Itineraries

Richmond’s Black-owned business scene stands as one of the strongest in the nation. Virginia Public Media highlights that 20% of businesses in the greater Richmond area are Black-owned, positioning the city as an ideal spot for celebrating and supporting Black culture and heritage throughout the year and especially during Black History Month. The city is a treasure trove of culinary delights, ranging from soul food to Ethiopian cuisine, and creative hubs like bookstores, gift shops, and fashion boutiques. These venues offer a wealth of experiences that showcase the vibrant culture and heritage. This is your guide to spending a day in Richmond, engaging with and celebrating the Black community by supporting its businesses.

Begin your day with a warm welcome at Urban Hang Suite, a cozy spot that not only serves up a delicious cup of coffee but also embodies the spirit […]

Since 2010, women have been reframing love in February. No longer is it simply the month of romance reserved for those in relationships, but rather, it’s increasingly for the girls. Galentine’s Day, a day made famous by the television show, Parks and Recreation, is a day (usually February 13) dedicated to celebrating the bonds of friendship between women.  In honor of Galentine’s Day, we’re sharing some of our favorite ways to spend a day with our girls in Richmond.

Niche Pilates

Start your day bright and early by moving your body with purpose. Check out a yoga class at Guiding Tree Yoga, pilates at Niche Pilates, or walk along the river at Brown’s Island.

Planning the perfect date is an opportunity to create memorable moments with your partner, a chance to step away from the routine of daily life to make memories, and a prime opportunity to explore all that Richmond has to offer. The perfect blank canvas for a memorable excursion, Richmond is brimming with unique activities that pair perfectly with Richmond’s local restaurant scene – a winning combination sure to impress your partner, whether it’s your first date or fiftieth. Make it a night, or day, to remember with some of the ideas we’ve included below.

The Tin Pan

The Tin Pan: A High Note

Nestled in the West End near Regency, The Tin Pan is a delightful spot for music lovers. This intimate music venue […]

Winter in Richmond? Yes, it can get pretty nippy, but don’t let that chill put a damper on your fun. Richmond’s got a cozy side that’s just perfect for those who’d rather stay snug indoors when the mercury drops. Continue reading for our picks for top-notch indoor activities that’ll keep your spirits high and your toes toasty.

Bangers and Dinks

Enjoy Indoor Sports and Activities

Just because the temperature drops doesn’t mean your activity level has to. Stay active during the winter by checking out some of Richmond’s indoor sports and activities. Join the pickleball craze at Bangers & Dinks;  go bowling at River City Roll; rise to new heights with indoor rock climbing at Peak Experiences;  join a winter cornhole league at NES Cornhole Lounge; […]

As we welcome 2024 with open arms, the tradition of setting intentions for the new year is as relevant as ever. As always, local Richmond businesses are here to help as you focus on enriching experiences and personal growth in 2024. Here’s a list of intentions that could inspire your journey in the new year:

Run a Race with Richmond Sports Backers: Engage your competitive spirit and challenge yourself physically by participating in a race. From the marathon to the 5k, Richmond Sports Backers offers events for all levels, so choose one that suits you and start training.

Take Golf Lessons at Independence Golf Club: Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your swing, golf lessons at Independence Golf Club, a local public course, can be a peaceful way to spend time outdoors and learn a lifelong sport.

Join a Team at […]

For a magical fusion of festive cheer, unparalleled local shopping, and elevated dining experiences, Richmond’s Carytown neighborhood has held its place as a beloved destination for decades. Affectionately known as the “mile of style,” Carytown’s allure extends across nine walkable city blocks, providing both locals and visitors with an ideal setting for holiday gift hunting, festive dining, and the timeless merriment of marveling at enchanting holiday window displays.

While Carytown shines year-round, during the holidays, it truly sparkles, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for revelers due in no small part to the number of seasonal events and pop-ups found along its charming streets. Here are a few can’t-miss holiday events that are sure to help make the season bright.

Holiday Decoration Contest

Carytown

Through December

Miracle on Cary Pop-Up

at The Jasper

Through December

DIY Christmas Wreaths

at Sen Organic

Through December

Letters to Santa

at Merrymaker Fine Paper

Through […]

Richmond shines brightest during the holiday season. With its mesmerizing holiday light displays and cherished traditions deeply rooted in generations past, there’s an unmistakable magic that transforms the city, making Richmond an incomparable destination for holiday festivities.  While many of these traditions are in no small part thanks to beloved local businesses, we’ve taken the opportunity to pair many of Richmond’s favorites with nearby businesses should you find yourself in need of a bite to eat while out and about enjoying the holidays.

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Through January 7

Experience the magic of the holiday season with millions of sparkling lights, enchanting botanical decorations, and charming holiday trains at this […]

It’s officially back to school season, and for thousands of freshmen, that means relocating to a new city and finding new spaces and places that feel like home. With so many great universities in the Richmond region, we’ve put together a quick start list featuring everything from local coffee shops to where to go when Mom and Dad are footing the bill or when you ace an exam to help students (and visiting parents) get acclimated with some of our local favorites.

What are you hoping to do in 2024? We’ve put together the ultimate Find Your Happier Place Bucket List to help you check off all the places in Richmond you’ve been meaning to try out, and those you didn’t even know you needed to- perfect for making 2024 the best RVA year yet!

• Watch a movie at The Byrd on a Saturday night (when the organist plays before the show)
• Have a picnic at Maymont
  • Try Homemades by Suzanne if you don’t want to make your own
• Rent a pedal boat at Byrd Park
  • Take along a coffee from

There’s nothing quite like a night at the theatre, and with its vibrant theatre scene and a plethora of venues to choose from, including Altria, November Theatre, Triangle Players, and The New Theatre at Firehouse, Richmond offers an unforgettable experience for theatre enthusiasts. Nothing completes a night out like dinner and drinks at a local business. Grab your tickets and continue reading for tips on where to eat and drink before or after a performance at a Richmond theatre.

Altria Theater

The iconic Altria Theater serves as the grande dame of Richmond’s theater scene. With its stunning architecture and rich history dating back to 1927, this venue has hosted countless Broadway shows, concerts, and other live performances.

Local Dining and Drinks Close to Altria: Given Altria’s location on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, most nearby spots are college student-friendly, but just a stone’s […]

From soaring through the treetops on a zipline to exploring hidden treasures on a scavenger hunt, Richmond is the perfect playground for anyone looking to opt outside this summer. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a local looking for fun staycation ideas, we’ve rounded up six activities that will keep you moving and exploring in Richmond all summer long.

Ziplining and Challenge Courses

At Canopy Adventure Park you can choose your own adventure at this extensive park offering four challenging courses to choose from complete with 10 zip lines and some of the toughest obstacles in Virginia. Guests have 2.5 hours to complete one or all of the courses of their choosing. The Treetop Zoofari and Adventure Park at Metro Richmond Zoo offers guests the opportunity to travel via zipline across 3,000’ of parkland, past animals including Tapirs, Toucans, Kangaroos, […]

Let’s play ball! The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and Richmond’s beloved Flying Squirrels are back in town! While we know that sometimes nothing hits quite like stadium food (did we mention this year they are serving hot dogs on giant pickles?!) when you’re at the game, if you’re looking to make a day, or night, of it and grab dinner or drinks at a local restaurant before or after the game, we’ve rounded up some great spots close to The Diamond.

First things first, if you’re headed to The Diamond, the Flying Squirrels have partnered with several locally-owned beverage favorites to bring guests co-branded drinks, including the Cherry Lime Drive from Belle Isle Moonshine, Feelin’ Squirrelly White Wine from New Kent Winery and the Richmond Rally Cap Grapefruit Shandy from Center of the Universe Brewing Company.

Dining Options:

Virginia is for (garden) lovers, and every spring Richmond blooms with bright bursts of vibrant colors sprinkled across the city that beckon to garden and flower enthusiasts throughout the season, but especially during the Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, held annually each April. For those who love to get their hands dirty, or prefer to enjoy the fruits of others’ labors, Richmond is ripe with locally owned places to shop and visit this spring. Read on for seven places to enjoy the gardens of Richmond.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens: A must for any garden-lover, Lewis Ginter Botanical gardens features 50 acres of gardens, dining, and shopping as well as themed areas, including a Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Asian Valley, and Cherry Tree […]

It’s that time of year when everyone is looking for the perfect date night or day idea. Whether you’re searching for the perfect way to spend an evening with your special Valentine or Galentine’s Day is more your style, we’ve put together four itineraries to help get you started with a little help from some of your favorite locally owned Richmond businesses.

The Byrd Theatre

Dinner and a Movie, but Make it Local

Head to one of Richmond’s most charming and locally owned business-dense, neighborhoods for a local iteration of dinner at a movie. Depending on your tastes, start the evening with dinner at The Daily Kitchen & Bar, Burger Bach, or Can Can Brasserie, then catch a movie at The Byrd Theatre, Virginia’s Grand Movie Palace built in […]

What’s old is new again. Whether you’re a fan of the grandmillenial trend, upcycling, or appreciate the unmatched craftsmanship of yesteryear, antique and second-hand shops are having a bit of a moment these days. Whether you’re looking to spend the day browsing for fun or are on the hunt for that one unicorn piece, here are our picks for a day of antiquing in the Richmond area.

Class and Trash

Class and Trash: A true treasure-hunting experience, Class and Trash offers a unique blend of vintage and modern, with a little rustic for good measure. (Scott’s Addition and Ashland)

Jujubees: With a little bit of everything, this consignment, antique, and gift shop is a treasure chest of surprises. (Lakeside)

Metro Modern: From furnishings to lighting, to artwork, Metro Modern […]

The Richmond Arts District, which stretches from the Institute for Contemporary Art at Belvidere and Broad, down through the Jackson and Monroe Ward neighborhoods, is a bastion of creativity in the heart of downtown Richmond. Anchored by an impressive collection of theaters, art galleries, libraries, and museums, the area also boasts an eclectic array of locally owned restaurants and shops.

The Arts District is also home to the First Fridays Art Walk. Held the first Friday of every month, galleries and shops stay open late, encouraging visitors to wander the area and enjoy street performances, live music, and special deals. Interested in spending a day strolling one of Richmond’s oldest retail districts? Check out our can’t-miss stops!

But first, coffee…

You’ll need caffeine to power you through the day, so make your first stop at Richmond’s first social café for a cup of java […]

Whether you’re looking for something to get out of the house alone or still entertaining some lingering out of town visitors, we’ve got five activities to check out to keep you entertained through the January doldrums.

Enjoy the Last of the Lights: The Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages. Enjoy hot chocolate and a leisurely stroll while taking in the millions of festive lights. The last day to see the light display is January 8 this year.

Take on an Escape Adventure: Follow the clues to escape from one of three themed escape rooms at Escape Room RVA– voted Best Escape Room by Richmond Magazine. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Rent a Yurt: Rent a heated yurt at Brambly Park, Richmond’s urban winery set in a family-friendly park-like […]

‘Tis the season for merriment and festivity, and if there’s one thing Richmond does well, it’s decking the halls. From pop-up markets to tacky lights extravaganzas, boat parades, and Santa visits, there’s no shortage of festive ways to kick off the season. Read on for a few we’re looking forward to this year that allow us to get in the holiday spirit while checking a few names off of our list!

Santa’s Cocktail Shop and Mystic Markets Holiday Sip and Shop

Thursday, December 8, 5-9pm, December 17, 1-6pm

Cirrus Vodka

Check out Santa’s Cocktail Shop of merry drinks at Cirrus Vodka featuring four holiday-themed drinks while shopping at Mystic Markets’ Holiday Sip and Shop. The shopping event is limited to select dates, but Santa’s Cocktail Shop will be popping up Thursday-Sunday through January 1.

Breakfast with Santa and a Trolley Ride

Saturday, December 10, 8-10am

Westwood Fountain

Kick […]

The holidays are a time for gathering with those we love and creating memories and traditions, but for many, there’s the additional stress of having to prepare an exceptional meal, complete with multiple courses and side dishes. This year, a nationwide turkey shortage is adding an additional stressor, but local businesses and restaurants are stepping up and offering pre-order meals, with and without turkey. Here are five local businesses from whom you can pre-order a Thanksgiving feast, stress-free.

Groovin’ Gourmets:
Smoked Turkey Holiday Package serves 6-8 people and includes a whole, Smoked Turkey as well as a variety of salad and side items. They also offer an extensive selection of a la carte items, including a turkey.

JewFro:
This year JewFro is offering a choice of their Modern Classic Thanksgiving Dinner package with Roast Turkey and Tabil Gravy or for those looking […]

The Grow RVA Saturday Morning farmers market has always been one of the most popular markets in the area. Filled with small businesses from bakers to artisans, food trucks to flower farms, the market is open year-round and a great way to spend a Saturday morning. During the pandemic the market made the leap from Forest Hill Park to Bryan Park in Richmond’s Lakeside neighborhood, and many market enthusiasts found themselves in a new part of town for the first time. If you’re looking for ways to make a day out of Lakeside, we’ve put together some of our favorite local businesses in the area.  

Sb’s Lakeside Loveshack. Image via SB’s Lakeside Loveshack.

SB’s Lakeside Loveshack
Ask nearly any Facebook food group where to get the […]