MacArthur Center
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MacArthur Square

4.3
·8k reviews·Norfolk, United States

A once-thriving mall now a shadow of its former self, featuring a cinema, select eateries, and unique boutiques amidst many vacant storefronts. ...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Evenings

Cinema buzz

CrowdMedium
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MacArthur Center

MacArthur Square

Best Time

Weekday Evenings

Cinema buzz

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A once-thriving mall now a shadow of its former self, featuring a cinema, select eateries, and unique boutiques amidst many vacant storefronts. TikTokReddit

4.3
(8k reviews)

"It seemed like a ghost town, like zero stores opened, and seriously NO ONE there. It was wild. Really a bummer. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Store Openings

Many stores are closed; verify hours before visiting.

☕ Grab a Coffee

Fresh Break offers great coffee and pastries.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cinema Experience

Cinema Experience

Catch the latest blockbusters at the mall's movie theater, a consistent draw for visitors seeking entertainment.

Reddit
Dining Delights

Dining Delights

Explore a selection of eateries, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants like Brothers Restaurant, offering a taste of local flavors.

TikTok
Unique Boutiques

Unique Boutiques

Discover niche stores offering eclectic items, like the transformer shop or vintage finds, providing a unique shopping experience.

Reddit
Ice Skating Fun

Ice Skating Fun

Enjoy a cool activity with ice skating, a popular attraction for families and friends looking for active fun.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the 'Ghost Town' Mall

MacArthur Square, once a bustling hub, now faces challenges with many vacant storefronts. Visitors report a 'ghost town' feel, even on Saturdays. Plan for limited shopping options and focus on the remaining attractions like the cinema or specific eateries. Reddit

Timing is Key for a Better Experience

To avoid the sparse crowds and potentially disappointing emptiness, consider visiting during peak hours for the few open businesses, like evenings for the cinema or lunch for popular cafes. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday Evenings
Why
Cinema buzz
Crowd
Medium
When
Lunchtime Weekends
Why
Restaurant activity
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Evenings
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

It was 7pm Friday, like 67 degrees. Wont nobody in this mall except us and employees. 🎶 Seriously, MacArthur Mall has seriously fallen from its glory. Kind of a sad thing to see. #norfolk #norfolkva #macarthurmall #bringbackourmalls #macarthurcenter
@jerrydelaghetto
4.9K likes • 56.6K views

🎯 Check Store Openings

Many stores are closed; verify hours before visiting. TikTokReddit

☕ Grab a Coffee

Fresh Break offers great coffee and pastries. Instagram

Last night in Norfolk a lady crashed into the booths at the MacArthur mall parking garage 😳🙏🏾 IG / rraycek #norfolk #macarthurmall #like #comment #repost #dmv #757 #804 #chesapeake #share #viral #foryoupage #fyp #fypage #vadrivers #viralva #viralvirginia
@viralvirginia
2.7K likes • 62.5K views
Find us at Macarthur Square today from 12pm-3pm to get yourself a 20% off voucher for our brand new Campbelltown store opening Saturday 7th June! #uturn #campbelltown #macarthursquare #giveaway #foryou #now #20
uturnvintage
204 likes • 15.9K views

🎬 Movie Night Out

The cinema is a reliable draw for entertainment. Reddit

🍜 Vietnamese Cuisine

Golden Lotus serves authentic Vietnamese food. Instagram

Fresh Break MacArthur Square has the best coffee and the best pats 🖤🐾@coffeebreakmacarthursquare
bigkev616
34 likes • 689 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Store Openings

Many stores are closed; verify hours before visiting. TikTokReddit

☕ Grab a Coffee

Fresh Break offers great coffee and pastries. Instagram

🎬 Movie Night Out

The cinema is a reliable draw for entertainment. Reddit

🍜 Vietnamese Cuisine

Golden Lotus serves authentic Vietnamese food. Instagram

🛍️ Focus on Specifics

Seek out unique boutiques for a more rewarding visit. Reddit

⛸️ Ice Skating Fun

Enjoy a fun day out on the ice. TikTok

💆‍♀️ Spa Day Indulgence

Glitz Spa Bar offers a luxurious spa experience. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

MacArthur Square is often described as a 'ghost town' with significantly fewer open stores than in its past. While the building is maintained, the lack of activity disappoints many visitors. However, the cinema, a few dining options, and unique boutiques still offer some appeal. TikTokReddit

"It was such a beautiful mall, 3 stories! We were looking so forward to going, but when we got there it was super underwhelming. It seemed like a ghost town, like zero stores opened, and seriously NO ONE there. It was wild. Really a bummer"

Brandie Tobey

"On a busy Saturday there were only about six stores and three restaurants open. It was sad considering how busy this mall used to be. We went to a store in the bottom level that sells eclectic things. The owner was really nice and deserves five stars so this rating in no way reflects him. The mall was kept up nice. I just wish there were more stores open."

Angela Vest

"I was stunned when I was told I couldn’t wait in the little waiting area for my mother. I waited there often among other spots in the mall (over three years) because I knew my mother would go to the bathroom when she picked me up, and it was close. Mind you… I only sit briefly before wanting to look at nearby stores because sometimes my knees hurt. I was genuinely surprised when they told me to wait outside for her to come. I decided to just leave since looking and spending money was not worth it at that point, since I felt unwanted there.

Two stars because I got this cool transformer from a shop."

Pretty Angel

What People Like

Well-maintained building
Unique shops
Cinema and dining

What People Dislike

Many vacant stores
Sparse crowds
Underwhelming atmosphere

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

MacArthur Square is accessible by car and public transport. If coming from out of town, consider parking at MacArthur Square and taking a free shuttle to nearby attractions like the Tides game, especially during casino construction. Reddit

Yes, parking is available at MacArthur Square, including in the parking garage. Be aware of potential congestion, especially during events or construction. TikTok

Driving and parking are common. For events like Tides games, utilizing the mall's parking and shuttle service can be a convenient option to avoid traffic and parking issues near the venue. Reddit

MacArthur Square is a well-known landmark, but its accessibility can be affected by local events and construction. Using GPS or a reliable navigation app is recommended. TikTok

Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available for drop-offs and pick-ups at MacArthur Square. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, general entry to MacArthur Square is free. Tickets are only required for specific attractions within the mall, such as the cinema or special events. TikTok

Opening hours can vary, especially with many stores closed. It's best to check the official website or individual store listings for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

There are no admission fees to enter the mall itself. However, individual shops, the cinema, and dining establishments will have their own pricing. TikTok

Visitor experiences suggest that waiting inside the mall for extended periods, especially in designated waiting areas, may not be permitted. It's advisable to confirm mall policies. Reddit

While less frequent now, MacArthur Square has hosted events. Keep an eye on local listings or the mall's social media for any upcoming activities. Instagram

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stores

The number of open stores has significantly decreased. Visitors report seeing only a handful of shops, including clothing stores, a transformer shop, and some specialty boutiques. TikTokReddit

While many clothing stores have closed, you might still find a few remaining options, particularly sports apparel and general clothing retailers. Reddit

Information on current jewellery stores is limited due to store closures. It's recommended to check for specific listings if you are looking for jewellery. [^SEO]

While specific florist listings are scarce, some general stores might carry floral items. For dedicated flower shops, it's best to look elsewhere. [^SEO]

Similar to other retail categories, the availability of shoe shops has diminished. Check for any remaining shoe stores or sports apparel shops that might carry footwear. [^SEO]

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

MacArthur Square has a few dining options, including Brothers Restaurant (a black-owned fine dining establishment), Fresh Break cafe for coffee and pastries, and some fast-food choices. TikTokInstagram

Fresh Break at MacArthur Square is recommended for its coffee and pastries. Instagram

Information on specific donut shops is limited. You may find some dessert options within the food court or other eateries. [^SEO]

Golden Lotus at MacArthur Square serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Instagram

While specific fast-food listings can change, McDonald's has historically been a common presence in malls. It's best to check current directory listings for confirmation. [^SEO]

🎫 ✨ Entertainment & Activities

The primary entertainment options include a cinema for movie screenings and an ice skating rink for active fun. TikTokReddit

Kingpin Bowling is mentioned as an attraction at MacArthur Square, offering a fun activity for groups. [^SEO]

Yes, Glitz Spa Bar is located inside MacArthur Center, offering various spa treatments for a relaxing experience. TikTok

Activities like ice skating and potentially the cinema can be enjoyable for children. Some unique shops might also offer interesting items for kids. TikTok

A date could include catching a movie at the cinema, enjoying a meal at one of the restaurants, or perhaps ice skating for a more active outing. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting MacArthur Square can find entertainment at the cinema and the ice skating rink. TikTok While the number of shops has dwindled, the remaining eateries offer dining options. It's advisable to check the operating hours of these attractions beforehand, as the mall's overall activity level is low. Reddit

Consider focusing on the specific activities that are confirmed to be open to ensure a fun outing for the children. The unique boutiques might also hold some interesting finds for curious kids. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, MacArthur Square offers free entry, making it an accessible destination. The cinema can be a relatively affordable entertainment option, especially if you catch a matinee showing. Reddit Look for deals at the remaining eateries or consider packing your own snacks. [^SEO]

While extensive shopping might not be the draw, exploring the unique, often quirky, remaining stores could lead to finding interesting items at potentially lower prices due to reduced foot traffic. Reddit

couples

Couples looking for a relaxed outing can enjoy a movie at the cinema or a meal at one of the restaurants, such as Brothers Restaurant for a more intimate dining experience. TikTokReddit For a fun and active date, ice skating is a great option. TikTok The quieter atmosphere of the mall might appeal to couples seeking a less crowded, more laid-back experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Evolution of MacArthur Square

MacArthur Square, once a vibrant shopping destination, has seen a significant decline in its retail presence. Many visitors describe it as a 'ghost town' with numerous vacant storefronts, even on busy days. This shift reflects broader trends in retail, with many traditional malls struggling to adapt to e-commerce and changing consumer habits. TikTokReddit

Despite the closures, some businesses continue to operate, offering a glimpse into what the mall once was. These include a cinema, a few eateries, and some specialty shops. The building itself is often described as well-maintained, but the lack of activity creates a somber atmosphere for many. TikTokReddit

For those planning a visit, it's crucial to manage expectations. The appeal now lies less in extensive shopping and more in experiencing the remaining attractions or exploring the unique, often nostalgic, atmosphere of a semi-dead mall. TikTok

Dining and Entertainment Options

While the retail landscape has shrunk, MacArthur Square still offers a few key attractions. The cinema remains a popular draw, providing a consistent source of entertainment for moviegoers. Reddit

For dining, visitors can find a range of options. Brothers Restaurant is highlighted as a black-owned establishment offering a fine-dining experience with a pleasant ambiance. TikTok For a more casual bite or a coffee break, Fresh Break is recommended for its quality coffee and pastries. Instagram Other eateries and fast-food outlets may also be available, though their number has decreased. [^SEO]

Beyond dining and movies, activities like ice skating offer a fun diversion. TikTok For those seeking relaxation, Glitz Spa Bar provides a luxurious spa experience with various treatments. TikTok

Navigating the Mall Experience

Visiting MacArthur Square in its current state requires a different approach than in its heyday. Many reviewers note the sparse crowds, which can be a positive for those seeking a quiet experience but a negative for those expecting a bustling shopping center. TikTokReddit

It's essential to check which stores are actually open before your visit, as many have closed. This can help manage expectations and ensure you can access the specific shops or services you're looking for. TikTok

Some visitors have reported unusual experiences, such as being asked to wait outside the mall. This suggests that mall policies might be strictly enforced, and it's wise to be aware of any rules regarding loitering or waiting areas. Reddit

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