Fun fact: “Sincerely Yours was responsible for the recent restoration of 16 stained glass windows for the St. Mark's Fellowship Hall in Vienna, VA.”
Owned by Sarah Hitchcock Burzio, Hitchcock Paper Co. is a boutique stationery shop overlooking the river in historic Occoquan, Virginia, they sell “beautiful and high quality paper products from a wide selection of artists, small businesses, and favorite brands.” They also sell “curated selection of journals, calendars, gift wrap, craft supplies, planners, calligraphy supplies, pens, and artwork.” Alongside supplies they “carry seasonal paper-based jewelry, wreaths made from book pages, candles, and other carefully curated gifts.”
Dan’s Picks:
This game shop is so good I had to recommend it this year again! I wrote about it in last year’s blog post, but they’re still the go-to
There’s tons of bike stores in the DC area. Many of them are great. When I wanted a specific bike, this one happened to be the one that had what I wanted in stock, and the people who work here are very helpful and knowledgeable.
I also like this bike shop, it’s a small business that’s been independently operated for many years. They’ve always been super helpful when I’ve needed anything. If you’re looking to shop local, the owner here is great.
A kitchen operated down the street from us, Queen Mother’s Restaurant is operated by Hell’s Kitchen Season 3 winner Rock Harper. This place puts chain chicken restaurants to shame. Get the chicken sandwich with the house-made pupusa and the duck fat fries. They’re so good.
If you like Sichuan food, this place is it. I’m in love with their mapo dofu, water boiled fish, dandan noodles, and those amazing pork buns. Seriously, order the pork buns.
I gave these guys a shout-out last year but they’re worth putting on the list again! Board and Brew is beer, coffee, breakfast food, dinner food, and board games all rolled under the same roof. If you're like me and would rather hang out with friends over some coffee and snacks with some board games than go to the bars on a Saturday night, this is the best place to be.
Caitlin’s Picks:
Established in 2013, House of Milae is a Korean restaurant in the heart of Bethesda. They have a casual relaxed atmosphere and specialize in hearty Korean staples, including Hotstone Bibimbop.
This restaurant has quickly made it to the top of our list for local carry-out options. Ethiopian vegetarian deliciousness. Check them out.
Lillian’s Picks:
This place is very hidden, but it’s a gem you cannot miss! Featuring different ramen, sushi and drinks selection. It’s a place where you can go enjoy a nice hot meal.
This grocery store has two locations! One in Falls Church and the other one in Alexandria. They have a wide variety of Hispanic and Asian products that you can only find here! Best part is that the prices are affordable and if you get a $100 purchase, you get a free 2-liter soda.
IT’S BACK! During the pandemic, they had a terrible fire that shut the restaurant down. But the community wanted the popular restaurant back! They’ve got everything from Peruvian chicken and steaks to desserts. It’s a great place to bring family and friends!
I hope you like some of these recommendations! If you’re curious, you can read our picks from last year by clicking here. If you’re in town for the holiday season and looking for a fun event for your family, look no further than the best escape room in Arlington! We’d love to host your next holiday adventure!