Things To Do
Float the James River!
Assuming water levels are not too high, grab some tubes and float the James River from Huguenot Flatwater to Pony Pasture (make sure you get out at the "portage" sign to walk around the Z Dam - do NOT float over the dam). Or just walk the trails in the park along the river or rock hop at Pony Pasture! Depending on the water height, the float takes 2-3 hours. Don't forget to get an extra tube for your cooler :) If the weather is nice, join Augie and me for a float on Friday!!
Kayak or Raft the James River!
There is a cute little business near our house called Riverside Outfitters that does guided whitewater rafting, paddleboarding, kayaking, and cycling (mountain and road bike) adventures. Highly recommend 10/10! Augie and I have done the kayak tour as beginners and had a great time.
Richmond Sports Teams
We're not sure yet what the 2021 schedule will look like, so check their websites closer to the wedding date. We LOVE going to these games. You're not going to get a top-tier display of sports, but the games are very fun! Soccer: The Richmond Kickers at City Stadium (USL League One) Baseball: The Flying Squirrrels at The Diamond (Minor League Double-A affiliate of the San Franciscio Giants)
Rent a Bike
Riverside Outfitters also rents mountain or road bikes. Richmond is a big cycling city. Mountain bike the Buttermilk Trail or take the road bike out on the Capital Trail.
Brewery/Cidery Hop in Scott's Addition
There is an ABUNDANCE of breweries in Scott's Addition. Street parking available. If you like IPA's we recommend Veil, if you like sours go with Vasen, and if you like a good outdoor vibe with just good beer, go with Ardent or Starr Hill. Augie is a big fan of Buskey Cider; I'm more of a Courthouse Creek Cider fan. Here's a website where you can download a beer trail: https://www.visitrichmondva.com/drink/richmond-beer-trail/
Vineyards
If you're really committed to a day of drinking wine at local vineyards, go to Charlottesville (where Brian lives 1hr away). We do have a city winery called Brambley Park. Or if you don't mind driving ~30 min, Upper Shirley is beautiful. Since you're already a little bit outside of the city, if you go 15 min further, there is a very cute restaurant with a lot of outdoor seating called "Indian Fields Tavern".
Our Favorite Restaurants
The view link is for "Lunch or Supper" which if we HAD to name ONE favorite restaurant, that'd be it. Pre-Covid this is where our Rehearsal Dinner and Welcome Party was going to be. Here's other amazing restaurants, in no particular order, just how they popped into my head: Lunch or Supper - great brunch, lunch, AND dinner: southern-style food Jack Browns - burgers and a plethora of beer Foo Dog - Asian food... drooling at the thought of the Malaysian ramen right now Fat Dragon - Asian food... this is in the running for #1 favorite Helen's - American, great brunch The Grill on Patterson - American, casual Lulu's - American, also a great brunch Kreggers at Hand - Texas/American, also a great brunch (we must brunch a lot) Pizza - PBR, Mellow Mushroom, Belmont, 8 1/2 - depends on what kind of pizza we are craving Stella's - Greek food: make a reservation, this is a very popular spot The Grapevine - Greek, this is near the Weisbrod's house (I worked here in high school) Gelati Celesti
Walking Distance from Hotel
RVA on Wheels - rent a segway and take a tour of Richmond Soccer Bars - catch a game at Penny Lane Pub or Rosie Connolly's 17th Street - walk over to Shockoe Bottom for restaurants/ farmer's market Canal Walk or Pipeline Walkway Walk to the "T Pot" pedestrian bridge and Brown's Island. There normally (pre-Covid) are concerts every Friday night on Brown's Island (Friday Cheers). Once you're on the other side of the river, you can go to Legends Brewery or Basic City Brewery and enjoy a refreshing beverage overlooking the skyline. Walk to the Richmond Capital.
History/Museums
VMFA (admittedly this is my favorite because they have a good happy hour and beautiful grounds to enjoy) Virginia War Memorial Science Museum There are several others that I haven't been to since growing up, but I would recommend Googling "Richmond museums" for a more legit list. Check out RVA on Wheels (segway) for guided historical tours.