Richmond has a great food scene, the list is endless. Here are some of our favorites, but don't let it stop you from seeing what else you can find! COFFEE / BREAKFAST Blanchards Coffee - Charlotte's favorite coffee <3 Nate's Bagels - Michael's favorite bagels (order online) Sugar Shack Donuts - Local donut shop, cake like donuts with crazy combos Sugar & Twine - Great bakery in Carytown Riverbend - Our favorite Saturday breakfast!! SWEET TREATS: Shyndigz - Our favorite dessert place! So many options and a must visit! Proper Pie - Combination of sweet and savory pies. Utterly delicious - order online! Scoop - One of the best ice cream shops in the US! Voted #26 in 2023! BREWERIES: Hardywood - RVA Classic, great outdoor seating and pizza kitchen Brambly Park - Our favorite, wine scene, big outside space with live music LUNCH / DINNER: City Dogs - Hot dog restaurant Galaxy Diner - Fried everything!! In the heart of Carytown The Village Cafe - Huge menu, in the heart of VCU
RVA has some excellent museums for every age and interest. Here are just a few of our favorites. If none of these catch your fancy, check out google to find loads more in Richmond. VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS: Entirely free and open 365 days a year, the VMFA is one of the best art museums in the nation. It is commonly considered a 'two day' museum, meaning there is a ton to take in here! EDGAR ALLEN POE MUSEUM: Edgar is a special part of our quirky city and people here love him. This museum is the oldest residential home still standing in the city. Edgar himself did NOT live in this home, but had strong ties to the neighborhood, as you may note from the history of the wedding venue itself. SCIENCE MUSEUM OF VIRGINIA: The SMVA is by far our favorite museum in the city. It is family friendly but also extremely fun for those with no kids as well. There is an amazing dome theater, rats playing basketball, and loads of hands on learning opportunities.
The James River runs through the middle of Richmond, and is beloved by all RVA residents for its views, water activities, and the green space to brings to the city. Here are some of the best ways to experience the James River! BELLE ISLE: A very easy way to fully experience the James! On the Isle, you can read about the history and follow the path for an easy nature hike. The hike is about 1.5 miles and loops you back to where you begin. Just off the path you'll be able to access rocks where you can dip into the river or just watch the rapids. CANAL WALK: About a 1.25 mile hike will take you up the canal and features some amazing art. Check out Riverfront Canal Cruises to get signed up for a historically narrated cruise (note: tickets are available 18 hours in advance). RIVERSIDE OUTFITTERS: For the more adventurous, Riverside offers all water spots on the James. Book in advance to try whitewater rafting or tubing adventure!
Carytown is a strip of shops in uptown Richmond. We recommend you start on one end and go all the way. You could easily spend an entire weekend looking through what Carytown has to offer. Here are some of our favorites: FOR THE LOVE OF CHOCOLATE One of the most fun candy stores, features everything from classics to holiday themed to international candy. ONE EYED JACCUES A specialty and niche game store. ASHBY Boutique-like thrift store with all sorts of locally made trinkets sprinkled through. CLOVER Same thing as Ashby (boutique like thrifting) but for children clothes. MONGREL Uncommon cards, gifts and trinkets. SHELF LIFE BOOKS Locally owned bookstore, has a pet cat. WORLD OF MIRTH Probably a whole reason in itself to visit Richmond, this is the coolest toy store ever. PLAN 9 MUSIC New and used music of all varieties.
This is one of Richmond's absolute best features, it's free (though the nature center & mansion tours do have a fee) and a great option for families, but note that children are not required. James & Sallie Dooley were described as 'unusually wealthy' during the Gilded Age of America when they purchased the land they'd turn into Maymont. They owned the property for 32 years before gifting it to the City of Richmond, whom it belongs to today. This gift is one action of many that exemplifies how they used their wealth for the benefit of the public. Maymont is quite large and made up of 3 main parts. MAYMONT ESTATES: Dooley's Mansion (tours available) MAYMONT GARDENS Japanese & Italian Gardens (free) MAYMONT ANIMALS Nature center (admission fee), petting zoo & wildlife habitats (free). View Maymonts website to read more!
Our local minor league baseball game will be at home for the weekend! They're playing Friday night and Sunday afternoon and we can promise you are in for a good time! Tickets available at the link below!
HOTEL GREENE A highfalutin mini golf and lobby bar ... think 'adult mini golf'. Big brunch scene, if you'd like to do brunch and mini golf, make a reservation on their website, otherwise it's walk in only. PLANTHOUSE Imagine Build A Bear, but for plants. Visit the Planthouse website to sign up for a DIY terrarium building time. RVA BIG MARKET We may be biased, but we think this is the best farmers market ever! Loads of local art, amazing brunch opportunities and a great walk through Richmond's Bryan Park. The market is only open on Saturday mornings, from 9am-12pm, and is located at Bryan Park. It is rain or shine.
To include our most sentimental places in the city. Where We Met: VCU Campus, full of quirk and charm. We spent most of our time in the Elementary Education building, but some other favorite spots include the Ram Horns, the Cabell Library Balcony and Monroe Park. 1st Date: Joe's Inn, in the charming neighborhood The Fan. A little Italian restaurant where we sat nearly 6 years ago for the first time together, discussing the idea of a bounce house at our wedding one day (unfortunately, there will not be a bounce house). Our 1st Apartment: 1328 W Cary St, which is also the address of a highly recommended Mexican restaurant, Little Mexico, whom we shared a patio with for 2 years. The Proposal: Libby Hill Park, which holds excellent city views and is in the middle of the neighborhood of our 2nd apartment, Church Hill. Walk over to Riverbend Roastery for a coffee if you find yourself here.