Today marks a milestone for us — our fifth anniversary living in Richmond, VA.
On this date in 2006 Sherry and I woke up on an air mattress in my Upper West Side apartment (she had already moved out of her Soho studio) to meet my dad, who drove up in the minivan that would carry us and everything we owned to Richmond. Seven hours and one Ikea stop later we pulled into our new apartment in the River City: unemployed, not yet married, and full of excitement about the life ahead.
We get asked a lot about what to see, where to shop, and where to eat in Richmond, so for our fifth anniversary we put together five “Top 5” lists of favorites around town. If you’re visiting RVA or looking for new local spots, these picks are a nice starting point.
- 5 Favorite Places to Eat in Richmond
- 5 Favorite Tourist-Friendly Things to See and Do
- 5 Favorite Ways to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors
- 5 Favorite Places to Find Home Deals and Thrift Finds
- 5 Favorite Stylish Home Stores for Inspiration
5 Favorite Places to Chow Down
We’re not self-proclaimed food critics, but we love a good meal out. These Richmond restaurants and spots are ones we return to again and again for atmosphere, neighborhood charm, and tasty food.
- Kuba Kuba — A cozy, colorful Cuban spot in The Fan. Casual and comforting, it’s a neighborhood favorite for authentic flavors and lively vibes.
- Bottom’s Up — A beloved pizza place in Shockoe Bottom with local character. The dining room shows its history, and the food is reliably satisfying.
- The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing — A riverfront restaurant with great views of the James River and the city skyline. The setting is a top reason to go, especially for celebrations.
- Crab Louie’s Tavern — A seafood-focused spot housed in a historic building outside the core downtown area. Expect classic seafood and a warm, homestyle atmosphere.
- Sticky Rice — A playful, modern take on sushi and small plates. The menu is fun and inventive, and the space is always buzzing.
5 Favorite Tourist-y Things to Do
Richmond may not have giant monuments, but it has character, history, and cultural destinations that should be on any visitor’s list.
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) — A beautifully renovated art museum with a strong permanent collection. Many galleries are free, making it a great cultural stop in Richmond.
- The Byrd Theatre — A historic movie palace from 1928 that still shows second-run films. The architecture and old-school moviegoing experience are part of the charm.
- Hollywood Cemetery — A scenic, historic cemetery that doubles as a peaceful place for a walk; the landscaping and views make it worth a stroll, especially in the fall.
- Carytown — A lively shopping and dining district with independent stores, cafes, and a colorful main street feel. It’s perfect for walking, people-watching, and discovering local shops.
- The Fan District — Tree-lined streets and historic rowhouses make The Fan a great neighborhood for walking or running. Browse storefronts, stop at a cafe, and soak in the architecture.
5 Favorite Ways to Enjoy a Gorgeous Day
Richmond shines when the weather is nice. Here are our favorite outdoor spots — great for relaxation, exercise, or a casual outing with friends and family.
- Pony Pasture — Part of the James River Park System, with trails, swimming-friendly currents, and rocky sunning spots. Locals often treat the river like a beach on hot days.
- Maymont — A multifaceted park with gardens, paved paths, a petting area, and historic structures. It’s a relaxed place to spend a sunny afternoon and enjoy well-maintained grounds.
- Belle Isle — An island in the James River offering trails and striking views of the skyline. It’s a favorite for walking, running, and reconnecting with nature close to downtown.
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden — A cultivated botanical garden with diverse plantings and seasonal displays. It’s a peaceful, well-landscaped destination that inspires gardening ideas and leisurely walks.
- Outdoor Shopping Centers — Locations like Stony Point Fashion Park or Short Pump Town Center blend shopping with open-air promenades. They’re ideal for a sunny shopping trip where you can stroll and grab a bite outdoors.
5 Favorite Places to Score Home Deals
If you love thrifting or hunting for home bargains, Richmond has some great local spots beyond the big national chains.
- Diversity Thrift — A dependable thrift store where we’ve found furniture bases, vintage pieces, and unexpected gems over the years.
- Love of Jesus Thrift — Another solid thrift option, especially when you’re searching for larger furniture finds with character.
- Lakeside Avenue Consignments — A string of thrift and consignment shops offering unique furniture and decor pieces that change frequently.
- The Decorating Outlet — A discount shop for home decor and lighting, useful for finding quality items at reduced prices.
- U-fab — A discount fabric store with a wide selection of textiles and patterns, good for DIY projects and upholstery work.
5 Favorite Swanky & Inspiring Home Stores
For design inspiration and high-style home goods, these local stores are worth a browse — whether you’re shopping or just collecting ideas.
- Williams & Sherrill — A mix of housewares and fabric that feels endlessly inspirational; the displays are beautiful and full of detail.
- Ruth & Ollie — A contemporary Carytown shop with tasteful furniture and curated accessories; great for finding standout pieces and artwork.
- LaDifférence — A large modern home store with furniture, lighting, and accessories for a range of contemporary styles.
- Shades of Light — Known for stylish and varied lighting options; it’s a go-to when a thoughtful light fixture can transform a room.
- Caravati’s — An architectural salvage warehouse full of reclaimed items, perfect for restoration, remodels, and unique historic details.
There you have it: five themed lists to celebrate five years in Richmond. We don’t claim to be experts after only five years, so we’d love to hear your recommendations — whether you live in Richmond (RIC) or you’re from somewhere else. Share your own Top 5 lists for your hometown and we might add a new destination to our travel list.
Boathouse photo by Beth Furgurson (as credited in the original source); remaining photos taken by us.