Today marks our fifth anniversary of living in Richmond.
On this date in 2006, Sherry and I woke up on an air mattress in my Upper West Side apartment — she had already emptied her Soho studio and turned in the keys — to greet my dad, who had driven up in the minivan that would carry us and our belongings to Richmond. Seven hours and one stop at Ikea later we arrived at our new apartment in the River City: unemployed, unwed, and brimming with excitement for the life ahead.
But enough about our backstory — let’s talk about Richmond. We’re often asked for recommendations on what to see, where to shop, and where to eat when visiting. To celebrate our fifth anniversary, we put together five “Top 5” lists highlighting some of our favorite things in RVA. Yes, a five-theme is intentional. Here’s what we cover:
- 5 Favorite Places to Chow Down
- 5 Favorite Tourist-y Things To Do
- 5 Favorite Ways to Enjoy a Gorgeous Day
- 5 Favorite Places to Score Home Deals
- 5 Favorite Swanky & Inspiring Home Stores
***5 FAVORITE PLACES TO CHOW DOWN***
We’re not hardcore foodies, but we love dining out for special occasions. These are quintessential Richmond restaurants we enjoy:
- Kuba Kuba: A cozy, casual, colorful spot in The Fan for Cuban cuisine. If you want to sound local, pronounce it “Coo-ba Coo-ba.”
- Bottom’s Up: A popular pizza place in Shockoe Bottom. It still carries six-foot-high water marks from the 2004 Hurricane Gaston flood — a reminder of the neighborhood’s history.
- The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing: A riverfront restaurant with great food and spectacular views of the James River and the city skyline. We celebrated Sherry’s pregnancy news here; the vista is the real highlight.
- Crab Louie’s Tavern: Technically in Midlothian, this seafood spot sits in a historic house older than the nation. Their fresh bread and warm atmosphere make it a favorite.
- Sticky Rice: A fun, slightly hipster take on sushi. It’s playful and flavorful — and yes, you can order items with amusing names and not get strange looks.
***5 FAVORITE TOURIST-Y THINGS TO DO***
Richmond may not have a Statue of Liberty, but these landmarks deserve a spot on your itinerary:
- Browse the VMFA: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is recently renovated and visually stunning. Aside from special exhibits, general admission is free, making it a must-visit.
- See a movie at The Byrd Theatre: This 1928 movie palace still shows second-run films for just $2. The architecture and classic theater seats make for a memorable experience.
- Stroll around Hollywood Cemetery: A beautiful and surprisingly peaceful place to walk, with scenic views and notable headstones, including those of two U.S. presidents.
- Shop Carytown: A colorful district full of local shops and restaurants along Cary Street. It’s a great place to browse, eat, and uncover one-of-a-kind finds.
- Walk or run through The Fan: The Fan district’s historic row homes and tree-lined streets are perfect for a leisurely walk or run, with plenty of nearby spots to pause for coffee or a meal.
***5 FAVORITE WAYS TO ENJOY A GORGEOUS DAY***
Richmond really shines on a nice day. These spots are ideal for soaking up sunshine and nature:
- Pony Pasture: Part of the James River Park System, Pony Pasture offers walking trails, swimming currents, and exposed rocks for sunning. Locals often treat the river like a beach.
- Maymont: A favorite for visitors, Maymont features paved paths, gardens, a petting farm, historic buildings, and a small collection of animals. Many areas are free to enjoy, making it ideal for an outdoor day.
- Belle Isle: An island in the river closer to downtown, Belle Isle combines nature with skyline views and offers trails for walking, running, and biking.
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: A beautifully landscaped garden with admission that’s well worth it. It’s a peaceful place to stroll and gather planting and design ideas.
- Stony Point Fashion Park or Short Pump Town Center: Outdoor shopping centers with an airy, mall-like experience. They offer familiar retailers in pleasant outdoor settings — great for a sunny shopping day.
***5 FAVORITE PLACES TO SCORE HOME DEALS***
We love hunting for home bargains around town. Beyond national chains, these local spots have produced great finds for our house:
- Diversity Thrift: A reliable thrift store where we’ve found many pieces over the years, including bases and tables that have been repurposed into new favorites.
- Love of Jesus Thrift: Another thrift staple, especially for furniture-hunting. It’s yielded some standout finds for family members as well.
- Lakeside Avenue Thrift Stores: A strip of thrift and consignment shops where we discovered treasured items like a wooden goose that became a home favorite.
- The Decorating Outlet: A discount outlet for items from local vendors and manufacturers. We’ve picked up affordable rugs and light fixtures here.
- U-fab: A discount fabric store with a stylish selection that’s more interesting than big-box options and friendlier on the wallet than high-end boutiques.
***5 FAVORITE SWANKY & INSPIRING HOME STORES***
If you’re looking for inspiration and beautiful home goods, these Richmond stores are worth a visit — prepare to linger and admire:
- Williams & Sherrill: Part housewares and part fabric shop, this store overflows with inspiration and unique finds. It’s a feast for anyone designing or decorating a home.
- Ruth & Ollie: A contemporary Carytown boutique with a curated selection of furniture and art. It’s smaller but full of tasteful ideas.
- LaDifférence: Located in Shockoe Bottom, LaDiff is a large showroom of modern furniture, accessories, and lighting — a comprehensive source for contemporary home design.
- Shades of Light: Known for beautiful lighting, this retailer is a longtime favorite for fixtures and decor that make a room special.
- Caravati’s: An architectural salvage warehouse offering reclaimed items and vintage materials for restoration or creative projects. It’s a treasure trove for authentic, historic pieces.
So there you have it: five “Top 5” lists to celebrate our fifth anniversary of moving to Richmond. We don’t claim to be experts after five years, so we invite Richmond residents and visitors to share their own favorites in these categories. If you live elsewhere, feel free to post a “Top 5” list for your hometown — you never know when we might visit.
Boathouse photo by Beth Furgurson; other images taken by us.
We also announced this week’s giveaway winners — check the original post to see if you’re one of them.