La Cuisine Nancy Pollard spent two years on North Lee Street before moving to her current location. For 41 years Nancy has been a resource for regional chefs and home cooks directly importing the best French cookware, knives, German cookie molds, as well as marble mortars and pestles and olive oil from Italy. 323 Cameron Street, 703.836.4435, lacuisineus.com Photo by Louise Krafft.
Alexandria — The Ladies of Old Town
The Wanderer celebrates women every single day. But, this week he would like his followers to note these special women for their contributions to the Old Town retail community.
SCRIPTORIUM In 1976, Judy Shavin was welcomed to the Courtyard on Cameron Street with a celebration thrown by all the other women who owned businesses on the block. Judy has been there for 36 years now, as the go-to lady for advice on invitation etiquette for weddings and personalized stationery. 309 Cameron Street #C, 703.549.2880, scriptorium-alexandria.com
LA CUISINE Nancy Pollard spent two years on North Lee Street before moving to her current location. For 41 years Nancy has been a resource for regional chefs and home cooks directly importing the best French cookware, knives, German cookie molds, as well as marble mortars and pestles and olive oil from Italy. 323 Cameron Street, 703.836.4435, lacuisineus.com
GOSSYPIA Amanda Lasker has been in her current location on the corner of Cameron and North Royal Street for 44 years. She specializes in clothing and jewelry, importing many items from Latin America. She continues to enjoy being one of many diverse locally owned businesses that contribute to the charm of Old Town. 325 Cameron Street, 703.836.6969, gossypia.com
NUEVO MUNDO Maria O’Leary established Nuevo Mundo in 1966 with her magical flair for clothing, jewelry and artifacts that are veritable works of art. Her business grew to become one of Old Town’s best known shops with customers from all over the world. Today, its sales are exclusively online. 800.695.0041, nuevo-mundo.com
WHY NOT? Original owner Jeanne Graef opened her shop in 1964 and taught Kate Schlabach everything about this destination kids shop. Since then, it has grown as fast as a small child. It just shouts fun and dominates the corner of Lee and King Street with window displays that make grumpy old men smile! 200 King Street, 703.548.4420
THE CHRISTMAS ATTIC Since 1971, this women-owned family business has captured the holiday imagination of locals and tourists from all over the country . Original owner, Nita Hyde-Whitesall opened the shop aided by an assortment of family and elves. Now, daughters Fay Carter and Cheri Hennessey run the business, enthusiastically celebrating holidays from Christmas to the 4th of July, not missing a single holiday occasion. 125 S. Union Street, 703-548-2829, thechristmasattic.com