Carytown, Richmond, Virginia facts for kids

Carytown is a super cool shopping and dining area in Richmond, Virginia. It's located right next to the Museum District. Carytown has a unique and interesting feel, with more than 230 shops, restaurants, and offices. You can also find the famous Byrd Theatre here, an old movie palace that has been showing movies since 1928!
A Look Back at Carytown's History
Carytown first started as a special place called the Cary Street Park and Shop Center. It was built in the 1930s and opened for business in 1938. This was Richmond's very first "strip shopping center." It was popular because people could easily park their cars and then walk right into the shops.
Since the late 1900s, this area has grown a lot. More shops, tasty restaurants, and offices have opened up. At first, it was a place where small and new businesses could afford to start. This helped it become a center for exciting new restaurants and many different kinds of stores.
Today, Carytown is a busy spot that attracts people from all over Richmond. It also brings in visitors from other places and tourists. Many of the shops are inside historic buildings. Just like any old area, these buildings sometimes need a bit of repair and care to keep them looking great!