The Midtown Shopping District is Thriving

If you’re like some of our friends and family, you may not know that the West Main Street corridor – the area between the Downtown Mall and The UVa Corner – is now being referred to as “Midtown” or “The Midtown Shopping District.” This commercial epicenter is home to the Main Street Market, Eloise, Shenanigans, the Amtrak Train Station, Maya Restaurant, Folly Home Furnishings and so much more. While “Midtown” may be known for its tasty bistros and eateries, its shops and boutiques are attracting fashionable, fabulous and cost-conscious consumers to West Main Street as well.

Soon after leaving the Downtown Mall and passing the Lewis & Clark Statue, you come upon a host of great local businesses. First, you will see City Clay and Random Row Books, which, unfortunately, will soon be displaced by a Marriott Hotel, While “Midtown” will certainly miss City Clay and Random Row Books, there is still much to offer, including the Afghan Grand Market, Organic Butcher, and the great tastes of West Main Restaurant.

Next, you come upon one of the most popular attractions of “Midtown,” the Main Street Market. Home to some of Charlottesville’s best food and fashion, the Main Street Market operates on a “Shop Local, Eat Local, Spend Local, Enjoy Local” Philosophy! The Main Street Market includes 11 locally owned and operated shops, including well known specialty shop, Feast!, as well as the “almost irresistible” Gearhart’s Chocolates.

Other shops found in the Main Street Market include Verity Blue, The Spice Diva, Calvino, Seafood at West Main and Hedge Fine Blooms. You can also find Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar and Albemarle Baking Co., which serves some of the best croissants, breads, and cakes in Charlottesville.

One of the more recent additions to the Main Street Market is the environmentally keen apparel, accessories, and furnishings store Sustain, INC. Opened in 2009, this green boutique features great fashion for the Charlottesville woman. With everything from Alex and Ani jewelry to Lara Miller clothing, Sustain, INC. donates 2% of their profits to an environmental non-profit.

If, after exploring the Main Street Market, you need a break, there are some great places to have a seat and a tasty bite to eat. If you’re looking for a quick recovery there’s Moto Pho Co, One Meatball Place, and Blue Moon Diner. If you need a longer break after a long day of shopping, you can always try Horse and Hound, Maya Restaurant, Bella’s Restaurant, L’Etoile or Wild Wing Café!

If you still have energy to shop, there are more great stores just waiting for you. Shenanigans, an almost 40-year-old Charlottesville favorite toy store, just relocated to “Midtown” with an all new, updated store. This new location offers convenient free parking and all the fun and excitement we’ve come to love from Shenanigans. If you’re seaching for more great CVille fashion, Eloise has also relocated from Downtown to “The Midtown Shopping District.”

Before leaving “Midtown,” be sure to stop by Folly. This recently opened antiques, interior design, and home décor store is locally owned and operated by Beth Ann Kallen and Victoria Pouncey. Slightly off of West Main, this shop is definitely worth a look!

So, no matter if you know this area as “Midtown” or “The Midtown Shopping District” or just the area between the Downtown Mall and The Corner, it’s definitely a part of Charlottesville that you should explore soon. With street parking available, make plans to make a quick (or long) stop in “Midtown” this week.

At Virginia Wine Life (www.VirginiaWineLife.com) and Charlottesville Love (www.CharlottesvilleLove.com), we love to feature all that’s awesome and beautiful about Virginia! We also think you will LOVE our designs & clothing at The CVille Store. Please visit www.TheCVilleStore.com to see how Charlottesville, Va has inspired our team!