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5 Places To Eat, Shop, And See In Richmond, VA

Today’s a cool day – it’s marks our 5th anniversary of living in Richmond.

On this date in 2006, Sherry and I woke up on an air mattress in my Upper West Side apartment (she had already moved all of her stuff out of her Soho studio and turned in the keys) to greet my dad, who had driven up in the mini-van that would move us and all of our worldly belongings (hence the air mattress – we had sold our mattresses) to the River City. Seven hours and one stop at Ikea later we arrived at our new apartment in Richmond – unemployed, unwed, and uncontrollably excited about the life ahead of us.

Riverrock City Suping

But enough about our back story (you can read more about that here), let’s talk about Richmond. We often get asked for recommendations for what to see, where to shop, and what to eat when in Richmond. So we’re taking this 5th anniversary occasion to share five “Top 5” lists about some of our favorite things in RVA. Are you sensing a “five” theme here? Here’s what we’ve covered:

  • 5 Favorite Places to Chow Down
  • 5 Favorite Tourist-y Things To Do
  • 5 Favorite Ways to Enjoy a Gorgeous Day
  • 5 Favorite Places to Score Home Deals
  • 5 Favorite Swanky & Inspiring Home Stores

***5 FAVORITE PLACES TO CHOW DOWN***

Sherry and I aren’t “foodies” by any means, but we definitely love finding an excuse to eat out for those special occasions. Here are a handful of quintessential Richmond restaurants where we love to dine:

  1. Kuba Kuba: A cozy, casual, and colorful spot in The Fan for Cuban food. Sound “in the know” by pronouncing it “Coo-ba Coo-ba” and not “Kyoo-bah Kyoo-bah.” Here’s the Kuba Kuba website.
  2. Bottom’s Up: We took the Bowers to this pizza spot in Shockoe Bottom during their visit last year. Be sure to check out the 6 foot high water marks from when it flooded during Hurricane Gaston in 2004. Here’s the Bottom’s Up website.
  3. The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing: We celebrated the news of Sherry’s pregnancy at this new-ish riverfront restaurant. The food’s great, but the views of the James River and the expansive city skyline are our favorite part (see the picture below). In fact we took Sherry’s mom and stepdad here last night. Here’s the Boathouse website.
  4. Crab Louie’s Tavern: Technically in Midlothian, this seafood restaurant sits in a historic house older than the USA. Among other reasons, we love all of the fresh bread options that you get before the meal arrives. Carbs. Yum. Here’s Crab Louie’s website.
  5. Sticky Rice: We loves us some sushi (read about our sushi tradition here), so this somewhat American hipster twist on it is always fun. Plus, where else can you order “Sticky Balls” and not get a weird look? Here’s the Sticky Rice website.

Richmond Boathouse Rocketts

***5 FAVORITE TOURIST-Y THINGS TO DO***

We don’t have a Statue of Liberty or an Eiffel Tower, but these Richmond “landmarks” should be on your list when you’re in town:

  1. Browse the VMFA: Recently renovated, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts building and the art within it is pure eye candy. And with the exception of special exhibits (currently it’s Mr. Picasso), it’s all totally free to see. Here’s the VMFA website.
  2. See a movie at The Byrd Theatre: This gorgeous movie palace built in 1928 still shows second-run movies for just $2. It’s fun to grab some popcorn, squeeze your legs into the old school seats, and enjoy the cinema in style. Here’s the Byrd Theatre website.
  3. Stroll around Hollywood Cemetery: It sounds weird, but this cemetery makes for a gorgeous afternoon walk. Beautiful views and famous headstones (including two US presidents) totally negate the creepy factor – especially in the fall (pictured below). Here’s the Hollywood Cemetery website.
  4. Shop Carytown: Loads of local shops and restaurants line Cary Street to create Richmond’s iconic and colorful shopping district. You’ll even hit up a few other items on these lists in the process of visiting. Here’s the Carytown website.
  5. Walk (or run!) to and around “The Fan”: these downtown streets are lined with stunning historic row homes that boast lots of inspiration. It’s great for walking or running on a nice day, especially if you have time to stop in a neighborhood restaurant or park. Here’s The Fan district association website.

Richmond Hollywood Cemetary

***5 FAVORITE WAYS TO ENJOY A GORGEOUS DAY***

We think Richmond truly shines when it’s nice out, so here are some of our favorite places to soak up a beautiful day:

  1. Pony Pasture: This horse-y name actually belongs to an area of the James River Park System with great nature trails for walking, gentle currents for swimming, and exposed rocks for sunning in the hot months. We always describe Richmond as a beach town, but instead of having an actual beach, locals hang out at the river. (Check out Burger enjoying a hot rock and a long stick in the picture below). Here are directions to Pony Pasture.
  2. Maymont: This park is one of our favorite spots to take visitors. Why? Tons of paved paths, beautiful gardens, a petting farm, historic buildings, a nature center, and even a zoo (sorta – there are bears, foxes, buffaloes, and bald eagles to name a few). And most of it’s free – even the zoo and the petting farm. Here’s the Maymont website.
  3. Belle Isle: Kinda like Pony Pasture, but more island-y and closer to downtown, you can come here to enjoy nature and the city skyline in one vista. Plus it has great trails for walking, running, or mountain biking. This is where Sherry and I went from liking to loving Richmond when we first moved here five years back. Here’s Belle Isle on Wikipedia.
  4. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Call it nature in a more controlled setting, but the admission price is definitely worth the scenery (and the landscaping ideas you can bring back home). We took Sherry’s mom and stepdad here when they first visited – it was a great way to spend the day outside strolling through scenic settings. Here’s the Lewis Ginter website.
  5. Stony Point Fashion Park or Short Pump Town Center: These are spots for a more traditional “mall” experience, but in an airy outdoor setting. So you can hit up Anthropologie or Crate & Barrel, but still get some sun and stroll along cobblestone paths. Stony Point’s even dog-friendly (Burger has visited every shop from Sur La Table to Banana Republic). Here’s Stony Point’s website & Short Pump’s website.

Richmond Pony Pasture

***5 FAVORITE PLACE TO SCORE HOME DEALS***

We couldn’t survive in this town if we couldn’t find awesome deals for our house, so here are some local haunts that we love (besides the national chain stores like Tar-jay):

  1. Diversity Thrift: We’ve found lots of great stuff here over the five years (including the base for our pedestal table in the sunroom and our glass coffee table in the old living room). You can read more about why we love it in this post.
  2. Love of Jesus Thrift: This is another go-to thrifting spot, especially if we’re on the hunt for furniture. My sister scored the amazing console below a couple of years ago there. Read more about that in this old post.
  3. Lakeside Avenue Thrift Stores: A more recent discovery of ours, the thrift and consignment stores along Lakeside Avenue (like Consignment Connection and Pass It On) are where we recently scored our beloved wooden goose.
  4. The Decorating Outlet: This store is where items from local sponsor Shades of Light go to be discounted, and where we’ve been going to buy items like the rug and the capiz light fixture in Clara’s room on the cheap. Here’s the Decorating Outlet website.
  5. U-fab: This discount fabric store is always on our list when we’re hunting for textiles or patterns to bring home. Their selection is more stylish than the big chains tend to be, but they’re cheaper than the fancy designer places. Here’s the U-fab website.

Loveofjesusemilysconsole

***5 FAVORITE SWANKY & INSPIRING HOME STORES***

On the opposite end of thrifting and discounts are some of Richmond’s most gorgeous and inspirational home stores. Be sure to bring a tissue to wipe the drool from your chin when you visit (even if you don’t have the money in your wallet to buy something):

  1. Williams & Sherrill: Half housewares, half fabric store, this place has more inspiration than we can handle on most occasions (see our photo below). Someday we’ll be fancy enough to actually buy something. Sigh. More on them here. And here’s the Williams & Sherrill website.
  2. Ruth & Ollie: This shop in Carytown is smaller yet a bit more contemporary than Williams & Sherrill. We especially love the furniture and art that abounds. Check out a few ideas that we got from them in this post. Here’s the Ruth & Ollie website.
  3. LaDifférence: Located in Shockoe Bottom, LaDiff is a huge store filled with modern furniture, accessories, lighting – basically, the works. You may remember them from this oft-referenced wallflowers giveaway post. Here’s the LaDiff website.
  4. Shades of Light: Yes, they’re a sponsor of our site, but we couldn’t not include them on this list of go-to home stores in Richmond that we love, especially when it comes to gorgeous lighting (we’ve been obsessed with them since way before their sponsorship started). Here’s the Shades of Light website.
  5. Caravati’s: Unlike the others on this list, you won’t find anything new or pristine at Caravati’s. It’s an architectural salvage warehouse that is loaded with once-loved items for any remodel, restoration, or craft project with a historic and authentic twist. See some more in this old post.

Williamssherrill2

So there you have it, five “Top 5” lists to celebrate our 5th anniversary of moving to Richmond. Obviously in five years we can’t claim to be Richmond experts, so we invite everyone else who lives here in RIC (or have visited) to chime in with their favorites in these categories (or others). And while we’re at it, those of you in other cities are welcome to comment with a “Top 5” list for your hometown too. Who knows if we might end up visiting someday!

Boathouse photo by Beth Furgurson found via Richmond Magazine.com, rest of images snapped by us.

Psst- We announced this weeks giveaway winners. Click here to see if one of them is you.

Comments

  1. Laura at Running In The Delta says

    S&J, I love seeing your guest room transformation! For that bathroom window, you could do a no-sew valance using the same technique you do for curtains. Just scaled down. Because a valance is smaller (okay, duh.). I just made one for my kitchen and the whole project cost me probably under $10 (only I used a sewing machine because I have one but it could easily be done without). Here’s the post on my blog about it (like you need any help): http://runninginthedelta.blogspot.com/2011/02/whatcha-think.html

    Reply

  2. Jami says

    Thanks for posting these lists! Congrats on your 5-year anniversary! I am coming up on my “I’ve lived in RVA” 5-year anniversary, as well (May 22nd)! Your thrift/discount store recommendations to score home deals are very much appreciated. I need to venture out!

    Reply

  3. Veronica Greear says

    I have just been sent to your blog in the last 2 weeks and now you are the first thing I read every morning!! I too hail from Richmond and if my hubs ever leaves me I am going back;) (We actually got married in Lewis Ginter!) Just PART of what I love about y’all. I was going to add a couple of things but I have seen most of them on the comments already so I will just add these possible two, though i haven’t been back in a few years, so it is possible they aren’t there anymore: Tobacco Company and Sam Millers.

    Reply

  5. kim says

    I love love the light store shades of light, I go on the web site and drool at least once a week since I found it on your web site. I haven’t bought anything yet but have thought about it (shipping to canada would be expansive).

    I did have a question when you moved to Richmond what did you do job wise (obviously before you were full time bloggers)?

    Reply

  7. Maureen says

    Both Pony Pasture and Belle Isle are part of the fabulous James River Park System in Richmond, 550+ acres of urban wilderness. Loving them makes lots of sense. Folks can learn about the park’s 18 sections on both sides of the river at Friends of James River Park’s web site. http://www.jamesriverpark.org/ We are always looking for volunteers to maintain and improve the park!

    Reply

  8. Holly says

    Aww glad to have you in Richmond! I grew up here and have been gone the passed few years and am very happy to be back!

    I can’t believe Mexico was not on your list of food!! Its fantastic and so authentic!!!! (And not expensive!)

    Reply

  9. The Virginia House says

    Awww, it makes me homesick! I will have to send this post to all my family in Richmond. There is probably some places they haven’t been. I love Bottoms Up Pizza! It’s such a neat place, on top of having great pizza. Someday you all will have to try dinner or lunch on the Annabel Lee Riverboat. The foods not the great, but it’s a neat way to see the views down the river.

    Reply

  11. Megan says

    Richmond looks so great! When I read the first line of the post, I thought you meant “cool” as in temperature at first. So what is the weather like in Richmond?

    Reply

  13. Kim says

    I live near the first Boathouse and we finally visited the Rocketts Landing location last week – twice actually; once for my birthday on Friday and again on Monday for our 5th year anniversary. Funny. :) We love it there!

    Reply

  15. r8chel says

    When I was in Richmond for a conference a number of years ago, I made it to Carytown and Belle Isle, but didn’t have time to squeeze in any thrifting. I’ve heard the thrift stores there are great — wish I could have checked it out firsthand!

    Reply

  17. Blaine says

    What a great list! I live just down the road in Norfolk… and always forget about the treasure that lies just up I-64. Happy RIC anniversary!

    Reply

  19. Jennifer says

    As I wind down from a busy day of packing this is perfect for us moving to Richmond…TOMORROW!
    We got married at the Ginter Gardens! Great spot for all kinds of fun things!!
    Happy 5th year!!

    Reply

  20. Pam says

    Happy 5th Anniversary in Richmond! Sunday I celebrate my 9th Anniversary in Charleston, SC.

    The dogwoods are blooming, the daffodils are up; gotta love springtime in February!

    Reply

  22. jeni says

    Congratulations on your joyful stay in Richmond! Looks like you and your family seems to enjoy your stay there. And you know what, I do love your family so much. When I first saw your blog few days ago, I got so curious about your family and lifestyle and read everything about your blog. And I got hooked in it! Maybe someday when I get married, I’ll make sure that our home will be as beautiful as yours!

    Keep posting your thoughts! God Bless!

    -jeni :)

    Reply

  23. Blair says

    Okay, not that it’s the best food in Richmond or anything, but really – no mention at all (either in the post or the comments) of New York Deli? I know you use their photo booth all the time, and their fries are AMAZING!

    Reply

  26. Denise says

    Can’t wait to visit Richmond – thanks for all the inside info on where to eat and things to do. Just curious, did the green fabric headboard make it to Richmond from NYC via the mini-van? Regardless of how long you’ve had it, it looks wonderful in your new guest bedroom!

    Reply

  28. Robin says

    THANK YOU THANK YOU! My husband and I are moving to Richmond in a few months and we don’t know practically anything about the city. This is so helpful and awesome of you. I’m bookmarking this and coming back often!

    Reply

  29. Nota Supermom says

    I hear the Virginia Wine Expo is at the Convention Center this weekend.

    Also, the Irish Festival is in Church Hill next month the weekend of the 26th. Go early before the crowd is too drunk and the port-o-potties get too gross. We go early and leave before noon.

    My favorite thrift shopping is the Second Debut Goodwill on Cary next to CanCan.

    Also, there’s a new childrens clothes consignment shop right across the street called “Clover”. The same people own “Clementine” which has great ladies consignment.

    I bought my daughter a Gap t-shirt and a Talbots cardigan for $10 this week.

    The Hall Tree across from Elmore Thompson was nice, but I haven’t been there in a while.

    I’m going to Bottom’s Up this week for lunch with some girlfriends and then to Penzeys Spices on Cary. Love the Penzeys.

    Reply

  31. Lindy says

    Nice! I wholeheartedly agree with all of your choices!!! I would also add the amazing free (or practically free) warm-weather cultural events in Richmond. Dogwood Dell’s Festival of Arts program, Friday Cheers concerts at Bell’s Island, The Irish Festival in Church Hill, and the Richmond Folk Festival are all family-friendly gems unique to our lovely city. Is it spring yet? :)

    Reply

  32. LaShonda says

    Thanks so much for this post! I live in Newport News and have never been to Richmond, but my mom is coming for a visit and I was trying to find some new places to visit! Such a fan of your blog BTW! :-)

    Reply

  33. susan says

    I get the walking around the cemetery. Here in Cincinnati we have Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum. It is designated as a “National Historic Landmark”. Fabulous place to walk and explore. Our family is attending an Owl Prowl there in March. Thanks for sharing your Richmond favorites. susan

    Reply

  35. Alexis says

    How did you guys know that we’re trying to plan a Richmond vacation. It’s like ya’ll read my mind. Thanks for all the info, now we’ve just gotta save to take that vacation!

    Reply

  36. ACH says

    ELLWOOD-THOMPSONS!

    I love that health food store! I work in Mechanicsville, but it’s totally worth the drive out. Our sofa is from Ruth & Ollie!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Fun fact: back from my freelance advertising copywriting days I wrote all of the farmer/grower signs that are hanging throughout the produce section (they’re still there today). It was so much fun to work with them!

      xo,
      s

  37. thecounselormom says

    Wow, I had no idea there was so much outdoor things to do and good food! I have extended family that live there by the St James and have only been once but now I would love to go back soon and try the things you suggested!

    Reply

  38. Sally says

    Awesome! Now I have a travel guide for the next time I pass through Richmond.

    Question to other readers: I’ve been looking for a store similar to U-fab. Anyone have suggestions of where to buy discounted modern fabric in North Carolina’s Triangle or Triad areas?

    Reply

    • Travis says

      Sally,

      I actually own U-Fab and we’d love to have you visit, but if you can’t make it up this far here are a few places in NC you can try:

      In Raleigh I’m only familiar with Discount Fabrics Unlimited
      This store sells everything for basically $7.99/yd which is great for price, but because of the super low prices they don’t have the most current inventory.

      If your willing to drive an hour or so you should check out the “Interior Alternative” in Burlington. You can see them from 85, but be warned it’s not easy to get to so either map it out first or use a GPS. The store is very big and they have a great selection of fabric all ranging from $7.99/yd to $12.99/yd. They don’t carry the latest running goods like we do, but they do have a great selection.

  39. Christen says

    Great post! My husband and I decided to make our New Year’s resolution be to try a new Richmond restaurant each month, and we’ve already discovered two great ones: Pescados (in Church Hill) and Lehja (amazing Indian place in Short Pump).

    Post about the latter one here: http://lovelifelists.blogspot.com/2011/02/just-do-it-14-12-restaurants-in-12.html

    It’s turned into my favorite resolution ever. Blog fodder and food- what’s better than that? ha ha!

    Reply

  40. Elaine says

    Oh, I love how you guys do things!! Now you guys are totally ready for your house guest(s) with not only a beautiful new guest bedroom, but a custom itinerary selector list AND you could do it as part of your job…AND you commemorated/celebrated 5 years. Talk about nailing down 3 goals with one block of time!! Bravo! You constantly inspire me! :)

    Reply

  42. Meredith says

    So good to read your top fives, even though it made this transplanted Richmonder very homesick. I crave Sticky Balls on a regular basis (ummm…and I could only say that to a fellow Richmonder and not get the side-eye), and also miss the yummy breakfast plates from Kuba Kuba. Not to mention Crab Louie’s was our family’s special occasion restaraunt growing up.

    I also spent many hours roaming around Hollywood Cemetary and the other places mentioned.

    Great blog!

    Reply

  43. Lindsay C. says

    Hi! I am from Hampton Roads (Hampton) and have lived in other larger cities such as Boston, Providence, and Ft. Lauderdale. I am a Virginia lover through & through, so it was so exciting not only to find your website, but to see THIS was just as exciting, if not more. /End nerdy rant/

    That being said… I LOVE KUBA KUBA! And I LOVE DIVERSITY! I have found some of the greatest treasures there. Richmond holds loads of charm, and I adore the city. It’s a great place to be.

    Reply

  44. Melanie says

    Hey Youngsters,

    Quick question -where is the credenza in the photo just above the “Top 5 swanky and inspiring…” section from? I just bought one almost exactly like it at a thrift store today and am hoping I got a good deal at $55 :)

    Thanks!

    Reply

  46. Elizabeth says

    Love this post! As an RVa girl, you nailed it! I love Sticky Rice (tater tots…hello!) and I used to work at Williams and Sherrill!

    Reply

  49. Tarnya Cook says

    Hi Guys
    As an aussie I’m fascinated with the US and thinking about going down the path of investing in US property (I’m even thinking about doing the green card lottery as I’d love to live over there for a while). I was just wondering if you had any advice on investing in property in Richmond, good idea, bad idea. Is there much a rental market there? Your my only “friends” over there so thought I’d ask.
    Love to hear your opinion.
    Tarnya.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Tarnya,

      Wow, you sound like an adventurous girl- love it! Richmond has a really good rental market downtown (near The Fan, where students of VCU, a university, rent during their college years). They also seem to have a pretty good rental market in areas like ours (Bon Air) since it has great schools (so those rentals would be more for grown ups with kids as opposed to college age people). Perhaps calling a realtor or even coming to visit and meeting up with a realtor or two would shed a lot of light on the possibilities (and provide a lot more info than we could since we’ve never rented a house here in Richmond- only an apartment for three months before moving into our first house). Hope it helps! And good luck with everything!

      xo,
      s

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