How one can Plan a Journey to Richmond, Virginia

“There’s not one story of Virginia, however many,” reads the doorway to one of many long-standing exhibitions on the Virginia Museum of Historical past & Tradition in Richmond. It’s a message that resonates throughout the state, but it surely’s particularly poignant right here within the capital, the place the historical past is advanced, the residents are passionate, and there’s an unmistakable dedication to conservation, schooling, artwork, and entrepreneurship. 

Preservation stays central to Richmond’s character, notably in relation to museums and structure, however that is additionally a vacation spot that continues to push for change and assist new concepts. “It’s not the identical Richmond,” says Kelli S. Lemon, a social entrepreneur, neighborhood activist, and proprietor of City Hold Suite. She encourages guests to “include an open thoughts of seeing one thing new” and perceive that Richmond is “not what we have been recognized for [in the past], however what we are actually.” It’s this multi-faceted, dynamic nature, without end rooted in a way of place, that makes the town so engaging — and much more transformative. “Watch out,” warns Invoice Martin, director of The Valentine, “Richmond… may change you.” 

As Martin tells Journey + Leisure, Richmond is “stuffed with the highly effective tales of people that created our nation and with a wide range of experiences the place you can see your individual story.” Whether or not your journey features a stroll alongside the James River, a day looking the reveals on the Virginia Museum of Tremendous Arts (VMFA), or a number of hours laughing with a buddy over dinner in Church Hill, you’re sure to depart with a newfound appreciation of this storied Southern metropolis. Or chances are you’ll not need to depart in any respect — Richmond is likely one of the finest locations to reside in Virginia, in accordance with actual property consultants.

All for planning a visit, however not fairly certain the place to start? Learn on to find T+L’s information to Richmond, Virginia.

Greatest Lodges

The Jefferson

“There’s nothing like staying at The Jefferson,” says Lemon. The 181-room historic property is essentially the most regal resort in Richmond, with a historical past that dates again to 1895. Upon getting into the Palm Court docket foyer, your eyes are instantly drawn upward to the colourful stained glass ceiling; the spectacular structure continues all through the widespread areas, most notably into the Rotunda. One of many eating areas for the favored Champagne Sunday Brunch (which requires reservations made nicely prematurely), the Rotunda is outfitted with Corinthian columns, a resplendent staircase, and decor that harkens again to the Gilded Age.

There are touches of this design fashion within the historically embellished visitor rooms and suites, however they don’t really feel overly heavy or outdated, due to a full-scale renovation that happened from 2013 to 2017. To finish the expertise, company will need to dine on the resort’s restaurant (and native favourite) Lemaire. “Remember to order the peanut soup or the pimento cheese for a style of Richmond,” says Jeanita Harris, The Jefferson’s director of visitor providers.   

Quirk Resort 

Really useful by each Lemon and Martin, Quirk Resort is the youthful, extra trendy lodging choice on the town. Opened in 2015, the property goals to be a vacation spot “the place artwork and historical past intersect.” Which means you’ll discover authentic art work all through the property (which was constructed because the J.B. Mosby & Co. Dry Items Retailer in 1916) —  from the brilliant visitor rooms to the on-site gallery. Earlier than an enormous day of exploring Richmond, gasoline up at The Espresso Bar, then return to The Foyer Bar or Q Rooftop Bar for pre-dinner cocktails. 

Graduate Richmond

Richmond could also be an enormous metropolis, but it surely’s additionally a school city. The College of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth College, Virginia State College, Virginia Union College, and Randolph Macon Faculty are all positioned inside the better Richmond space, so it is sensible that the Graduate Lodges model would have an outpost within the metropolis. Together with its cozy rooms and a health middle, Graduate Richmond has an outside pool, a rooftop cocktail bar, and an all-day café and bar. 

Greatest Issues to Do

Try among the metropolis’s top-tier museums.

Visiting Richmond’s museums is on the prime of Martin’s must-do checklist. “In fact, begin with The Valentine in your introduction to the area’s historical past,” he says, “Then the choices are limitless: the Virginia Museum of Tremendous Arts, Virginia Museum of Historical past & Tradition, Maymont, Science Museum of Virginia, Youngsters’s Museum of Richmond, The American Civil Warfare Museum, and Agecroft Corridor & Gardens.”

Spend a day alongside the wonderful James River.

“The James River runs proper by way of downtown,” says Harris, who provides that guests can select from the “pleasure of sophistication 4 rapids, a leisurely float down the river in a tube, or a hike alongside the miles of nature trails.” For rafting, tubing, and kayaking journeys, take a look at Riverside Outfitters. Martin additionally suggests a extra stress-free exercise of merely “packing a lunch and discovering a rock;” you’ll discover a variety of giant picnic-perfect rocks round Belle Isle.

Take a tour of the Virginia State Capitol.

Free one-hour excursions are supplied all through the week on the Virginia State Capitol, positioned within the aptly named Capitol District. “The excursions are about 45 minutes lengthy, and the educated docents present an exquisite introduction to Richmond and Virginia historical past,” says Harris. Plus, she notes, it’s residence to a life-size statue of George Washington, which is alleged to be probably the most correct depictions of the historic determine. 

Uncover native artists and musicians. 

Richmond’s creativity isn’t simply relegated to 1 neighborhood or one class. Moderately, it takes on a wide range of shapes all through the town. To admire and store for domestically made art work, take a look at Artwork Works, Iridian Gallery (which focuses on works by LGBTQ+ artists), Arts within the Park (a free outside occasion that takes place in Could), Eric Schindler Gallery, or the Crossroads Arts Heart. Richmond’s music scene is equally numerous and spectacular. To see which performances align along with your travels, observe native venues — like The Camel, The Canal Membership, or The Broadberry — and native bands and performers — together with Cleophus James, Butcher Brown, and The Shack Band.

Greatest Eating places

The Roosevelt

Whereas Martin says pinpointing only one or two prime Richmond eating places is “inconceivable,” he does point out The Roosevelt (together with Grisette) is one in every of his neighborhood favorites. Right here, Chef Leah Department brings her personal contact to Southern delicacies, with a menu consisting of delicacies like cornbread with whipped maple butter, fried catfish, and tobacco-smoked pork butt. 

Grisette

There are common cheese and charcuterie boards, after which there are the expertly curated cheese and charcuterie boards at Grisette. The considerate, cozy area is open for dinner Tuesdays by way of Saturdays, and reservations are really useful. Truthful warning, although: You’ll need to keep away from filling up on meats and cheeses. It’s essential to avoid wasting a little bit of room for the fan-favorite profiteroles.  

Alewife

“Situated within the charming Church Hill neighborhood, this can be a favourite suggestion for company taken with seafood. The cocktails are tasty as nicely,” says Harris. Alewife’s signature sampler platter, the Siren’s Track, is a traditional, though the menu does change weekly. 

Floris at VMFA

After making your rounds by way of the VMFA’s reveals — don’t miss the intensive Fabergé assortment — it’ll be time for afternoon tea at Floris. The museum’s tearoom includes a rotating menu that takes inspiration from the neighboring collections, and the environment and construction are akin to a British afternoon tea. It’s elegant with out being stuffy, and the $45 tea service comes with pastries, candy treats, and savory bites. 

Mama J’s

You’ll need to come hungry to Mama J’s, a family-owned restaurant within the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. Assume fried hen, crab desserts, pork chops, brisket sandwiches, and a complete host of scrumptious sides — macaroni and cheese, candied yams, and seafood salad included. 

Greatest Procuring

Carytown

“Carytown is a favourite space for native procuring,” says Harris. The mile-long stretch of Cary St. is stuffed with varied one-of-a-kind eating places and retailers — and you possibly can spend hours popping out and in of the storefronts. “Visitors at all times come again with a number of procuring luggage from World of Mirth, Ten Thousand Villages, For The Love of Chocolate, Touring Stylish Boutique, and GlassBoat,” she explains. 

Retailers at Libbie and Grove

In Richmond’s West Finish neighborhood, you’ll discover a assortment of boutiques and gourmand eateries all positioned alongside Libbie, Grove, and Patterson Avenues. To replace your wardrobe, there’s Nellie George, Peter-Blair, the Retailers at 5807, and Jean Idea. To refresh your property, browse the picks at Fraîche, Gild and Ash, and Beckon House.

Greatest Time to Go to

In keeping with Harris, one of the best time of 12 months to go to Richmond is the autumn: “The climate is ideal for going to the river, [or] exploring the town by bicycle, Segway, or on foot.” Plus, she says, “The cooler temperatures additionally make for nice evenings out to take pleasure in Richmond’s vibrant nightlife.” Spring can also be an attractive time to go to; the daffodils, cherry blossoms, tulips, magnolias, and azaleas are blooming at Lewis Ginter Botanical Backyard — and also you’ll have the ability to keep away from summer time’s muggy climate and bigger crowds.

How one can Get There 

Richmond Worldwide Airport (RIC) is likely one of the bigger airports within the state of Virginia, and it’s served by 9 main air carriers — together with Delta, American Airways, JetBlue, and United. The airport is barely about 10 miles from downtown Richmond, so vacationers ought to consider a couple of 15- to 20-minute drive between the 2. Uber and Lyft rides are available for pickup. Alternatively, Richmond is residence to 2 Amtrak stations; the Major Road Station is positioned downtown whereas the Staples Mill Street Station is eight miles northwest of downtown (you’ll must take a cab to get into the town). 

Neighborhoods to Go to

“Richmond is a metropolis of neighborhoods,” says Martin, and Lemon provides that it’s essential for vacationers to “go into the native neighborhoods, speak to the folks [who] have lived there for a very long time, see the structure, [and] see the native companies which were there for years.” 

Church Hill

“Church Hill is residence to St. John’s Church, the place Patrick Henry gave his well-known ‘Give Me Liberty or Give Me Loss of life’ speech, and the structure and sights take you again in time,” says Harris. When you’re hungry whereas within the space, snag a freshly baked deal with at Sub Rosa Bakery. 

Jackson Ward

Jackson Ward, a traditionally Black neighborhood in Richmond, is stuffed with essential cultural and historic markers — together with the residence of Maggie L. Walker (the nation’s first Black feminine financial institution president), the Black Historical past Museum and Cultural Heart of Virginia, and a statue of American faucet dancer Invoice Robinson. Delicacies within the space can also be first-rate, so undoubtedly add Adarra, Mama J’s, and Penny’s Wine Store to your journey itinerary. 

Scott’s Addition

When you’re taken with a brewery crawl, there’s just one place to go: Scott’s Addition. The world is filled with taprooms, cideries, and distilleries — most of that are positioned in repurposed warehouses. Think about beginning your tour at Bingo Beer Co., Starr Hill Beer Corridor & Rooftop, or Three Notch’d Brewing.

The Fan District

“The Fan, given its title by the streets that ‘fan out,’ is stuffed with eating places, bars, retailers, and museums,” says Harris. It’s on this a part of the town the place you’ll discover the Virginia Commonwealth College campus, in addition to Monument Avenue, the picturesque boulevard that includes gorgeous properties and the Arthur Ashe Monument (Ashe was a local of Richmond.)

Manchester 

“One other space to discover is Manchester alongside Hull Road. This neighborhood has its personal distinctive historical past and is likely one of the fastest-growing elements of the town with native meals favorites like Croaker’s Spot,” says Martin. 

Brookland Park Boulevard

“I’d additionally advocate exploring the Brookland Park Boulevard (Barton Heights and Highland Park) space,” says Martin. “In these early streetcar neighborhoods, you can see nice structure, historical past, and small native companies and eating places — don’t miss Ruby Scoop’s Ice Cream!”

How one can Get Round

There are a number of methods to discover Richmond. Having a automotive is useful, notably for those who plan to cowl a number of floor in in the future (simply be ready to check your parallel parking abilities). Biking can also be an effective way to get across the metropolis; Riverside Biking and The Kickstand each supply half-day and full-day leases. 

There’s additionally the native bus system, operated by the Higher Richmond Transit Firm, and the GRTC Pulse route is a wonderful choice for guests. The “high-capacity bus speedy transit system,” because it’s known as, serves an almost eight-mile route alongside Major Road and Broad Road. It stops at 14 key locations, like Scott’s Addition, the Science Museum, and VCU. Discover the total route and schedule right here. It’s presently free to journey.