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Young House Love » Road Trips & Travel » Our Favorite Shops, Restaurants, and Activities In Richmond Virginia

| By John Petersik | February 25, 2014 | 325 Comments

Our Favorite Shops, Restaurants, and Activities In Richmond Virginia

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?”

  RVA Instagram Grid

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.

RVA Title

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.

RVA Dixie Donuts

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).

Final Living Room After 2

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.

Love Art8

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.

RVA Thrill Of The Hunt

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.

RVA Urban Farmhouse

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.

Gold Clara Close

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.

Video Screen Shot9

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.

RVA Proper Pie

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?

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Comments

  1. Allison says

    February 26, 2014 at 8:54 am

    This is an awesome comprehensive list! I’m a local and had a great time just this past weekend doing some thrifting with friends up in Asland. We hit up Class & Trash and Thrill of the Hunt along with a couple other antiquey places. I also love your instagram collage at the beginning of the post. I recognize all the places except the one in the middle of the right column. It looks gorgeous, and I want the weather to be warm so I can go there right now! Will you please let me know where that is? Thanks!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 26, 2014 at 9:00 am

      It’s on the North Bank Trail, sort of between Hollywood Cemetery and the river. You can access it from the Belle Isle parking lot.

      xo
      s

  2. Trista says

    February 26, 2014 at 9:01 am

    This is the greatest information! My husband and I moved to Richmond just last weekend and need a few key items for our new home–kitchen table, armoire for foyer, desk. What a super resource for us, and how timely to have found your site. Thanks!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 26, 2014 at 9:35 am

      Glad to help, Trista!

      -John

  3. Jennifer says

    February 26, 2014 at 9:05 am

    This is great! My daughter goes to VCU and is moving into a new apartment in the summer. We hit up the Sugar Shack this past Sunday and will make it a point to check out these other picks you have named in this post. Being from Alexandria, a quick little drive down 95 South to RVA is a fun little roadtrip for us; going again this Saturday and plan to check out Dixie Donuts now. Love thrift shops, so will be checking those out as well. Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Holly W. says

    February 26, 2014 at 9:41 am

    That gradient dresser pic with Jon deserves a caption contest. is he petting the door? using the force to open the drawers? drawn forward against his will by the holy light behind him? moving too fast for human eyes to see (i.e. he already opened the drawer and grabbed some gum, unwrapped it, put it in his mouth, and chucked the gum back into the drawer before closing it), is he going to put an invisible lightbulb in that lamp?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 26, 2014 at 10:04 am

      Hahaha!

      xo
      s

  5. Maureen says

    February 26, 2014 at 9:53 am

    Congratulations on 8 wonderful years! I’m in Arlington, VA so it sounds like I’m going to have to come thrifting in your area for wedding supplies. :)

    Reply
  6. Aimee W. says

    February 26, 2014 at 11:34 am

    Thank you for posting this list! I’m planning a thrifting trip next week for my birthday and haven’t been to Love of Jesus or Family Thrift Center yet! I’m curious, I drive a similar sized car to yours, and can’t figure out how to get a headboard home in it. How were you able to get the headboard home?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 26, 2014 at 12:15 pm

      We actually called one of the guys on the building team to grab it, since he had a pickup, but if it were for our home, borrowing an SUV from J’s sister or parents probably would have fit that in!

      xo
      s

  7. Susan J. says

    February 26, 2014 at 1:40 pm

    My husband and I are about to have our last kid graduate college and are considering a major relocation to a new place. We’ve lived in NYC and we’ve lived in Los Angeles and have loved both experiences. Unfortunately California and NYC have both run out of affordable housing. Maybe we should consider Richmond. I’ve even Zillowed around down there. A visit is definitely in order.

    Reply
  8. Joseph says

    February 26, 2014 at 2:27 pm

    This is a great list! We’ve been to most of these places, Proper Pie Co. is fantastic and my wife and I are both confused as to why we still haven’t made it to Burger Bach yet. My wife always laughs when that whale globe shows up in pictures because she actually saw it at Consignment Connection.

    We’ll have to add Hope Thrift to our must see list (which is where The Decorating Outlet currently resides). Have you guys been to La Diff downtown? It’s a pretty cool place. It’s not cheap but it was less pricey than we were expecting.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 26, 2014 at 2:40 pm

      Yes, we love La Diff!

      xo
      s

  9. Janet Brennan says

    February 26, 2014 at 4:44 pm

    My daughter is an art student at VCU and she loves Richmond.
    The Fan area is beautiful and Church Hill too. I love walking around and checking out all the lovely homes. Going up to visit soon so I will check out these places.
    Especially Proper Pie!

    Reply
  10. Patty says

    February 26, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    We are going to a family wedding in Baltimore in May. After that we will be driving to Virginia to look for a house. We currently live in CT and I just can’t stand the weather and the over population (we are about 1 hours from NYC in Fairfield). We are both retired and we are looking for quiet. I made a list of all the stores you talked about. Now for the big question – do we rent a car or a large moving truck? Only kidding. Can’t wait to go.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 26, 2014 at 6:52 pm

      Haha! Happy hunting, Patty!

      xo
      s

  11. WSquared says

    February 26, 2014 at 7:32 pm

    …you know, that smiley donut is totally a Clara donut. Seems so much like her style of things!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 26, 2014 at 8:32 pm

      She loves those kitty donuts ;)

      xo
      s

  12. Evie says

    February 26, 2014 at 10:44 pm

    I am hesitant to do this, but Born Again Furnishings on Broad Street (5000 something address) has amazing midcentury modern stuff all the time. I guess I can’t *actually* buy all the stuff there myself so people should be told about this place. Everyone is super nice too!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 27, 2014 at 8:18 am

      Thanks for the tip Evie!

      xo
      s

  13. Karen says

    February 27, 2014 at 6:03 am

    As a fifth generation Richmonder, I love it when others move here and discover what a wonderful place it is to live! I have been a die hard yard saler for many years and Richmond is the place to go “sale-ing” almost year round. Takes a little bit more hunting time than going to thrift stores, but it’s usually time well spent. One of my favorite upcycle stores is Paul’s Place, 1009 Overbrook (off Chamberlayne), as Paul is the king of all treasure hunters–loaded with great architectural salvage and awesome decorating pieces.

    Reply
  14. AmyEmBee says

    February 27, 2014 at 1:18 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing! I’m in Virginia, too, in the Fredericksburg area. I have been meaning to get down to RVA for awhile now. I feel like we always head north to D.C. when we want to get out of town for a day trip. I have time off next week and was planning on just sort of wandering around Cary street, but now I am SO visiting some of your haunts. My house could use some style updates, and there’s no better way to do so, in my opinion, than thrifting!! Whee!

    Reply
  15. Kal says

    February 27, 2014 at 5:00 pm

    Next time you’re up in Ashland, go up Route 1 just a little bit (maybe a mile past the main intersection/shopping center with starbucks – a little place called yesterdays and todays – they have an (outdoor) DIY kind of section, but also some refinished stuff indoors.

    I found a great dresser to re-do from there for maybe $40 (http://halffinishedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/12/dresser-facelift.html)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 27, 2014 at 5:02 pm

      Thanks so much Kal! Can’t wait to check it out!

      xo
      s

    • Christine says

      March 1, 2014 at 5:29 pm

      FYI, Yesterdays and Todays is moving from Ashland to Lakeside. She is opening a 10,000sq ft antique mall near the Farmer’s Market, and will have a separate location for classes and workshop. Found this out on her FB page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yesterdays-Today-Unique-Furniture-and-Home-Decor-Consignment/186957814679007

    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 1, 2014 at 7:31 pm

      Thanks for the tip!

      xo
      s

  16. Charter says

    February 27, 2014 at 5:38 pm

    As a Richmonder-Resident and an Ashlander-Worker, I’m pumped about this post! Thank you for sharing these deserving businesses with your global followers. I want more people coming to RVA and loving it the way I do.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 27, 2014 at 5:39 pm

      Of course! We love RVA!

      xo
      s

  17. Kristin says

    February 27, 2014 at 8:25 pm

    Thank you so much for this! I keep telling my husband that I want to drive down from Northern VA to have a day in Richmond. Hopefully this post will finally convince him. Pretty sure the pies and doughnuts will do it. :)

    Reply
  18. Christine says

    February 27, 2014 at 10:26 pm

    SO glad you are in Richmond, I have found some great thrifting spots through you. Now I can share one — Caritas is an organization that helps people find jobs, and they have a huge indoor yard sale once a month. Their donors donate *really* nice things. The next one is this weekend (tomorrow and Saturday). https://www.facebook.com/caritasvaorg

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 28, 2014 at 8:44 am

      Thanks so much! Such a great tip!

      xo
      s

  19. Liz C. says

    February 27, 2014 at 11:08 pm

    Have you ever visited Fredericksburg? Just a little north of Richmond. We have some yummy restaurants and good thrifting too!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 28, 2014 at 8:44 am

      We pass it all the time on the way to DC. Will have to check it out!

      xo
      s

  20. Lauren says

    February 28, 2014 at 11:34 am

    Love the map! You should create these for other cities. Hint, hint….

    Reply
  21. Marian@Gathering Branches says

    March 5, 2014 at 8:55 am

    Hey guys, we were in Richmond last weekend and stopped by the Proper Pie Company. 5 savories, 7 sweets, 9 different favors, and $70 later we rolled ourselves out of there. The staff probably thought we were crazy because we always play a game called “Pass The Pie”. We each order a different flavor, take a bite, then pass it to the person in the group next to us so everyone can try every flavor a couple of times. So thanks for the referral. Good times for all at the Proper Pie. It’s now on our Must Visit list when we head to your charming city.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 5, 2014 at 9:28 am

      That sounds like so much fun! I’m so glad you guys could stop by and play pass the pie! Haha!

      xo
      s

  22. Heidi says

    March 6, 2014 at 7:09 pm

    I am so stoked for this!!! It came at a perfect time. My fiance and I are currently planning out honeymoon next spring in Savannah. We will be road tripping in from NY and I was already planning an overnight in Richmond! So I am so happy for some hot spots to visit! Thank you so much!

    Reply
  23. April says

    March 18, 2014 at 9:35 am

    I followed your itinerary above this past weekend, and had a great time down in Richmond! I’m from NOVA, but haven’t spent much time in RVA. It was spot on! Thanks guys!

    Reply
  24. Whitney says

    March 26, 2014 at 9:19 pm

    Hi John and Sherry! We are going to be passing through Richmond on our way from Maine to Raleigh. We have stopped once before and just drove around looking at houses, etc. This time we plan to spend a few hours exploring, yay! If you could recommend 1 or 2 shops (with a 4 1/1 month old) and 1 place to eat where are your “must stop” locations?! (That gastropub sounds awesome!) Thanks!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 26, 2014 at 9:34 pm

      Here’s a post for you about that: https://www.younghouselove.com/2014/02/the-big-eight/

      Hope you have a great time!

      xo
      s

  25. kathy hibbert says

    April 2, 2014 at 4:35 pm

    John~
    This is a much appreciated list and I thank you. We live in Virginia Beach,happily within an easy drive to many good thrift stores. But it’s one of our favorite things to scope out stores on day trips and long weekends away.

    Reply
  26. Lori N says

    September 29, 2014 at 4:39 pm

    Heading to Richmond this weekend & was wondering where the big red LOVE letters (in the picture) are located? Thx!

    Reply
  27. Tatiana says

    September 30, 2014 at 7:12 am

    Uau, I loved your post! I’m moving to Richmond next year with my family from Brazil, so when I read posts like this I feel more confident that things will work out just fine! Thanks!

    Reply
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John and Sherry Sitting On Woven ChairHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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