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By Alice Levitt, James Finley, Kelly Kendall, and Michele Kettner
Chocolate Treat
“It’s that time that I call ‘fwinter.’ It’s not really harvest season anymore, but the snow hasn’t fallen yet. The temperature is dropping, though, and I’m wearing gloves everyday as I drive in to work. But there’s an even better way to keep my hands warm this season–hot chocolate. That’s why I’m grabbing a spicy cup of ethically sourced cocoa from River-Sea Chocolate this week.” –Alice Levitt, food editor/critic
Holiday Spirits
“Holiday themes appear to be taking over Arlington bars. Earlier this year, we gave a shout-out to The Lot as a beer garden to check out. As the cold weather arrives, it will once again be host to the ‘Christmas Garden,’ with lights, trees, and most importantly, heaters and igloos.” –James Finley, senior editor
To Market, To Market
“I love the charming village of Occoquan, and their HolidayFest Artisan Market sounds like a great time to visit. While I’m there, I’ll stop at Hitchcock Paper Co., because I can never resist their pretty wrapping paper and ribbon, and I need to stock up for Christmas.” –Kelly Kendall, editor
Christmas Cheer
“My favorite part of the holiday season has to be the decorations. I love driving around town to see all of the houses and businesses decked in festive lights and displays. This year, I’m adding Lee-Fendall House Museum’s Candlelight Tours to my holiday to-do list. The combination of history and Victorian holiday displays is sure to be stunning.” –Michele Kettner, associate digital & research editor