Feature: Day trip shopping destinations
Charlottesville, Va.
Charlottesville is a great day-trip destination for food and shopping lovers. The city has a downtown mall area that’s easy to spend hours strolling through, as well as other gems placed throughout the city.
Where to shop:
If I’m looking for new pieces to fill my closet, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie top the list. Both retailers offer good quality clothing and accessories. And if you can find something on clearance, it makes for a really good day.
On the way home, I always visit The Cheese Shop in Staunton, where you can pick up fresh ingredients in bulk. That is great for holiday baking. Bring a cooler — the cheese curds are very enticing.
Where to eat:
Early risers can grab a bite at Bodo’s Bagels. The bagels are made fresh throughout the day, making it an option for midday snacks as well. The various toppings, ranging from cream cheeses to lox to preserves, provide something for every taste.
Mellow Mushroom pizza restaurants are staples in college towns, so it’s fitting for Charlottesville to follow the trend. If you stop in for a slice, I’d recommend pairing it with the loaded-up Greek salad. Beer aficionados will appreciate the option to try one of 40 beers on tap.
For supper, dine with the locals at Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant. The fresh ingredients in this authentic Mexican food never disappoint, especially if chimichangas and cheese dip are involved.
If you have a designated driver, stop by Miller’s Downtown for a beer. This spot has great live music and is the bar Dave Matthews tended before making it big.
— Rebecca Holland
Charlotte, N.C.
Only about three hours from Roanoke, Charlotte is a great way to get your big-city fix without the big-city hassles. You get all of the stores without the traffic jams. I much prefer to go to Charlotte over Northern Virginia.
Where to shop:
My favorite haunts in the greater Charlotte area are IKEA (right off Interstate 85), Trader Joe’s (there are three locations), and the large Asian markets. Though you have to drive to get anywhere in Charlotte, everything feels like it’s just 15 minutes from wherever you are. Of course, IKEA is great for all your living necessities (even the cafeteria is decent), and I stock up on my favorite coffee, salad dressing, munchies and more at Trader Joe’s. I also love the Asian markets in Charlotte. A Google search for “charlotte” and “asian market” pulls up eight. These stores carry the gamut of Asian ingredients — from sauces to noodles to fresh fish and meat. Last time I visited, I was impressed by Grand Asia Market in Stallings; the store serves fresh-made pork buns and other entrees.
Where to eat:
Food-wise, Charlotte has been good to me. I’ve had Korean, Spanish and Brazilian fare there. But my favorite stop on a weekend morning is Tin Tin Buffet Restaurant. The restaurant offers a Chinese brunch only on weekends that includes freshly made scallion pancakes, potstickers and a few dim sum items. Being a buffet, it also offers plenty of the regular fare, too. There’s also a station where, like an omelet station, you can concoct your own bowl of noodle soup. Yum.
— Kathy Lu
Richmond, Va.
Three hours is the point at which a car ride begins to feel tiresome. That’s why I love the easy drive to Richmond — from Roanoke, it only takes about 2 3⁄4 hours to reach a plethora of shopping and dining options.
Where to shop:
If you like popular and upscale chain stores, you’ll be in shopping heaven at Short Pump Town Center. This open-air mall located in the West End is home to favorites such as Ann Taylor, H&M, J. Crew, Lululemon Athletica, J.Jill , Crate & Barrel and White House Black Market. Anchor stores at the highly walkable mall include Dillard’s and Nordstrom.
Do you prefer unique shops and boutiques? You’ll love Carytown, an easily walkable strand of stores and restaurants. Look for fashions at Lex’s of Carytown or see Chocolatepaper’s parent store, Mongrel. If you’re a foodie like me or have cooks on your gift list, you shouldn’t leave Carytown without stopping at Penzey’s Spices.
Where to eat:
When you need refueling after shopping Short Pump, there’s no need to drive a long distance for lunch or dinner. Treat yourself to one of the mall restaurants, which include Cheesecake Factory, Chili’s and California Pizza Kitchen. Follow it up with a stop by Godiva Chocolatier to satisfy the sweet tooth. In Carytown, have a margarita at Nacho Mama’s (they have about 20 flavors); grab a croque monsieur or cheese plate at the French-inspired Can Can; or order a salad, sandwich or raw bar fare at The Water Grill.
— Lindsey Nair
Lexington, Va.
Home to two universities and Civil War landmarks and museums that would intrigue any history buff, Lexington also provides a unique dining and shopping experience in its quaint and walkable downtown. You won’t see many chain stores or restaurants, but you’ll discover treats that you won’t find outside of the small city nestled in the Shenandoah Valley.
Where to shop:
During the four years I spent in Lexington attending Washington and Lee University, there were two boutiques that always satisfied my shopping cravings. At Pappagallo, you’ll be able to find great deals on quality clothing. At Pumpkinseeds, you’ll end up spending a little more, but if you’re like me, you won’t be able to help yourself.
For jewelry and striking pieces of local art, check out Artists in Cahoots.
Where to eat:
I’ve always been a Southern Inn gal. Everything I’ve ever ordered on the contemporary American menu has been excellent, but I continue to go back specifically for the blackened chicken penne pasta.
A close second favorite is the Bistro on Main, which has a slightly more upscale feel. The Bistro has a great appetizer, soup and salad selection — I recommend The Bistro salad to all first-timers. The restaurant also offers seafood that is hard to beat in Lexington.
For a casual lunch, Blue Sky Bakery. Hands down. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll have to wait in line, but the sandwiches, bagels and veggie focaccia are worth it.
Grab some cupcakes or a piece of cake at Sweet Treats Bakery or some hand-scooped ice cream at Sweet Things Ice Cream Shoppe (you’re not alone; the similar names tripped me up for four years).
— Melissa Powell
Lynchburg, Va.
A short drive east, Lynchburg offers shoppers an easy day trip to hunt for bargains.
Where to shop:
The trendy, American prep clothing company J.Crew has racks of marked-down clothes and accessories at two locations in Lynchburg. With a warehouse location and an outlet located within three miles of each other, J.Crew offers shoppers a chance to buy a new holiday party outfit, or the gift of a classic cashmere sweater at steep discounts.
Stop by the warehouse, 25 Millrace Drive, first for a chance to browse the sample sales and latest trends at deeply discounted prices. The discount store is constantly replenishing the stock, with castoffs from the adjacent warehouse. Be sure to check items carefully though for flaws.
Next, head over to 101 Northwynd Circle, where the J.Crew outlet is located. While some of the racks are packed with the same clothes, you’ll also find some different styles.
Where to eat:
After working up an appetite sorting through the bright hues and clean-cut lines of J.Crew fashion, take a stroll down a couple of doors from the outlet to City Place Food & Co. at 101 D Northwynd Circle. With homemade soups, freshly made salads and sandwiches, it’s a convenient and yummy place to relax and grab a bite to eat. And don’t forget to try a treat, too.
— Sarah Jones
