Today is a special day — it marks our fifth anniversary of living in Richmond.
On this date in 2006, Sherry and I woke up on an air mattress in my Upper West Side apartment (she had already packed up her Soho studio and handed in the keys) to meet my dad, who arrived in the minivan that would carry us and our few belongings to the River City. Seven hours and one stop at Ikea later we pulled up to our new apartment in Richmond — unemployed, unmarried, and wildly excited about the life ahead.
But enough about our back story — let’s talk about Richmond. We’re often asked what to see, where to shop, and where to eat when visiting RVA. To celebrate five years here, we put together five “Top 5” lists of some of our favorite places and activities around town. Yes, there’s definitely a “five” theme. Here’s what we cover:
- 5 Favorite Places to Eat
- 5 Favorite Tourist Attractions
- 5 Favorite Ways to Enjoy a Beautiful Day
- 5 Favorite Places to Find Home Deals
- 5 Favorite Swanky & Inspiring Home Stores
5 FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT
We’re not hardcore food critics, but we do love celebrating with a good meal. These are a handful of Richmond restaurants we return to again and again:
- Kuba Kuba: A colorful, relaxed spot in The Fan serving Cuban favorites. Pronounce it “Coo-ba Coo-ba” to sound local — and expect bright flavors and a welcoming vibe.
- Bottom’s Up: A popular pizza place in Shockoe Bottom with character and history. Look for the high-water marks from past floods as you enjoy solid pies and a casual atmosphere.
- The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing: A riverfront restaurant with great food and even better views of the James River and the skyline. It’s a perfect spot for milestones or a scenic dinner.
- Crab Louie’s Tavern: Located just outside the city in Midlothian, this seafood restaurant sits in a historic house and is beloved for its fresh bread and comforting seafood classics.
- Sticky Rice: A creative, slightly hip take on sushi and Asian-inspired small plates. It’s playful and fun — order something adventurous and enjoy the casual scene.
5 FAVORITE TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Richmond may not have global icons like the Eiffel Tower, but it has plenty of memorable places worth visiting:
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA): Recently refreshed, the VMFA houses an impressive collection in a stunning building. Many exhibits are free, making it an accessible cultural destination.
- The Byrd Theatre: This 1928 movie palace still shows second-run films at very low cost. The ornate interior and classic cinema experience are a delight for movie lovers.
- Hollywood Cemetery: A surprisingly peaceful and picturesque spot for a walk, with beautiful views and notable historic graves that add interest without being eerie.
- Carytown: A colorful shopping district lined with independent shops and eateries. Strolling Cary Street is a great way to discover local flavor and pick up unique finds.
- The Fan District: Beautiful historic row houses and tree-lined streets make this neighborhood ideal for walking, running, or simply taking inspiration from the architecture.
5 FAVORITE WAYS TO ENJOY A GORGEOUS DAY
Richmond really shines on a nice day. These spots are our go-tos for outdoor time and fresh-air fun:
- Pony Pasture: Part of the James River Park System, Pony Pasture offers trails, gentle river currents for swimming, and sun-friendly rocks — a local alternative to the beach.
- Maymont: A versatile park with paved paths, formal gardens, a petting farm, historic buildings, a nature center, and a small zoo. It’s an ideal family-friendly place to spend the afternoon.
- Belle Isle: An island in the James River with trails and skyline views. Close to downtown, it’s perfect for hiking, running, mountain biking, or simply enjoying nature in the city.
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: A beautifully maintained garden offering seasonal displays, creative landscaping ideas, and a peaceful place for a scenic stroll.
- Stony Point Fashion Park & Short Pump Town Center: Open-air shopping centers that blend retail therapy with pleasant outdoor walkways — great for a sunny shopping day with options for dining and browsing.
5 FAVORITE PLACES TO FIND HOME DEALS
We love hunting for bargains to outfit our home. Besides national chains, these local spots consistently yield great finds:
- Diversity Thrift: A reliable thrift store where we’ve scored furniture bases, tables, and other unique pieces that add character to our home.
- Love of Jesus Thrift: Another excellent thrift option, especially for vintage furniture and unexpected treasures.
- Lakeside Avenue Thrift & Consignment: A cluster of shops where we’ve found quality consignment pieces and charming home accessories.
- The Decorating Outlet: A discount outlet for lighting and home decor, where you can find marked-down items from well-known suppliers.
- U-fab: A discount fabric store with stylish and affordable textile options that are often more interesting than big-box alternatives.
5 FAVORITE SWANKY & INSPIRING HOME STORES
For inspiration and drool-worthy displays, these shops are Richmond standouts. Even window shopping here is a joy:
- Williams & Sherrill: Part housewares, part fabric store, this shop is endlessly inspiring for design-minded visitors.
- Ruth & Ollie: A contemporary boutique in Carytown with curated furniture, art, and stylish accessories.
- LaDifférence: A large store in Shockoe Bottom offering modern furniture, lighting, and decorative pieces with a refined aesthetic.
- Shades of Light: Known for beautiful lighting and home accents, this store is a favorite for distinctive fixtures and ideas.
- Caravati’s: An architectural salvage warehouse full of reclaimed doors, hardware, and historic elements ideal for restoration projects or creative builds.
So there you have it: five themed “Top 5” lists to mark our five-year anniversary in Richmond. We don’t claim to know every corner of this city, so we’d love to hear your favorites if you live in RVA or have visited. And if you’re reading from somewhere else, share a Top 5 list for your hometown — we’re always collecting ideas for future visits.
Boathouse photo by Beth Furgurson, other photos taken by us.