Itineraries

One of the best things about Richmond is that there are so many surrounding areas that aren’t technically Richmond but are perfect for weekend adventures and day trips. Ashland, Virginia is one such place. 

Located about 20 minutes from downtown Richmond, Ashland is a picture-perfect small town, which originally began as a resort for Richmonders and later developed around a railroad station during rail travel’s heyday. The train tracks run right through downtown which always makes things just a little more exciting, especially for kids. You can also usually hop on an Amtrak from Richmond to Ashland for less than $15. 

Given its beginnings, it’s no surprise that a train track is intertwined throughout the town and is a common theme. North Railroad Avenue features ample public parking and cute storefronts to stroll along while waiting […]

This week we are teaming up with one of Richmond’s greatest local ambassadors, known worldwide, and local business owner, Kelli Lemon, to join her on a day in the life. Follow along…

She kicks things off by taking us by her own spot, the Urban Hang Suite – Richmond’s only Social Cafe nested in the eclectic mix of the Arts District, Downtown, and Jackson Ward Communities!

Then she heads over to one of her day jobs (yes, that’s plural – she STAYS busy) at Richmond Times-Dispatch where she gets to work on bringing RVA the latest news in the A1 Minute. This is also where we usually get a “Good Morning Humans!” update on life & […]

One thing about a drag performer’s birthday: we are going to milk that sucker for every dollar it’s worth. My name is Chicki Parm and I am a local drag performer here in Richmond, and I’m coincidentally typing this blog post on my birthday. I thought it would be fun to share what a working drag performer in the city’s schedule might look like, especially when trying to cram as many gigs as possible in the days surrounding a birthday! Here’s what my week looked like, with expanded descriptions for most of the shows.

Guest blog by @Chickiparm 

SATURDAY 8/13

Equality VA Dinner at the Richmond Convention Center

Extra Cheese at Fallout – This was my big birthday blowout. Extra Cheese was a monthly show I had for five years and had included my big birthday show for […]

Guest blog by Megan Wilson of Sweet Sauce Blog

The Richmond region is home to thousands of locally owned businesses. You can really find anything you dream of having in your home or your closet. After more than 15 years, I’ve visited many of them. They all deserve a visit and some of your time to explore what magic they have inside.

In honor of all this local love, I’ve put together some of my favorites to guide you through shopping local here in Richmond.

Clothing Boutiques 

If there’s one thing Richmond has, it’s style. I’ve traveled the world and I still find myself recommending Richmond area boutiques for friends to discover the latest trends and also find some unexpected flavor for your next outfit. I styled and wrote […]

Happiness means balancing everything from social life, solo time to recharge, home cooking, eating out, dranks, nights out, nights in, fitness, and rest. But when it comes to venturing out, which she loves to do, she chooses to do it…locally! Not only is it important to support local from an economic perspective but also, your body appreciates things with less preservatives and seasonal food (ie. It’s more nutritious AND tastes better!) So let’s dive into a “week in the life” of Katie Brown, Real Food with Gratitude 

Guest blog by @RealFoodwithGratitude

all photos credited to @realfoodwithgratitude

You can find her anywhere from teaching barre classes at local clubs/taking yoga and barre classes at local boutique studios, boxing her heart out at 9round Boxing Gym, […]

Follow @miss_elaine_neous for all the 804-day specials!

This week we teamed up with @RVAFoodFest to find their happier places in RVA. Follow along for a day in the life…

Guest blog by @RVAFoodFest

I like to head to St. Stephen’s Farmers Market to kick off my Saturday. Don’t miss some of my favorite local finds! Berries from Agriberry, fresh pasta from Chef Laine Myers of Oro, flowers from Prospect Hills Flower Farm, and fluffy English muffins from Saltncinnamon Microbakery. The real bonus is that it is easy to park or ride my bike and the crowd is a manageable size to navigate.

After that, I love putzing around my neighborhood, Scott’s Addition. Afterglow Coffee Cooperative is the perfect place for an afternoon pick-me-up. Afterglow is Richmond’s first worker-owned coffee roaster and café. […]

We teamed up with RVA Happy Hours to bring you a list of some of the hottest happy hours in RVA.

Happy hour is a great way to try the RVA Dine scene without breaking the bank. RVAHappyHours.com is Richmond’s go-to source for happy hour information. Here are some top happy hours people are searching for on the site.

1. Yaya’s Cookbook – An Asian fusion restaurant in Short Pump that feels like you’re entering a jungle when you step inside. Happy hour is every day of the week from 3-6:30 p.m. More info here.

2. The Boathouse at Rockett’s Landing – An upscale seafood restaurant overlooking the James River. Happy hour is Monday-Friday from 4-6 p.m. More info here.

3. 3 Monkeys – An […]

Looking for a special family date? Friends in town for the day? Richmond is filled with fun for all ages, and I’ve got all the details on how to spend a day in the city with kids in tow.

Here are three family friendly itineraries to enjoy all that Richmond has to offer. 

Guest Blog by: Megan Ariail, @thewestendmom 

For families who love things that go:

This kid-friendly itinerary features Richmond history, and the highlight is all the big machines: trains and boats!

Main Street Station: This historic train station is a must-visit for little ones & big kids. While it opened in 1901, Main Street Station got a major expansion in 2017 & now it has an official Welcome Center for tourists on the first floor! It’s free […]

Have you seen the rise in pop-ups? These events gained momentum during 2020 when non-brick and mortar concepts wanted a safe, outdoor opportunity to give Richmond a taste of who they are. Pop-up spaces host anything from food to music to artisan-based events. For the local Richmonder, it’s a chance to experience something new. The energy and camaraderie are contagious. Now, where to start?

Guest blog by @miss_elaine_neous

RICHMOND POP UPS to watch for:

@ororva x @twofiretable – Between the execution and eats presented at this community-style dinner pop-up, this was an elite event. Chef Laine of Oro has homemade pasta you didn’t know existed. While Two Fire Table (from Scottsville) is excited to heat things up in Richmond with their over-the-fire dining experience! […]

The airports may be a disaster right now, but Richmond area businesses have plenty of flights to keep you happy on the ground this summer. While beer flights have long been commonplace in craft breweries, allowing guests to try a selection of brews before, or instead of, committing to a full-size portion, more and more local Richmond area restaurants and cafes are getting in on the game, offering guests the option of trying a selection of items – way beyond beer. Check out five restaurants sweetening up flights without hops or barley. 

Image via Ruby Scoops Instagram

If there’s one place decision paralysis truly rears its ugly head it’s while standing in front of an ice cream freezing staring down at the multi-colored tubs of goodness. Local […]

Over the years, Richmond has established itself as a mecca for two things: history and beer lovers. But what many might not know, is that the River City actually made history for beer. In 1935 the Krueger Brewing Company created the very first beer can in Richmond, thus changing the way beer was packaged forever.

Today, Richmond is home to more than 30 craft breweries and cideries. To put it in perspective, if you visited five breweries a day it would still take you nearly a week to visit all of them. But say you had just one day to experience Richmond’s beer scene? Where would you go? Starting on the eastern side of the city and moving west, here are our top picks to brew up a perfect day exploring Richmond’s Beer Trail.

Don’t want to drive? James River Transportation […]

To put it simply, Richmond is at her best while in bloom every spring. Framed by mature foliage arching over the historic streets, the spring pops of color highlight the city’s gorgeous features – both natural and manmade. Play tourist in your hometown for a day and travel around the city, catching glimpses through a visitor’s eye, and celebrating those special spaces we often take for granted amid our busy schedules.  

Virginia State Capitol

Stunning no matter what time of the year, this historic building designed by Thomas Jefferson truly shines in the spring when the long sidewalk leading up the building’s facade is lined with bright pops of tulips. 

The Jefferson Hotel

Built in 1895, The Jefferson Hotel is Richmond’s grande dame of hospitality. The opulent lobby is exceptionally stunning and insta-worthy, but when […]

When Grow RVA moved their Saturday morning Farmer’s Market from Forest Hill Park to Bryan Park in Richmond’s Lakeside neighborhood during the pandemic, many Richmonders found themselves in a new part of town for the first time. Here’s our list of how to make the most out of your Saturday in Lakeside. 

SB’s Lakeside Loveshack

Start the morning bright and early with breakfast at SB’s Lakeside Loveshack. The retro-inspired, diner-style eatery offers large portions of create comfort food interpretations including SB’s Breakfast Chili and Knock a Lil Louder Sugar Buns. 

RVA Big Market at Bryan Park
After breakfast, head down Lakeside Avenue to Bryan Park for the RVA Big Market – Richmond’s largest, year-round, outdoor market featuring local growers and makers. Open only from 9 am-12 pm, you’ll […]

Walking around downtown Richmond and it’s clear that the city is coming back to life after two years of work-from-home. Office workers are returning to the city center and festivals and concerts are once again on full display on Brown’s Island. But for those looking to fill time between work and play, or for somewhere to go after a Brown’s Island event, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite downtown spots. 

Capital Ale House

A true downtown OG, this is the Capital Ale House location that started it all. The two-story restaurant, complete with a courtyard beer garden and an attached concert hall, is perfect for whatever the day brings: from lunch with coworkers, to an after Friday Cheers beer, to a first date. 

The Tobacco Company

Speaking of […]

Spring is often thought of as the season of hope and renewal. Flowers peek through the thawed out ground, people begin to emerge out of their homes where they’d been hiding from the harshness of winter. This spring, it seems, there’s another surge underfoot. The Great Return, as it’s been dubbed, represents a different type of renewal and emergence: a renewed call by companies to lure their employees out of their homes and back to the office.

As workers navigate, many reluctantly, back to the office, many for the first time in two full years, what will they find? Calendars still turned to March 2020? Dead plants? Ransacked supply cabinets? Locally-owned Richmond businesses are here to help ease the transition, from smart new wardrobes to phone systems that seamlessly transition from work to home for the hybrid workers. […]

Perhaps you just moved out on your own after college, or maybe you’re just starting over, whatever your reason, you have a new home or apartment to furnish and you’re ready to do it, all while shopping locally. Here’s how to fill your home efficiently, with character and charm from local retailers. 

This RVA in a Day may take two days because sometimes you just need a little extra time – especially for something as important as furnishing your home so we’ve split this ‘RVA in a Day’ into two days. 

DAY 1: First things, first, you’re going to need furniture. 

LaDiff: Start at LaDiff for those statement pieces, the items that will get your friends talking and asking where they came from. As of this writing, LaDiff is currently awaiting completion […]