Exactly eight years ago today, Sherry and I left New York City and moved to Richmond, Virginia. Aside from the towns where we grew up, neither of us has lived anywhere longer, and Richmond is the only hometown Clara has ever known. To celebrate that milestone, and because many of you ask about the best spots “when in Richmond,” we thought it would be fun to mark the date with a guide to the city—especially the thrift and discount shops people ask about most.
A few years back we shared a short list of favorite Richmond spots, but it only mentioned a couple of thrift stores and didn’t cover everything we’ve discovered since. This post is a more complete guide to our favorite thrifting haunts, discount outlets, and a few must-eat places—complete with an interactive map and a suggested itinerary for a day of shopping and exploring.
Richmond has earned some recent accolades—The Best River Town in America and a spot on a list of top destinations—so it’s a great time to visit. To help you explore, we’ve embedded an interactive map that highlights a dozen of our favorite thrift and discount stores in Richmond (green dots), along with recommended places to eat (blue dots) and other fun spots (red dots). Click any dot on the map for details about each location, including what to look for and when they’re typically closed. If the map doesn’t appear, try opening it directly from the embedded link.
Below is a sample itinerary based on a counter-clockwise route from the city center. It focuses on thrift and discount stores and highlights a few nearby eateries. Many thrift shops don’t open until 9 or 10 a.m., and several are closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly if you want to hit the most places in one outing.
Start your day with a coffee and a treat—our local favorite is Sugar Shack Donuts, which sometimes runs playful promotions like free donuts for reciting an ode. From there, head to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which is great for donated building materials, fixtures, and tools. If you’re hunting for furniture and accessories, Diversity Thrift is a solid next stop—over the years we’ve found many pieces there, including a glass-and-metal table that’s still in our plans for a future porch makeover.
Travel north on I-95 to Lakeside Avenue where a cluster of thrift and antique shops awaits. Consignment Connection is a standout—its many small rooms feel like a hybrid antique/thrift store and it’s the kind of place where you can stumble onto a real treasure (Sherry once found a beloved whale globe there).
If you’re looking for upcycled or refurbished pieces, make the short drive to Ashland to visit Thrill of the Hunt. They specialize in repurposed furniture and well-executed makeovers that can provide inspiration or a ready-to-buy statement piece.
On the return trip, check out Class and Trash for vintage and shabby-chic finds—metal signs, letters, and a constantly changing inventory make it worth frequent visits. If you need lunch, Short Pump offers solid options. Burgerworks is a reliable, casual spot for a hearty burger (we love adding a fried egg), and Burger Bach provides a more elevated New Zealand-style gastropub experience if you don’t mind a possible wait.
Head south on I-288 toward the river and stop at HOPE Thrift, a newer addition to our list that’s already become a favorite. When you reach Midlothian Turnpike, you’ll hit our main thrift corridor. RAL Reuse supports the Richmond Animal League and is a great place for unique finds; it’s also close to Urban Farmhouse, a café that doubles as a lovely spot for coffee and design inspiration. If you’re short on time, Urban Farmhouse has a downtown location too.
Further along is the Salvation Army Family Center, known for a large selection of furniture. If you prefer outlet-style deals, The Decorating Outlet frequently has deep discounts on lighting, rugs, and larger items—we scored an unbelievable kitchen table there once.
Near the end of the route is our top thrift-for-furniture pick: Love of Jesus Thrift Store on Midlothian. They consistently have a big selection of furniture and we’ve bought several pieces there that we still use. Across the street, Family Thrift Center has surprised us with great finds too—like a showhouse headboard we picked up for under ten dollars.
If you still have time, visit Caravati’s for architectural salvage. Prices are higher than typical thrift stores, but the range of vintage fixtures and architectural details makes it a fascinating stop. Finish the day at Proper Pie Company for savory and sweet pies that make a satisfying dinner or dessert, and offer one last dose of vintage-inspired décor.
Trying to do all of this in one day is ambitious—especially if you like to browse slowly or linger over meals—so consider making it a weekend trip. Or, if Richmond feels like a fit, you could always make it home.
What about your town? Where are the best thrift stores where you live? It would be great to have a city-by-city, user-rated directory with printable maps for thrifters on the go. Does something like that already exist? If not, it’s an idea worth exploring.
