My dad used to bring home Velatis caramels after work when I was a kid. I grew up in Silver Spring…read moreMaryland, just outside of DC. I'm 72 years old. It's delightful to know they're still in business, still available. Not too many old traditions alive these days; Velatis is a tasty one.

Actually, this store is on Hampden Lane in Bethesda now. Beautiful caramels and other sweet treats…read morein this new location. Be sure to stop by and make a purchase. The charming woman whose family owns the store will regale you with the history of the store which dates back to the 1800's.

After dinner one night, we walked around downtown Bethesda and happened upon Henry's Sweet Retreat…read more Luckily, we saved room for dessert, and Henry's hit the spot. We got a blueberry pop tart, and some raspberry scones, along with a chocolate covered vanilla cupcake. Yummy! The only problem is that Henry's is not just a dessert bakery - the store may appear tiny on the outside, but it's huge on the inside. In addition to the bakery, they got all kinds of candy and other goodies for sale. I gotta stop back in another day and try all the other good stuff inside. Plus, you can tell from the Rick Astley-inspired sign outside, Henry's has a great sense of humor. This is exactly what small business brings to the neighborhood. Stop by and visit Henry's Sweet Retreat - you'll be glad you did!

Had dinner at a diner down the street. Looked up dessert near me and this place came up. NOT…read moredisappointed! We had brownies, sundaes, milkshake, cupcake and coffee. All of it was DELICIOUS! The small sundaes were huge! Kids could not finish them and at $7ish each hard to beat for the quality! I had an eggnog cupcake. I was not sure it would be good but whatever magic y'all put in it worked great together! The frosting was light and fluffy not too sweet not too bland. And the cake was moist, not crumbly, not heavy just perfect! Had a latte with soymilk because my belly does not care for milk in coffee. Local coffee company supplies the beans. They also have pretty much any kind of candy, pies, and sweets you might need and apparently they cater! Stop in you will not regret it...unless you do not like sweets and then I am sorry.

Rats. Literal rats. This place is lipstick on a pig. I walked in and was impressed by the…read morebeautiful chocolates and design but was immediately put off because when I went to inhale the smell of a chocolate shop it smelled like a litter box instead. So I asked if there was a cat in the shop. The shop assistant said no but there's a rat problem in the building and then she looked up at the lightning fixture over the counter. I looked up too and could visibly see rat droppings all over it. Unfortunately I noticed this as I was paying for my chocolates. And I tried to be humble and gracious and just ate them anyway. They were delicious. But why the heck has America lost its decency? I'd like to know who the owner of this property is and why they seem to either hate their tenants. This chocolate shop should sue and county inspectors should fine the property owners heavily. And perhaps they should get a shop cat. It could only help.

Neuhaus Belgian Chocolate has arguable the best selection of delicious chocolates in the Bethesda…read morearea. The staff is importable, friendly, and willing to offer suggestions on what treats to get.

My only issue with Lulabelle's is I want them to be open later!! My ice cream cravings always…read morecoincide with their closing hour but I finally made it there right before close. There's a ton of different candies and chocolates to shop around but I was zeroed in on the ice cream. I paid less than $6 for my scoops which is way cheaper than many other spots in the city! You can get two flavors in the small size which was clutch! I tried roasted strawberry (so good) and cookies and cream (classic, can't go wrong) and will definitely be back to try other flavors!

Cute little sweet shop in Petworth. There's an assortment of sweets and ice cream indoors. I came…read morein not wanting to get anything. But when I looked at the ice cream selection, I decided to treat myself with a scoop of their Cookie Monster ice cream. The staff member also let me sample some of their ice cream flavors too, which was nice of them to do. The ice cream scoop wasn't stupidly expensive, so I thought it was great value. There is some indoor seating, but not much. Overall, I would definitely come back and I would tell others to come by too.

Life is sweeter, as long as you include some chocolate. I was walking up Woodmont Avenue in…read moreBethesda, after a dentist appointment and there behold before my eyes was Bethesda Chocolates. Of course, I had to take a peak inside. It is a charming chocolate shop with every kind of chocolate imaginable from chocolate candies, to chocolates in the shape of crabs and bees, to chocolate diplomas for graduates. They also serve a large selection of coffee's, teas, and lattes. Aoife waited on me and she was truly delightful. I ordered a latte with amaretto flavor and a caramel drizzle. I also bought some chocolate covered pretzels. It is a lovely shop with plenty of places to sit comfortably and have conversations. I really enjoyed my latte and chocolate treats. I highly recommend you stop by. I am definitely going back soon.

Atmosphere 7/10 The inside was pretty cozy and I loved…read morethat they were keeping up with the seasons as they had some fall decor up. This place had plenty of varied seating as there are window seats, sofa chairs, table and chairs, and outdoor seating available. It was fairly quiet inside so this place could serve as a pretty nice study spot. There are plenty of board games available on some shelves by the window if you and your friends are interested in that option! Drink Lavender Lemonade 6/10 Since I didn't see any chocolates that I wanted to try I ended up getting just a lavender lemonade drink. I liked that you could taste the lavender, however, the lemonade was on the sweeter side and I prefer a more tart lemonade. I did order a large cup but I'm pretty sure they gave me a small cup instead.

A charming little Italian grocery and deli that's definitely worth a stop. The sandwiches are some…read moreof the best I've had in a while, and the cannoli were absolutely delicious. The man behind the counter was incredibly friendly and attentive, which made the experience even better. They also carry a great selection of unique items imported from Italy--things you won't typically find at a regular grocery store. Prices are very reasonable for the quality you get. I'm already looking forward to coming back to try more sandwiches, grab a coffee drink, and of course, more cannoli!

This Market has almost every edible from Italy and the Middle East, including (drum roll) Italian…read morePastrami, which is not at all like kosher pastrami. You can read all about it at John tanner bbq blog, just search "cornucopia"

Halloween is almost here! Party City has everything you could ever want for your decorating needs…read more The prices are good too. You can order stuff online and pick up in the store. The store can be a bit overwhelming as it is packed to the brim with everything you could ever want. I didn't even leave the Halloween section. It's spooktacular here, and now my house is ready for ghosts and goblins.

I almost forget this place is over here! It's literally tucked away and easy to miss! I was going…read moreto Costco and the mall and realized I needed some things for an upcoming event. Found what I needed. The employee I interacted with was very friendly and helpful! Thanks Party City!!