Then and Now: Charlottesville

Discovering groovy, vintage, classic, and historical institutions.

Text by Jasmine Bible + Photography by Susan Kalergis

We set out to find intriguing stories of the past and present—establishments who honor the past while writing their own history. In our search, we found new businesses in old buildings, and old-school businesses in new buildings. Join us each week as we travel through the towns where Nest Realty offices are located, this week we travel throughout Charlottesville…

Shabby Love
112 E. Main Street, Orange, VA
shabbylovefurniture.com

Now: Charlottesville
Five years ago, Hanna Kappes was inspired to create something beautiful from something forgotten. She found old furniture that had been discarded or damaged, and loving restored them into charming, shabby chic pieces. The concept for a boutique was born, and she opened the doors to Shabby Love in downtown Orange, VA. The bright and inviting shop is filled with refurbished furniture, light fixtures, frames, and mirrors. Kappes travels throughout the east coast finding pieces that her team restores.

Now: Charlottesville

For Kappes and her team, the beauty lies in utilizing pieces that already exist. The success of the shop in Orange lead the opening of a second location in Harrisonburg, VA. If you can’t get enough of their gorgeous pieces, Shabby Love also hosts the annual Picker’s Paradise on the last weekend in September at The Market at Grelen in Somerset, VA. The vintage market is comprised of 55 vendors, and sees more than 6,000 visitors.

Spudnuts Donuts
309 Avon St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
spudnutshop.com

Now: Charlottesville
Strolling down Monticello Road in Belmont, you can smell the sweet aroma of donuts cooking as you near Spudnuts. The cherished donut shop has long been a staple in downtown Charlottesville. The name “Spudnut” comes from the potato flour used in the donut recipe. The recipe hasn’t changed since 1946, when brothers Al and Bob Pelton opened the very first Spudnuts in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Charlottesville location hasn’t changed much over the years, and that’s ok with us.

The White Spot
1407 University Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Now: Charlottesville
You haven’t lived until you’ve had a Gus burger from the The White Spot. Located on “The Corner,” a beloved gathering place for UVA students since the 1800’s, the hole-in-the-wall diner has been serving deliciously sinful food for as long as anyone can remember. Grab a seat at the counter, if you can find one, and order the renowned Gus burger…

Now: Charlottesville

A beef patty, cooked on the flat top that’s been seasoned with decades of flavor, is placed on a bun with mayonnaise, pickles, diced onions, a tomato slice, lettuce, ketchup, and mustard, and topped with an over easy egg whose yolk smothers the burger with your first bite. Put down this magazine and go order one right now!

Charlottesville Barbering
820 E Jefferson St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Now: Charlottesville
The little brick and yellow barber shop on the corner of East Jefferson and 9th Street NE has become a fixture in the landscape of Charlottesville. It’s a classic barber shop that does things the old school way—hot lather and straight blade on the neck. Barber Ellen Patterson is a local favorite whose skill is matched only by her humor. Look for the candy cane barber pole and bring cash; credit cards will get you nothing but a funny look.

Blue Moon Diner
512 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903
bluemoondiner.net

Now: Charlottesville
Breakfast is served all day at this popular Charlottesville eatery. Housed in a long-standing building that was once a residence, then a waffle shop, the Blue Moon Diner has become a local favorite. The decor has remained classic—swivel stools, mint green tile on the walls, and a black and white checkered linoleum floor. Vintage vinyl records are kept in the window sill for guests to flip through and play. When the jukebox isn’t cranking, live music echoes throughout the diner.

Now: Charlottesville

On the menu, there’s classics and unique creations. The fluffy buttermilk griddle pancakes are topped with powdered sugar art—the stencils are custom made by an Asheville artist, and rotate monthly. We’re always blown away by the breakfast BBQ—slow cooked pork barbeque on an english muffin with two poached eggs and crispy onions. The pork is moist and tender, and the seasoning is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Top it all with a mug of fresh roasted coffee served with real cream.

Lightwell Coffee
110 E. Main Street, Orange, VA 22960
thelightwell.com

Now: Charlottesville

In historic downtown Orange, VA, you’ll find The Lightwell—Coffee, Kitchen, Tavern. This neighborhood gathering spot is open for everything from morning coffee to afternoon nibbles, and live entertainment in the evening. The casual atmosphere is warm inviting. At the back, original photos of the general store that formerly occupied the space are displayed. Pressed tin ceilings, vintage light fixtures, and hardwood floors remain.

Bizou
119 W. Main St.,Charlottesville, VA 22902
bizoudowntown.com

Now: Charlottesville
From the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, you’d never know that a vintage, glowing, quirky dining room awaits you. As you enter Bizou, you walk past the tiny, open kitchen that magically cranks out sophisticated plates and decadent desserts. The French influenced menu is comprised of cherished classics and seasonally rotating items. Locally sourced herbs, proteins, and produce are given room to shine. This tiny spot is a foodie’s dream. The style of the space is art deco meets Hollywood glamour—red booths line the room, each with their own small jukebox, as round mirrors reflect light, making the room appear larger than it is. Hollywood movie posters hover above, and you feel as though Ol’ Blue Eyes may waltz through the door at any moment.

In case you missed it, check out our pics for Asheville, Fredericksburg, New River Valley, and Wilmington!

We shared this story with you in our Spring/Summer 2016 Issue of NEST Magazine. To view the full issue, click here!

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Posted in Asheville, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, NEST Magazine, New River Valley, Spring/Summer 2016, Wilmington
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