2024 Mother's Day Gift Guide: 13 unique local finds in Del Ray, VA
Plus, what to do this week in Del Ray, VA, May 6-9, 2024.
Happy Monday! Welcome to a new week—I hope your weekend was filled with fun, socializing, and some relaxing moments just for you.
Did you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? If you checked out the Top 6 Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Del Ray guide, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to email me with feedback or suggestions for what you'd like to see in future guides.
We've got lots of exciting activities and events in the lineup this week.
2024 local Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Life drawing class
Wine tastings
A huge weekend preview
more!
Let’s get into it.
– Rachel Turula, lover of all things Del Ray
Monday, May 6
Discover the perfect gift with the 2024 Mother’s Day Gift Guide: 13 unique local finds in Del Ray, VA
Shops & small businesses throughout Del Ray, VA
As Mother's Day approaches (less than one week!), it's time to celebrate the remarkable women in our lives with something special.
That’s why I’ve pulled together the 2024 Mother's Day Gift Guide, featuring 13 unique local finds right here in Del Ray, VA.
Del Ray is home to wonderful small businesses offering a variety of gifts, from gourmet cheeses for moms who adore a good cheeseboard to relaxing spa treatments for those in need of a little pampering. This guide is your go-to source for finding the perfect gift, whether you're honoring your mom, a motherly figure, or even treating yourself.
Explore our selection of gifts that reflect the diverse tastes and interests of our community, all while supporting the local businesses that make Del Ray truly unique.
More
Baby Time, 10:15am-10:45am or 11:15am-11:45am at the James M. Duncan Branch Library. Ages 0-14 Months. 👶🏼
Tabletops and Teens, 5pm-7pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library. Ages 12-18. More info.👶🏼
Tuesday, May 7
Life Drawing Session – Gesture and Short Pose
7pm-9pm | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave.
Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, the Life Drawing Sessions are the perfect place to hone your skills and meet fellow art enthusiasts. All levels are welcome, as are a variety of traditional drawing media—from pencils and pens to charcoal, pastels, watercolor, and ink. (Please note, acrylics and oil paints are not permitted.)
Dive into drawing, explore new techniques, and enjoy the company of fellow artists in a welcoming community space.
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Stories and Songs, 10:15am-10:45am or 11:15am-11:45am at the James M. Duncan Branch Library. Ages 0-5.👶🏼
Pre-K Story Time, 4pm-4:30pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library. Ages 3+ with a caregiver. More info. 👶🏼
Duncan and Dragons, 5pm-7:30pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library. Ages 12-18. Registration required. More info.👶🏼
Wines of Argentina wine class & tasting, 6-7pm at Planet Wine Shop. More info + tickets.
Wednesday, May 8
Meet the Winemaker event with Brick & Mortar Founder and Owner, Alexis Iaconis
7pm | The Wine Library at Cheesetique Del Ray, 2411 Mt Vernon Ave.
Enjoy a special wine tasting event featuring the distinct flavors of Brick & Mortar, a family-owned winery from California's Petaluma Gap. Experience an engaging evening with Alexis Iaconis, co-founder and Advanced Sommelier, who will share insights into their unique winemaking process.
The session includes five carefully chosen wines paired with five complementary bites, crafted to enhance your tasting experience. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore a range of exceptional wines and learn about the innovative approaches behind them.
Enjoy a relaxed, informative evening learning about and tasting wines that are as intriguing as their makers. Tickets are $35.
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Wine in Rome wine tasting, 5pm-8pm at Plant Wine Shop. Free. More info.
Game night, 6pm-9pm at The Company of Books. New players welcome. Free. More info.
Trivia night, 7pm-10pm at Hops N Shine. More info.
The History of Sugar Production, 7pm-8pm, an online lecture by Dr. Brittany Merritt Nash. Free registration required. More info.
VIENNA TENG with Jean Rohe, 7:30pm at The Birchmere Music Hall. $35 tickets. More info.
Thursday, May 9
Blossoms & Brewskis: Spring happy hour edition
5:30pm-8pm | The Garden, 1503 Mount Vernon Ave.
👶🏼 Kid-friendly | 🐶 Dog-friendly
Join Atlantic Coast Mortgage, RLAH Real Estate, and @properties for a fun-filled evening of springtime festivities. Your first drink is on them for a happy hour featuring a variety of refreshing craft beers and delicious food, all while enjoying the beautiful spring weather. Think good drinks, good company, and good vibes.
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Toddler Rock N' Read, 10:15-10:45am or 11:15-11:45am at the James M. Duncan Branch Library. Ages 0-5. 👶🏼
Nerdy Knotters: Knitting and Crochet group 6-7pm at the James M. Duncan Branch Library. Ages 12+. More info. 👶🏼
Duncan Literary Society: an "anti-book club", 7pm-9pm at Del Ray Boccato. Free registration required. More info.
Have an upcoming event to submit?
Hosting an event or activity, or know someone who is? Submit it here.
Weekend preview
Friday, May 10: Deadline: “All About Love” Call for entry. More info.
Friday, May 10: Thorn & Rose’s, ‘Sad Girl Pop’ presented by Crab Shack Music & St. Elmos, 7pm at St. Elmos. More info.
Saturday, May 11: Del Ray Vintage & Flea, 9am-2pm in the Salvation Army & Wellness Junction Lots Along Mt. Vernon Ave. More info.
Saturday, May 11: The Del Ray House & Garden Tour, 11am-5pm throughout Del Ray. More info + tickets.
Saturday, May 11: Spring Art Market, 10am-4pm at Colasanto Park (2704 Mount Vernon Ave). Rain or shine. More info.
Sunday, May 12: Rolling Sloane’s Mom Day popup, 9am-noon at Leslie Ave + E Duncan Ave. More info.
Sunday, May 12: Del Ray Sketchers, 1pm-3pm at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery. Free, donations appreciated. More info.
Sunday, May 12: Preschool STEAM Sundays, 2:30pm-4:30pm at the James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library. More info.
And more!
Come back Friday for the full weekend roundup (if you’re subscribed, I’ll send it right to you so you don’t have to remember).
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Want to really be the connector? Share the newsletter link in a Del Ray Facebook group or WhatsApp thread you’re part of. ❤️ Thank you.
Weather
Monday
79 🌡️ 65 | ⛈️ | 39% | 💨 SSW 6 mph
Tuesday
78 🌡️ 65 | ⛈️ | 58% | 💨 SSE 6 mph
Wednesday
88 🌡️ 64 | ⛅ | 12% | 💨 W 9 mph
Thursday
78 🌡️ 61 | ⛈️ | 58% | 💨 SSE 10 mph
Temperature readings taken from Alexandria, VA on weather.com the night before publication.
THANK YOU!
Thanks for reading Things to do, Del Ray! If you found something useful, please share it with a neighbor who is a mom.
See you around the neighborhood,
photo credits: Del Ray Artisans website, Cheesetique website, Eventbrite.