The Beautiful Idea

Katie Kirst

a year ago

I always enjoy coming in here to look at all the books and local art! Such a fun, welcoming, and inclusive space. I love what a staple of downtown cville The Beautiful Idea has become, and the focus on community and togetherness is tangible walking through the store. When my phone died and I was separated from my ride home, the staff here very kindly charged it for me. Thank you so much, I am extremely grateful for your help!

Emma S

11 months ago

Not only did I find an amazing and unique gift for my partner, this is such a great place! I felt so safe and seeing all the art was so fun!! And I learned so much, will definitely stop by again :)

Genna Cameron

7 months ago

Incredible store with a fantastic curation of queer literature and art by local queer artists. I was greeted immediately by the super friendly owner, and I felt incredibly safe in the store, which is something I don’t find often as I struggle in social settings. This place is unlike anywhere I’ve been and I’m sad I don’t live close by so I can visit often. All of the signage out front instantly put a smile on my face. There were period & Covid stations with free supplies, information for a food pantry, how to borrow things like tools, and more incredible resources. I’m not sure if I loved the items in the store more, or the welcoming & safe feeling the store and the owner provided. Without a doubt, my new favorite store. A TRUE gem, in a world where we need so many places like this for the LGBTQ+ community. THANK YOU FOR EXISTING!!!!! If you’re in Virginia or passing through the Blue Ridge Mountains, go support this beautiful business!

Halle Crider

a year ago

What an awesome place to visit if you’re in Charlottesville for the day! I really loved the curated book selection, and I found the exact book I was looking for (plus another and two cute stickers!). The vibes were very welcoming, and I’m looking forward to visiting again!

Heather Sinclair

a year ago

Relaxed and welcoming store. The shop offers free water, face masks, menstruation items, books, and even a little food area. There are stickers, clothing items, books, and adult items. The bathroom is also open for anyone to use and it is encouraged to write on the walls. The staff are welcoming and kind. If you’re looking for books on LGBTQIA+, civil rights and disobedience, and more this is the store for you.

Benjamin Randolph

a year ago

This store offers free period products, water and a community kitchen for anyone that needs something. Great selection of queer-related books. Easy parking around the corner in either of the two city-owned garages but I managed to find some on-street parking close by the downtown mall.

Leah C

3 months ago

Such a welcoming, funky, and creative place. I was so pleased with their book selection, since I didn’t realize this was also a bookstore (as an opportunist pedestrian meandering around the Mall). Truly a lovely, inclusive space, full of amazing art and beautiful ideas 😉

Michael M.

2 months ago

Every town needs a store like this! We try to support whenever we're in the area, and they make it easy with the wide amount of stuff available. Great books, custom clothing items, and jewelry. I love that they offer space to local artists and artisans and give us a chance to see what they offer. Also, all the community building and resources that this place helps offer puts it on a level all its own, and makes me feel like any money I spend here is going towards something good

Makala Bush

2 months ago

Went to Charlottesville to visit friends and came across this amazing store! Absolutely love the concept!! As a queer women I’ve never felt so safe and so seen in a store I loved it so much and will definitely be back for more wlw books and stickers.

Thais Sebastia

4 months ago

We stopped into Beautiful Idea while visiting Charlottesville and I’m so glad we did! The shop is absolutely lovely, beautifully curated with such a warm, welcoming vibe. Everything felt thoughtful and unique, and the atmosphere made it such a joy to browse. Definitely a place worth stopping in if you’re in the area!