If your favorite snack is the crunchy, salty or sweet goodness that is popcorn, get ready to celebrate National Popcorn Day on Thursday, January 19. Make sure to visit these five local shops to get your popcorn fix this week and beyond!
America’s Favorite Gourmet Popcorn
The idea for this popcorn shop started over 10 years ago in May 2012, when the original owner and his wife wanted to open a popcorn truck in DC. Back then, DC’s food truck scene was just beginning — and thriving at that. Instead, they started with a retail location in Alexandria, where their popcorn is still produced today. The food truck made its way eventually to DC and now its “Popcorn Van” is found in the local community at parties, events, and more. Classic flavors are a great place to start. Chesapeake Style with Old Bay seasoning or the Buffalo Cheddar Mix are fun takes on the classic snack. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try seasonal flavors like Peppermint Dark Chocolate Kettle, Caramel Apple, Sweetie Strawberry, or Dill-icious Dill Pickle. 2381 S. Dove St., Alexandria
The Popcorn Bag
The sheer number of flavors The Popcorn Bag offers can be overwhelming if you’re visiting for the first time. Once you read through the offerings, it’s easy to choose as you shop on National Popcorn Day. It’s simplest to think about whether you’re in the mood for sweet or savory flavors. If you’re in the mood for both, try the DC Style flavor that’s caramel and buttery white cheddar. The buttery white cheddar flavor alone harkens back to the nostalgia of the cheese popcorn you ate growing up. Finally, don’t miss the White Chocolate Oreo flavor with crumbled Oreo pieces. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your next streaming binge. 13885 Hedgewood Dr., Ste. 149, Woodbridge
Popcorn Monkey
Lovers of all things retro will adore this place. Serving gourmet popcorn, retro soda pop, and candy and cinnamon glazed nuts, the Popcorn Monkey is a shop that harkens back to decades past. With a storefront in Manassas, the shop is set to expand into Loudoun County with a location set to open in Middleburg later this year. Spice lovers will be intrigued by the Texas Tornado flavor, dubbed “spicy enough to warm you up” and made with creamy ranch, cheddar, white cheddar, jalapeño, and hot sauce. Need a gift? Try a festive tin. 9407 Main St., Manassas
Uncle Dave’s Kettle Korn
Follow your nose and buy a tasty bucket (or two) of Uncle Dave’s Kettle Korn. The secret blend of sugar, salt, premium corn kernels, and 100 percent corn oil makes for the perfect concoction of sweet and salty deliciousness. With Valentine’s Day coming up, try the bucket of Uncle Dave’s Date Night mix, a mix of kettle and movie-style popcorn. Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets: 241 Fort Evans Rd. NE, Leesburg
Jus Pop’n
Take an afternoon trip to Jus Pop’n, a minority- and woman-owned business in Fredericksburg. Fun popcorn flavors include Fruitful Burst — reminiscent of Fruity Pebbles cereal — with its blueberry, green apple, lemon, orange, and strawberry flavors. Vegans will be happy to know there is a vegan-friendly variety of caramel corn that is quite tasty. Of course, you can’t go wrong with movie butter this National Popcorn Day (or any day). 300 William St., Fredericksburg
Feature image of Uncle Dave’s Kettle Korn.
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