My Richmond weekend: river rocks on Belle Isle, Sub Rosa croissants in Church Hill, soul food at Mama J's, and brisket and hazy IPAs in Scott's Addition. These are the RVA spots I send every friend heading to Virginia's capital.
Map
I spend free afternoons wandering VMFA's galleries, and the Fabergé eggs and sculpture garden never get old.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Maymont is my favorite Richmond walk, with its Japanese garden, mansion grounds, and bison and bears all in one park.
Maymont
I go to Hollywood Cemetery for the hilly paths and James River views, which are as peaceful as any park in town.
Hollywood Cemetery
I cross the suspended footbridge to Belle Isle to sun on the river rocks and watch kayakers run the rapids.
Belle Isle Suspension Bridge
The museum at Historic Tredegar tells the war from many sides, and the old ironworks setting on the river makes it hit harder.
American Civil War Museum- Historic Tredegar
I take the free tour of the Jefferson-designed Virginia State Capitol whenever friends visit, and the grounds are lovely in fall.
Virginia State Capitol
Libby Hill Park is where I watch the sunset over the river bend that gave Richmond its name.
Libby Hill Park
I stop by St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry gave his liberty or death speech, then wander the old Church Hill streets.
Historic St. John's Church
I'll wait in the line at Sub Rosa every time, because the stone-milled croissants are the best pastry in Richmond.
Sub Rosa Bakery
Proper Pie Co. is my go-to for a savory meat pie and a slice of something sweet after a Church Hill walk.
Proper Pie Co.
The Poe Museum's little Enchanted Garden and the resident black cats make it a quirky stop I always recommend.
The Poe Museum
I like an easy evening stroll along the Canal Walk, with its murals and historic markers right by the river.
Canal Walk
On weekends I swing through the 17th Street Farmers Market, one of the oldest markets in the country, for local produce and snacks.
17th Street Market
The Black History Museum in Jackson Ward is my first stop for understanding the neighborhood once called the Harlem of the South.
Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
Mama J's fried catfish, mac and cheese, and a fat slice of pineapple coconut cake is my favorite soul food meal in Richmond.
Mama J's Kitchen
Perly's is where I take brunch guests for a big Jewish deli breakfast and a latke or two.
Perly's
I climb the stairs at Edo's Squid for the fried squid and pasta, a loud, old-school Italian night I never get tired of.
Edo's Squid
Joe's Inn's baked Spaghetti a la Joe is the Fan comfort food I crave after a long week.
Joe's Inn the Fan
Kuba Kuba's tiny Cuban bodega makes my favorite Cuban sandwich and paella, right by Lombardy Park.
Kuba Kuba
A Sally Bell's box lunch with the deviled egg, cheese wafer, and cupcake is my classic Richmond picnic, weekdays only.
Sally Bell's Kitchen Inc
I catch a cheap movie at the 1928 Byrd Theatre just to hear the Mighty Wurlitzer organ rise up before the show.
The Byrd Theatre
Can Can Brasserie's zinc bar and French brunch make me feel like I'm in Paris for a couple of hours in Carytown.
Can Can Brasserie
I show up early at ZZQ for brisket and jalapeño mac, since they sell out and it's the best barbecue in Virginia to me.
ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque
I hit The Veil's Scott's Addition taproom for hazy IPAs and fruited sours, and the lineup is always new.
The Veil Brewing Co. / Remedy Burger - Scott's Addition
Hardywood is the brewery that kicked off Richmond's beer scene, and I always grab a Richmond Lager and a pizza there.
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery - Richmond
The Science Museum lives in the old Broad Street Station, and I love its giant dome theater on a rainy day.
Science Museum of Virginia
Lewis Ginter's conservatory and seasonal gardens are my calm escape, especially during the holiday GardenFest of Lights.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Pony Pasture is where I go to wade in the James River, spot herons, and walk the riverside trail on summer weekends.
James River Park Pony Pasture
L'Opossum is my splurge dinner, with whimsical French dishes, a wild decor, and cocktails as fun as the menu names.
L'Opossum
Mekong is where I go for pho and a deep Belgian beer list, a combo that only makes sense once you try it.
