Main Street was one of the main colonial routes in Virginia from the 1730s; part of Jack Jouett's famous ride and the Marquis de Lafayette's efforts to prevent Gen. Charles Cornwallis from obtaining munitions took place along this road.
The district and mall includes over 8 city blocks of restored and renovated buildings with more than 120 unique shops and 30 restaurants (many with outdoor cafes) housed in the historic buildings on and around old Main Street.
Visitors can also enjoy the Virginia Discovery Museum, ice skating, theaters, the Charlottesville Pavilion, Transit Center and Freedom of Expression Wall or just relax under the oak trees or by a fountain along the red bricked mall.
Convenient parking is available along Water Street and in nearby garages and parking lots. Free trolley service connects the Downtown Mall to the University of Virginia along West Main Street.
