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By Lisa Puster
 Petersburg, once known primarily for its history and charm is now also quickly becoming known as an eclectic, diverse and cultural small city offering big city amenities, thanks to the recent revitalization and upbeat influence of the city’s many proud residents and business owners.
Says Darrin Hill, owner of Personal Touch, a hair salon specializing in all hair types and styles and offering a relaxed atmosphere for both appointments and walk-ins, “I was born and raised in Petersburg. I like the people here. They’re very pleasant.” Hill also says he has always liked the convenience of being near major highways such as 85, 95, 460, and 301. Hill adds, “I like the uniqueness of Petersburg – something old and something new. It’s a very one-of-a-kind city that’s definitely on the rise and heading in the right direction for the future.”
“I like the small town atmosphere, along with all the amenities, and the culture, history and diversity,” says Kristy Bell, owner of Minerva Books, a new and used bookstore offering a small, catered café, comfortable seating, writing groups, book clubs for adults and children and a deck overlooking Brickhouse Run restaurant. Bell says she also appreciates the way Old Towne is being revived and the positive energy of the area. When Bell was in the military in Virginia Beach years ago, she would come to Petersburg to visit. “I fell in love with the place and knew I wanted to be a part of it. I felt the area needed a nice bookstore and community gathering place,” Bell explains. The idea behind Minerva Books soon became a reality.
“I moved to Petersburg from Charlottesville in the summer of 2000,” says Gwen Cooper, owner of Second Hand Rose, a vintage clothing and collectibles shop. “My husband and I purchased a circa 1880 Victorian home in Poplar Lawn, one of Petersburg’s historic neighborhoods. Just as Poplar Lawn has grown and evolved, so have the downtown shopping and dining areas. It’s been so exciting, during the past eight years, to be able to witness the blend of old and new eateries and shopping venues downtown and see the professionals, blue collar workers, and entrepreneurial small business owners renovating historic residences and commercial property.” Cooper adds, “At this point in my life, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but in Petersburg!”
With the combination of small town feel, big city amenities, history, diversity, culture and recent revitalization, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more unique or interesting place to shop, work, play and live than Petersburg.
Nostalgiafest 2008
Old Towne Petersburg
425 Cockade Alley, Petersburg, VA 23803An annual three-day family festival of fun takes place in historic Old Towne Petersburg the first weekend in October and celebrates Petersburg’s past, present, and future. Enjoy a variety of arts, crafts, food, a Kids Zone, historic walking tours of Old Towne, antiques, a wide selection of music, etc.
On Friday from 5:00 pm until 12:00 midnight there will be a 10K-run beginning in Old Towne Petersburg. Musical entertainment on Main Stage and at the Old Towne Civic Center will also be featured. Various shops and restaurants will remain open throughout the evening. On Saturday the festivities will begin at 11:00 am and continue until 12:00 am. Sunday events will be held from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. Admission is free.
Event Schedule
Friday, October 3, 2008
NOSTALGIAFEST RUN - new this year! 10 K Race or 4 K Run/Walk. Race starts at 5:00 P.M. Registration and packet pick-up starts at 3:30 P.M. Pre-registered entrants are responsible for packet pick-up on race day. Teams must be pre-registered, no new teams taken on race day. Sponsored by the Southside Virginia Chapter, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), POC: COL Victoria Revilla, phone: (804) 586-5742; email: victoria.revilla@us.army.mil for registration information.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
1st Annual 16K PADDLE from
Petersburg to Hopewell – Sponsored by the Friends of the Lower Appomattox (FOLAR)
Throughout Old Towne:
• Antique automobiles • Historic walking tours of Old Towne • Historic Church Tours
• Revolutionary & Civil War re-enactors
• The free Kids Zone • Shops and Restaurants open with dining and shopping specials • Crafts, art, antiques & specialty food vendors • Antique Fire Trucks & Steam Engine Display
• Music, Music, Music
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Sunday “Brunch” at Old Towne Restaurants. Everything from Saturday... |
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