Winners: Hitting the road
Best weekend shopping destination
1. Charlotte, N.C.
2. Williamsburg
3. Short Pump Town Center near Richmond
Honorable mention: Tysons Corner in Northern Virginia, Pigeon Forge outlet malls in Tennessee and New York City
View Best home decor consignment in a larger map
Best day-trip shopping destination
1. Short Pump Town Center near Richmond
2. Valley View Mall in Roanoke, and Greensboro, N.C. (tie)
3. Concord Mills in Charlotte, N.C.
Honorable mention: Lynchburg; Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem, N.C., and Lexington
View Best day-trip shopping destination in a larger map
Best high-end mall
1. Short Pump Town Center near Richmond
2. Tysons Corner and Tysons Galleria in Northern Virginia
3. South Park in Charlotte, N.C.
Honorable mention: Stony Point Fashion Park in Richmond, Four Seasons Town Centre in Greensboro, N.C., and The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City in Arlington
View Best high-end mall in a larger map
Best outlet mall
1. Tanger Outlets, many locations along the East Coast
2. Williamsburg Premium Outlets
3. Concord Mills in Concord, N.C.
Honorable mention: Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets in Leesburg, Potomac Mills in Woodbridge; and Pigeon Forge outlet malls in Tennessee and Hagerstown Premium Outlets in Maryland (tie)
View Best outlet mall in a larger map
Best store that Roanoke doesn’t have but should get
1. Trader Joe’s
2. IKEA
3. Dillard’s
Honorable mention: Whole Foods, Nordstrom and H&M
View Best store that Roanoke doesn’t have but should get in a larger map
Feature: Holiday events in Southwest Virginia
If you’re trying to shop local this holiday season but finding it difficult to get to stores during their business hours, there are plenty of events in Southwest Virginia to help you out. During these holiday events, many local stores will be keeping extended hours so you can find the perfect gift with local flavor.
Roanoke
This is the 30th year of downtown Roanoke’s Dickens of a Christmas. On Dec. 7, 14 and 21, many downtown merchants will be open late and welcoming shoppers. The event officially begins at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 7, and 6 p.m. on Dec. 14 and 21. It runs until 10 p.m. each evening.
In addition to extended shopping hours, the City of Roanoke Tree lighting will be held Dec. 7, the City of Roanoke Christmas Parade will be held Dec. 14 and the RVSPA’s Pet Costume Contest will be held Dec. 21 during the family-friendly event. You also can browse from the selection of craft, food and novelty vendors set up throughout the Roanoke City Market each evening.
For more information, visit www.downtownroanoke.org.
Blacksburg
The Winter Lights Festival will be held in downtown Blacksburg this year on Dec. 7. During this event, downtown shops will remain open until 8 p.m., and many will offer refreshments and special holiday discounts. Local farmers and crafters will set up shop in the Holiday Gift Market at Market Square Park.
There are plenty of other family-friendly activities to enjoy during the festival, as well. TubaChristmas, which features 20 to 200 tuba players, will perform Christmas carols in Market Square Park, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available to visit and take photos with in the lobby of The Lyric Theatre. A children’s choir will perform as the mayor ceremonially turns on the holiday lights for the season.
There will also be two other special shopping days. Ladies Night is Dec. 13 and Gents Night is Dec. 20. During these two evenings, select shops and restaurants will offer late hours, free gift wrapping, personalized shopping assistance and special discounts.
For more information, visit www.downtownblacksburg.com.
Lexington
At the Wide Open Weekend (WOW) in Lexington shoppers can look forward to extended store hours, in-store demonstrations and promotions, free “Downtown Dollars,” and a downtown Lexington gift basket giveaway. The dates for this year’s event are Dec. 7 through 9.
There also will be other attractions for the family, such as a holiday drink contest, gingerbread men handing out candy canes, seasonal music and carolers, an appearance by Mrs. Claus, holiday stories, ornament-making and refreshments.
For more information, visitwww.downtownlexington.com.
Salem
During Ye Olde Salem Christmas on Dec. 8, shoppers can browse through merchant open houses and visit market vendors offering crafts, wreaths, baked goods and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kids will enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus, getting their photo with Santa, carriage rides, sipping hot cider and the Gingerbread Festival.
All of these activities will be available in various stores throughout downtown Salem, the Salem Library, the Salem Farmers Market and Longwood Park.
For more information, visit www.salemva.gov.
Bedford
For the three Fridays before Christmas, Dec. 7, 14 and 21, Centertown Bedford will also host a special event for holiday shoppers.
Most Centertown shops will hold late hours on those evenings beginning at 5 p.m.
There will be other attractions, such as carriage rides and a visit from Santa Claus. For more information, call Bedford Main Street at 586-2148.
For more local events, visit the roanoke.com calendar
Read More
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
Read More