The first time our editor-in-chief invited us on some of her favorite local walking and shopping trips was in 2012. Each year, we publish a new version, with updates as needed.
The 2023 update removes Little Red Fox, which along with sister store Sugar Fox closed in December 2022. New additions include Honeys & Friends, in the former Sugar Fox space, and Art Sound Language, the new record shop in Chevy Chase.
Those who know me best know I hate to shop. So you might wonder why I am writing about holiday shopping. I do hate to shop in large department or big box stores. They overwhelm me. My favorite type of shopping is only a walk away.
I like supporting the local shops. All you need is a backpack with one or two reusable bags and off you go on a pleasant shopping excursion. You don’t have to walk, but it’s healthier and much more fun.
The Forest Hills, Van Ness and Chevy Chase walks
Some of the best shopping for the holidays is right here in the Forest Hills neighborhood, at Politics and Prose. There is nothing I enjoy more than browsing through books for friends and family, and the store’s 2018 expansion opened up more shelf and floor space for all sorts of gifts for adults and children, including jigsaw puzzles.
A display devoted to puzzles at Politics and Prose.
A few doors up the street you’ll find Honeys & Friends, the ice cream and cake shop in the former Sugar Fox space. It’s a one-stop shop for merchandise from its sister restaurants on the block, and it’s currently selling jarred salsas from Muchas Gracias and Comet t-shirts. And while you’re here, you might as well treat yourself to something sweet.
From here you could continue to head north to Chevy Chase, or go south to the Van Ness commercial strip.
Southbound shoppers will find many opportunities to shop for the foodies on their list. You’ll first reach Shemali’s Market at Connecticut and Albemarle. In addition to ready-to-eat and heat foods, the Van Ness outpost carries Lebanese, Turkish and Greek sauces, spices, teas, syrups and other dry goods perfect for a gift basket.
Across the street, the grocery section at Bread Furst is another haven for cooks and bakers, and another great place to grab a sweet (or savory) treat.
Next, consider stocking your friends’ or your own bar cart with mixers and libations from Calvert Woodley Fine Wines & Spirits and Van Ness Wines and Liquors.
For those trekking north from Politics and Prose instead, Chevy Chase is a treasure trove of locally-owned and operated shops. Around the corner from Starbucks on Livingston Street, you’ll find Park Story. The store sells women’s shoes and apparel, jewelry and home accessories, all made or designed locally or by independent brands.
Park Story at 3813 Livingston Street NW
Then, round the corner back to Connecticut and check out the women’s activewear at Core 72. A few feet up the block, Happy Go sells bikes and accessories for your pedal-loving pals. Next, pop into the Chevy Chase Arcade to peruse the records and books for sale at Art Sound Language.
On the next block is a longtime holiday shopping stop: Child’s Play, for the kids and game-loving adults on your list.
You’re not done yet. Hang a left from Connecticut Avenue on McKinley Street to visit June B Sweet gourmet sweets and Write for You stationary and gifts. One day I went into Write For You to explore and came out with a watch.
Then, it’s back to Connecticut Avenue to shop for movie buffs who also happen to be locals. That means stopping at the Avalon Theater, a wonderful neighborhood institution, for a gift card.
Finally, you’ll head north to Northampton and Ramer’s Shoes, another great stop for kids. You don’t have to worry about getting the right shoe size – just pick out one of the colorful umbrellas hanging festively from the ceiling.
I think that’s enough for one day. Whether you’re in Van Ness or Chevy Chase, sit down at one of the local restaurants and treat yourself. You’ve earned it.
Hillwood Museum, Cleveland Park and Tenleytown
Another walking and shopping excursion takes you to the Hillwood Museum shop, and then to Cleveland Park. For those walking to Hillwood from Forest Hills, I’d normally suggest a hike through the Soapstone Valley, but the trail’s temporary closure requires a detour on city streets. So instead, you’ll head down Connecticut Avenue to Upton Street, which terminates just north of the Hillwood entrance on Linnean Avenue.
Once you’ve finished shopping at Hillwood (don’t forget the members discount), you can take Linnean south to Tilden, and walk down the hill to Pierce Mill. Once there, cross Tilden and go through parking lot, pass the bathrooms, and pick up the the Reservation 630 Trail (formerly the Melvin Hazen Trail). The trail will lead to Connecticut Avenue. From there, Cleveland Park is another 5 to 10-minute walk.
Shops in Cleveland Park that are worth the hike include Transcendence-Perfection-Bliss, Femme Fatale DC, and Town Jewelers. (At Town Jewelers, appointments are recommended, so plan to get in touch before you arrive at their door.) Or consider stopping in at All Fired Up to make a gift.
If you still have energy to burn, walk north on Connecticut to Sedgwick, then follow Sedgwick west to Tilden. Upon crossing Tilden, you will find a bank of 98 steps (yes, I have counted them) leading to International Drive.
If you want a good cardio workout, take the steps. Hook a left when you get to International Drive, which sweeps around in front of a bunch of embassies and leads to the corner with the Israeli Embassy and the Chinese Embassy (map). Take another left onto Van Ness Street and walk to Wisconsin Avenue.
On the southeast corner of Van Ness and Wisconsin is Sequels. It is a consignment shop located in an apartment building and packed to the gills with stuff. They have some funky jewelry.
Next, head north on Wisconsin to Tenleytown Ace Hardware, a employee-owned member of the national Ace cooperative. I love hardware stores, and you really can find unusual gifts. What about a double jumbo inflatable snow tube?
Just up Wisconsin, Middle C Music is a don’t-miss for the music lover in your life. It has sheet music, gifts and musical instruments you could give as gifts. How about a recorder or a ukulele? And a few lessons?
Continue north on Wisconsin to check out Tennis Zone Plus. This shop supplies gifts for tennis players, but also everything you need for squash, badminton, racquetball and pickleball.
If you are looking for pet gifts or a pet to adopt, try the PetMac pet store on Fessenden just west of Wisconsin.
Your final stop in this journey is York Flowers, just north of Fessenden.
York Flowers at 5023 Wisconsin Avenue
It has plants, flowers and arrangements that you can peruse in person, or order online. They have a holiday catalog and their own delivery service to make sure your order gets handled with care in the wide metropolitan area – even as far as Reston.
Well, it’s time to head home to put your feet up and relax. Frankly, I have worn myself out just thinking about all this shopping.
What did we miss? Tell us about your favorite holiday – and everyday – shopping experiences… just a walk away.
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