Shopping in Wheaton

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.

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.

The Framing Studio and Art Plus Frame carries an assortment of custom framing options, including wood, aluminum, and other materials. Using only acid-free materials, the shop's staff can lend elegance to prints with conservation framing, linen mats, and custom brass and aluminum plaques. For lonely frames with nothing to hold, the studio also stocks prints from several fine-art distributors, including Charles Bibbs, Washington Green, and Rod Chase. The shop's photo-restoration services rejuvenate even the most faded screenshots of Lewis and Clark's live blogging. Many services can be completed in as little as one hour.

In 1986, Nancy Criswell set up her full-service bead store on the second floor of the historic Olney House in Olney, Maryland. At the time, she had little idea that the niche craft would soon explode in popularity, but after the meteoric growth of beading and the increasing number of local businesses willing to accept shiny baubles as payment, Criswell was able to expand her business to its present location—a 9,000-square-foot showroom in Rockville stuffed with over 18,000 different varieties of beads. There, the walls glisten with corrugated and smooth 14-karat gold spheroids, beads of sterling silver, and plenty of wire, findings, tools, and pliers to string them all together. Regular classes from nationally recognized teachers such as Stephanie Everett and Jessie Stern help students turn their hobby into an art form with instruction in topics ranging from chain mail and bead stitching to wirework.

On the showroom floor at Bensons Jewelers, display cases sparkle with diamonds, necklaces, watches, and charms from jewelry makers such as Reed & Barton, Elle, and Breuning. Rings missing gemstones or cursed tiaras in need of de-hexing can turn to the full service repair shop, where a jeweler with 20 years of experience fixes and restores baubles, backing all work with a six-month guarantee.