Drudgery is a good way to describe the afternoon commute. That is unless you have something fun to look forward to at the end of your metro ride.
For those who are using the Silver Line to commute these days, there is something to look forward to when you get off the train at Reston Station — Urban Pop. This is a brilliant concept. Urban pop is a collection of tiny shops on the plaza. By tiny, I mean maybe 100 square feet. They’re only open during the afternoon commute and they offer high-quality gifts for people who may not have time to go shopping for a bottle of wine for dinner, a good book to read, a chocolate treat or a nice, calming tea.
The Urban Pop website describes this fun concept as “a fresh retail revolution packed with talent, innovation and attitude that puts creativity and energy where it belongs — in the neighborhood, on the plaza, and accessible to everyone. A unique mix of food, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment.”
These shops are great. I also love that these small retailers have an opportunity to test their concept without committing to a big lease in a retail center. Really, everyone benefits. And the shops are adorable. I know people who shop at them even when they’re not riding the metro. If you find yourself by Reston Station in the afternoon, drop by. And in the summer, there is live entertainment and family movie nights. It’s a fun and festive place.
Urban Pop Retailers
OPEN: Monday-Friday 3-8 PM
- Bon Bon Décor: bonbondecor.com
- Casero Creations: caserocreations.com
- El Ceibo Chocolate: elceibochocolate.com
- Paradise Springs Winery: paradisespringswinery.com
- Pearl Fine Teas: facebook.com/pearlfineteas
- Scrawl Books: scrawlbooks.com
- Wuayra: wuayra.com
