Perhaps you know Richmond as the capital of Virginia, home to Civil War battlefields and the birthplace of Edgar Allen Poe. Richmond has always been big on history but in recent years a creative spirit has taken hold. Today’s Richmond is equal parts DC and Austin; with street art, craft beer and one of the most dynamic dining scenes in the south making Richmond Virginia’s new capital of cool. A weekend is just long enough to take in Richmond’s new vibe, and of course I’ve got a few recommendations for what you should see, eat and drink in Richmond, Virginia.
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Richmond’s Art Scene
VMFA
Anchoring Richmond’s Museum District the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is home to Virginia’s premier art collection. With exhibits featuring everything from southern asian antiquities to contemporary sculptures the VMFA has something for everyone. Entry to the VMFA is free and each Friday they host a happy hour and gallery tours.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a popular stop for locals and visitors of all ages. Aside from colorful blooms that change with the season the Botanical Garden plays host to a changing roster of outdoor art exhibits. Origami in the Garden, an array of 21 metal sculptures, is on exhibit through September 30, 2018.
Institute for Contemporary Art
Sadly my visit was a little early for the new Institute for Contemporary Art but the architecturally stunning museum on Broad Street is an exciting addition to Richmond’s art community. Their inaugural exhibit Declaration features 34 artists and runs through September 9,2018. Admission is free but you do need a timed ticket to access exhibits.
Street Art in Richmond
With over 100 murals the entire city is a canvas for Richmond’s creative spirit. The Richmond Mural Project and the RVA Street Art Festival bring in local, national and global artists to celebrate Richmond’s street art scene.
Discover all the great things to do in Richmond
Where to Eat in Richmond
Perly’s Delicatessen
Chef Kevin Robert’s updated Richmond diner offers updated Jewish classics that would be right at home in the Lower East Side. Make sure to stop by for breakfast for the cinnamon babka french toast or my favorite, the Benny Goodman, a benedict served atop two crispy potato latkes with house cured smoked salmon and trout roe. Perly’s is a place that would make your Bubbie proud.
Kuba Kuba
Kuba Kuba is equal parts diner and bodega serving up Cuban classics in Richmond’s Fan neighborhood since 1998. All-day breakfast and huge portions make Kuba Kuba a RVA favorite; the Spanish tortilla loaded with potatoes, peppers and chorizo with a cortadito is always a good bet.
Rappahannock
With a water-to-table ethos Rappahannock brings the best of the Chesapeake Bay to downtown Richmond. The stars here are Rappahannock’s oysters, whether you get them served simply chilled, topped with trout roe or baked with leeks and ham these buttery bivalves are best enjoyed with a glass of prosecco on tap.
Brenner’s Pass
The airy, minimalist decor of Brenner’s Pass wouldn’t look out of place in Copenhagen but this eatery in the hip Scott’s Addition neighborhood is serving up creative takes on alpine cuisine. Braised lamb lasagna with smoked ricotta and broccoli rabe is an elevated take on a comfort classic while the rabbit sausage with fava beans is tender and flavorful. Be sure to pair your meal with a creative cocktail like the Sherry Cobbler, an addictive melange of sherry, absinthe and meyer lemon.
L’Opposum
With L’Opposum recently named as the best restaurant in the south and Chef David Shannon’s culinary pedigree having cut his teeth at the famed Inn at Little Washington this Oregon Hill restaurant needs to be at the top of any foodie’s list. The French-inspired cuisine at L’Opposum is well thought with attention paid to both technique and flavor, but the kitschy atmosphere (when is the last time your fine dining restaurant was decorated with Star Wars collector plates?) and tongue-in-cheek menu descriptions this is a place that clearly doesn’t take itself too seriously. From deviled eggs topped with caviar and champagne gelée to foie gras bread pudding each bite at L’Opposum surprises you in the best way possible.
Charm School Social Club
Located in the Broad Street Art District Charm School Social Club offers handcrafted ice cream with a seasonally changing roster of flavors (including vegan options). Housemade waffle cones and toppings (like an all-too addicitve toasted marshmallow fluff) make Charm School Social Club my go-to ice place in Richmond.
Craft Beer in Richmond
In recent years Richmond has become one of the best cities on the east coast to grab a drink. With over 20 craft breweries Richmond is definitely a beer town, with most of the breweries located in and around the neighborhood of Scott’s Addition. Try the latest sour from The Veil Brewing Co. or go for the Bourbon Barrel Cru at Hardwood Craft Brewery.
Where to stay in Richmond
The Jefferson Hotel has been Richmond’s luxury address since 1895 and has played host to presidents, Elvis and even an alligator or two.
The Quirk Hotel offers boutique style and features local art throughout the hotel and in its onsite art gallery.
The Graduate Richmond offers up a fun vibe and has a rooftop bar.
Where are you favorite places in Richmond? Please share in the comments!
Fiona Maclean says
I haven’t been to Richmond VA, but it does look charming. I’m impressed by the food scene – especially that wicked looking icecream with marshmallow fluff. I’ve heard of the Jefferson – but there seem to be a number of good options if you want to stay too!
Brianna says
I would go back just for the ice cream at Charm School!
steph and zach dorworth says
We’ve never been to Richmond! But it’s cool to learn about all the art and yummy food there! Seems like a great place to visit. Charm school with the toasted marshmallow on top…wow! Thanks for sharing those breweries too because we always checkout new breweries when we travel.
Gabby says
the food in Richmond looks awesome! Especially that ice cream cone 😉 I love destinations like this that aren’t the typical tourist destinations but have tons to offer
Lois Alter Mark says
Wow, I’ve never been a huge history buff which is what Richmond always seemed to be about. Art and food are the two things I focus on in any city, and I had no idea Richmond had all of this. Time for a visit, for sure!
Marcus and Mel says
Last year we visited Boston but next time we will definitely be heading down the east coast. We visit the US about 3 times a year and love discovering new places. There is so much rich history in this area and the standard of food looks excellent. I think that handcrafted ice cream deserves a trip on its own.
Marissa says
I’ve heard so much about Richmond over the years, so I really need to visit! I’d love to go to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. That’d be the perfect place to take pictures.
Renata - www.byemyself.com says
Richmond looks very nice. By whom is the art you’re showing? I’ve seen this ‘donut’ before – and is the white head by Antony Gromley? Looks a little like his sculpture in Bordeaux.
What’s torturing me right now are your pix of the food – the Cuban food, the Oysters, the…. mmmh, need to come to eat in Richmond.
Cat says
I haven’t heard of Richmond before. I would love to check out its art scene! A street art tour would be fun. Can’t believe the entry to the fine art museum is free!
Janna says
I had no idea Richmond had a beautiful art scene. If I had to chose one place to visit Id definitely go to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. It seems like a nice place to check out!
Brianna says
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a great way to spend an afternoon!
terra @ terragoes.com says
As a Richmonder, I concur on the food front. L’Opposum is incredible, and Kuba Kuba lives in my heart. Other favorites include the Roosevelt and Edo’s Squid.
For beer, Hardywood has a great place, but there beer isn’t the best. I prefer Ardent, Isley or Vasan.
Brianna says
I will have to check out Ardent and Vasan breweries the next time I’m in town!