Ready for a memorable getaway that isn’t far from your doorstep? Plan a trip to the historic city of Richmond, Virginia for a trendy weekend of sipping on rooftops, walking historic streets, and foodie crawling from brunch to dinner.
They say “Virginia is for Lovers” and for our couples getaway weekend it was the perfect destination! Since we both had never been, we loved the change of scenery and southern sun. ☀️
A short flight from LaGuardia to Richmond, the 45 minute flight was barely enough time to flip through the first half of my magazine… which I’ll obviously save for the return flight back.
Driving around in our rental with the windows down, we followed the scent of crispy buttermilk chicken and maple bacon donuts through the pockets of boutique shopping streets.
We loved our time in Richmond! Please, enjoy this little round up of my favorite places to see & eat for easy exploration.
And! for more Richmond fun… scroll down and dive into a more detailed weekend itinerary for your trip down South.
Favorite Restaurants for Brunch & Dinner:
Favorite Activities
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💛@ilovecarytown – adorably quaint shopping area
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💛swim Belle Isle – picnic with the locals along the James river and cool off with a swim! We found it adventurous & absolutely romantic
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💛@lewisginter – live music in the summer, get lost in its lush windy gardens
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💛@QuirkHotel – enjoy crisp rooftop drinks under strings of lights as you gaze around with a view of the whole city
images above: Quirk Hotel
FRIDAY MORNING
Arrival
New York to Richmond International Airport
Check-in to Quirk Hotel
201 W. Broad Street
Named one of the South’s Best Hotels on the 2018 Southern Living list, Quirk Hotel redefines Richmond, bringing together all the elements that have made it one of the most exciting destinations in the country. Immerse yourself in authentic experiences during your stay at our Richmond hotel, like seeing the latest artists on display at Quirk gallery, browsing through unique gifts in the boutique, sipping on a cocktail crafted from local ingredients and enjoying a memorable meal from our award-winning chef. Everything about Quirk will delight you – from the clever fusion of classic and modern design of bright airy rooms to the friendly staff that’s always looking for ways to help guests enjoy the city we all love so much. We’re not just your place to sleep at night. We’re your hub to your authentic downtown Richmond experiences. Welcome to Quirk Hotel.
Explore Arts District boutiques
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Ledbury
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Mod & Soul
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Rosewood
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Verdalina
Lunch at Maple & Pine
201 W. Broad Street
Featuring an innovative New American menu by Virginia Rising Star Chef David Dunlap, Quirk Hotel’s signature restaurant concept is poised to become one of downtown Richmond’s most exciting fine dining destinations.
image above: buttermilk fried chicken sandwich from Maple & Pine
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
Stop by Virginia State Capitol
1000 Bank Street
The Virginia State Capitol, which Thomas Jefferson designed with Charles-Louis Clérisseau, was the first Roman Revival building in America and the first American public building in the form of a classic temple. The building was the site of significant events in American history while it was the Virginia State Capitol and in its role as the Capitol of the Confederate States of America from 1861 to 1865.
Tour of Main Street Station
1500 E. Main Street
“Main Street Station has been completely revitalized. But this project didn’t just change a building. It’s changing our entire city. It’s creating an urban, multimodal transportation hub, with Amtrak, Megabus, GRTC and the Pulse, bikeshare and a connector to the Virginia Capital Trail. It’s bringing visitors a grand welcome to the core of our region, and a launch pad for experiencing everything this amazing region has to offer. And it’s brought with it events, panoramic views, a sense of connection and an energy you’ve never seen before. Yes, Richmond, our moment has arrived at the train station. All aboard.” – @VisitVirginia
Cocktails at Quirk Hotel’s Rooftop Bar
201 W. Broad Street
It’s fabulous sitting on the rooftop, breathing in that fresh air, enjoying a libation and the incredible views. If you are a hotel guest–YAY! You get priority entry. This is very important because entry is first-come, first-served and we have limited space. We offer craft cocktails, beer and wine on tap, top shelf liquors, elevated street fare and unbelievable views. The views are free, but we only allow humans and they must be 21 and over at the rooftop bar. Insiders hint: we I.D. everyone–so if you want to feel good about looking young come to The Rooftop Bar at Quirk Hotel. One more reason to count down to your 21st birthday. Out of respect to guests enjoying the fresh air, we ask that you refrain from smoking and vaping on the rooftop.
Dinner at Rappahannock
320 E. Grace Street
Rappahannock is our take on farm-to-table. As farmers, we’re in a unique position to bring the world’s greatest food growers to the table. You’ll enjoy a menu that’s unmatched in its freshness and originality, as well as carefully selected craft beers and wines, signature cocktails, and an enormous raw bar focusing on our very own oyster farms.
SATURDAY MORNING
Breakfast at Sugar Shack Donuts
1001 N. Lombardy Street
Walk around Church Hill and Libby Hill Park
Tour of the Edgar Allen Poe Museum
1914 E. Main Street
The Edgar Allan Poe Museum began over a century ago when a group of literary enthusiasts met in Poe’s hometown of Richmond, Virginia to create the state’s first monument to a writer. The Poe Museum opened to the public in 1922, featuring the Old Stone House and Enchanted Garden, inspired by Poe’s poem “To One in Paradise.”
Shop for some gifts at the House of Floralie
1006 Lafayette Street
Located in a sleepy little section of Richmond, Virginia’s historic Near West End, we are a fine and fancy gift studio dedicated to carrying a well-curated selection of thoughtfully made candles, fragrances, award-winning small batch foods, books, bath and body products, accessories, and stationery from around the world.
Lunch at The Daily Kitchen
2934 W. Cary Street
The Daily Kitchen and Bar strives to serve foods that are not only delicious, but also health-conscious, environmentally friendly and socially responsible. The kitchen uses organic, all-natural, local and sustainable ingredients as much as possible, while still keeping prices fair. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and paleo options are always available.
image above: Edgar Allen Poe Museum
images above & below: House of Floralie
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Explore Carytown
Stretching along nine blocks of West Cary Street from Thompson Street to Boulevard, Carytown bustles with mostly locally owned restaurants, spas and shops selling jewelry, antiques, toys, clothing and furniture.
Stop by The Veil Brewing Company
1301 Roseneath Road
Welcome to the Veil Brewing Co. We are a craft brewery located in the Scott’s Addition neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia. We focus on hop forward beers, high gravity and barrel aging, lagers, wild ales, and spontaneous fermentation. We are dedicated to quality and strive to provide a unique experience through our beers and our tasting room.
Drinks at the Graduate Rooftop Bar
Dinner at Pasture
“When I think about southern food, a few things come immediately to mind: sharing, fresh ingredients, family and friends, and conversation around the table. Here at pasture, we hope to bring all of those things together for a newer experience in southern dining. Local ham, Virginia cheeses, fresh fish and shell fish, meat, and vegetables all make their way onto our menu seasonally. So relax and enjoy some of the best southern/local food our fair cities have to offer, and thanks for joining us around our table, we are honored to have you.”
-Chef/Owner Jason Alley
image above: Brunch at Brenner Pass
SUNDAY MORNING
Brunch at Brenner Pass
Brenner Pass reflects a love of the Alpine region as well as a dedication to hospitality, great food and drink. Probably my favorite meal in Richmond!
Tour Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
1800 Lakeside Avenue
Recognized as one of the top gardens in the U.S., Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden was voted #4 in USA Today’s 10Best Public Gardens contest. With year-round beauty on 50 acres, the Garden also offers great dining, shopping, exhibits and events. Explore more than dozen themed areas including a glass Conservatory, interactive Children’s Garden with accessible Tree House, Asian Valley, Wetland Garden teeming with wildlife and Rose Garden. The Garden is conveniently located to major interstates.
Afternoon Departure
Richmond International Airport to New York
images above & below: Lewis Ginter Botanical gardens
