Eighteen B: Clarendon Day

Clarendon is a cute neighborhood in Arlington. If you are looking to visit a place that's made up of great shopping, delicious restaurants, and even better people watching- Clarendon's just the place for you.

I was very excited to learn last week that Clarendon Day was going to be held this past weekend. I popped by Clarendon Day last year but unfortunately did not stay very long. In the morning the streets are closed so that vendors can start setting up. It’s a great mix of food, clothing, music, and arts and crafts vendors- and they even have beer and wine tastings available. This event is also very kid friendly- balloons and bounce houses galore take up one stretch of the street.

One new addition to Clarendon Day this year was the DC chili cook-off. Roughly 10 groups (that I saw at least) participated in the cook-off. Each vendor provides samples at their booth for guests like me to try. The chilies did not disappoint. Each chili was completely different from its competitor- from Cincinnati style chili to chili with beef, beans, veggies, and pasta- all containing such bold flavors. If I was a judge it would have been tough to decide on a winner!

Overall, the afternoon was a success. I got to taste three different types of chili and then washed it down with an iced cold slurpee while PR added two new bowties to his collection from a local menswear vendor. If you are in the area next year I would definitely recommend stopping by!'