Shopping in Charlottesville

Farms don't typically have a phone number that people can call to place a carry-out order for an eggplant. That's where Brett Wilson and the staff at Horse & Buggy Produce come in. Each week, they gather sustainably farmed, freshly picked yields from more than 100 farms within 100 miles of Charlottesville—including many small homesteads owned by local Mennonite families—and deliver them to doorsteps throughout Central Virginia. Appearing once a week, bundles consist of common grocery items such as eggs, vegetables, fruits, breads, and meats.

Stella Blue is a fair-trade importer with a commitment to providing quality products produced only under humane working conditions for a fair wage. Stella Blue garbs mannequins and patient passersby with popular brands such as Funky People and Tulle, as well as pieces produced under the Orchid Lane label. Slip into a potpourri of vibrantly tinted dresses, such as the strapless Gillian dress ($15) or the halter dress with a tie ($15).

Ragged Mountain Running has helped foot-soldiers chase their dreams for nearly 30 years, offering running shoes, windbreakers, and other get-fit goods, as well as info on local races and running clubs. Owned by Michigan State University track star Cynthia Lorenzoni and her running-coach husband Mark, the outlet outfits runners and other athletes with a wide variety of running shoes, including Asics 1160 ($80.99) and Nike Pegasus ($85.99).

Led by Tom and Donna Otis, Fast Frame Charlottesville's friendly staffers outfit pictures and beautifies abodes with ensembles that turn two-dimensional keepsakes into multidimensional treasures. With a vast selection of borders, Fast Frame tastefully accents pictures of cherished memories, safely preserves and displays sports memorabilia, and even frames flat-screen TVs so they can't leave the living room to go chill with the microwave. Under Fast Frame’s Preservation Plus program, frame craftsmen sequester artwork in an acid-free environment and use framing designed to save artifacts from UV light, ensuring that they retain their luster throughout their display and that they are safe for future removal.

Play It Again Sports promotes active lifestyles and family recreation with an ample supply of new and gently used sports gear and fitness equipment. The store's buying policies ensure that shelves are stocked with items from well-known brands suited for a range of sports, including volleyball, golf, baseball, lacrosse, and full-contact checkers. Champro volleyballs ($9.99) provision games at picnics and beach trips, and olympic and standard weight plates ($0.99/lb.) add an extra challenge to frisbee matches.

The knowledgeable staff at Les Fabriques helps customers navigate the store's robust selection of textiles, sewing and fashion accessories, and home décor. Visitors stroll along a hardwood walkway, poring over colorful racks of pillows, buttons, and sewing machines. Like a rainbow during its experimental youth, a wide-ranging fleet of fabrics ($4.99+) displays vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and diverse materials, including contemporary cotton prints ($10.99–$12.99/yd.). Jewelry lovers can adorn a finger, earlobe, or lonely lapel with vintage jewelry or a piece created by local designers such as Maslo and One Sweet Peach ($10+). Soy candles ($22), handmade in Virginia, illuminate dark corners and burnt-out light bulbs. In addition to supplying customers with garment-making essentials, Les Fabriques also supports homegrown creativity with local fashion shows, events, and educational classes, including an afterschool program for kids.