Dolley Does McLean By Victoria Lemley Washingtonpost.com Staff Wednesday, June 21, 2000

Stop and smell the roses at Hedgerows. Travis Fox/washingtonpost.com

In today's McLean, the famously stylish Dolley could have done a little of both. Still a little bit country and a pleasant retreat from city shopping and mega malls, McLean is also a haven for decorator furnishings, designer clothing, dazzling jewelry, charming gifts – in other words, Dolley's kind of town.

To follow Dolley's lead, you definitely need to buckle up: The business heart of McLean is not pedestrian friendly. On the plus side, there are no meters to feed; no need to beg for quarters or desperately search the car seat for change.

Two centuries ago, Dolley's destination was Salona or thereabouts. Anchored by Treasure Trove and Cecile's Wine Cellar, the Salona Village Shopping Center now stands on property that had been part of the grand estate that actually sheltered the president, James Madison, while the British were burning the White House (Dolley stayed at the nearby Love home). While you're here, buy a bunch of posies at Gray Matter Florist, find a gift for any occasion at Mesmeralda's and get personal at Name Droppers.

Whimsical gift wrapping is on the house at Mesmeralda's. Travis Fox/washingtonpost.com

With its own colorful past, the Langley Shopping Center can put some color in your future. Creative souls who want to paint, stencil, wallpaper their living room – or possibly find a less-grandiose frame for a Stuart – will find good taste to match at the Color Wheel. Jewelry is a must-see at Artisans, while childhood classics are part of the play at Tree Top Toys.

To add a finishing touch to any style of home decor – or possibly find something that goes well with that Stuart – make your way to the Kellogg Collection or Dégagé.

You certainly can be fun-loving and trend-setting – like Dolley – with something special from Prezzies!, where only one or two of any item is stocked to ensure you have something unique.

If you've rifled through your gown collection and found "nothing to wear" (and another inaugural is just around the corner), help is as close as Mae's. For exquisitely handmade, special occasion clothes for wee ones, the Little Princess is the perfect petite couturiere.

You can be practical as well as frivolous in McLean. At Marketplace Kitchen & Coffee, any request – from a fat mop to an olive grabber to any other tool to make life easier – can be met (or it's not out there). Look for that mystery ingredient in a town where no less than three gourmet shops serve as sous chefs – International Safeway, Something Special Giant and Sutton Gourmet.

Finally, if it's Martha Stewart you want to entertain and impress, McLean has the ever-popular Smith & Hawken and the extra-special Hedgerows for lush plants and garden accessories.

Company coming? Need to shop? Flee to McLean. Dolley was just ahead of her time.

Got your own favorite stomping grounds in McLean? Send us an e-mail and tell us about it.