Community News

Voting Open for the 2025 Heart of Del Ray

In a first-ever tie, The Dog Store/Your Dog’s Best Friends and The Friends of Duncan Library won the 2024 Heart of Del Ray Award. (DRBA photo)

ALEXANDRIA, VA-Voting is now open for the 2025 Heart of Del Ray Award. Last year there were two winners: The Dog Store and Duncan Library. Voting closes on Feb. 12 at noon.

The winner(s) is chosen by Del Ray’s residents and customers. Each year the Del Ray Business Association presents the award “to the business or oranization that best represents the heart and soul” of the neighborhood, according to the DRBA press release.

This year’s finalists are:

    • THE DAIRY GODMOTHER/JUST FINE DONUTS:  A longtime neighborhood favorite, The Dairy Godmother’s expansion to add Just Fine Donuts satisfies Del Ray’s sweet tooth all day long. ‘Dairy Godmother & Just Fine Donuts is a Del Ray mainstay, bringing people together for a sweet treat any time of year and day.  Russell is a kind and funny owner.  He is quick to offer a bite of something new and a museum exhibit recommendation along with your order,’ wrote one nomination. ‘On a weekend or a warm night it’s where half of Del Ray’s families convene. It is one of the original businesses that helped transform Del Ray — honestly, what is Del Ray without Dairy Godmother?’ wrote another.
    • DEL RAY ARTISANS: For over 30 years, the Del Ray Artisans has built a community for both emerging and established artists in Del Ray and beyond, providing a space for creatives of all ages and abilities. “Del Ray Artisans provides a supportive and inclusive environment for its artists and a space for customers to explore art themes. It offers a friendly and creative environment for the community to connect and grow while learning through and engaging with talented artists,” wrote one nomination.  “Art enriches our lives, and Del Ray Artisans puts art in the hands of people: exhibitions, classes, workshops, sales, receptions,” wrote another.
    • DEL RAY HARDWARE: When Del Ray was in danger of losing its neighborhood hardware store, Jay and Edea Portlance stepped up, and quickly put their own stamp on the Del Ray institution. “It’s what a neighborhood hardware store should be! The staff is amazing — very helpful and great customer service,” wrote one customer.  “Jay and Edea kept this longstanding and necessary business alive! They expanded products, renovated and branded this hardware store as a focal point for all Del Ray residents. Whether it’s soil for your plants, ice to melt the snow, or keys, they’ve got it all,” wrote another.
    • GUSTAVE BOULANGERIE:  Gustave is known for both its authentic French pastries and its warm and welcoming atmosphere; both inside the cafe and their new outdoor Jardin are both favorite gathering places. “Gustave has done so much this year to put on engaging events for the community and serve as a true third space for people of all ages to gather,” wrote one customer.  “They infuse Del Ray with warmth, community, and incredible French pastries.  The outdoor space and amazing food make this my favorite spot to meet friends and family!” wrote another.
    • ST. ELMO’S COFFEE PUB: Known as “Del Ray’s living room,” St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub has been a community gathering place since 1996. “They have been a critical and important part of what has made Del Ray such a wonderful place to live, shop & dine. The owners care deeply about the community and their staff and always step up to support dozens of non-profits and important causes,” wrote one nomination. “This neighborhood has been built around St. Elmo’s. It’s time to recognize the place that started it all!” wrote another.

Vote at visitdelray.com. Businesses and organizations can only win once.

The presentation of the award takes place Feb. 14 outside The Dog Store (2301 Mount Vernon Ave.).

SEE ALSO: Alexandria City High School Hosts Country’s Largest Indoor Rowing Competition

Kevin Dauray

Kevin is Publisher's Assistant and Senior Editor with The Zebra Press. He has been working for Alexandria's "Good News" newspaper since 2019. A graduate of George Mason University, he earned a bachelor's in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. He also studied at the Columbia School of Broadcasting and holds a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. He is an alumnus of T.C. Williams High School. Go Titans!

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