How to spend a day in Richmond to escape election stress
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What your next Richmond sunset could look like feat. Jefferson Park. Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios
Election season isn't without its stressors, so we've put together a 10-step guide for how to spend a day in Richmond if you need a distraction.
Pro tip: Bring comfy shoes if you're up for walking, romanticize everything and put your phone on Do Not Disturb.
1: Wake up, grab a friend and head to Joe's Inn.
- If you want to take breakfast to go: The Smoky Mug in Northside (we recommend the breakfast sandwich on an English muffin with chorizo and their cinnamon dulce latte).
2: Walk, if you're able, through the VMFA to check out "Rumors of War," the dogs usually hanging out around the lawn and the latest exhibits — if that's your thing.
3: Go toward Paix on Cleveland Street for a coffee fix and massive croissants or Rexco, the vintage clothing store right next door.
4: Head to Monument Avenue, which is near Paix and it's especially worth a stroll since the leaves are changing.
5: But if you want to lounge, head to Byrd Park or Forest Hill Park, lay out and do literally nothing (but maybe listen to music).
- If in Byrd Park, you might spot a Golden retriever on Westover Road named Brookie who loves being petted.
- If in Forest Hill and you get hungry, stop at Little Nickel after decompressing.
6. Time for a binge-watch break before lunch (if you didn't do Little Nickel). Keep it light!
- For shows we recommend: "Abbott Elementary," "Emily in Paris" and "Only Murders in the Building."
- For movies, predictable rom-coms: "The Holiday," "When Harry Met Sally" or "Hitch."
- Honorable mentions for any Marvel movie ever.
7: OK let's be honest, you binge-watched through lunch and didn't want to get up. Order from Pupuseria El Salvadoreño, our go-to Richmond spot for pupusas (they deliver).
8: This one's important: Make sure to catch the sunset. Our favorite spot is at Jefferson Park.
- If food is needed, get some pizza from 8 ½ in Church Hill before that location closes.
- If it's only sweets you want, make a pit stop at Shyndigz first for cake slices the size of your head.
- Honorable sweets mention for Manchu's beignets in Northside.
9: Make a stop at Penny's Wine Shop in Jackson Ward for small plates and, of course, wine.
10: End the night at the Quirk rooftop to take in the city views.
- Bonus points if you text your friends to gush about how much you love them. You'll feel better afterward.