 As I wandered through City Center at Oyster Point
at about 4:30pm on Saturday afternoon, I couldn’t help but think that
something was missing. And then it occurred to me what it was… the
tumbleweeds.
The Virginia Arts Festival is collaborating with City of Newport News, Newport News Economic Development Authority, and Newport News Town Center
to bring you live entertainment from 4pm until 8:30, when they start up
a family film. The day I attended, the entertainment was the Rhythm
Project All Stars (steel drum band) and the movie was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The rest of the month’s movie schedule is as follows:
August 12 – Kicking and Screaming
August 19 – The Sound of Music
August 26 – Finding Nemo
Now, one would think that a lovely outdoor
shopping center such as City Center would be packed with shoppers in
the middle of a Saturday. Particularly one as nice as this past one,
with fun music being provided for your listening pleasure. However
there were certainly no large crowds to wade through as I browsed the
shops, and I have to wonder why.
Although there are several empty spaces with
stores that are “Coming Soon”, there is still a nice range of products
and services now offered. If you’ve heard about City Center, but were
waiting until there was enough there to make it worth the trip, now is
the time to take a little walking tour. And be sure to bring along some
money, because you might just stroll into a couple of places that
strike your fancy.
Some of the shops close at 5 or 6pm, leaving a
couple of hours where there’s no much to do. Personally, I’d recommend
taking this time to hit one of the restaurants in City Center, or maybe
going home to pick up the lawn chairs and blankets you forgot to bring
for the movie. If you don’t fill up at dinner, there will be popcorn,
drinks, and other movie food available during the show.
 It surprised me just how dead the place
was. 
It surprised me just how dead the place
was. I walked into several stores that had no customers at
all in them. I don’t think it’s due to the quality or prices of the
stores. Most of the stores have very reasonably priced, quality
merchandise. (I know where I’m going to do my Christmas shopping.) I
can only guess that the reason people aren’t coming is that they don’t
know about it. Either they don’t see the big new signs out on Jefferson
and Rt. 17, or they don’t read them and figure it’s just advertising
some new office building that they don’t really care about. THERE IS
HOPE, however… Things definitely started to pick up in the evening,
especially for the restaurants. No one would ever call it “crowded”,
but at least there was some good business going on.
What follows is 1) a list of the scheduled events
at City Center through December, and 2) a list of the stores and shops
there, and what they are and do. In brief, my opinion is “Go”. There’s
a lot of neat stuff there that you might not find in other places. Plus the fountain is really pretty.
For more information, contact the City Center Events Hotline at 757-327-0947 or go to www.citycenteratoysterpoint.com.
Scheduled Events
Strolling Entertainment - Market Stage/Plaza
Saturdays in August and September, 4-8pm
Saturday Night Film Series - Market Stage
Saturdays in August, 8:30pm
Wine Festival - Fountain Stage/Plaza
Saturday, September 16, Noon-6pm
Restaurant Week
Mon-Sun, October 23-29
Enjoy special pairings of food and wine, special menus and special discounts.
Oyster Roast - Fountain Stage
Friday, October 27, 5-9pm
Halloween Block Party
Saturday, October 28
Special events for the whole family
Hollydazzle - Fountain Stage
Friday, December 1, 6-9pm
Entertainment and fireworks
Santa at City Center - Market Stage
Sunday, December 10, 11:30am-2pm
Visit with Santa at Mariners Row
Santa at City Center - Market Stage
Saturday, December 16, 11:30am-2pm
Visit with Santa at Mariners Row
Shops and Stores
Ann Taylor Loft
Classic, casual women’s apparel suited to relaxed lifestyles at work and home.
Aromas Specialty Coffes & Bakeshop
Specialty coffees, teas, savory soups, and sandwiches in an atmosphere to enjoy
Bo Essentials
Spa scrubs, butters, lotions, and home aromas
Bubbles
Salon of choice for trendy and stylish hair.
Ceriello Fine Foods
Offering a wide range of pastas and fresh meats along with Italy’s fines sauces and seasonings.
Chico’s
Exclusive, private label designed casual clothing and accessories for women.
Citizen’s and Farmers Bank
Dedicated, well-trained employees, a commitment to outstanding service
and a diverse offering of quality financial products are the keys to
success and growth.
City Center Café
American cuisine grilled on the outdoor grill.
Colangelo’s Gelateria
Italian ice cream made fresh daily with natural ingredients and fresh fruit.
Coldwater Creek
Specializing in women’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, and gifts.
Fab Foods by Medik’s Market
Over 3,000 earth-friendly product choices for eating, drinking, wearing, and giving.
Firkin Pubs
Casual, sit-down gathering place bringing the pub feel with fresh pints and full menu.
Fountain Plaza Café
Quaint café offering daily specials and homemade selections.
Great Wraps
Fresh sandwiches prepared with savory flavors offering a healthy variety.
Hauser’s Jewelers
An exquisite collection of fine jewelry and gifts.
Hayashi Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi
Superb, traditional Japanese Steakhouse for lunch, dinner, and special occasions with full sushi bar.
Hi-Ho Silver
A large collection of handcrafted silver jewelry and table accessories from Mexico.
J. Jill
Sophisticated casual lifestyle clothing for women seeking unique expression in apparel.
Jamestown Pie Company
Fresh, delicious, and all the traditional favorites including fruit and cream pies.
Jos. A. Bank
Renowned destination for tailored, casual men’s apparel, accessories, and footwear.
Land of Lapis
Imported, one of a kind apparel and accessories.
Langley Federal Credit Union
A progressive, full-service financial institution dedicated to excellence in member service for 70 years.
Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream and Treatery
Delightful frozen treats mixed before you – an award winning, premium ice cream parlor.
Marriott at City Center
Over 250 luxury guest rooms and suites with the latest amenities to assure guests a wonderful stay.
Ohm Spa Sanctuary
Full-service day spa for men and women
Oyster Point Lounge
Serving a limited bar menu and a full cocktail menu.
Park Place Apartments
1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments - amenitites include fist-floor retail,
a fitness room, business center, clubhouse and an outdoor pool.
Available by contacting www.kotarides.com.
Quality One Price Cleaners
Cleaning and laundry for one price.
RBC Centura Bank
Personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance,
sorporate and investment banking, and transaction processing services
on a global basis.
Red Star Tavern
Casual, sit-down dining featuring an all American food selection with a contemporary twist.
Rockefeller's Restaurant
Master Chef Ray Garrow creates delicacies from fresh seafood caught locally.
Signed Sealed and Delivered
Offers items ranging from banners and stationary to Repro services.
Sisters Unique
An elegant collection of classic decorative gifts, custom fine home furnishings, and decorating.
Sunglasses Hut
Fashion’s latest sunglasses for all reasons.
Suntrust Bank
One of the nation's largest commercial banking organizations serving a
broad range of consumer, commercial, corporate, and institutional
clients.
Talbots
Classic women’s apparel, shoes and accessories featuring the latest with a traditional appeal.
Talbots Petites
Classic petite women’s apparel, shoes and accessories featuring the latest with a traditional appeal.
Ten Thousand Villages
Worldwide collection of artisan crafts including folk art, ceramics, textiles, baskets, and jewelry.
The Belgian Chocolatier and Beanery
A café and bakery setting with a variety of drinks and delicacies appealing to all taste buds.
The Lunch Bell
Favorite fresh lunch delights created daily by local owners in a convenient, friendly setting.
The Mole Hole
Gifts from around the world including lamps, china, candies, apparel, and Wee Forest mice collectibles.
The Perfect Setting
Lovely gifts for the table including a sparkling Collection of Irish Waterford crystal.
Ute’s Gift Shop
A lovely collection of gifts and accessories including cards, gift-wrap, crystal for home.
Wired Cyber Cafe
Popular video games in a high-tech lounge setting together with favorite light fare snacks.
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