Locally Owned Boutiques & Shops in Old Town
With its brick-lined sidewalks, historic buildings, and prime location overlooking the Potomac, Old Town Alexandria feels straight out of a storybook. Adding to the charm? More than 200 of the shops and restaurants in the neighborhood are independently owned, making it easy to shop local. Here are a few of our favorite spots:
Old Town Farmers’ Market - This market has been going strong for 260 years, making it the oldest farmers market in the country to have been continuously held on the same site. In fact, George Washington sent his produce from nearby Mt. Vernon to be sold here! Today, the market hosts more than 70 vendors selling everything from fresh produce, meats, and cheeses to flowers, handmade soaps, and fabric art.
Mason & Greens - Everything sold at this sustainable dry goods and grocery store is cruelty-free, vegan, and free of toxic chemicals, synthetic fabrics, and palm oil. In other words, whether you’re buying kitchen wares, beauty products, or gardening supplies, you can shop to your heart’s content and walk out with a good conscience.
Hooray for Books - Alexandria’s only local, independently owned children’s books store, this delightful spot hosts weekly story times, author events, and books clubs for both adults and children. Originally specializing in children’s books, it has expanded to include young adult and adult titles, as well.
The Art League - Founded in 1954, this community hub offers rotating exhibits, an art-supply store, art-outreach programs, and courses in everything from plein air landscape painting to ceramics.
Red Barn Mercantile - Specializing in home goods and gifts, this shop sources its inventory from designers, off-the-beaten-path flea markets, and everything in between. You’ll find a wide range of products, including decorative pillows, kitchen linens, furniture, and more—making it an ideal spot to start when you’re furnishing your apartment at Platform!
The Hive - A favorite throughout the Washington area and beyond, The Hive — and sister store The Shoe Hive — offer a coveted selection of sophisticated-yet-approachable designer goods.
Intertribal Creatives - Both a brick-and-mortar as well as online store, Intertribal Creatives offers an incredible selection of fair-trade, native-made products and original art. From beautiful beadwork and jewelry to one-of-a-kind paintings, photographs, and prints, every purchase supports Running Strong for American Youth,
Mint Condition - Owned by two sister-in-laws, this designer consignment boutique offers a carefully curated selection of gently used upscale goods for a fraction of the original retail price. A cult favorite with locals. Check out their Instagram for the latest offerings.
