Exactly eight years ago today, Sherry and I picked up and moved from NYC to Richmond, VA together. Apart from the towns that we grew up in, neither of us have ever lived any place longer – and it’s the only hometown that Clara has ever known. So we thought it would be fun to commemorate this date – and this city that we love. Especially since you guys ask us plenty of “when in Rome Richmond” questions – the biggest one being “what thrift/discount stores should I hit up when I pass through?”
Three years ago we celebrated our 5th anniversary by sharing a quick post about our “Five Richmond Top Fives” – but that only mentioned two thrift shops – and we’ve definitely found other haunts, activities, and eateries since then. So we thought a more thorough guide was in order… complete with an interactive map and an itinerary (you know me – I love a good graphic).
And since Richmond was recently named The Best River Town in America and one of Frommer’s Top Destinations for 2014 (only one of three in the US, the others being Palm Springs and Hawaii!), well, we figured our eighth anniversary was the perfect occasion to break things down for you guys.
With the help of modern technology (i.e. Google) we’ve embedded an interactive map with a dozen of our favorite thrift and discount stores in Richmond (green dots), along with some other suggested spots for eating (blue dots), or otherwise having-a-good-time spots (red dots). You can click any of the dots below for more info on each one of them – including a description from us about what you’ll find, some tips about when they’re closed, etc. Note: if you can’t see the map, try clicking here.
And here’s a hypothetical itinerary. It doesn’t include all of the eating options or any of the red dots (those are other fun activities outside of shopping/thrifting) but if you click those dots on the map you’ll get more info on each of those.
Let’s hit the road, shall we? Assuming you’re starting somewhere near the city center, you can head either clockwise or counter-clockwise around the map – we’ll do the latter in this post. Either way, you might want to fuel up at Sugar Shack Donuts before you start shopping (check out Sugar Shack’s FB page for secret free donut deals like “recite an ode to your donut”). Most thrift stores don’t open ’til 9 or 10am, so you’ve got time to enjoy it. Oh and many are closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays – so try to avoid those days if you want to cram the most in.
Our local Habitat for Humanity ReStore is our go-to spot for donating, and is usually a good shot at finding building materials and fixtures. If you’re more in the market for furniture and accessory finds, you might want to start at Diversity Thrift. We got lots of stuff there over the years, including the glass and metal table in our first house’s living/dining room (we still have it in the garage with a plan for tweaking it for our back porch someday).
Next head north on nearby I-95 to Lakeside Avenue which has a few thrift and antique spots, most notably Consignment Connection. It’s got tons of little rooms full of things, and is sort of a mix between an antique shop and a thrift store. It’s where Sherry found her beloved whale globe.
If you want the inspiration and tools for revamping your thrifted finds – or just want to buy something that has already been made over, make the short trek up I-95 to Ashland and swing by Thrill of the Hunt which has great upcycled furniture.
On your way back, don’t miss Class and Trash for lots of vintage and shabby chic stuff, including tons of metal signs and letters. We try to stop in a few times a season since there’s always a lot of stuff (both big and small) to see. If you’ve haven’t already needed a lunch break, you could pop down to the Short Pump area for a burger. We love Burgerworks for a casual but filling one built to your liking (I always get a fried egg on top). Burger Bach, a New Zealand-style gastropub, is also nearby for a foodie-r experience (it’s really good, but you might have a bit of a wait).
You may just need to go nap and call it a day by this point, but if not – head south on I-288 toward the river. Wait, but slip through HOPE Thrift on your way. It’s the newest store on our radar and we know we’re bound to find something cool there soon. Once you hit Midlothian Turnpike, you’ve entered our main drag of thrift stores. You can start small at RAL Reuse, which we love because it supports the Richmond Animal League. And also because its near one of our favorite cafes, Urban Farmhouse. Even if you’re not hungry, stop in for a coffee/tea and some pretty amazing design inspiration. There’s also a location downtown if you don’t have time to spare.
Further down the road is a Salvation Army Family Center, which is one of the more furniture-heavy thrift stores that we’ve been into locally. If that’s not really what you’re looking for, you can skip it and head straight for The Decorating Outlet. It’s not technically a thrift store, but it’s too full of deals to leave off the list. We get tons of lights there, but we’ve also scored rugs and furniture there too – including our crazy discounted kitchen table.
By the time you get to this part of the route, it means you’re nearing our #1 go-to spot for thrifted furniture: Love of Jesus Thrift Store on Midlothian. They’ve got tons of furniture, and we scored a bunch of stuff for our book there – including this dresser that we painted in a gradient back in 2012 (and still use in our bedroom today). Across the street is Family Thrift Center, which used to just be a convenience (i.e. pity) stop, but we just found this $9.98 headboard for the showhouse there, so it’s a new favorite.
If you still have time (admittedly, doubtful) – Caravati’s is also worth a stop. It’s an architectural salvage place so prices are much higher than thrift stores, but there are such cool sights that make it worth the detour. And once all the stores are closed, hit up the Proper Pie Company for dinner and dessert (yup, they’ve got savory and sweet pies) – along with one last dose of vintage decor inspiration.
Admittedly it’s probably a bit ambitious to cram all of this into just one day, especially if you like to take your time perusing like Sherry does (or take your time eating like I do). But maybe that just means you’ll need to stay the weekend. Or move here entirely. You know, either one works.
Now what about you guys? What are the best thrifting spots in your town? Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a city-by-city database of them somewhere with user rated reviews and a “print me a map” feature so you’d know where to go when you get to a new place? Somebody get on that. Or does it already exist and we’re the last ones to know?
Uh, guys? I clicked on the link for the post below this one (the ShopTen25 giveaway) and it popped up a page saying “This Account Has Been Suspended.” What does that mean–the entire store has disappeared? (I would have left this comment on that post, but since it was a giveaway one, there was no place for comments.)
Anyway, I am totally jealous of all your wonderful thrifting options. In my town, we’ve got exactly one thrift shop, and it’s open only about 15 hours a week–and while the prices are awesome, the selection seldom changes and the goods tend to be in pretty shabby condition. The nearest Habitat ReStore is an hour away, and on our last visit there, we didn’t find even one thing on our long list of stuff to look for. And the nearest flea market is an hour to the north and is open only on Sundays from spring through fall. So the only way I can really “shop” for secondhand goods these days is through Freecycle.
Oh yes, we added an update to the giveaway post about that. It seems like their site just went down but they’re working on getting it up asap :)
xo
s
I love peeking at an American city through your DIY eyes. Since no one else seems to have made this comment, I’m assuming I’m the only one having a problem seeing the interactive map? It might be a filter problem since I’m in Europe, but still?
The donuts make me so homesick!
By the way, I love what you did for your “new” changing table. White and wood. Favorite.
Oh no! Anyone else not seeing the map? Not sure how to make that show for everyone if it’s a US-only thing…
Update: does it work if you click this link? https://mapsengine.google.com/map/u/0/edit?mid=z4n8H-fe21xE.kvxbuDBauZg0
xo
s
I grew up in Richmond, and I LOVE the “Love of Jesus Thrift Store” on Midlothian! My couch that I used through college & grad school came from there as well as a killer “This End Up” desk that my parents still use. Have you been to the Goodwill on Rt. 10 next to the Wal-Mart in Chester? It is definitely the biggest one with the best assortment I have seen.
Also, even though I grew up there, you are listing tons of food places I didn’t know about! Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for the suggestion Amanda!
xo
s
Yes! Matt Paxton from Hoarders does live in Richmond! I listen to his podcast (or did, when he was still doing it) and he seems like the nicest guy. You guys should meet! He has three little boys. I think one of them is probably close to Clara’s age.
http://5decisionsaway.com/about-matt/
I can’t believe we didn’t know that. Thanks Kelly!
xo
s
I need to add some of these to my list! I’ve only been to half of them!
I’m also sad to admit that I haven’t been to Proper Pie yet!
You’re going to LOVE it.
xo
s
Thank you for this. I’ve been seriously considering planning one of our vacations in May so we can come down for the Homearama and see your awesome show house and the other houses and this is a great planning tool :) I lived in NVA a couple of years and besides Charlottesville I am ashamed to admit I never really visited the state. Ironically, the VA/DC area is the one place I always saw myself living in, never NJ (nothing against it mind you!) and I was 100% sure I didn’t want to work in NYC. Isn’t it funny how love completely changes things? Maybe someday I’ll make it back :) Would you guys happen to know any pet-friendly hotels in the city or in the surrounding area? We’re like you and we like to travel with the four-legged kids as much as possible :)
We love traveling with zee Burgs too. Let’s see, but in Richmond we don’t stay at hotels, so I wish I knew more of them. Anyone have pet friendly RVA recommendations for Isabel?
xo
s
No worries, maybe someone will chime in. I will Google it too and if I come across any and do end up staying at one, I will let you know how it works out :)
Isabel if you can’t find an actual hotel that is pet friendly try airbnb.com – people rent their rooms/homes/condos/etc like hotels to travelers. We do this with our casita in Vegas and accept dogs so there is bound to be a nice property there that does the same. It’s also nice because sometimes you can stay in the more neighborhoody parts of cities and stay away from the touristy stuff.
If you’d like a luxury-stay, The Jefferson hotel is pet friendly.
Ooh stay there if you’re fancy! My mom stayed there once and Clara LOVED exploring her room. It even had a balcony!
xo
s
Thanks for the mention! We need to get together on some special projects! -Rob @ Thrill of the Hunt
We just moved to Chesterfield from Northern Virginia! Did you write this post for US?!?!?! :) Urban Farmhouse is already our favorite place and the “pie heaven” is next on the list. We’re renting for a year so we can take our time buying a house…you should do another edition of this map but for real-estate!
Oh man, John would have fun with that!
xo
s
Love this post! We try to do a city spotlight on our blog to highlight the great design and thrift finds when we travel. I always include food too, haha. What’s shopping without delicious snacks? My favorite so far has been San Diego, but Richmond is totally on our list!
http://rentovations.weebly.com
Love that!
xo
s
I found zeemaps.com through a support group so we could see how close we lived to each other. It can be used and customized however you like, and is free. Of course there is an upgrade option, but I’ve never found it to be pushy. This would be a great way to “print me a map”!
Thanks for the tip Fara!
xo
s
Ohhhh dooonnuuutttssss. #downfall
There are so many amazing little places in Maine to visit from food to thrift stores. There’s always the flea-for-all in Portland on the weekends, and about a million other awesome places to see/eat within city limits. My two favorite gems though, which you’d never know about traveling through are the Village Store in New Gloucester which you’d think is a typical mom & pop sandwich shop but it’s not. Full brick oven. Homemade breads. Little store with local foods downstairs. I can’t even discuss this without wanting to go *NOW*.
My favorite spot for thrifting though are places you have to go with someone with an “in” – the dump (transfer station). Almost every one of them around here has a free table, a bargain barn, a free shack, whatever you want to call it. It’s where people donate the things that are way too good to just toss away, and you can go pick through. Sometimes there’s awesome stuff, sometimes it’s bleh and every single one is (understandably) different. I have my favorite one (not spilling the secret), and there’s one I’m *dying* to go to if I can get an in (I.E. someone with a transfer station pass to take me haha). It’s sort of a right of passage. I’ve picked up some pretty amazing stuff before.
Love the tips Heather! Sounds like so much fun.
xo
s
Heather-if it’s phippsburg or Georgetown I can get you in :)
I too love the “free store” at the dump. So much of my house has been furnished from there!
Great post. We are in western Kentucky, so a trip to richmond is doable! Will definitely make a plan to visit. I love how all your homes there have tons of trees with wooded areas as the backyard.
I’m from Richmond and come back to visit my Dad in The Fan a lot. These are great suggestions that I can’t wait to check out! One area that I hope Richmond can improve on as the area grows is the connectivity between neighborhoods, I’m an urban planner and it has always bothered me how few bike and walking trails there are.
Love this post. I’ve convinced my husband to go to Homearama in May and I am stoked to visit some of these places!!! Any recommendations for areas to stay in for the weekend?!? The Fan is booked!
Hmm, there are some hotels on Midlothian or Hull Street, which will put you in the vicinity (not too far from downtown). We put our wedding guests up in the Hyatt Place on Midlothian. It’s not charming and non-chainy, but it’s clean, nice, and conveniently located.
xo
s
If you want to stay near Homarama (we live nearby) our family has had good things to say about the Sleep Inn on 360. Its called Harbour Pointe and address is Midlothian. We’ve also had friends stay at the Omni which is downtown without complaint.
Richmond is one of the top three U.S. places I want to visit soon, along with Niagara Falls and North Carolina (no particular city). I don’t think it would’ve ever come across my radar, though, without reading your blog! Thanks for all the RVA travel tips!
Wahoo! Come on down!
xo
s
Such a good list! I moved to RVA not long after y’all and will be moving away this summer. Still haven’t been to Proper Pie, but now it’s made my list of “restaurants I must eat at before I leave town.” Of course, Kuba Kuba, Comfort, Heritage, Edo’s Squid are all on the list too. And Can Can for pastry. And The Daily for dinner. Wait? Why am I leaving? So much yummy, so little time.
Mmm, yes. All of those = amazing. You’re going to love Proper Pie.
xo
s
So random question, we are in serious talks to potentially move to Richmond. How hard was it for you guys to make friends/get to know people? I’ve heard some cities are easier than others but I’ve lived in my hometown my whole life (not too adventurous, I know) so I’m nervous about being isolated. Thanks!
It was pretty easy for us here, and I was working at home (aka: really isolated) but I still managed to meet a few friends right away. It was mostly through freelance jobs (when we realized we were former NYC folks we all sort of bonded) but there are also pretty cool activities (for example: a training group for an RVA marathon, a receational sport league, a neighborhood group, etc). We also met a lot of people through John’s job and just attending fun local events and chatting people up.
xo
s
Meetup.com is a great website to help you find people with similar interests…I found it when my son was born and I needed to find other SAHM friends. There’s a lot of good groups here in Richmond!
Thank you so much for always giving our city such a good name and showing others the many reasons RVA is the best place to be! It’s amazing to see a city I love get so many props. And of course I have to mention that a stay in Richmond is never complete with stopping by the Sweet Spot :o) Thank you guys for being awesome ambassadors to the River City!
You’re so sweet Kristen. RVA love 4 Eva.
xo
s
Class and Trash is the best! They bring in new stuff every Thursday and Lisa and Kenny have an eye for what sells! They are the best. Kimberly Anns in Petersburg is great too! She does a lot of estate sales usually has her warehouse open every other weekend. Thursday everything is regular priced, Friday and Saturday it’s 50% off and Sunday everything is 75% off. Great place to find some really cool items really cheap. There’s also a place out 301 called Through the Garden Gate. This is a little gift store but it’s attached to a rather large consignment two-story store. There are tons of booths that people can rent and sell their items you can score some really cool things in there.
Will have to check out Kimberly Anns and Garden Gate! Thanks Cecelia!
xo
s
garden gate is awesome – the store attached used to be a really cool place to find gifts, but recently EVERYTHING they sell is white. it’s bizarre!
if you go to garden gate in the springtime, check out berry’s produce on 301 just south of it. it’s my favorite farmer stand in town!
Sounds awesome!
xo
s
Ooh, I love this post! Donuts and thrifting, what more could you ask for in life?
Happy to see you included Maymont as a place to explore. My husband and I visited for my birthday just days before we moved to North Carolina, and it was a better adventure than either of us expected. We’re not history buffs or anything, but the stories and the culture are fascinating (especially for anyone who’s watched Downton Abbey, since the timelines overlap). Thanks for sharing!
Haha! Richmond needs to change its slogan to “Overlapping With Downton Abbey Since The Turn Of The Century.”
xo
s
As for travel sites… I’ve found wiki travel to be helpful (especially overseas!) for a quick intro to a place:
Here’s a DC example: http://wikitravel.org/en/Washington,_D.C
Looks like the Richmond one is a little weak…perhaps you should beef it up with a link to your post :).
Thanks for the tip Cheryl!
xo
s
We were just in Richmond this past weekend visiting friends (we are from Pittsburgh). We definitely hit up the Sugar Shack and it was amazing!! We also ate at Mosaic and it was awesome too. Great mac and cheese and the atmosphere was really cool.
Oh yeah, we love Mosaic! It’s so nice in the warmer months when you can sit outside.
xo
s
Great post! I’m in NOVA and my mom is in Williamsburg and she along with my 16 year old love thrifting and doughnuts. I think we’ll have to do a trip this spring!
Woot! Have fun Katherine!
xo
s
Hey John and Sherry, there is a source for thrift shops. It’s called thethriftshopper.com. Type in your zip code and there’s a list of thrift shops for that area. Not too sure about the restaurant option though. Cheers!
Thanks for the tip!
xo
s
I lived in Richmond years ago, and honestly EVERY time I read your blog I truly miss it. Thanks for always painting Richmond in a positive light! It really was a great place to live, and I didn’t realize it until I moved away!
YAY! I have been trying to convince the hubs to move to Richmond forEVER! While I don’t think the thrift store angle is going to work in my favor, the foodie I married will probably cry (ie: get something in his eye) over all the delicious choices!
Thanks for this post! I have taken two road trips down to Richmond (from NoVA) using the post from your last anniversary. I have loved everywhere you recommended. One place I would recommend to you guys is the Christmas Tree Shop on West Broad Street in Glen Allen. The name is misleading- it is actually a discount variety store with lots of fun party items, paper goods and decor at phenomenal prices. It is a chain store from New England (where I am originally from) and I always stop by when I am in Richmond. Thanks again!!
Sounds awesome! Will have to check it out!
xo
s
Can I just say how thrilled I am that Diversity Thrift made your list? It’s been my #1 store since I moved here for college 14 years ago, and back then in was in a MUCH smaller space on…Cary St? Pretty close to VCU, in any case, and it was where all my friends and I would go when we needed furniture or housewares. Have you guys been to the Flea Market place just of 95, a couple exits north of King’s Dominion? I always see it on my way to NOVA, but no idea if it’s worth the drive.
No, we haven’t tried that Flea Market place! Is that good? Anyone know? We wonder about it too whenever we drive by!
xo
s
Hey guys, haven’t commented in a while. So sorry! But I still read you.
But was wondering… how did you do that map? I mean, personalize it like that with the spots you wanted, etc.
Do you still have the link to the tutorial you followed?
Thanks Sherry!
xo,
I was in Google Maps, and there’s an option when you’re signed in to “create a new map” – so I made one, and then followed their steps to share it.
-John
Do you have any recommendations for which neighborhood/area to stay in if I’m looking somewhere like AirBnB?
Hmm, The Fan or Libby/Grove could be really fun. Anyone else have ideas for Jen?
xo
s
Perfect timing! My mom and I are headed to Leesburg in May for the Old Lucketts Store sale, so I think we’ll be going through Richmond. YAY for shopping and eating!
Have fun Caroline! I hear that Old Lucketts Sale is awesome!
xo
s
THIS IS AWESOME! Thank you so much for this great guide of Richmond (our new favorite city). We took a roadtrip down from DC last month and we are already planning our next one this Spring!
Well this makes me want to road trip to Richmond! Thanks for all the helpful info. Sounds like there is fun to be had.
Oh man, it’s fun to hear that Palm Springs and Hawaii are two of the top places to visit this year! I’m in Palm Spring now visiting family and my husband and I are leaving for Hawaii TOMORROW!!!!! I am so stinkin’ excited : )
We need to hit up Richmond next though. Maybe this fall? Thanks for the itinerary! I doubt I could get my husband to go for that much thrifting though…. Haha!
LUCKY DUCK! Consider me jealous.
xo
s
When I see posts like this it makes me want to leave Long Island and move south. Long Island is just so cramped. Don’t get me wrong there are lots of great places here to go, but a change would be nice. Thanks for this great post. I see a long weekend vacation in my future! :)
Love the list! After the Home and Gardens Show my mom and I hit up Diversity and found the cutest wine rack. Thanks so much for the rec!
Sarah
http://www.sarahsdaybook.wordpress.com
So glad!
xo
s
I’m a former Richmonder – all my life until about 10 years ago. My fave unique restaurant is Sidewalk Cafe in the Fan. They have the best black bean burgers – by which I will always judge all other veggie burgers. And fries and Greek food and pizzas. (I lived in the burbs so was only there at lunch on weekdays.) I think it’s in an old pharmacy so it has the black and white tile floor.
And then there’s Millie’s in Church Hill – best brunches ever. I cannot believe how they get such great food out of such a tiny kitchen!
Oh yes, Millie’s is amazing! And we’ll have to check out Sidewalk Cafe asap!
xo
s
Ooh, I love this post! As we’re only about an hour north, I see a Richmond thrifting day in my future ;) Thank you!
You’re very welcome. Hope you enjoy your trip!
-John
Thanks for the 411 on RVA! My sister started Graduate School at VCU last fall to get her PhD in Clinical Psychology, and a visit there is definitely on my “To Do” list. Good to know some recommended places to shop and eat in advance! :)
So much fun! Wish we lived closer!!!
xox, Rachel
http://saddleandsuede.weebly.com/
My brother-in-law and sister-in-law have lived in Richmond for a couple of years now (Midlothian/Bon Air area, I believe–I was lost the whole time we were there). We’ve only made the trip to visit them once and that was a long weekend filled mostly with kids’ soccer games. :) I need to save this for the next time we find ourselves there with a little more time (and no soccer games).
Love this. Thanks. One of my many sisters lives in Midlothian and my son is moving there soon. Can’t wait to check some of these out. (Though I have been in that Salvation Army store. Never seen so much furniture in a thrift store.)
You make Richmond sound so compelling that I’m tempted to spend my Spring Break there! Why waste money on gambling in Vegas when I could buy awesome thrift finds in Richmond?! Now, getting everything home that I’ll inevitably end up buying will be the tricky part. I may have to store some things at your place ;)
Haha! Sounds like a plan ;)
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I’ve never been to Richmond but hope to one day after the way you’ve introduced it to us!
Most surprising was that there’s a New Zealand influenced burger joint – so far from home! Will definitely have to stop by there. Are they ex-NZers who run it?
I believe they’re either from NZ or spent a ton of time there (living/traveling/studying/etc). It’s a really delicious place. I think it does NZ proud!
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s
I love Sugar Shack! Yum! And Hope Thrift is one of my favorites!
Abby
Thepreppycoxswain.blogspot.com
Oh man! This post came two months to late for me… I came down to Richmond for my birthday and back in December to find some thrift stores. We found some good ones but this list definitely would have been helpful. I guess I’ll just have to come back down again ;)
Also… you didn’t list one my fav eateries in Richmond: Buzz & Neds! So good…. food comma…
Oh yes, Buzz & Neds is so good! We have too many good restaurants here, darn it. Haha! I can’t believe how many we left off, but I think it’s a sign that we should be even more grateful for the RVA grub.
xo
s
Great post! I am a local so it is really cool to see some familiar spots and learn of some new ones. The next time you are in Midlothian, you should check out the Richmond Zoo and The Children’s Museum in Chesterfield, if you haven’t already. The museum is before you get to Magnolia Green and the Zoo is a mile or so past it. And you also have Chesterfield Berry Farm in Moseley. Sorry, I sound like a tour guide!
Oh yes, we love all of those places! Lots of fun for kiddos!
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s
I recently discovered Governors Antiques in Mechanicsville. It’s like Caravarti’s but with prices for the masses. I found the tub and sink for our bathroom renovation there (they also refinish in house) and plan to go back for the light fixtures. They have piles and piles of cool stuff. Bathtubs for days.
Thanks so much for the tip!
xo
s
It looks like most of your readers are mid states or east but if anyone is visiting Vegas, we’ve got more to offer than smelly casinos and flashy shows! I love Colleen’s Consignment shops: 3 locations, N Rainbow and Pecos (east side location) are best, the S Rainbow location is smaller and I rarely find things there. My MIL and I decorated my Casita almost entirely through Colleen’s and now people stay in it through airbnb and love it: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2160466?s=oo0X
We also just bought a beautiful recliner for our nursery in progress (due July, love seeing your updates) there last weekend. It was a brand new floor model from the design center for $320 (the cheapest new recliners I found that were of similar quality were $500-800) and so much nicer looking than the lazy boy my hubby wanted!
Sounds awesome!
xo
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