Things To Do & Places to Eat
Explore: Brown's Island
Brown's Island is adjacent to Belle Isle and offers beautiful up close & personal views of the James and Richmond city center when walking over the "T Pott" bridge. If you're driving, it's best to park on S 10th St, S 7th St, E Byrd St, or E Canal St and walking over. Cost: $0
Explore: Belle Isle
As a FYI, the parking lot for Belle Isle on Tredegar St is a bit limited if you're driving your own car there (especially if the weather is nice or during prime times). We'd recommend parking either on S 2nd St, S Pine St, or Spring St. If you're afraid of heights, just a heads up that you'll be walking over a suspension bridge to cross over to the Isle. It's well worth it though with beautiful views of the city as you're crossing the bridge and once you get across and reach the rocks. Cost: $0
Explore: Hollywood Cemetery
Hollywood Cemetery is right near Belle Isle and is home to some famous names. Cost: $0 Hours: Daily, 8am-5pm
Explore: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a beautiful, outdoor scape and is considered one of the top gardens in the US. Cost: $20 for adults and $15 for seniors or military/first responders Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm
Explore: Libby Hill Park
Libby Hill has a great view of the city and is right near another Richmond staple park, Chimborazo Park. Cost: $0
Explore: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)
Fun fact: This is where we took our engagement pictures! The VMFA hosts amazing artwork and also has a beautiful lawn where you can just sit outside and enjoy the weather & scenery. If you're driving, you can park for free on Hanover Ave, Grove Ave, Floyd Ave, Kensington Ave, N Colonial Ave & more. If you'd rather park in their parking garage that is $6/day and open during museum hours. Cost: Free unless you're interested in seeing their current special exhibits. Hours: Saturday - Tuesday: 10am - 5pm, Wednesday - Friday: 10am - 9pm
Explore: Maymont
Maymont is a beautiful, expansive park and estate with beautiful gardens and a nature center. If you're driving there & the parking lot is full (1700 Hampton St, Richmond, VA 23220), you should be able to find street parking on Hampton St, Nevada Ave, Dakota Ave, Colorado Ave, or other surrounding streets. Cost: $0 Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm.
Explore: Short Pump Town Center
Short Pump Town Center is an outdoor mall and are open most days from 10 or 11am until 8pm.
Eat: Pinky's
Fun fact: This is our #1 favorite restaurant in Richmond, hands down. Pinky's offers delicious Mediterranean-inspired brunch, lunch and dinner. When we do, we enjoy getting 3-4 tapas to split between the two of us but you can't go wrong with anything on their menu. Our personal favorites include their buratta, char-grilled octopus, Atlantic crab and sherry risotto, lamb papas, and either of their boards. You can make a reservation on Resy or walk in (though we would recommend a reservation): https://resy.com/cities/richmond-va/venues/pinkys?seats=2&date=2024-04-22 Hours: Wednesday - Sunday: 11am-10pm (brunch is Saturday and Sunday 11am - 3pm)
Eat: Blue Atlas Restaurant and Market
Blue Atlas offers a rotating seasonal menu of tapas from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle Eats & Africa, as well as yummy drinks with a cool view of the city center. You can either make a reservation or walk in, but we recommend making a reservation: https://www.exploretock.com/blue-atlas-richmond/search Hours: Wednesday - Saturday: 5pm - 9pm // Sunday: 5pm - 8pm
Eat: Tazza Kitchen Scott's Addition
There are 3 Tazza's in the area: Scott's Addition (information provided here), Short Pump, and Alverser Plaza, each featuring a slightly different design/vibe inside. There's something for everyone here, and is another one of our RVA staples. Our personal favorites are the cast iron goat cheese starter, the mixed greens & goat cheese, salad, the scallops, the shrimp tacos, and any of the wood fire pizzas. You can make a reservation on Resy or walk in (though we would recommend a reservation): https://resy.com/cities/richmond-va/venues/tazza-kitchen-scotts-addition?date=2024-04-22&seats=2 Hours: Mon-Thu: 11:30a-2:00p, 4:30-9:00p // Fri: 11:30a-2:00p, 4:30-10:00p // Sat: Lunch/Brunch 11:00a-2:00p, Limited Menu 2:00 – 4:30p, Dinner 4:30-10:00p // Sunday: Lunch/Brunch 11:00a-2:30p, Dinner 4:30p-9:00p
Eat: Gelati Celesti Ice Cream Scott's Addition
Gelati Celesti is our favorite ice cream place in Richmond and it's an absolute must for newcomers to Richmond! There are multiple locations in the Richmond Area (Bon Air, Grove Avenue, Mechanicsville, Scott's Addition, Short Pump, Swift Creek, and West End), but we've provided the information for Scott's Addition above. Our absolute favorite flavor is called the "Just Ask". Hours: Daily, 12pm-10pm