Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Meets Georgetown Main Street

By Caroline Woodward

The Georgetown Chocolate Tour, hosted by Georgetown Main Street, took place on Saturday, February 7. The event featured 12 small businesses, primarily located along Wisconsin Ave. Participants of the tour were each given a colorful box  and interactive map of locations which they could visit and receive a chocolate or chocolate based treat from volunteers. Many of the treats were sourced from businesses around the area, such as Levain Bakery, Thomas Sweet and Arcay Chocolates. Local businesses participating included everything from clothing stores to cafes to art galleries.

The event is part of a model of events which Georgetown Main Street calls “discovery events.” The model was initially inspired by a similar concept in Harrisonburg, Virginia as a creative way to bring shoppers into small businesses during the holiday season. There have previously been cookie and flower tours, all of which have proven successful for Main Street and participating businesses.

People came from all over the area for the event, braving the cold and harsh weather conditions.

Courtesy Instagram/sourcedbyscottie.

“It’s nice to get out, considering how cold it is. We’re going into spots that we haven’t explored before and that’s really cool to see,” said Ray, a resident of Falls Church, Virginia who participated in the event.

One aim of the Chocolate Tour was to build community among Georgetown residents, shoppers and some of the smaller local businesses that make up the neighborhood known for retail.

“I think it’s really good, especially for smaller boutiques. Community is really the connection, said Leanne Farbs, the general manager of Zadig & Voltaire, a Parisian based luxury clothing brand . “We do get a fair amount of tourist traffic, but having a connection to the community, having people that shop regularly, is our bread and butter.”

Other business and business owners also feel the event inspires a sense of community, both within the neighborhood and among those who participate.

Georgetowner photo.

Kelly Black, the general manager of Shop Made in D.C., a shop and gallery that works to promote local artists, said “I find that people come out in groups, families or friends, and I think it’s a really neat way to spend your day.”

“It really works, at least from a business perspective, especially if you’re offering a promo that can enhance it,” said Farbs.

More photos from the chocolate tour can be found below.

tagschocolatechocolate tourGeorgetowngeorgetown chocolate tourGeorgetown Main StreetShop Made in DC