Every year, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, communities across the country come together for Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to supporting locally owned retailers, restaurants, and artists.
This November, we invite you to explore the River District, a vibrant cultural and commercial hub, in the heart of Danville, and search for that one perfect gift, enjoy a cozy cup of handcrafted coffee, or discover a new spot to dine.
Books, Boutiques, & Bistros
At The Dog-Eared Page, shelves call out with stories to be discovered, from nonfiction tales of triumph to fantasy adventures and children’s bedtime tales. Up the quaint staircase, the shop offers a literary-themed teahouse, making this spot a must-see destination for book lovers. Throughout the year, owner, Catherine Caldwell, hosts book clubs, Saturday Storytimes, Murder Mystery dinners, bookish-themed fantasy balls, and more.
Just down the road, the Brick Running & Tri Store is home to athletic gear, running shoes, and exercise apparel.. For over 12 years, owner Adam Jones has operated the local business; in 2023, he even expanded the shop to offer more inventory. The Brick goes beyond commercial retail, as Jones hosts weekly walking and running clubs, as well as races throughout the year, making this spot a social hub for community athletes.
With the work of more than 80 artisans on display, Main Street Art Collective offers an abundance of handcrafted jewelry, fine art, pottery, clothing, greeting cards, and more. This holiday season, browse local goods, or give the gift of a crafty class to spark creativity, including sessions on painting and knitting. Owner, Cheryl Sutherland, reflects, “For me, the most important part of being a small business is getting to know my customers. Asking about their families, letting them know when merchandise comes in that they may like based on prior purchases, and checking in on them when they haven’t been in lately. Everybody likes to feel special and you don’t get that customer service when dealing with big box stores. I have been blessed with many new friends that started as customers over the past seven years.”
For more than a decade, The Vintage Boutique, co-owned by Lisa Jones and Roslyn Preston, has been a destination for high-quality apparel, accessories, shoes, jewelry, and home goods. Every shelf is filled with hidden treasures and one-of-a-kind pieces waiting to be discovered. This month, step inside and take a trip down memory lane.
Discover unique handcrafted gifts from local artists at the River District Artisans in Danville’s downtown. Operated by the Arc of Southside, this shop showcases the work of over 85 local makers. From fine arts, candles, and soaps to photography, custom jewelry, quilts, and more, every piece is handmade with care and love.
Supporting local extends beyond shopping bags. Warm up with a handcrafted latte at Links Coffee House, indulge your sweet tooth at Ma’s Cakes, grab a slice at Dell’Anno’s Pizza Kitchen, or discover a new favorite dish at the Golden Leaf Bistro. Each shop adds bold, local flavor to your holiday traditions.
Growing Together
Behind the scenes, the Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism works year-round to ensure our small businesses thrive. Through interactive workshops and hands-on training opportunities to innovative marketing campaigns and tourism initiatives, the office strives to not support our local businesses, but to improve the overall health and growth of the entire Southern Virginia region. To learn more, visit www.discoverdanville.com.
What hidden gems will you discover this Small Business Saturday? Each purchase supports a neighbor, strengthens the local economy, and keeps the River District thriving for years to come.
Read the original article here (Showcase Magazine, November 2025)
