The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is free to visitors and offers a little bit of everything! You'll find everything from ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art (there's even a mummy) to modern art here! One of our favorite things to do is go to the VMFA on Friday nights. The museum stays open late and you'll find many Richmonders outside picnicking on the lawn. The museum cafe sells wine, beer, charcuterie, and more but you can also bring your own food/drinks for outside!
Brown's Island is a waterfront park where we love walking around and enjoying the views of the James River. It just so happens that October 10-12th, Richmond Folk Festival will be taking place on Brown's Island. Richmond Folk Festival is a free event that brings musicians and dance artists from around the world to showcase their country's folk arts. Enjoy talented performers, craft vendors, food, and drinks at the festival on Brown's Island. While on Brown's Island, be sure to walk the T Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge. This pedestrian bridge crosses the James River, and offers gorgeous views of the River and City. The bridge also commemorates the fall of Richmond to the Union Army in April 1865 during the Civil War. You'll find informational signs, quotes, and pictures around the bridge that recall the dramatic three days where the Union Army marched into Richmond and ultimately lead to the surrender of the Confederates one week later - ending the Civil War.
If you're a big fan or literature or just looking to do something spooky for October, the Poe Museum is for you!
Perly's is a Jewish restaurant in Downtown Richmond open for breakfast and lunch. Perly's has been featured in Refinery 29 for Best Brunch Spots in the US, the Washington Post, and Style Weekly and has won many local and statewide awards. The food is delicious and we recommend getting there a few minutes before they open to get a table without having to wait!
We love heading to Scoop with Kira, getting ice cream, and walking through The Fan - one of Richmond's prettiest neighborhoods. The brown butter chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream is Christina's favorite and Dean loves the salty peanut ice cream. Scoop is ranked #26 on Yelp's Top 100 Ice Cream Shops in the US!
Christina's favorite coffee shop in Richmond ;) Ironclad makes seasonal coffees and teas with homemade syrups. Their flavors are creative and go beyond the basic vanilla or caramel latte. Don't miss their baked goods! All pastries are made in house and we haven't had a bad one yet.
Blanchard's is a staple of the Richmond coffee scene. You'll find locally roasted coffee beans, house made syrups, seasonal beverages, and just an overall good cup of coffee here. There's multiple Blanchard's locations throughout Richmond so take a look on Google Maps/Apple Maps before visiting.
An English pub located in downtown Richmond with good beer and a comfortable atmosphere. You'll also find the premier league games on TV here. A note/warning for our friends from England - this pub supports Liverpool ;)
A local favorite for drinks, comfort food, and tapas! Within walking distance of the Jefferson/Mariott
A local favorite for upscale southern comfort food
A local Greek spot for coffee, prepared foods, desserts, and snacks!