Now that you know what to see & do in Richmond, you need to know where to stay! And once you arrive, you will need to know where to eat. Below is my guide and advice on parts of town to lay your head down at night, and places to plop your bum down and chow:
Stay:
- Fan District: My boyfriend and I stayed in an Airbnb in the Fan District. Walking distance to the VMFA and some fine shops and restaurants, it was a no-brainer. It is home to the Virginia Commonwealth University campus, however is is surrounded by a large residential area of lovely homes built in the late 19th & early 20th century.
Front yards of the Fan
- Carytown
A hipster part of town with vintage shops, consignment boutiques and artisen shops, Cary Street is the basis of all the action in Carytown. Next to the Fan, this area has over 230 cafes, a historical theatre & lots of street art.
- Downtown
Downtown Richmond reminds me of Downtown Pittsburgh: lots of offices. I was disappointed when we stayed at a hotel Friday and Saturday, as I found Downtown somewhat “dies” on the weekend. There were no nail or hair salons and not much retail shopping. This is of course a good starting point as it is close for business travelers and walking distance to the State Capitol.
- Shockoe Bottom/Shockoe Slip
Home to my beloved Poe Museum, this area is also being revitalized. If you like the outdoors, this is the spot for you, as you have the new Canal Walk in this area.
- Church Hill
Part of the reason RVA is “One of the Most Walkable Cities in America,” this area holds a lot of history and was the cities original land plat. It has turned around and had lots of renovations in the past few years and locals are moving here as it is considered to be the new “Carytown.” We actually considered staying here instead of the Fan, and it is where we will stay next time!
Eat & Drink:
- Ipenema Cafe
Located on the skirts of VCU’s campus, this vegan/veggie cafe is really a bar with amazing food! - WHISK
A few blocks from the Poe Musuem, this cafe offers veggie options and free wifi! Part bakery, part brunch spot, this place was busy when I stopped in for a late lunch at 2:30pm. Food was amazing and service we quick.
- Sticky Rice
Right in the Fan, this is a hipster Japanese fusion bar. Lots of veggie & vegan options, along with PBR and karaoke. - Urban Farmhouse Market
Part local shoppe, part cafe, I loved the vibe of this place. Known for it’s avo-toast, there were lots of seats and tables for locals to grab a coffee and work off the free wifi. Right downtown, this was one of the only places I could get food the morning of the wedding. That being said, I would definitely have stopped & ate here as it is a true local spot. - Southern Railway Taphouse
Along the Canal Walk in Shockoe Slip, this pub has a nice outdoor space that faces the water. Lots of seating for meals, and big bar area for when it turns into a “club” on the weekends. - Hardywood Brewery
Great outdoor space, and freshly brewed beer, be sure to come on a night when the food trucks park for a few hours. - The Circuit – Arcade Bar
Like arcades? Like beer? Then this place will keep you happy for hours! Get a card to be able to pour your own beers from a selection of craft beers from the area, and then get coins to play games. This is definitely a “dude” place, but still worth the Uber ride if you like to be able to try lots of unique beers. - Can Can Brasserie
Known as THE PLACE to eat on Cary Street, this cafe has a French theme. Though I liked the decor and amount of beers and wine to choose from, it was over priced and the service was not that good. I did like the open windows to the street, and I would still say it is a must eat because of the ambiance.
TIP: Don’t get lost in one of the “Most Walkable Cities in the USA,” have a map!
Where would you recommend to stay and eat in Richmond?