Jessica & Peter
Things To Do
Libby Hill Park
Located in the historic Church Hill neighborhood, Libby Hill Park was one of the city’s first parks. It offers a spectacular view of the James River and downtown Richmond. It is frequently the go-to spot for picknickers and is surrounded by several excellent restaurants. On your hike to the park, you can walk up the famous 23 rd Street hill shown in the opening sequence of Apple TV’s “Swagger” or up Libby Hill itself, the infamous climb showcased in the Union Cycliste Internationale 2015 World Championship.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
A local landmark. The Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens stretch over fifty acres and features a variety of gardens. Their tropical greenhouse offers a respite from the cold and will whisk you away to the depths of the Amazon! A nice mug of hot chocolate is all you need as you tour their beautiful winter blooms! Admission fees for the gardens are listed on their website and range from $8.00 for children to $14.00 for adults.
Belle Isle
The site of our 2nd date! The Pipeline Trail will offer a unique view of the rapids that made the James River famous. One of the City’s best kept secrets, this trail will take you directly over the Pipeline rapids as you cross the length of the James on a narrow, metal footbridge. It’s perfectly safe and will offer views of Bailey’s Island and Devil’s Kitchen Island. Plus, after you finish crossing the trail, you can head over to Belle Island! Used in the Civil War as a POW camp, Belle Isle is a great place for a walk and frames the beauty of Richmond with its darker history. For the history buffs, it is very close to Tredegar Ironworks, one of the largest Confederate Metal Factories during the Civil War.
Canal Walk
Following the Richmond canal, the Canal Walk will take you through downtown Richmond and into Shockoe Bottom. Not only will you get the chance to walk along the canal, but you get to pass through many famous Richmond murals and art exhibits. It offers a great opportunity to tour downtown and be sure to stop for a margarita at Casa Del Barco! And checkout the new Emancipation Monument on the lovely Brown’s Island.
Carytown
Carytown offers a glimpse into Richmond’s history as part of “small-town America”. It offers a wide variety of boutiques, vintage emporiums, and some of the city’s most famous eateries! You can stop for a quick read at Chop Suey Books, then do some shopping at Bygone Vintage Clothing to get that flapper dress and pinstripe suit you’ve always wanted! Plus, get some sweets at For the Love of Chocolate. Some quick restaurant recommendations if you are in the area: The Daily Kitchen, Les Crepes, Carytown Burger and Fries, Galaxy Diner, and the famous alcoholic Tipsy Cupcakes.
Maymont
Maymont is a stunning 100-acre estate filled with botanical gardens and nature exhibits. It is located in the lovely West End and will easily provide you with a day’s worth of activity. The park is divided into several gardens and exhibits, and features a waterfall, a half-acre koi pond, and a historic 19th century manor. You will need to stop by the Oriental Garden and the Raptor Recovery Center to check out some eagles on the mend! There is no admission fee for the grounds and garden, although paid tours of the estate buildings are offered.
Brunch
1. LuLus One of Richmond’s quintessential brunch locations. Offers some of the best fried chicken and homefries in town and is a great place for a pitcher of mimosas before you hit the Canal Walk to tour downtown. 2. Kuba Kuba Located deep in the extremely popular fan neighborhood, Kuba Kuba offers a unique blend of an American and Cuban brunch. Come for the espresso, stay for the epic meals. 3. Sub Rosa Sub Rosa offers divine Turkish pastries handmade on a stone hearth. Their Salami and Cheese croissant are out of this world and pair nicely with their sweet chocolate almond croissants. Ask about the seasonal tarts and pastries!
Additional Restaurants
1. The Bombay Company If you are taking a long weekend, go to the Bombay Company for happy hour. They offer Latin-Indian fusion tapas and great deals on excellent cocktails. You will not be disappointed and can walk off your meal on the Capital Trail. 2. Bottoms Up Pizza A Richmond classic. Bottoms Up’s thick crust pizza is an interesting blend of Virginia and Chicago pizza. Bottoms Up is conveniently on the Canal Walk and is a great place to pause your walk to Downtown or Libby Hill Park and grab some grub. 3. Liberty Public House Housed in Richmond’s first unsegregated theater, Liberty Public House has a wide variety of cocktails to go along with their all-day brunch and sandwiches menu. Featuring an all-women staff, the whole family will find something good here. 4. Proper Pie Co Offering a range of savory and sweet New Zealand-style pies, Proper Pie is famous in Richmond for their flaky crusts and insanely delicious fillings.
Drinks
1. Grandstaff and Stein Richmond’s best speakeasy, look up the password on the website! 2. Postbellum A classy place to sip and hang 3. The Jasper A nice place for an artisan cocktail as you tour Carytown 4. Final Gravity Well-priced local brews just across the street from Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden 5. The Veil Brewing Co. (Scott's Addition or Forest Hill) You will always find and interesting and delicious brew on tap here 6. Ardent Craft Ales You can't go wrong with their classic IPA X