Clifton Forge, VA (Sept. 5, 2026)— At 10:00 a.m. this morning, Five Sides proudly debuted French Row, the newest section of the building located at 511 Main Street in Clifton Forge. The Journal arrived around lunchtime and, we admit, we were blown away by the attention to detail which clearly went into creating the French-themed portion of Five Sides.
Entering the doorway, one is greeted by gray flooring, a working, five-foot tall and three-tiered water fountain, and strings of lights overhead. That's not all. Kristin McConnell, the owner of the Five Sides building, has created a unique, rustic section of the space that makes one feel as though they have stepped into a quaint little French town.
Walking in, it's as though you're in the center of that town, ready to go door-to-door shopping in your favorite stores. It even has several outdoor tables and chairs, awnings and signs above the doorways, French-inspired lights and light fixtures, faux stone walls outside the shops, and even little windows peering into them to complete the remarkable illusion.
Currently, only Hodge Podge is open in Five Sides, but Grown Up (where one can get produce year-round), the wine and cheese vault, Sweetest Side of Grown Up, and the Ramen Room are all coming soon to Five Sides. For more information on these stores and their potential opening dates, check out the Journal's recent article "Fresh Wave of Retail Coming to Five Sides" located here: https://www.alleghanyjournal.com/aj_article.php?ndx=26960. |  | Five Sides owner, Kristin McConnell (left), and Stores Manager, Debbie Laudermilk, paused for a photo-op with the Journal during our visit to French Row this afternoon.
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