115 1st Street S
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
(434) 202-0664
Website
Visit our Mobile Visitor Centers for maps, recommendations, and more!
The Mobile Visitor Centers will be closed Sunday, May 10th due to a special event. Visitors looking for information can call our office at (434) 293-6789.
More InfoShop Small & Locally Owned on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall
Lined with locally owned boutiques, specialty shops, and bookstores, this historic pedestrian mall makes it easy to support local while discovering one-of-a-kind treasures you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, refreshing your wardrobe, or simply strolling, shopping the Downtown Mall is a chance to experience the creativity and community that make Charlottesville so special.
1. Secondhand & Vintage Clothing
2. Books, Books, and MORE Books!
Have you ever done a bookstore crawl? The historic Downtown Mall is home to six independent bookstores, all within walking distance of one another. Stop by any of them to pick up your crawl card which, once completed, can be exchanged for a prize!
For a curated selection of unique and hard-to-find literary treasures, visit Franklin Gilliam Rare Books. If you have time, we recommend timing your visit with one of the Rare Book School's events or activities!
3. Jewelry
Looking for the next unique piece to add to your collection? Want something more traditional? These are our recommended stops on the Downtown Mall!
Looking for something fun to remember your visit to downtown Charlottesville? Check out Tilla Accessories, C’Ville Arts, the McGuffey Art Center, and vendors at our local farmers markets. Eloise is also a great option, as they work with local metalsmith Liz Hanson to stock some incredible pieces.
4. Music Stores
Looking for custom instruments? Vacanti Violins and Rockbridge Guitar Company offer handmade, exclusive instruments. Both are open by appointment only, so call ahead!
5. Gaming
The Downtown Mall is full of destination-worthy fun for all ages! For hands-on fun and puzzle lovers, we recommend:
The annual C'ville Puzzle Hunt takes place every March (2027 TBD) and is free to participate in! Play on your own or assemble a team of 3-6 people -- the Hunt will take you on a wild afternoon running around trying to untangle four diabolical, large-scale puzzles inserted into the urban landscape of the Downtown Charlottesville area! All ages are welcome.
This is just a small sample of the shopping that the Charlottesville area has to offer. Explore more shopping options within the surrounding Albemarle County on our Shopping Page. Or, if you'd like to speak to someone about the plethora of options, our Mobile Visitor Centers are here to help!
The Mobile Visitor Centers run from March - December, and during the winter months you can still speak to someone over the phone or email; just visit our Contact Us page. After you've shopped 'til you've dropped, refuel at one of our many amazing restaurants, relax with a glass of wine at a winery, or settle in for a comfortable night at one of our places to stay. We can't wait to welcome you soon!