The focus below is primarily on Del Ray (with a few Old Town sites included), a neighborhood that may be less familiar to most. Del Ray is also Metro accessible – take the blue or yellow line to the Braddock Road station and follow Mount Vernon Avenue north to the heart of Del Ray.
Locations marked with an * are in Old Town, which is easy to navigate – there are several buses that run from the King Street Metro (blue or yellow line) up and down King Street to the waterfront. If you walk, along the way you’ll find numerous boutiques, antique stores and other diversions.
GOOD EATS
Caboose Café
This casual café and bakery offers the typical coffee shop fare with a twist. There are pastries and coffee as well as scrumptious salads, sandwiches and toasted panini. The artisan bakery offers a delicious variety of fresh breads daily. The twist comes at dinnertime when there is an Ethiopian menu to choose from. Vegetarian options are plentiful with a selection of Ethiopian wines, including a traditional honey wine.
2419 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 566-1283, www.caboose cafe.com. Hours: Monday 7 am - 8 pm; Tuesday - Saturday 7 am - 9 pm; Sunday 8am - 6pm.
Cheesetique
Cheesetique is an amazing cheese “boutique” featuring hand-picked specialty cheeses from around the world and the US. The focus is on hard-to-find artisan and small-farm producers. (From Cato Corner Farm in Connecticut comes “womanchego!”) There are also imported European cured meats such as prosciutto, serrano, and various salamis, as well as antipasto ingredients and a selection of unique platters, utensils and party accessories to make your next cheese tasting a success! Cheesetique hosts cheese classes once a month; topics vary, but each is guaranteed to be informative and delicious!
2403 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 706-5300, www.cheesetique.com. Hours: Tuesday – Friday 11 am – 7 pm; Saturday 8 am – 7 pm (summer opening coincides with the weekly Del Ray Farmer’s Market); Sunday noon – 5 pm.
Dairy Godmother
Specializing in Wisconsin-style frozen custard, The Dairy Godmother features a daily flavor of fresh custard and sorbet, as well as custom-blended vanilla. The flavor of the day is blended by hand for each order. Other treats for your sweet tooth include sorbet, gelato and sorbetto truffles, cakes and homemade marshmallows.
2310 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 683-7767, www.thedairygod mother.com. Hours: Daily noon – 10 pm. Closed Tuesday.
Evening Star Café
The Evening Star Café is the quintessential neighborhood joint where just about anyone will feel right at home. The sophisticated menu is American – from crab cakes to wild mushroom ravioli. There are numerous beers on tap and wines by the glass as well as a selection of decadent and delicious desserts. The Cafe also runs two lounge spaces adjoining the restaurant — The Majestic Lounge and No. 9 Lounge are hip spaces to have a drink and sample something from the enticing menu of appetizers and light fare. You can also hear live local music most evenings.
2000 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 549-5051, www.eveningstarcafe.net. Hours: Dinner, Sunday – Thursday 5:30 – 10 pm; Fri & Sat 5:30 – 11 pm; Lunch, Tuesday - Saturday 11:30 am - 2:30 pm; Sunday Brunch 10 am – 3 pm.
Fireflies
With almost everything on the menu made from scratch, Fireflies doesn’t disappoint. The breads are baked fresh daily and so are the desserts. Vegetarian options aren’t an afterthought — there is veggie chili served over basmati rice with tofu, fresh baked cornbread and sour cream and a so-called “wheatball sub” with vegetarian meatballs cooked in marinara sauce, and served with melted mozzarella on a parmesan roll. Fireflies also serves Saturday breakfast and a more extensive Sunday brunch menu.
1501 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 548-7200, www.firefliesdelray.com. Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm; Friday 11 am – 10 pm; Saturday 9 am – 10 pm; Sunday 9 am – 3 pm. Closed Monday.
Mancini’s
A Del Ray institution, Mancini’s offers mouthwatering sandwiches and soups made with fresh ingredients. All of the desserts and pastries are made on the premises and include Italian favorites such as cannoli and sfogliatelle. Dinner is served Thursday – Saturday and includes a variety of Italian dishes. All menu items—including the dinner menu — are available for take out.
1508 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 838-3663. Hours: Monday – Wednesday 7 am to 3 pm; Thursday – Saturday 7 am to 9 pm; Sunday 8 am – 3 pm.
Misha’s *
A fun and funky coffee shop with a passionate commitment to quality — beans are roasted on the premises. Regulars say it’s the best coffee they’ve ever tasted. There are also pastries and other treats to nosh with your terrific cup of coffee.
102 S. Patrick Street in Old Town, (703) 548-4089, http://pages.alex andriacity.com/dining/mishas.htm. Hours: 6:30 am - 8 pm daily.
St. Elmo’s
A homey, laid-back coffee shop that recently celebrated 10 years in the heart of Del Ray, St. Elmo’s features coffee selections that are fair trade, shade grown and bird friendly. There are also more than 20 different kinds of tea as well as pastries, sandwiches and salads. Large tables (and wireless access) accommodate laptop tappers, while a small section across the pub is stocked with children’s toys and books. St. Elmo’s is a hoppin’ place — their event calendar is packed with live music, movie nights, community art exhibitions, and informal and formal gatherings of community groups who make St. Elmo’s their home base.
2300 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 739-9268, www.stelmoscoffee pub.com. Hours: Monday – Friday 6 am – 10 pm; Saturday 7 am – 10 pm; Sunday 7 am – 6 pm.
Sundae Times
An old fashioned ice cream parlor featuring locally-made Giffords ice cream in more than 30 flavors. Treat yourself to a banana split, a milkshake or an ice cream soda.
2003 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 683-9818. Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 11 am 9 pm; Fridays & Saturdays 11 am 10 pm; Sunday noon - 6 pm. Closed Monday.
Taqueria Poblano
From the color splashed walls to the Mexican tiled bar, on entering Taqueria Poblano you feel like you could be south of the border. There is a variety of freshly prepared Mexican food in the Yucatan and Southern California style — which means no heavy sauces and gooey cheese here! For a real taste treat, indulge in the delicious chili rellenos!
2400-B Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 548-8226, www.taqueriapoblano.com. Hours: Monday – Friday Lunch 11 am – 3 pm; Dinner 5:30 – 10 pm; Saturday 11 am – 10 pm; Sunday 10 am – 9 pm. Mexican Brunch is served on Sunday’s from 10 to 2. Closed Tuesday
HOME & GARDEN
Artcraft Collection *
Just a block away from the Torpedo Factory, the Artcraft Collection is a contemporary gallery with crafts and furnishings by more than 400 of America’s most talented craft artists.
132 King Street in Old Town, (703) 299-6616. www.artcraftcollection.com. Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 am – 9 pm; Sunday noon - 8 pm.
Eclectic Nature
This bright and cheerful garden center is something of an urban oasis tucked into what previously may have been a parking lot! The adjacent “house” is stocked to overflowing with unique home accessories and items just right for baby showers and wedding gifts. There is also hand painted furniture, most in the “shabby chic” style.
1503 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 837-0500. Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 7 pm; Saturday 9 am – 5 pm; Sunday 11 am – 5 pm.
Eight Hands Round
Stocked to the rafters (there are literally chairs dangling above!) with antiques, folk art, accessories and other whim-sical items for the home, Eight Hands Rounds is a great little shop to pick up something special for a gift or for yourself! Currently located around the corner from St. Elmo’s, they
are moving to larger digs in June.
2301 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 518-3058. Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 6 pm; Saturday 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday 1 – 5 pm.
Ten Thousand Villages *
Step inside Ten Thousands Villages and you are trans-ported to a colorful world bazaar with exotic accessories, home decor accents, jewelry, textiles and more from artisans worldwide. Ten Thousand Villages is the oldest and largest Alternative Trade Organization (ATO) in North America: practicing fair trade since 1946.
915 King Street in Old Town, (703) 684-1435, www.villagesofalex
andria.com. Summer Hours: Monday – Wednesday 11 am – 7 pm; Thursday – Saturday 11 am – 9 pm; Sunday noon – 6 pm.
Arts Afire *
Featuring the work of more than 300 artists, Arts Afire offers metal and mixed-media jewelry and functional works of art. There are glass, metal, wood, ceramic and mixed-media artworks as well as cool handcrafted kaleidoscopes to satisfy a wide-range of budgets and tastes.
102 N. Fayette Street in Old Town, (703) 838-9785, www.artsafire.com. Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 am – 6 pm; Sunday noon – 5 pm.
Torpedo Factory Art Center *
Home to over 160 professional artists who create, exhibit and sell their art. While at the Torpedo Factory, pay a visit to the Target Gallery, which presents exhibitions by artists of national and international importance.
105 N. Union Street in Old Town. (703) 838-4565, www.torpedo
factory.org. Hours: Daily 10 am – 5 pm. (The Target Gallery is open Wednesday – Sunday noon – 5 pm.)
A Show of Hands
Original fine craft and art handmade by local artists including pottery, painting, photography, jewelry, clothing and accessories and much more.
2204 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 736-7079. Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 11 am – 6 pm; Thursday 11 am – 9 pm; Sunday noon – 5 pm. Closed Monday.
Del Ray Artisans
Community art center and gallery featuring monthly exhibitions of fine arts and crafts. Located in the Nicholas Colasanto Center.
2704 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 838-4827, www.delrayartisans.org. Hours: Saturday 10 am – 4 pm; Sunday noon – 4 pm.
WELL BEING
Body, Mind & Sole
A massage studio with all the right touches — from the complimentary warm essential oil footbath prior to each session to the pure melted shea butter used during the massage. Types of massage offered includes deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and sports massage. Reflexology and acupressure sessions are also available.
2111 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 489-4174, www.bodymindandsole.net.
Back to Chi
The massage at Back to Chi (pronounced CH-EE) is performed by a Ceragem master personal massager — a bed with massaging rollers, heat and far-infrared light to straighten the spinal chord, relax muscles, improve circulation and increase energy. The forty-minute sessions are free. The studio is open 8 am - 6 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am - 4 pm on Saturday. Massage sessions are first come, first served.
2305 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 684-6884, www.knowing.org/chi/.
Del Ray Chiropractic & Massage
This newly opened healing center offers chiropractic services and massage, including traditional Thai yoga massage, pre- and post-natal massage and hot stone massage among other modalities.
2214 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 683-8333, www.delraychiropractic.com. Open daily by appointment only.
The Healing Tree
Offers massage as well as different types of healing modalities – from therapeutic bodywork and acupuncture to functional training, which The Healing Tree calls “personal training with a twist,” achieving balance between the muscle groups.
2101 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 706-9500. www.healingtr.com.
Pure Prana Yoga Studio *
Offers a range of yoga classes (ashtanga vinyasa, kundalini) as well as classes with a special focus, including a one hour lunchtime yoga class, family yoga, sunrise yoga and more.
100 S. Patrick Street in Old Town, (703) 836-7873, www.pureprana.com.
Sacred Circle Books *
A brand new bookstore specializing in metaphysical books “from astrology to Zen.” There are also unique gifts and music from around the world. Grand opening celebration takes place June 30 – July 2.
919 King Street in Old Town, (703) 299-9309, www.sacredcirclebooks.com. Hours: Wednesday – Friday 11 am – 7 pm; Saturday 10 am – 7 pm; Sunday noon – 5 pm.
Studio Body Logic
The first authentic Pilates studio in Northern Virginia, Studio Body Logic offers small group classes, private and semi-private apparatus sessions, stretch and cardio classes, as well as personal training and fitness assessments.
2417 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 739-7601, www.studiobodylogic.com.
Yoga in Daily Life
This is the national headquarters of this non-profit community service organization whose mission is “to bring yoga and meditation to all.” Classes include general yoga and yoga for kids.
2402 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 299-8946. www.yogaindailylifeus.org.
FOR KIDS
A Likely Story Books *
A Likely Story was winner of the 2006 Pannell Award for the best children’s bookstore, which is given annually to recognize booksellers for their involvement in the world of children’s literature. A full event calendar featuring everything from traditional story hours (for all ages), costumed storytelling sessions, author readings and drama camps for kids.
1555 King Street in Old Town, (703) 836-2498, www.alikelystorybooks.com. Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday 1 – 5 pm.
Purple Goose
New and gently used children’s clothing store with a great selection. The place is jam-packed with cute things for your little one, including an amazing array of unique shoes.
2005 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 683-2918, www.thepurplegoose.com.
VINTAGE & ANTIQUES
There are more antique shops in Old Town than you can shake a stick at — so here are a few to explore in Del Ray!
Five Oaks Antiques
An antique mall with more than 30 dealer stalls with vintage kitchen wares, artwork, furniture and collectibles.
2413 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 519-7006, www.delrayantiques.com. Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday noon – 5 pm.
Potomac West Interiors & Antique Gallery
Run by the same owners as Five Oaks Antiques, this location also features multiple dealers under one roof. Fine antiques, collectibles and designer home furnishings are the focus here.
1517 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 519-1911, www.delrayantiques.com. Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday noon – 5 pm.
Remix
A great collection of vintage clothes (mostly women’s) – from sassy frocks from the 50s, 60s and 70s to elegant vintage party dresses and casual tops. There is a wonderful selection of costume jewelry as well as shoes, bags and accessories, and nifty “stuff” from all eras.
1906 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, (703) 549-4110, www.remixvintage.com. Hours: Monday – Friday 11 am – 9 pm; Saturday 10 am – 8 pm; Sunday 12 – 5 pm.
REGULAR EVENTS
First Thursday in Del Ray
First Thursdays on “the avenue” shops, galleries are open until 9 pm and there is live music by local performers. Each month has a different theme – June is “Luau on the Avenue,” July is an Independence Day celebration, August is “Home Sweet Home” and September is “Food on the Avenue.” www.pwba.org.
Second Thursday in Old Town *
The Torpedo Factory Art Center, shops and galleries stay open ‘til 9 p.m. with special events and live entertainment the second Thursday of each month through September.
www.secondthursdays.com or 703/838-4565, ext. 6.
Art on the Avenue
This annual festival of crafts, food and music draws thousands of visitors to Del Ray each October. Don’t miss it this year – October 7, 2006. www.artontheavenue.org
