Friend of the Pod Deborah Landau and Suzan drive around on a snowy, rainy fall day to preview local businesses for Small Business Saturday. Here's a short excerpt of their conversation and a couple of interviews with local business owners. Happy Thanksgiving, and happy Small Business Saturday!
Please note -- we do not sell advertisements and we have received nothing in-kind from the businesses on our list. These are businesses we have experience with or that have been highly recommended to us.
InterviewsWool Winders--for knitters and crocheters
Shafa Blend Teas--highest quality teas, spices, fancy chocolate bars, tea accessories, and a few lovely gifts.
Other stops and recommendationsGourmet Bazaar has gorgeous sweets, nuts, party food, cheese, and a nice variety of fancy rock sugar for the tea you pick up at Shafa Blends. They also have a take-out counter with hot food, subs, kabobs, etc. made to order.
Kielbasa Factory is under new ownership and is much the same, but fresh eyes have had a happy effect. They offer more than just sausage—pick up fresh Polish doughnuts or babka for holiday breakfast or brunch and European flour, butter, and jams for baking. They also have fancy candies and a small selection of Polish pottery.
Mariuchi Japanese Grocery and Gift is a few doors from the Kielbasa Factory. Pick up a rice cooker, chopsticks, or a sake set. Nice selection of Japanese groceries, and a really friendly staff.
Vignola Gourmet--Italian market with great items for foodie gift baskets and family meals for take-out. Across the parking lot from the
Friends of the Library Bookstore, and technically in North Bethesda.
Purple Narwhal Music and Manga is a great place to find something unique for the vinyl and manga lovers in your life.
The Clay Co-op is across the parking lot from Purple Narwhal on North Stonestreet. In addition to classes, owner Chris Landers offers beautiful and functional tableware. He was sold out at last check, but keep an eye on his website for a restock.
Z&Z Manoushe Bakery--Recently on Bon Appetite's Best Restaurants in the US list, this little spot in Woodley Gardens offers prepared sauces, dips, spreads, and seasonings. Pick up a manoushe and a present after work.
Appalachian Spring offers hand-crafted gifts from around the country. They have unique, high-end handmade gifts for babies and young children and a nice selection of jewelry and home accents.
Humane Society Thrift and Gift is gentle on the planet and helps the community.
Town CenterSaints Valley--gorgeous, one-of-a-kind jewelry, scarves, pashminas, and other unique finds for your special people.
Nature by Trejok--fun boutique with new and vintage finds
Cottage Monet--classic gifts and decor
Maryland Women's Business Center Shop Local--creative gifts by women artisans and curators
ExperiencesHammer and Stain--fun and relaxed craft classes
Vis Arts--a variety of art classes
Clay Co-op--ceramics classes
Bones Jones Music--music lessons in a band setting with local performances.
Thrive Yoga--well-established yoga studio on the Pike
Rockville Civic Ballet--purchase tickets to the Nutcracker as an early gift.
Rockville Little Theatre tickets make great gifts that last beyond the holiday season.
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