Richmond has quickly become one of the hippest cities in Virginia. Over the last few years, it’s been flooded with chic restaurants, cute boutique hotels, and tons of really cool attractions.
I often spend a weekend in Richmond whenever I visit my brother, who lives nearby. I love finding new places to stay, delicious restaurants to try, and museums that I’ve never been to before. After much research, this is how I’d spend the perfect weekend in Richmond.
If you are based in Richmond, there are tons of great weekend getaways from Richmond as well.
Where to Stay in Richmond
There are so many great hotels in Richmond that it can be hard to choose just one. If I had to pick one, though, it would be the Berkeley Hotel. I love how grand it is. It’s also right in the center of downtown, so it’s really close to restaurants, bars, entertainment, and shopping.
What to Do in Richmond
Image via Flickr by Fire at Will [Photography]
One of my favorite places to visit in Richmond is the Maymont. It’s a 19th-century estate with a beautiful Victorian mansion to explore as well as picturesque gardens, a nature center, and a farm where you can feed the animals. Definitely, take a tour of the mansion if you have time. You’ll learn all about the history of the home and of Richmond.
Another of my favorite places in Richmond is the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Admission is free, so you can come and go throughout the weekend. The museum hosts constantly changing exhibits, and I visit every time I’m in Richmond to see what new, beautiful display is on for that month. The museum has everything from paintings and sculptures to interactive installations.
A great museum for all my fellow literature geeks is the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. It’s in a gorgeous little stone cottage, which was never actually Poe’s home. The museum is really informative, and you can learn a lot about the life of this dark-natured writer.
Finally, you can’t go to Virginia’s capital city without visiting the Capitol Building. You can go on a free tour for an interesting peek into the world of state politics. The building itself is pretty spectacular both inside and out.
Where to Eat in Richmond
If you’re craving a sweet treat or you want to have some seriously good bread, head to Sub Rosa. I love going there mid-morning for a strong coffee and one of the decadent pastries. I almost always leave with a loaf of bread, too.
In the late afternoon, head to Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. This enormous warehouse-style brewery is one of the hippest in town. The team here take serious care in their beer, and they really know their stuff. Get a sampler paddle or tell them what you like, and they’ll help you choose a beer you’ll love.
Stella’s is an awesome and authentic Greek restaurant in Richmond. The selection of meze is so good that I usually end up accidentally filling up on all of those. Don’t miss the moussaka either.
There are so many awesome things to see, do, eat, and drink in Richmond that a weekend simply won’t feel like enough time!