Maggie Oswalt, of Reston, says that handcrafted items by local artists, such as Jane Kinzler Anthony, are nice gifts for the holidays. Photo by Abigail Constantino.
Imagine small shops where shopkeepers know everyone by name, catching a glimpse of neighbors enjoying a leisurely hot drink through the window of the local cafe, locals enjoying the view of the water at the plaza. No, it is not the old capitals of Europe. It is Lake Anne Plaza in Reston. Get a taste of Old World shopping by visiting the shops at Lake Anne. Show your hometown pride with Reston-centric gifts.
*Reston Museum and Shop, Lake Anne Village Center, 1639 Washington Plaza, Reston. http://www.restonmuseum.org/. 703-709-7700. Hours: Tuesday-Friday, Noon-5 p.m; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon-5 p.m.
Maggie Oswalt, of Reston Museum, said handwoven and handknit items made by Reston artists and crafters are nice gifts to get and receive. Table runners, scarves, pillows by artists, such as Jane Kinzler Anthony, range from $38-$64. These one-of-a-kind items will be enjoyed year after year.
Want to know more about Reston? Check out Charles Veatch’s book “The Nature of Reston.” Filled with photographs of animals and bucolic scenes in Reston, it retails for $100. Or, come check out the wall map of Reston in the shop. See how Reston Town Center has expanded and changed the face of the city, locate your neighborhood, or marvel at the how green Reston is.
*PetMAC Lake Anne, 11412 Washington Plaza West, Reston, http://www.petmac.org/. 571-325-2099.
PetMAC sells all-natural foods, treats and supplements. Leslie Yeager said that toys and treats are big movers during the holiday season. Hard elk antler chews are perfect from the Chihuahua to the Great Dane. “It’s the best natural chew for plaque and tartar. And, they last forever even if the dog is an aggressive chewer,” said Yeager. Prize depends on the size of the antlers and ranges between $8-$54. For cats, she recommends anything with catnip. For a well-deserved splurge, how about a heated pet bed by K & H, which retails for about $60.
Beverly Weiss, of Reston, came in with 10-year old chocolate Labrador and Chesapeake mix Godiva for a treat of dried pig’s ear. Yeager said Godiva is the store’s unofficial mascot. Weiss gets the all-natural foods offered by PetMAC.
*Reston Art Gallery and Studios, 11400 Washington Plaza W # B, Reston. 703-481-8156. restonartgallery.com. Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-7 p.m.; or by appointment.
Reston artists show off their work at the Reston Art Gallery and Studios. A cooperative of 12 artists, Reston Art Gallery and Studios feature original art from Pat McIntyre, Roberta Thole, Joan Kelly, Kathy Kautter, Maggie Stewart, Pat Bason, Claudia Samper, Lassie Corbett, Ronni Jolles, DJ Donahey, Marie Straw and Gail Axtell.
Axtell’s jewelry are for sale starting at $39. Paintings by artists start at $35. To send a little bit of Reston to friends and family, handpainted and handmade cards are also for sale.
*Reston’s Used Book Shop, 1623 Washington Plaza N., Reston, http://www.restonsusedbookshop.com/. 703-435-9772.
The holidays are the perfect time to catch up on reading and relaxing. Stock up on all the books everyone said you should read at Reston’s Used Book Shop. Perhaps next year’s resolution is to read more classic literature. There’s a slew of Brontes, Dickens, Austens, and others on the shelves that go from the floor to the ceiling. Get that title to complete your favorite series. Grab that book on military history for your father-in-law. Start off young readers with their first Harry Potter book.
Prices range depending on the type of book. There are collectibles kept inside a cabinet in the front. Joy Charbonneau-Lovaas, 8, of College Park, Md. said that she would get a funny graphic novel for her father, Deron Lovaas, and a book about therapy for her mother, Beth Charbonneau. For herself, anything Harry Potter-related.