Shopping in Bethesda

Instead of pictures, the goldenrod walls of Ambrosia Bead Shop hold long strands of multicolored beads that shimmer under the glare of tiny track lights. The selection—which includes semiprecious gemstones, Swarovski crystals, and freshwater pearls—constantly changes: each month, the shopkeepers supplement their wares with new or exotic materials. The shop also hosts jewelry-making classes that cover a range of topics, from beading to metalwork to taming a swarm of fireflies so they form a tiara.

A family whose love for flora spans three generations, the Stadlers started their plant-growing endeavors back in 1932 when Paul Stadler began gardening for clients in Georgetown after emigrating from Switzerland. Soon, they opened up a small landscaping-and-gardening center, and today—more than 75 years later—Stadler Nurseries has grown to populate 340 acres of fertile land where they propagate native plants, landscaping shrubs, trees, roses, and more than 700 varieties of perennials. A staff of horticulturists and enthusiastic green thumbs helps visitors navigate the vast greenhouses and outdoor gardens, offering tips on how to prune leaves, fertilize soil, and teach plants how to roll over on command.

A full-scale rainbow of yarns populates the shelves within A Tangled Skein, where a helpful staff culls a comprehensive collection of top-quality knitting and crocheting supplies. Drawing from its immense knowledge of the craft, the team helps patrons peruse the vast array of hand-dyed South American skeins and yarns from brands such as Debbie Bliss, Noro, and Berroco. They add new specimens to the lineup almost daily, and equip creators with books, patterns, needles, and notions. To further nurture blossoming skills or refine expert abilities, seasoned instructors lead relaxed, casual classes that divulge such techniques as purling, chain stitching, and making scarves for the most discerning snowmen.

For 50 years, the owners and staffers of Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing have encouraged the artists of their community. They visit local fairs and set up booths for kids to color and craft, and they hold workshops, demos, and classes, some of them taught by the local artists catalogued on Plaza's website. And, of course, as their name implies, they outfit art makers of all skill levels with top-of-line materials, such as Gamblin oil paints, Prismacolor pens and markers, and custom frames perfect for favorite art pieces or a competitive sibling's monumental failure to color within the lines.

Alexander C. Nnabue knows that caring for eyes is really about caring for people. After earning doctor of optometry degrees from both Imo State University in Nigeria and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Dr. Nnabue decided to found his own company to help restore patients' ocular health. What began in 1994 as a single storefront has blossomed into six Visual Eyes locations throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Today, the caring doctor leads biannual medical mission trips to Africa, including one trip that, according to a 2006 Nigeria World article, put thousands of eyeglasses and medications in the hands of those in need. Dr. Nnabue also shares his knowledge as an adjunct faculty member at Pennsylvania College of Optometry, a senior examiner with the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, and an international instructor in countries including Israel and Norway. 

At Visual Eyes, he and his fellow optometrists use advanced technology to diagnose and treat various conditions. A trained technician manufactures lenses at an in-house lab, and Dr. Nnabue specializes in orthokeratology, a vision-correcting process that eliminates the need to wear glasses, contacts, or a sign that says, "Sorry for walking into you; I forgot my contacts or glasses." The team also prides itself on showcasing the latest designer frames, including Oliver Peoples, Prada, and Robert Marc.

Reunions owner Barbara Geyer Watts describes her charming jewelry and gift boutique as "a blend of old and new where the merchandise changes daily." The shop's antiques, milled soaps, knickknacks, and jewelry have earned the patronage of countless loyal customers, as well as a place on Washingtonian magazine’s Best Gift Shops in Washington list.

The shop adorns bodies with one-of-a-kind earrings made from pearls and pewter and gold earrings and bracelets in the shape of hastily tied metal bows. It also inspires decorating creativity with its collection of candles, Waterford crystal, china, and robot butlers. Each purchase can be gift wrapped at no extra charge, and 5% of all sales each October benefit worthy local charities.