I am crazy about Richmond, Virginia. I think you will be too!
The capital city of Virginia is not only a historical destination but a wonderful place to explore the outdoors, dine, and shop.
Richmond is famous for donuts, coffee shops, Southern cuisine, street art, outdoor trails, Christmas lights, magnificent architecture, and cool shopping.
Richmond locals will make you feel right at home. I love the Southern hospitality and the mouth-watering Southern cuisine.
My Richmond travel guide includes the top must-do things to plan your next visit.
What are some of your favorite places to visit in Richmond? Leave your responses in the comment section.
EATS
Tarrant’s Cafe is my favorite restaurant in Richmond. It is not just a meal but an experience. I recommend the Shrimp and Grits or She crab soup. *V *GF
Brenner Pass brings the flavors of the alps to the plate. You will likely need a reservation.
The Roosevelt is a highly acclaimed restaurant in Richmond. I really like the dessert menu featuring coca cola cake, peanut butter pie, foie gras pound cake, and nutella gelato.
Proper Pie Co. brings the New Zealand-style savory pie to RVA. The menu changes daily. V*
Stella’s is the best Greek restaurant in RVA.
Julep’s is a romantic Southern inspired upscale restaurant. Perfect for a date night. Very romantic atmosphere.
Dots Back Inn serves diner classics in a vintage themed café and featured on Diners, Drive Inns, and Dives.
Impanima is the best Vegetarian restaurant in RVA. *V *GF
Buz and Ned’s is the famous barbecue joint featured on Throwdown with Bobby Flay. Pick up some of the famous barbecue sauce for a souvenir or gift. *GF
Kuba Kuba is a Cuban-Spanish restaurant featured on the Food Network. The Picadillo Empanadas and Tres Leches Cake are popular menu times.
8 1/2 is a delicious take out Italian restaurant.
Daily Kitchen serves organic fare. *GF *V
Sally Bell’s Kitchen is a Richmond institution. It is a lunch box menu and bakery. Inside each box you’ll find a sandwich (pimento cheese is popular) on fresh bread; a cup of creamy potato salad topped with a pickle chip; a cheese biscuit; a deviled egg; and—the prize—an upside-down cupcake, frosting covering the sides and bottom. Perfect for a picnic at one of Richmond’s outdoor parks.
Coppola’s Deli is a popular lunch spot serving N.Y. style deli sandwiches.
Urban Farmhouse Market and Cafe is a coffee shop and farm to table restaurant. *V *GF
Lulu’s is an eclectic restaurant in an old warehouse. The mac and cheese is a popular dish on the menu.
Millie’s is a Richmond brunch staple. Arrive early to avoid long lines or try the lunch menu weekdays. *GF
Mama J’s is a soul food diner. Chef Velma Johnson makes the most superb catfish nuggets, yams, and incredible, pork-free, vegetarian collard greens. *V
Edo’s Squid is a fancy Italian hot spot. *GF
Burger Bach is a New Zealand inspired burger pub.
MARKETS
South of James Market is the best farmer’s market in RVA on Saturday mornings.
Elwood Thompson’s is an organic grocery store. The juice bar is popular. *GF *V
SWEETS
WP Bakery is a little gem serving pastries, pies, cookies, and other treats. Lots of vegan and gluten-free options. The only bakery offering gluten-free donuts in town. *GF *V
Pearl’s Cupcake Shop is the best cupcake shop in RVA.
Sugar Shack Donuts is one of the best donut shops in the country.
Shydigz is an adorable dessert café. Great for after dinner desserts and a hot toddy.
Sub Rosa Bakery is an authentic French bakery. The chocolate croissants are popular.
For the Love of Chocolate is a candy shop.
Country Style Donuts is an old fashion donut shop open 24 hours. Locals from all over the state visit the shop.
Mrs. Yodar’s Family Donuts is a family run donut food truck. The sourdough donut is the most popular.
DRINK
Black Hand Coffee is a no frills coffee shop serving a good cup of joe.
Sugar & Twine is a coffee shop and bakery in Cary Town.
Alchemy Coffee makes the best lattes and cappuccinos.
Rostov’s Coffee and Tea is the oldest coffee and tea shop in town. They roast their own beans and offer a huge assortment of teas.
Lamplighter Coffee is known for their cold pressed drinks.
Lift Coffee is the cutest coffee shop.
Lemaire’s is a fancy restaurant in the historic Jefferson Hotel. The Jefferson Julep is the signature beverage. You will feel like a Southern Belle in this hotel with the Gone With the Wind style staircase.
Maple & Pine has really good cocktails.
SEE
Virginia State Capitol is a great spot for photographs. Don’t miss the statue of George Washington.
Maymont is a 100 acre Victorian estate and public park. You can spend an entire day here strolling the gardens and other activities. Children love the petting zoo. Great for photographers. Lovely spot for a picnic.
Edgar Allan Poe Museum is popular for literature enthusiasts. The museum features Poe’s manuscripts, letters, first editions, memorabilia, pictures, relics, and personal belongings.
Virginia War Memorial honors Virginia veterans of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War.
Virginia Holocaust Museum includes an exhibition about the family story of Holocaust survivor Jay M. Ipson.
St. John’s Church is where Patrick Henry gave his closing speech at the Second Virginia Conventions with the famous quotation “give me liberty or give me death.”
Children’s Museum of Richmond is great for the little ones.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts houses a permanent collection of American Impressionists.
Lewis Bitner Botantical Gardens is one of the top botanical gardens in the country. Don’t miss the Garden Fest Holiday of Lights.
Hollywood Cemetery sounds creepy but provides the best view of the James River and city of Richmond.
DO
Carytown is a funky street nicknamed “Mile of Style” where you can dine and shop.
Modern Richmond Tour features architectural tours each month.
Richmond Canal Cruise on the James River is a 40 minute boat ride with a tour guide discussing Richmond history.
Byrd Theater is popular for $2 second run movies.
Brown’s Island is a hot spot for Richmond festival and music events.
First Fridays RVA is a monthly art stroll.
Greenleaf’s Pool Hall is a fancy pool hall open late.
The Camel is a live music venue serving food and drinks.
Richmond Food Tour includes a walking tour of Richmond neighborhoods that includes food sampling.
Richmond’s Craft and Design Show is a great event for Christmas shopping held annually in November.
SHOP
Sweet Clementine is a designer women’s consignment boutique.
Mongrel is a quirky card and gift shop.
Na Nin is a women’s vintage clothing boutique.
Izzie’s is a home decor and furniture consignment shop.
Ledbury is a stylish men’s shop selling well-fitted and high quality shirts.
Fab’rik is a women’s boutique selling trendy clothing at affordable prices.
Need Supply is the best place to buy denim.
Ashby is a consignment shop for hip used clothing.
Glass Boat is a locally owned boutique similar to Anthropology.
Traveling Chic Boutique is a contemporary women’s fashion boutique.
Shockoe Denim sells jeans made by hand in the store.
Diversity Thrift is the largest used clothing and home goods store in Richmond.
By Gones is one the best vintage boutiques in RVA.
Roan is a luxury women’s boutique.
U Fab is the top fabric store in the state. Check out the bargain remnants.
Fountain Bookstore is an independent bookstore.
World of Mirth is a toy store for kids of all ages.
MOVE
James River Park features a rock climbing wall.
Riverside Outfitters offers white water rafting excursions.
Virginia Capitol Trail is a 13 mile trail for running, walking, and biking.
Liberty Trail is a 6.2 self guided trail featuring 15 National Historic Landmarks.
Belle Isle is a 54 acre park to walk, jog, or bike.
Pony Pasture is one of Richmond’s most popular spots for sunbathing on the large granite boulders.
STAY
Jefferson Hotel is an elegant upscale hotel.
Quirk Hotel is an art deco hotel.
Berkeley Hotel is a classic hotel offering traditional accommodations.
North Bend Plantation is a charming bed and breakfast. You can also tour the home and grounds.
Linden Row Inn is a boutique hotel composed of seven adjoining nineteenth-century townhouses.
What are some of your favorite places to visit in Richmond? Leave your responses in the comment section.