Don’t you just love the small town charm and ambiance of Carytown? It is one of the most inviting and charismatic areas of Richmond and most everyone enjoys the occasional stroll past quaint shops, unusual stores, home-owned cafes, and other local businesses. And who doesn’t love Carytown First when participating local merchants offer great discounts, wine or food tastings, special workshops, and more all on the first Thursday of each month?
I love Carytown! Strolling the narrow streets, making an unusual “find” at a small antique shop, enjoying the small-town Chop Suey bookstore , and biting into a locally made delicacy at Carytown Cupcakes with a steaming cup of coffee, are just some of the reasons.
But is Carytown’s character changing?
Some are worried that the recent news about Petco and Fresh Market moving into Carytown might negatively impact the personality of the area. Big name chains and retail stores have a very different look and feel than the typical Carytown retail establishments. With hundreds of locally owned shops, boutiques, restaurants and specialty stores, there’s something for everyone in Carytown right now – so why introduce these mega-giants?
Carytown is often described as “A Mile of Style” because of its eclectic style and unusual shops. But Carytown is about more than the shops – it’s about the festivals and events that take place there too.
Everyone is welcome to the many Carytown festivals and events throughout the year. Carytown hosts some of the largest festivals in the state. From the famous Watermelon Festival, to the Food & Wine Festival aptly named “A Taste of Carytown”, Carytown has fun family events all year. Christmas is magical in Carytown with lights, decorations, horse and carriage rides, and vendors creating something special for everyone.
So, will the introduction of stores like Fresh Market and Petco make a difference and change the Carytown ambiance? We hope not — but only time will tell.
What do you think?
