Paul Miller

Interior Designer

Clients unfamiliar with Downtown Winchester often ask what there is to do here so that they can make a day of their visit to my studio. Our historic community offers so much, but here is a short list of my personal happy places.

Eating

Bistro Sojo

Mediteranean Restaurant Winchester VA with brick walls — Photo: Bistro SOJO

This family-owned restaurant offers a healthy, Mediterranean-influenced menu and friendly service within a warm and stylish interior. The perfect place for dinner or brunch, I love the vittles and the vibes.

Sabai Thai

Thai Cuisine Winchester VA with outdoor seating located on the walking mall — Photo: Happy Cow

My go-to place when I want a healthy meal that still feels a bit indulgent, Sabai Thai never disappoints. I sub rice for steamed broccoli when I’m being good and go all in for the drunken noodles with duck when I want to treat myself.

Violino Ristorante

This Italian family owned restaurant with yellow stucco walls and outdoor seating is a favorite spot for this interior designer — Photo: Violino Ristorante

This iconic downtown restaurant offers food so authentic that I was frequently reminded of it on my travels throughout Northern Italy. Another family-owned business, you will enjoy heritage cuisine - and quite possibly an operatic serenade.

Shopping

Winchester Book Gallery

small business bookstore located on the walking mall in winchester virigina with window displays of booksis a favorite place for designers — Photo: Winchester Book Gallery

This is probably the downtown business that I visit the most. As an author and avid reader, I have a special love for independent bookstores. Winchester Book Gallery offers a dense collection and can also special order as needed.

Tin Top

gift shop on walking mall in winchester, va with a variety of handmade goods featuring a graphic t-shirt outside store. — Photo: Tin Top Art & Handmade

This is a gem of a place, where you can find anything from original art to small home comforts, all handmade and typically regional if not local. Tin Top Art & Handmade is artist-owned and has an outsider, folk vibe that I really appreciate.

Handworks Gallery

storefront with large glass windows featuring handmade gifts and accessories from around the world is a favorite shopping destination for the winchester va interior designer — Photo: Handworks Gallery

Handworks Gallery is another iconic local institution, selling beautiful wares from around the globe. One of my earliest memories of discovering downtown was coming upon this magical shop.

Little Something-Somethings

Hopscotch Coffee & Records

winchester virginia front exterior view of coffee and record shop — Photo: A Taste of the Road

While a short ways from the pedestrian mall, Hopscotch Coffee & Records is very much a downtown icon. As a decaf-only coffee lover, I think there is no better cup than their Americano. Come for the coffee and stick around for the cool vibes and great record collection.

Espresso Bar & Cafe

coffee house located on the walking mall in winchester va has outdoor seating and is a favorite for this interior designers — Photo: Trip Advisor

Espresso Bar is just a three minutes walk from my studio and very much a part of my routine. The staff keep a card with my tweaked dirty chai latte recipe at the register, although another new love is a London Fog with their proprietary rose-cardamom syrup.

Snow White Grill

quaint blue and white hamburger spot located on walking mall in winchester virginia with walk up window to order — Photo: Snow White Grill

Snow White Grill is one of the most storied and beloved downtown eateries, so why is it not listed under ‘eating’ at the top of the post? I like to think these delicious little cheeseburgers are only snacks.

Knead Bread Artisan Bakery

Photo: Candid Travel Companion

Grab a sweet indulgence, an artisan loaf or lunch at Knead Bread. This bakery holds a special place in my heart, as my first apartment, many years ago, was right above it.

I hope this list of suggestions helps you plan a fun trip to historic Winchester. While my haunts represent only a small part of the wonderful businesses downtown, each of these restaurants, boutiques and coffee shops represents the places I enjoy on a regular basis.

Post Header Photo: Old Town Winchester, VA

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