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Exploring Blackhawk Plaza in Danville – a look back at 2011 with the vintage directory

Nestled in the rolling hills of Danville, Blackhawk Plaza has always been more than just a shopping center—it’s a lifestyle destination. Known for its peaceful lagoon, koi-filled streams, and upscale mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment, Blackhawk Plaza in 2011 offered a curated slice of suburban luxury.

And thanks to a 2011 directory, we have a snapshot of that exact moment in time—one that captures not only the businesses that called it home, but also the vibe that made it a weekend hangout for locals and visitors alike.

The 2011 Blackhawk Plaza directory: where leisure met luxury

In 2011, Blackhawk Plaza struck a balance between boutique charm and big-name appeal. Anchored by a mix of fine dining, entertainment, fashion, and fitness, the plaza offered something for every part of the day—from errands to indulgence.

Directory map of Blackhawk Plaza in Danville from 2011, displaying layout of key tenants including Draeger’s Market, Anthropologie, Blackhawk Museum, Century Theatres, and waterfront restaurants like Blackhawk Grille and STOMP! Wine Lounge.
2011 Blackhawk Plaza directory map, showing anchor tenants like Draeger’s Market, Anthropologie, Crunch Fitness, and the Blackhawk Museum—along with restaurants and boutiques arranged around the lagoon.

Anchor tenants included:

  • Draeger's Market– A gourmet grocery store and local staple known for high-end ingredients and a stellar wine selection

  • Anthropologie– A national retailer offering boho-chic fashion and curated home decor

  • Blackhawk Museum– A cultural gem featuring vintage automobiles and rotating global exhibits

  • Century Theatres– Bringing new releases to the community with plush seating and local convenience

  • Crunch Fitness– The plaza’s health and wellness anchor, tucked on the second level

Fashion, gifts & boutique finds

Blackhawk in 2011 wasn’t just about anchors—it had a strong lineup of specialty retailers that catered to the community’s taste for quality:

  • Restoration Hardware– Still in its mall-based days, the brand offered elegant furniture and hardware before evolving into a full-scale luxury home brand

  • G.R. Doodlebug Toys– A beloved independent toy store filled with creative playthings, crafts, and gifts for kids of all ages

  • Patrick James– Menswear with a focus on refined, California-inspired style

  • Pink Stripes– A local boutique blending trendy fashion with colorful accessories

Dine around the lagoon

While the dining lineup in 2011 was modest in size, it was unmatched in charm—each restaurant thoughtfully positioned around the water, offering an atmosphere few Bay Area shopping centers could rival.

  • Blackhawk Grille– The plaza’s crown jewel of fine dining, perfect for anniversaries, business dinners, or just a long lunch

  • Blackhawk Pizzeria– A long-time favorite, both family-friendly and comforting

  • STOMP! Wine Lounge– A cozy, modern wine bar that brought a little Napa flair to Danville evenings

  • The Prickley Pear Cantina>– A vibrant Mexican eatery known for its margaritas and festive patio

  • Tuttimelon Frozen Yogurt– The frozen yogurt craze was still going strong, and Tuttimelon was a hit for kids and adults alike

Community & culture

At the heart of it all was the Blackhawk Museum, anchoring the plaza not only as a place to shop but as a cultural destination. With its dazzling car collection and rotating exhibits on global history and art, the museum gave the plaza an added sense of purpose—and made every trip feel just a bit more special.

Why this directory matters

The 2011 directory represents a moment in Blackhawk Plaza’s evolution—before retail started shifting rapidly, and before the post-2020 reconfigurations of shopping and dining destinations. It captures a time when shopping centers still offered a complete lifestyle experience: fitness in the morning, errands at lunch, wine at sunset.

If you spent time at Blackhawk Plaza in the 2010s, chances are this map will spark a few memories.

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