Carolyn & Frederick
Things To Do
Sub Rosa Bakery
One of our absolute favorite spots in Richmond! Sub Rosa bakery makes all of their bread and pastries in a wood-fired oven with grains processed in their own stone mill. You can walk in any day and get loaves of bread fresh out of the oven!
Belle Isle
Belle Isle is a beautiful escape from the city while staying right in the heart of it. Accessed by foot bridge across the James River, it has miles of waking paths, beautiful spots to sit and enjoy the view of the city, and even places to wade out into the river and sun bathe on the rocks.
RVA Big Market
Our favorite farmer's market! You'll often find us here getting some breakfast on a Saturday morning while stocking up on fresh produce from local farms. Open 8a-12p on Saturdays in Bryan Park.
Perly's
The best brunch (and corned beef hash) in Richmond! They don't take reservations so be prepared for a wait, but it's more than worth it if you ask us.
Libby Hill Park
Just a short walk from St. Patrick’s, Libby Hill Park is one of our favorite places in the city. We came here on one of our first dates, and now we stop in almost any time we’re nearby. There are lots of benches and a few picnic tables, and an amazing view of the city, overlooking the James River and an old Lucky Strike factory. (This is also where we got engaged! 💍)
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Explore more than 5,000 years of art from around the world at Richmond's art museum, the VMFA. Collections range from East Asian Art, to art deco furniture, to Russian Faberge eggs, to Modern and Contemporary Art, to name a few. And the best part? General admission is free!
SB's Lakeside Love Shack
We discovered this neighborhood gem when I moved to Lakeside, and it has become one of our favorite brunch spots (can you tell we like brunch?). Although small in square footage, Lakeside Loveshack's personality is anything but. The food is delicious (try their cinnamon bun!) and the staff incredibly welcoming.
Maymont
Maymont is a 100-acre Victorian estate, once a private residence but now open to the public. It contains Maymont Mansion, now a historic house museum, an arboretum, formal gardens, a carriage collection, native wildlife exhibits, a nature center, and Children's Farm. It’s a beautiful place to spend some time walking or sitting down on a park bench. The Japanese and Italian gardens are personal favorites of ours!
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a beautiful, relaxing place to spend some time exploring. There is a visitors center and a large walk-through greenhouse, but the majority of the garden is out in the open. There are some beautifully scenic spots on the water and some winding paths cutting through the plant life.
Scott's Addition Historic District
Scott’s addition is an old industrial center that has been revitalized by breweries and restaurants that have taken up residence in the old warehouse spaces. Most of the breweries have patios to sit on while sampling the offerings on hand, and some will have food trucks nearby in case you want something a little more substantial than what’s on the menu. A few of our favorite spots are Ardent brewery, Stella’s Market, Blue Bee Cider, and Gelati Celesti ice cream.
Proper Pie Co.
Literally around the corner from St. Patrick’s, it’s hard for us to resist stopping into this local pie shop for brunch after Mass. Here you’ll find delicious freshly baked New Zealand-inspired savory and sweet pies.
Science Museum of Virginia
The Science Museum of Virginia is housed in the old Broad Street train station, which serviced Richmond from 1917 to 1975. The science museum has exhibits on space flight, natural sciences, robotics, and more. Two fun areas to stop by are the old train yard behind the museum, which houses a collection of locomotives and luxury carriages, and the main hall, which houses an SR-71 “Blackbird” supersonic plane. There are also parts of the museum designed more specifically for children, with more hands-on exhibits.