Melissa Renae & Joel Patrick
Things To Do
For the Food & Beverage Connoisseur
ZZQ – Voted best BBQ in Virginia multiple years in a row. You Texans (current & former) may be skeptical but they send their pitmasters to Franklin’s in Austin so we promise it won’t disappoint. Open from 11AM-6PM daily and we recommend going early as they often sell out. $ En Su Boca – Our favorite place in the city for tacos and margaritas. Her choice – Jalapeno Margarita; His choice – Bestest Margarita. $ Beauvine Burger Concept – If you’re looking to get your burger fix Beauvine ranks supreme. Their truffle parmesan fries won’t disappoint either. $ Perly’s – Less than a half mile from the Jefferson Hotel this Jewish Delicatessen was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. A perfect spot for lunch. $
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Julep’s – Where we celebrated our first Valentines. Serving a traditional southern cuisine this is a great place for dinner. Bonus points for being walking distance from the Jefferson Hotel. $$ Rappahannock – If you are wanting to indulge in great seafood, Rappahannock is the place for you. Another restaurant only a short walk from the Jefferson Hotel. $$ Stella’s – A Richmond staple that originally opened its doors in 1983 and is named after the woman who created most of the Greek inspired recipes from Trikala, Greece. Reservations recommended. $$ L’Opossum – Our absolute favorite place to celebrate special occasions and our pick for best restaurant in Richmond. Reservations required, books months in advance. $$$
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Scott’s Addition Breweries (Starr Hill, The Veil, Vassen, Ardent, etc.) – If craft beer is your thing, then Scott’s Addition is a must. With over 10 breweries, most within walking distance of one another, this is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Brambly Park – If beer isn’t your thing and you find yourself in the Scott’s Addition neighborhood, I recommend Brambly Park. Known for its wine, it also has a full cocktail bar, delicious wood-fire pizzas, and a sprawling outdoor area that is perfect for a nice day. Triple Crossing Beer (Downtown) – Less than half a mile from the Jefferson Hotel this brewery is home to Melissa’s favorite beer, Falcon Smash! Be careful though, that 8% alcohol content will really sneak up on you.
For the Outdoor Enthusiast
Belle Isle – A small island located in the middle of the city. For a quick escape from downtown cross over the pedestrian bridge located off of Tredegar Street and explore the 54-acre island. Access available from sunrise to sunset. Brown’s Island/Canal Walk – A short distance from the Jefferson Hotel, this waterfront walk will take you along the James River through Downtown Richmond. Buttermilk/North Bank Trail – If you are looking to get a good hike in that offers great views of the city, we recommend the Buttermilk/North Bank trail that is roughly a 6-mile loop. You can hop on the trail at the start of the Belle Isle pedestrian bridge. For something shorter you can just explore the island of Belle Isle. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens – Offers year-round beauty on a historic property with an 82-acre garden, with 4 lakes, 5,700 unique taxa of plants within 15 distinct outdoor gardens.
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Capital Trail – A 50-mile paved bike trail that runs from Downtown Richmond to Historic Williamsburg along the James River. If you prefer a relaxing cruise rather than an avid workout e-bikes are available for rent. Nestled near mile marker 30 on the trail is Upper Shirley Vineyards, which is where we got engaged. Of course, that was after a 25-mile bike ride, Joel really made me work for it! Libby Hill Park – This park sits above the city in the neighborhood of Church Hill. It has spectacular views of the James River and amazing sunsets, which is why we chose it for our private ceremony. Feel free to check out the park over the weekend to see where we will be saying “I do”.
For the History/Art Buff
Hollywood Cemetery – You’re thinking this has to be a typo, right?! This cemetery is home to many past presidents and notable figures. It also sits alongside the James River and is absolutely beautiful. One of the coolest things we have done was taking a guided Segway tour through the cemetery. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Opening in 1936 it is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. The grounds are as beautiful as the artwork inside. This is a common gathering place for city dwellers to enjoy dinner and a bottle of wine picnic style. Virginia Museum of History & Culture - Located two buildings over from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts this museum was founded in 1831 and is a major repository for Virginia history. Learn about 16,000 years of Virginia history through objects, historical articles, and videos.
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Virginia War Memorial – A beautiful memorial honoring Virginia’s fallen veterans. Located on a hilltop over looking Downtown Richmond and the James River. Maymont – A 100-acre historic estate and park located on the banks of the James River. Stroll through the gardens and arboretum or tour the beautiful estate. The Poe Museum – Richmond was where Edgar Allen Poe spent his childhood and thus home to the Poe Museum. Started by a collector and researcher of his work this museum was established in 1906.
For the Fierce Competitor
Hotel Greene – Check in at the reception desk and grab a drink at the lobby bar before playing the 13-hole miniature golf course that goes through a hotel. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Approximately half a mile from the Jefferson Hotel. Bingo Brewery – Also located in Scott’s Addition, Bingo has a full cocktail bar along with its own beer that you can sip while you play your favorite arcade games. Think Dave & Buster’s but better! Slingshot – Home to duckpin bowling, bocce ball, and superskee. This is a great place for a little friendly competition. It is a larger venue, which is great for bigger groups. River City Roll – A boutique bowling alley with live music most Friday nights. The southern chicken biscuit really gives Chick-fil-A a run for their money.