I have visited the mall over the last couple of decades and am happy to say it is more thriving than ever. I am waiting on Fridays after Five to start--a weekly free music event. But there are also numerous trendy restaurants and high end shopping. Also some vendors if you want a pair of nice looking but inexpensive sunglasses or a sun hat. It is definitely the place to see and be seen. Make sure you schedule time in for a trip to the mall on your next trip to the vicinity.
http://www.visitcharlottesville.org/listings/?action=display&listingID=337
http://www.visitcharlottesville.org/listings/?action=display&listingID=337