Summer Scent & Stories: Smoke & Fireflies
About this Event
Scent & Stories : Smoke & Fireflies
Saturday, August 1 | 12–3 p.m.
Elaine’s Literary Salon | Alexandria, VA
An intimate, Southern Gothic-inspired mixer featuring books, fragrance, author readings, a summer bloom bar, and candlelit connection.
Hemlock & Hearth is an Alexandria-based, small-batch fragrance studio rooted in storytelling, Southern Gothic atmosphere, and the ritual of scent. This event is presented in partnership with the Virginia Scent Society.
About the Event
Scent & Stories is Hemlock & Hearth’s new quarterly literary salon—part mixer, part sensory experience. Smoke & Fireflies is the summer edition, bringing fragrance lovers, readers, and creatives together for an afternoon of author readings, scent exploration, and meaningful conversation.
12–1 p.m. | Arrival & Exploration
- Participate in the optional Fragrance Decant & Sample Swap
- Create something special at the Summer Bloom Bar
- Sample and shop the Hemlock & Hearth fragrance collection
- Browse the Long Dark House bookstore pop-up
- Reserve a private tarot reading
- Order lunch or drinks from Elaine’s
1–1:30 p.m. | Author Readings & Presentations
Enjoy live readings and presentations from three featured independent authors. Author announcements are coming soon.
1:30–3 p.m. | Open Salon & Signings
Meet the featured authors, have your books signed, continue exploring the pop-ups, and connect with fellow guests.
What Your Ticket Includes
- Reserved admission to an intimate afternoon featuring live indie author readings, presentations, and signings
- Access to the Hemlock & Hearth fragrance pop-up and Long Dark House indie bookstore pop-up
- Optional participation in the Fragrance Decant & Sample Swap
- One complimentary 2 oz. Hemlock & Hearth votive candle featuring a custom scent created exclusively for the event
- Complimentary light bites while supplies last, with a full lunch and drinks available for purchase from Elaine’s
- One raffle ticket for a chance to win a book and candle gift set
Add-Ons Available at the Event
- Summer Bloom Bar
- Private tarot readings
About the Fragrance Decant & Sample Swap
Leave your full-size bottles at home! Bring fragrance samples, travel sizes, or decants you’re ready to part with and exchange them with other fragrance lovers in the room—just like our larger community swaps.
It’s a wonderful way to discover something new, share scents you no longer reach for, and connect with fellow fragrance lovers. Participation is completely optional.
Scent & Stories is a social gathering is an opportunity to meet new people, support small businesses, celebrate indie books and fragrance, and experience summer through scent and story.
Candlelight. Soft florals. Pages turning quietly.
Presented in Partnership with Virginia Scent Society
Virginia Scent Society is a growing community of fragrance lovers across the Commonwealth, bringing people together through curated events and shared discovery. From fragrance swaps and custom-blending workshops to elevated social experiences, VSS creates intentional spaces for connection and exploration through scent.
Join the Virginia Scent Society community
Explore upcoming events
Done in partnership with Virginia Scent Society
Virginia Scent Society is a growing community of fragrance lovers across the Commonwealth, bringing people together through curated events and shared discovery. From fragrance swaps and custom blending workshops to elevated social experiences, VSS creates intentional spaces for connection and exploration in the world of scent.
Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/virginiascentsociety
Explore upcoming events: https://lu.ma/virginiascentsociety
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 17.85 to USD 39.19
