Carytown Blends Old South and Hipster
One of the most unique parts of the Richmond area, Carytown bustles with buildings of every color in the spectrum of the rainbow and plenty of vibrant characters to match.
Carytown, also known as the Mile of Style, is a boutique shopping district that boasts a large number of eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and services. Unlike other shopping areas, where you find either constant retail turnover or the same old big-box stores, lively Carytown consistently presents different offerings to intrigue patrons and passersby.
Merchants run the gamut from antique dealers to handmade jewelry makers, from independently owned toy stores to Swedish furniture specialists, and everything from an old-school pizza place to boutique showcasing locally made and designed clothing.
A grand introduction of old South meets hipster, Carytown professes a certain degree of familiarity by way of its historical strongholds. One such old reliable is the Byrd Theater, a State and National Historic Landmark that’s open year-round and shows great flicks on the cheap ($1.99 for second-run movies) and features the Mighty Wurlitzer organ playing on Saturday nights.
Many historic buildings house the more than 200 businesses that call this artsy and inventive part of Richmond home. It’s common to see repairs and restorative efforts taking place from outside any café window. The district began as the capital’s first strip mall in 1938 and has been credited with positively affecting Virginia’s economic development.
The small Carytown community pulls together to host various events throughout the year, such as the Taste of Carytown Restaurant Week, Halloween trick-or-treating from store to store, free horse-drawn carriage rides during the holiday season, and the largest Watermelon Festival in the country— a classic Richmond tradition.
It’s easy to park and shop, dine, and browse through the neighborhood: street parking, parking lots, and parking decks dot the main drag, and some stores have parking in the back.
Carytown is located on the southern side of the Museum District in Richmond, just north of the City Stadium and Byrd Park. The district is comprised of one street (W. Cary Street) that unfolds over nine city blocks (Thompson Street to Boulevard).