Top Rated Shopping in Richmond

At first glance, Mongrel might look like a pet store. However, upon closer inspection, you will find that Mongrel is an extraordinary cards and stationary store that carries quirky and humorous gift items. First there are your standard greeting cards and gifts, like books and writing utensils, and then there are the more unique items, such as inflatable unicorn horns and Shakespeare insult band aids. The store is spacious, nifty and unbearably cute, with wood paneled walls and tons of shelves filled with trinkets and treasures. Stop by this Carytown location and be amazed!

Few places in Richmond are as full of fascination and fun as World of Mirth. How about sticking a hobbling nun on your dashboard? Or, grab a bag full of rubber chickens and bugs to hide away where others will discover them. Add a "Superman" or "Yellow Submarine" cookie jar or "Betty Boop" salt and pepper shakers to your kitchen. Buy a wind-up robot or chicken and use them as unique gifts. In addition to novelties, this store has toys too.

Carytown is a treasure trove of specialty stores and restaurants. Stroll down the sidewalks and explore antique stores, salons, vintage clothing stores, coffee places, bookshops and more. On and off-street parking is plentiful. The eateries represent many different kinds of food, from Mexican at Nacho Mamma's to French-Asian at Indochine or Indian at Farouk's. The shops include Premiere Costumes, The Compleat Gourmet and Leo Burke Furniture. These and other stores have sidewalk sales in the spring and fall and open houses on December Sundays. In August, the street comes to life with the Watermelon Festival.

Short Pump Town Center is a beautiful outdoor mall that is the perfect place for strolling around on a sunny afternoon. Shop your heart out at stores like Apple, Gap, Ann Taylor and Tommy Bahama. The best part? There are a plethora of restaurants, including but not limited to: Tara Thai, The Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen and Maggiano's.

High-quality antique shops, upscale clothing stores and restaurants line Grove and Libbie Avenues. Find fine jewelry at Rothschilds, women's clothing at Monkeys, antiques at Chadwick, household items at Country Charm and much more. Restaurants include tranquil, sidewalk fine dining at French-themed Du Jour and Richmond's best Chinese at Peking. For more relaxed, casual fare try Phil's, where outside seating and vodka limeades attract many from the neighborhood to stop by in the evenings. "Dog Days of Summer," an event on the third Saturday in July, brings a sidewalk sale and parade of dogs to the Avenues.

Whether you are looking to sell your used books or buy new ones to delve into different adventures, Chop Suey Books in Carytown is for you. Here, you can get credit or cash back for your books and then peruse the spacious store for novels of all genres. There are over 45,000 books in the store, so you will never get bored!