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Nearby Shopping in Charlottesville


Known for one of the longest outdoor pedestrian malls in the country, Charlottesville is a fashionista and treasure hunter’s heaven. With over one hundred unique shops, the Historic Downtown Mall is where you can easily spend all afternoon window shopping to your heart’s content. Unlike a generic shopping mall, here you’ll find a variety of locally owned clothing boutiques, interesting pet shops and antique home good stores, that you won’t find anywhere else.  

Here’s the five best shops and stops to add to your shopping spree list in Charlottesville, Virginia. 

1

New Dominion Book Shop

Operating since 1924, New Dominion is the oldest independent bookstore in Virginia. Located in the Downtown Mall, this book lover’s paradise features floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with authors from all over the world.

The best way to spend a peaceful day inside in Charlottesville, New Dominion has a little bit of everything including a lively event schedule with renowned authors and local writers. Not sure what you want to read? Be sure to ask their insightful staff for personalized recommendations.

Insider Tip

Stop by New Dominion on Friday for open mic nights.

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New Dominion Bookshop
2

Be Just

This Charlottesville home store encourages visitors to elevate everyday tasks into beautiful rituals. Be Just’s thoughtfully-curated selection of home goods are anchored around utility, form and beauty – making your standard chores feel anything but mundane.

Offering products mostly made by small scale producers, Be Just’s mission is to provide high-quality goods that will last forever. In addition to beautiful merchandise, the light, airy space is one of the prettiest stores in Charlottesville.

Insider Tip

Be Just ships nationwide.

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be just shop
3

Circa

If your idea of a perfect day is sifting through plenty of hidden gems, you can’t miss this next shop. Circa brings an eclectic and ever-changing inventory of the best antiques, furniture and decor to Charlottesville.

With over 10,000 square feet, three buildings and nine different doors to explore, you can (and likely will!) spend hours browsing. Even better – all of Circa’s employees are trained buyers, so all of the items sourced are top-notch. 

Insider Tip

No need to barter, Circa offers fair prices from the start.  

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furniture shop
4

SCARPA

Refresh your wardrobe at SCARPA, a women’s clothing boutique with an imaginate view on fashion. Shoes, tops, pants, and more, line the shelves, inviting women from Charlottesville and beyond to try on a whole new look. Stock up on staples, replace a piece you may have left at home, or simply treat yourself to something you might not have otherwise tried on. 

SCARPA also gives back to Charlottesville by supporting several charitable organizations that serve the city’s underserved communities. Shop confidently knowing that you’re also doing good.

Insider Tip

Check their Facebook before you go to see what trunk shows might be happening that day.

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5

Historic Downtown Mall

Though the word “mall” might have you imagining food courts and enclosed spaces, the Historic Downtown Mall is actually a pedestrian mall where Charlottesville locals and students alike shop, dine, and have a good time. Though you can simply stroll the mall, there’s so much there to see and do. 

Window shop until you drop, savor some of Charlottesville’s best flavors, or people watch to your heart’s content. The Paramount Theater and IX Art Park are also near the mall so you can extend your outing well into the evening.

Insider Tip

Plan to spend a few hours walking in and out of the local shops, especially if the weather is nice.

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