Things to do, see, eat and drink when visiting Richmond
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Jefferson Park has panoramic views of the city. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
Take advantage of the holiday weekend and go on a nearby road trip. Might I suggest Richmond, Virginia?
Why it matters: Richmond is about a 4.5-hour drive from Charlotte (7 hours by train) and an easy long weekend getaway.
Context: I recently spent my mini-moon there, and before my trip, I asked our friends at Axios Richmond for their top recommendations.
Here are a few ideas for an ideal weekend in Richmond, Va.
Where to stay
We stayed at the historic Jefferson Hotel in downtown Richmond, but anywhere downtown will "put you within five blocks or less from the Pulse, the city's free rapid bus line that runs every 15 minutes(ish)," according to Axios' Karri Peifer.
Things to do
History highlights: History buffs will appreciate The Valentine (a Richmond-specific history museum near downtown) and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. While you're there, stop by the free Virginia Museum of Fine Arts next door.
- Make sure to swing through Church Hill and by St. John's Church — where Patrick Henry gave his Liberty or Death speech.
- I'm partial to a ghost tour — here's one option and here's another.
Walkable destinations: I love how walkable Richmond is. On our first day, we got coffee and massive croissants at Paix on Cleveland Street and walked all along Monument Avenue. My dream of moving into one of those historic mansions was quickly crushed by realizing their $2M+ price tags.
- You can also walk through the Hollywood Cemetery, where a few former Presidents are buried. It also has a nice view of the James River (which you can whitewater raft through or picnic next to).
- Speaking of parks, one Richmond perk is how dog-friendly the city is. Our dogs, Chester and Bean, really liked running around Ruff Canine Club (Richmond's version of Skiptown) and watching the sunset at Jefferson Park.
Rapid-fire hot spots: Karri recommends going to Carytown (on Cary Street) for cool little shops and bars, Scott's Addition for nightlife/breweries and The Fan for a meal to just walk around.
Go deeper: How to spend a day in Richmond
Where to eat, drink and go out
Dig in: The best meal I had in Richmond was at The Tobacco Company, where we rang in the new year. It also has a speakeasy-like lounge.
- Truckle Cheesemongers has Richmond's best grilled cheese sandwiches, according to Axios' Sabrina Moreno, who also recommends walking across the street and checking out B-Side Bakehouse for "pastries the size of your head."
- The Jefferson Hotel has two restaurants. If you're balling out, make reservations at Lemaire.
Party here: If you want to go dancing, Sabrina recommends New York Deli and The Hof, which has a heated rooftop and a speakeasy-like lounge.
- If you like "oontz oontz" music, go to LOSO for a clubbier vibe.
- For a good cocktail, check out Little Nickel.
- As far as breweries go, Sabrina recommends Väsen in Scott's Addition. Hop on over to Buskey's for cider while you're in the area.
- Brambly Park is a winery/restaurant/park.
The bottom line: Richmond is pretty cool, and you should visit!
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