While I am stout supporter of buying local, I am guilty of not always doing so. However, we are in extraordinary circumstances now and our community needs support desperately. Spring is usually a prime time for revenue as normally we go out for festivals, farmers markets, patios filled with people… but many doors and open venues are closed for the foreseeable future.

I had been saving to travel internationally this year, but now it seems that is not possible. I am still able to work remotely for my job and now have this fund sitting idle. Therefore, I have come to realize that I can use some of those savings to support businesses in my community. I have so far done pick ups with the following businesses:

Green House Coffee | Crozet, VA
Bodo’s | Charlottesville, VA
Oasis Day Spa & Body Shop | Charlottesville, VA
New Dominion Bookshop | Charlottesville, VA
Rock Paper Scissors | Charlottesville, VA

Pending | Noon Whistle Pottery | Stanardsville, VA

While there are many, many small/er businesses in the area, here are a few others that I am personally familiar with:

Breadworks
Albemarle Baking Company
Great Harvest
Shenandoah Joe
Milli Coffee Roasters
Java Java
Mudhouse
Cville Coffee
Greenberry’s
Splendora’s
Christian’s Pizza
Vita Nova
Tip Top Restaurant
The Villa
Cavalier Diner
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
2nd Act Books (previously Read It Again, Sam)
Blue Whale Books
Twice is Nice
Natalie Dressed
A&W Collectibles
Greenwood Antiques
Crozet Artisan Depot
Carter Mountain Orchard / Chiles Peach Orchard
The Happy Cook
(Many more can be added as I am native to the area!)

Businesses are adapting to the governor’s stay-at-home order through allowing orders by phone and internet. Some are offering free delivery to local addresses as well as curbside pick up. Another great way to offer financial support is to purchase gift cards. If you are still working your normal hours, consider whether you’re able to lend a hand. The food bank can accept donations of non-perishable foods.

Leave a comment below: What are other businesses in the Charlottesville area that we can support during this time?