Numerous characteristics combine to make the Downtown Mall the thriving center city of Charlottesville. A visit here creates lasting memories we hope you’ll take along with you.

The Atmosphere

Since 1974, the Charlottesville Downtown Mall provides an historic experience within a thriving city center. That’s when the City converted its Main Street to a pedestrian mall. Since then, locals and tourists alike enjoy the limitless possibilities of restaurants and shops on the Downtown Mall. Beneath sturdy pin oaks, live theater and music, cinema, dining and street art all thrive on the pedestrian strip.. Because Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe once walked these eight blocks, now brick and tree-lined, the Historic Downtown Mall offers a timeless experience.

The Shopping

Looking for an urban center amongst small-town Charlottesville establishments? The Downtown Mall provides many trendy destinations, including a half-dozen art galleries, nightclubs, and multiple venues for live music.

With chic clothing stores, such as BitterSweet or J. Fenton Too, the Downtown Mall can incite the passions of any fashionista. And be sure to browse the vintage treasures found at Agents in Style.

Looking for a gift for that special someone? Consider several of Charlottesville’s most beloved, local jewelers, including Tuel, where you’ll be warmly greeted daily our unofficial mayor Mary Loose DeViney; or, don’t miss the owner-artisans of Formia Design, Angelo’s or Jeweler’s Eye where you will certainly make once-in-a-lifetime finds.

How about books? One of America’s finest independent book stores, New Dominion Books, as well as the splendid used-books shop 2nd Act, are sure to match your curiosity. Want to sate your funny bone? Hello Comics is not to be missed! All together, a day or shopping combined with a day of touring on the Downtown Mall is an unforgettable experience.

The Dining

For hungry visitors, the shopping strip, coined the “Community Living Room,” also has over thirty restaurants. Eateries, such as Sal’s Caffe Italia, or The Nook or Maru, offer a variety of delicious and casual meals for lunch and dinner.

With art walks, history walks, ghost tours, our historic Paramount Theater, and a Saturday farmer’s market, the Downtown Mall is sure to provide something for everyone. In an age of Amazon, the Downtown Mall proudly offers a wide selection of almost entirely locally-owned shops the old-fashioned way. Stop by for a diverse and entertaining weekend pitstop or night out in Charlottesville.

To walk the mall is to immerse yourself in the essence of Charlottesville. Entertainment thrives here. More than a half-dozen venues produce live performances, from music, to theater and dance. The Charlottesville art scene, including galleries like the McGuffey Art Center and C’ville Arts, is primarily within walking distance. Have a busy deadline to meet while breezing though town? Have no fear as The Vault is near! One of our premier co-working spaces located in the center of The Mall, Vault Virginia offers every professional convenience for busy professionals.

What’s going on?

A Downtown Mall-friendly group, officially known as “Friends of the Downtown Mall,” hosts the best Downtown Events Calendar HERE. 

See the complete Charlottesville Guide to Experiences HERE.