I wish I’d been paying closer attention.
On Tuesday night, Channel 7, WDBJ, made an announcement that four Southwest Virginia towns had received some special recognition, from … somewhere. As I said, I wish I’d been paying more attention.
I do know that my heart leapt when one of those “beautiful” or “most charming” towns was said to be Covington. Yay! Another was Lexington. Don’t recall the other two. Wasn’t paying attention.
I am thrilled that Covington has been noted for all its many revitalization projects. Main Street and its environs have made such great strides in the past few years. It’s almost as busy and vital now as it was “back in the good old days.”
I have waxed nostalgic about those days several times. Back when there were several department stores, several “dime stores,” several restaurants, two movie theaters, even two – or was it three – jewelry stores. It was truly a cosmopolitan destination for a kid who lived in Hot Springs. A trip to Covington was always exciting.
But for the past decade or two, Covington has resembled a ghost town of closed buildings, “for sale” buildings, “going out of business” buildings. It was sad.
But it’s not sad any longer! I wish I had a list in front of me detailing the new businesses along Main and even Maple Streets. I know I can’t remember them off the top of my head. Maybe that’s because there are so many!
There’s the new Mexican restaurant, which is a tasty, pleasant and popular place to have a meal. There are what seem to be countless new gift shops that have popped up. There’s a gym. There’s Image Express, where I know I can pop in and, even if I don’t want or need a custom-printed T-shirt or sign, I can see my buddy David Crosier, vice-mayor of Covington.
In Covington these days, if you need a snazzy cocktail dress, formal evening wear, or even a choice of wedding gowns, you can find them — with a floral shop right next door. A new coffee shop has opened up across from the post office.
The only rather glaring omission is the empty Leggett, Peebles, Gordman’s store, once an anchor of Main Street. I can only hope and imagine that plans to revitalize that massive retail space are in the works. I’ll bet so.
Isn’t it wonderful that downtown Covington is now a destination in itself? And recognized for all its diligent work to make that happen. I know I, and the good people of Covington, have gotta just love that!
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