“There may be not one story of Virginia, however many,” reads the doorway to one of many long-standing exhibitions on the Virginia Museum of Historical past & Tradition in Richmond. It’s a message that resonates throughout the state, but it surely’s particularly poignant right here within the capital, the place the historical past is complicated, the residents are passionate, and there’s an unmistakable dedication to conservation, schooling, artwork, and entrepreneurship. 

Preservation stays central to Richmond’s character, notably with regards to museums and structure, however that is additionally a vacation spot that continues to push for change and assist new concepts. “It’s not the identical Richmond,” says Kelli S. Lemon, a social entrepreneur, neighborhood activist, and proprietor of City Grasp Suite. She encourages guests to “include an open thoughts of seeing one thing new” and perceive that Richmond is “not what we had been identified for [in the past], however what we are actually.” It’s this multi-faceted, dynamic nature, eternally rooted in a way of place, that makes town so engaging — and much more transformative. “Watch out,” warns Invoice Martin, director of The Valentine, “Richmond… may change you.” 

As Martin tells Journey + Leisure, Richmond is “full of the highly effective tales of people that created our nation and with quite a lot of experiences the place you will see that your personal story.” Whether or not your journey features a stroll alongside the James River, a day shopping the displays on the Virginia Museum of Advantageous Arts (VMFA), or a number of hours laughing with a pal over dinner in Church Hill, you’re sure to depart with a newfound appreciation of this storied Southern metropolis. Or chances are you’ll not wish to depart in any respect — Richmond is without doubt one of the finest locations to stay in Virginia, in response to actual property specialists.

All in favour of planning a visit, however not fairly positive the place to start? Learn on to find T+L’s information to Richmond, Virginia.

Finest Inns

The Jefferson

“There’s nothing like staying at The Jefferson,” says Lemon. The 181-room historic property is probably the most regal resort in Richmond, with a historical past that dates again to 1895. Upon coming into the Palm Court docket foyer, your eyes are instantly drawn upward to the colourful stained glass ceiling; the spectacular structure continues all through the widespread areas, most notably into the Rotunda. One of many eating areas for the favored Champagne Sunday Brunch (which requires reservations made properly prematurely), the Rotunda is outfitted with Corinthian columns, a resplendent staircase, and decor that harkens again to the Gilded Age.

There are touches of this design type within the historically adorned visitor rooms and suites, however they don’t really feel overly heavy or outdated, because of a full-scale renovation that happened from 2013 to 2017. To finish the expertise, visitors will wish to dine on the resort’s restaurant (and native favourite) Lemaire. “Make sure you order the peanut soup or the pimento cheese for a style of Richmond,” says Jeanita Harris, The Jefferson’s director of visitor providers.   

Quirk Lodge 

Really useful by each Lemon and Martin, Quirk Lodge is the youthful, extra fashionable lodging choice on the town. Opened in 2015, the property goals to be a vacation spot “the place artwork and historical past intersect.” Meaning you’ll discover authentic paintings all through the property (which was constructed because the J.B. Mosby & Co. Dry Items Retailer in 1916) —  from the intense visitor rooms to the on-site gallery. Earlier than an enormous day of exploring Richmond, gas up at The Espresso Bar, then return to The Foyer Bar or Q Rooftop Bar for pre-dinner cocktails. 

Graduate Richmond

Richmond could also be an enormous metropolis, but it surely’s additionally a university city. The College of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth College, Virginia State College, Virginia Union College, and Randolph Macon School are all situated inside the higher Richmond space, so it is smart that the Graduate Inns model would have an outpost within the metropolis. Together with its cozy rooms and a health middle, Graduate Richmond has an outside pool, a rooftop cocktail bar, and an all-day café and bar. 

Finest Issues to Do

Try a few of the metropolis’s top-tier museums.

Visiting Richmond’s museums is on the prime of Martin’s must-do record. “In fact, begin with The Valentine on your introduction to the area’s historical past,” he says, “Then the choices are limitless: the Virginia Museum of Advantageous Arts, Virginia Museum of Historical past & Tradition, Maymont, Science Museum of Virginia, Youngsters’s Museum of Richmond, The American Civil Warfare Museum, and Agecroft Corridor & Gardens.”

Spend a day alongside the wonderful James River.

“The James River runs proper by means of downtown,” says Harris, who provides that guests can select from the “pleasure of sophistication 4 rapids, a leisurely float down the river in a tube, or a hike alongside the miles of nature trails.” For rafting, tubing, and kayaking journeys, try Riverside Outfitters. Martin additionally suggests a extra stress-free exercise of merely “packing a lunch and discovering a rock;” you’ll discover plenty of massive picnic-perfect rocks round Belle Isle.

Take a tour of the Virginia State Capitol.

Free one-hour excursions are supplied all through the week on the Virginia State Capitol, situated within the aptly named Capitol District. “The excursions are about 45 minutes lengthy, and the educated docents present an exquisite introduction to Richmond and Virginia historical past,” says Harris. Plus, she notes, it’s dwelling to a life-size statue of George Washington, which is alleged to be one of the vital correct depictions of the historic determine. 

Uncover native artists and musicians. 

Richmond’s creativity isn’t simply relegated to at least one neighborhood or one class. Moderately, it takes on quite a lot of shapes all through town. To admire and store for domestically made paintings, try Artwork Works, Iridian Gallery (which focuses on works by LGBTQ+ artists), Arts within the Park (a free outside occasion that takes place in Could), Eric Schindler Gallery, or the Crossroads Arts Heart. Richmond’s music scene is equally numerous and spectacular. To see which performances align along with your travels, observe native venues — like The Camel, The Canal Membership, or The Broadberry — and native bands and performers — together with Cleophus James, Butcher Brown, and The Shack Band.

Finest Eating places

The Roosevelt

Whereas Martin says pinpointing only one or two prime Richmond eating places is “unimaginable,” he does point out The Roosevelt (together with Grisette) is one among his neighborhood favorites. Right here, Chef Leah Department brings her personal contact to Southern delicacies, with a menu consisting of delicacies like cornbread with whipped maple butter, fried catfish, and tobacco-smoked pork butt. 

Grisette

There are common cheese and charcuterie boards, after which there are the expertly curated cheese and charcuterie boards at Grisette. The considerate, cozy house is open for dinner Tuesdays by means of Saturdays, and reservations are really useful. Truthful warning, although: You’ll wish to keep away from filling up on meats and cheeses. It’s essential to avoid wasting a little bit of room for the fan-favorite profiteroles.  

Alewife

“Situated within the charming Church Hill neighborhood, it is a favourite suggestion for visitors interested by seafood. The cocktails are tasty as properly,” says Harris. Alewife’s signature sampler platter, the Siren’s Tune, is a traditional, though the menu does change weekly. 

Floris at VMFA

After making your rounds by means of the VMFA’s displays — don’t miss the intensive Fabergé assortment — it’ll be time for afternoon tea at Floris. The museum’s tearoom includes a rotating menu that takes inspiration from the neighboring collections, and the ambiance and construction are akin to a British afternoon tea. It’s elegant with out being stuffy, and the $45 tea service comes with pastries, candy treats, and savory bites. 

Mama J’s

You’ll wish to come hungry to Mama J’s, a family-owned restaurant within the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. Assume fried rooster, crab desserts, pork chops, brisket sandwiches, and an entire host of scrumptious sides — macaroni and cheese, candied yams, and seafood salad included. 

Finest Purchasing

Carytown

“Carytown is a favourite space for native procuring,” says Harris. The mile-long stretch of Cary St. is full of numerous one-of-a-kind eating places and outlets — and you can spend hours popping out and in of the storefronts. “Friends all the time come again with a number of procuring baggage from World of Mirth, Ten Thousand Villages, For The Love of Chocolate, Touring Stylish Boutique, and GlassBoat,” she explains. 

Outlets at Libbie and Grove

In Richmond’s West Finish neighborhood, you’ll discover a assortment of boutiques and gourmand eateries all situated alongside Libbie, Grove, and Patterson Avenues. To replace your wardrobe, there’s Nellie George, Peter-Blair, the Outlets at 5807, and Jean Principle. To refresh your house, browse the alternatives at Fraîche, Gild and Ash, and Beckon House.

Finest Time to Go to

In keeping with Harris, the perfect time of 12 months to go to Richmond is the autumn: “The climate is ideal for going to the river, [or] exploring town by bicycle, Segway, or on foot.” Plus, she says, “The cooler temperatures additionally make for nice evenings out to take pleasure in Richmond’s vibrant nightlife.” Spring can be a good looking time to go to; the daffodils, cherry blossoms, tulips, magnolias, and azaleas are blooming at Lewis Ginter Botanical Backyard — and also you’ll have the ability to keep away from summer season’s muggy climate and bigger crowds.

How you can Get There 

Richmond Worldwide Airport (RIC) is without doubt one of the bigger airports within the state of Virginia, and it’s served by 9 main air carriers — together with Delta, American Airways, JetBlue, and United. The airport is just about 10 miles from downtown Richmond, so vacationers ought to consider a few 15- to 20-minute drive between the 2. Uber and Lyft rides are available for pickup. Alternatively, Richmond is dwelling to 2 Amtrak stations; the Primary Road Station is situated downtown whereas the Staples Mill Street Station is eight miles northwest of downtown (you’ll must take a cab to get into town). 

Neighborhoods to Go to

“Richmond is a metropolis of neighborhoods,” says Martin, and Lemon provides that it’s necessary for vacationers to “go into the native neighborhoods, speak to the folks [who] have lived there for a very long time, see the structure, [and] see the native companies which were there for years.” 

Church Hill

“Church Hill is dwelling to St. John’s Church, the place Patrick Henry gave his well-known ‘Give Me Liberty or Give Me Loss of life’ speech, and the structure and sights take you again in time,” says Harris. Should you’re hungry whereas within the space, snag a freshly baked deal with at Sub Rosa Bakery. 

Jackson Ward

Jackson Ward, a traditionally Black neighborhood in Richmond, is full of necessary cultural and historic markers — together with the dwelling of Maggie L. Walker (the nation’s first Black feminine financial institution president), the Black Historical past Museum and Cultural Heart of Virginia, and a statue of American faucet dancer Invoice Robinson. Delicacies within the space can be first-rate, so positively add Adarra, Mama J’s, and Penny’s Wine Store to your journey itinerary. 

Scott’s Addition

Should you’re interested by a brewery crawl, there’s just one place to go: Scott’s Addition. The world is filled with taprooms, cideries, and distilleries — most of that are situated in repurposed warehouses. Think about beginning your tour at Bingo Beer Co., Starr Hill Beer Corridor & Rooftop, or Three Notch’d Brewing.

The Fan District

“The Fan, given its title by the streets that ‘fan out,’ is full of eating places, bars, outlets, and museums,” says Harris. It’s on this a part of town the place you’ll discover the Virginia Commonwealth College campus, in addition to Monument Avenue, the picturesque boulevard that includes beautiful properties and the Arthur Ashe Monument (Ashe was a local of Richmond.)

Manchester 

“One other space to discover is Manchester alongside Hull Road. This neighborhood has its personal distinctive historical past and is without doubt one of the fastest-growing components of town with native meals favorites like Croaker’s Spot,” says Martin. 

Brookland Park Boulevard

“I’d additionally advocate exploring the Brookland Park Boulevard (Barton Heights and Highland Park) space,” says Martin. “In these early streetcar neighborhoods, you will see that nice structure, historical past, and small native companies and eating places — don’t miss Ruby Scoop’s Ice Cream!”

How you can Get Round

There are just a few methods to discover Richmond. Having a automotive is useful, notably for those who plan to cowl lots of floor in sooner or later (simply be ready to check your parallel parking expertise). Biking can be an effective way to get across the metropolis; Riverside Biking and The Kickstand each supply half-day and full-day leases. 

There’s additionally the native bus system, operated by the Larger Richmond Transit Firm, and the GRTC Pulse route is a superb choice for guests. The “high-capacity bus fast transit system,” because it’s known as, serves a virtually eight-mile route alongside Primary Road and Broad Road. It stops at 14 key locations, like Scott’s Addition, the Science Museum, and VCU. Discover the total route and schedule right here. It’s at the moment free to journey.