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.  

Exterior patio area of SB's Lakeside Loveshack

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

SB’s Lakeside Loveshack
Ask nearly any Facebook food group where to get the best breakfast in town and 9/10 of the responses will be SB’s Loveshack. Start the morning bright and early with breakfast at the original location, 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 9am-12pm, you’ll want to bring a cooler if you plan to purchase anything perishable and also want to make additional stops afterward. If you’re visiting in the spring, be sure to check out the beautiful azalea garden featuring 76 different beds. 

A man gets help from another man shopping for shirts.

Franco’s Fine Clothier. Image via Franco’s.

Franco’s Fine Clothier
After the market, stop by Franco’s to pick up shop the latest menswear – from casual brands like Southern Tide, Peter Millar, and Vineyard Vines to suits perfect for returning to the office. 

Roy’s Big Burger
If you’re in need of a little sustenance, swing by this Richmond institution(since 1961!) for a no-frills, old-fashioned burger or shake. 

RVA Antiques
Up next, head back down Lakeside until you hit RVA Antiques. This isn’t your grandma’s antique store – it’s filled with 10,000 square feet of treasures from home decor to vintage jewelry – they even sell floral bouquets on the weekend. 

Twig
Continuing on down Lakeside, pop into Twig, a curated gift shop with everything from local art to home decor, clothing, to tote bags. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift with character – even if you’re gifting it to yourself! 

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in the distance with a grassy lawn in front

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Take a break from shopping in the afternoon with a stroll through the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden – recognized by USA Today as one of the top five botanical gardens in the country. The garden features 50 acres of stunning gardens, dining, and shopping. The gardens and paths are beautiful any time of year. 

Hobnob
End the day with dinner at Hobnob – an unassuming American restaurant featuring fresh ingredients and seasonal menus with offerings sure to please everyone in your group – from shrimp and grits to fried chicken, as well as creative salads. 

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