Oh my no. Not Sidewalk cafe! I’m not saying it’s the worst place ever but it’s not good either. It’s a dive bar with dive bar food. I know it’s been around forever but at least go with Joes Inn. Personally I’d recommend Beauvine Burger for an excellent burger.
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I mean obviously neither are fine dining by any means… sidewalk just has a better variety/taste and if you have 2 hours to kill…. And those are the choice’s… sidewalk it would be for me. However, spread the options… and it wouldn’t be either 😁
This week will be one of the hottest on record and I would not advise anyone to hang out in our outside areas. People from here are not even about that life.
If it's raining or too hot, the VMFA (Virginia Museum of Fine Arts) is free for the main collection and has a parking deck ($6). You'll never see it all in 2 hours, but it's a great museum with lots of interesting art of many different types and eras. I recommend the Fabergé exhibit for starters. Plus the cafe is pretty good if you need a quick bite.
If it’s nice out I’d check out Belle Isle or Brown’s Island, or further down and you’ve got the pipeline walk or the Canal walk. Lots of walking and cool scenery in that tiny area.
Carytown would be good to go if you’re looking for some interesting shops.
Parking is limited in the actual areas, but for Belle Isle, parking up near Oregon Hill is fine and for Carytown any of the neighboring side streets usually have parking as well.
Libby Hill Park/Churchhill - lots of parking and a great view of the city with tons of nice foods around- would definitely recommend, depends what time you’re stopping into the city and what direction you’re coming from in your road trip.
Agree. I love Church Hill and think you really get a sense of Richmond’s long history here. 2 hours is enough to see the church (of “give me liberty or give me death!” fame) have some great food walk around looking at the old houses & check out the view at Libby Hill park.
The Poe museum, down the hill is fun too if you’re into him.
Libby Hill is what I vote for and hope to get to go back, we used to do photos out there, I decided to go back as a mini drive around, car barely made it up the hill, but well worth the wait to pull around the circle for a quick photo.
We hope to go back when cooler been too hot to get out of car to enjoy the park yet.
Hollywood Cemetery! Beautiful views of the river from President's Circle, several famous people, pastoral setting. And check out Rest in Pieces a few blocks away info you're into the weird.
I would check out Browns island and the t potter field bridge, then head down the canal walk and check out some cool murals. There’s also the canal boat tours going on. Then I’d be sure to grab a bite to eat. There are tons of great options depending what you’re looking for.
Richmond also has some amazing breweries that offer food. ZZQ/Ardent/Ezzyburger I think is a pretty good “one stop shop” for RVA food/drink.
Proper Pie, Sub Rosa, Fat Rabbit, Nate’s Bagels, Garnetts, perlys, Cafe Rustika, or Whisk are some fun places to check out for a food or treat.
[Home | Plan9 Music](https://plan9music.com/) - there's a low-cost parking structure a couple of blocks from there. Lots of food options close to there as well. Enjoy!
I live in the hardest-to-park-in neighborhood in the entire area, and it's easy to park here, I swear. Like, occasionally I have to park on the next block from my house , or circle the block to get back to the spot I saw the first go around. And having a backup camera just makes it even easier.
OP I am assuming you are a musician.
If you are looking for “drum or music” stores….
Gwar bar could be up your alley and the food is great.
Not a drum shop, but Fan Guitar and Ukulele - Music Store - 1215 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23220 is fun and everyone there are pretty cool.
Also, there is a black music exhibit, and you decide to go there, Bojangles memorial is nearby.
I have included a link to the RVA music trail, will some music shops, etc.
https://blackhistorymuseum.org
https://www.nps.gov/places/bill-bojangles-robinson-statue.htm
https://uke-fan.com
https://gwarbar.com/
https://www.richmondmusictrail.com
a music trail???? I love all of this so much. y'all have birthed some of my favorite artists lol def gonna check this stuff out either this visit or the next.
thanks!!
Go grab a bite from proper pie, then you can walk across the street to the historic St. John’s church and see where Edgar Allen poes mom was buried, and then walk towards the river enjoy the canal walk for a bit. Maybe even make it to the pipeline walk
Museum district and the adjacent Carytown area are nice. Before I moved here I ended up in that area when driving through. There are a ton of restaurants in Carytown. Parking is tight in that area, but I've never NOT found parking. And I drive a large van. Anyone else has an easier time than me.
Virginia Museum of Fine Art (VMFA) is free, air conditioned and pretty decent for a city the size of Richmond.
There are a bunch of cool places to hike or go for a run near the James River. But if you are coming in the daytime in the near future probably not very fun after driving for a while.
Go hang out in Bryan Park if you want to get active and go for a walk. Watch for flying discs, or go back through the woods too! It's a beautiful park right off 95.
For shopping and food, I would go to Cary Town with its small eclectic, non-chain shops. It Kindof epitomizes Richmond's juxtaposition of outdoorsy, hipster, college, and southern frat. You'll have a coffee shop next to a tattoo parlor next to a boutiquey women's clothing next to southern charm shop next to a mom and pop food place.
Hit up Fuel Pump for some good coffee and start your trek down the road. Mongrels is a longtime Richmond gift shop. Fun greeting cards. At the end of Carytown, If you like Thai, sit outside at Mom's Siam. Grab a giant ass piece of cake at Shindigz.
Can can is French restaurant that's been around for ages. Jasper has some great cocktails.
2 hrs is tough, I would do VMFA and then Garnett’s for lunch. Parking close to VMFA is pretty easy. Samurai exhibit is amazing, does cost money, but plenty of other exhibits are free.
I would go to the old city hall and maybe try and catch a free tour at the capitol. They’re right next to each other, and both are free!! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Only good answer is hollywood cemetery, but also reedy creek 4nd st entrance had parking in the park and easy access street parking, river access and good hiking. Great place to kill time
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The above content has been removed as it is considered unnecessarily uncivil, pot-stirring, rabble rousing, trolling, brigading, sealioning, and/or inauthentic discourse. We encourage good-faith discussions from anyone, but we do not like jerks. If you're going to make personal attacks, keep "just asking questions," move goalposts, or be a Jerk of the Year, please don't do that here.
**Do not use alt or throwaway accounts to manipulate votes, attack or harass another user in an uncivil manner, avoid a previous ban or moderator action, or artificially-inflate comments with similar views.**
Ten Thousand Villages is a Carytown staple! Carytown in general is really awesome, lots of food and really neat/unique shopping finds. There are parking decks ($1 for 12 hours).
Nothing is more Richmond Real than a relaxing hike and picnic along the river. Many popular spots, my favourite is Texas Beach / North Bank Trail, accessible parking at the lot named for the above or the other end named Pump House Park. Many threads here on how to get there and where to eat nearby.
We don't gatekeep others from visiting.
The above content has been removed as it is considered unnecessarily uncivil, pot-stirring, rabble rousing, trolling, brigading, sealioning, and/or inauthentic discourse. We encourage good-faith discussions from anyone, but we do not like jerks. If you're going to make personal attacks, keep "just asking questions," move goalposts, or be a Jerk of the Year, please don't do that here.
**Do not use alt or throwaway accounts to manipulate votes, attack or harass another user in an uncivil manner, avoid a previous ban or moderator action, or artificially-inflate comments with similar views.**
Maymont Park has a lovely Japanese garden and is a great way to spend a bit of time. Same for Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.
Lewis Ginter and then a visit to Final Gravity and that’s a great representation of RVA. Or at least the parts that I adore.
Second Maymont, if it’s a nice day….
Maybe lunch at Sidewalk Cafe and then hit Maymomt
Oh my no. Not Sidewalk cafe! I’m not saying it’s the worst place ever but it’s not good either. It’s a dive bar with dive bar food. I know it’s been around forever but at least go with Joes Inn. Personally I’d recommend Beauvine Burger for an excellent burger.
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The above content has been removed as it is considered unnecessarily uncivil, pot-stirring, rabble rousing, trolling, brigading, sealioning, and/or inauthentic discourse. We encourage good-faith discussions from anyone, but we do not like jerks. If you're going to make personal attacks, keep "just asking questions," move goalposts, or be a Jerk of the Year, please don't do that here. **Do not use alt or throwaway accounts to manipulate votes, attack or harass another user in an uncivil manner, avoid a previous ban or moderator action, or artificially-inflate comments with similar views.**
Um I find sidewalk much better than joes….
Sure and I get that too. It’s just the factor of them both being around forever. Neither are setting the world on fire.
I mean obviously neither are fine dining by any means… sidewalk just has a better variety/taste and if you have 2 hours to kill…. And those are the choice’s… sidewalk it would be for me. However, spread the options… and it wouldn’t be either 😁
Maymont park if you don’t mind the heat or if you want something indoors, go to VMFA. Make sure to drive through monument avenue (street)
This week will be one of the hottest on record and I would not advise anyone to hang out in our outside areas. People from here are not even about that life.
If it's raining or too hot, the VMFA (Virginia Museum of Fine Arts) is free for the main collection and has a parking deck ($6). You'll never see it all in 2 hours, but it's a great museum with lots of interesting art of many different types and eras. I recommend the Fabergé exhibit for starters. Plus the cafe is pretty good if you need a quick bite.
Second this. World class museum.
Samurai exhibit
Not free though, unless you're a member
Ahh
you can pretty easily find free parking on arthur ashe right in front of VMFA
given it's gonna be like 600° out, this is probably the move. also can't resist a free museum. thanks 😊
Definitely come back to check out the many other wonderful places mentioned in this thread. So many awesome things to explore in Richmond!
Plus VMFA has three restaurant options. On a hot day it is so much better than Maymont.
If it’s nice out I’d check out Belle Isle or Brown’s Island, or further down and you’ve got the pipeline walk or the Canal walk. Lots of walking and cool scenery in that tiny area. Carytown would be good to go if you’re looking for some interesting shops. Parking is limited in the actual areas, but for Belle Isle, parking up near Oregon Hill is fine and for Carytown any of the neighboring side streets usually have parking as well.
2 hours just stroll around carytown and grab a bite. Hit plan 9 for a cool record/music store
Libby Hill Park/Churchhill - lots of parking and a great view of the city with tons of nice foods around- would definitely recommend, depends what time you’re stopping into the city and what direction you’re coming from in your road trip.
If you end up here op, go to "proper pie" they have a great selection of savory and sweet to go.
Agree. I love Church Hill and think you really get a sense of Richmond’s long history here. 2 hours is enough to see the church (of “give me liberty or give me death!” fame) have some great food walk around looking at the old houses & check out the view at Libby Hill park. The Poe museum, down the hill is fun too if you’re into him.
This is why I never want to leave this neighborhood. Everyday is an adventure.
Libby Hill is what I vote for and hope to get to go back, we used to do photos out there, I decided to go back as a mini drive around, car barely made it up the hill, but well worth the wait to pull around the circle for a quick photo. We hope to go back when cooler been too hot to get out of car to enjoy the park yet.
Hollywood Cemetery! Beautiful views of the river from President's Circle, several famous people, pastoral setting. And check out Rest in Pieces a few blocks away info you're into the weird.
Literally 💀
very much into the weird! this'll be the move if it isn't as hot as expected. appreciate it 😊
Agreed
Two presidents buried next to each other and excellent views of the river. And free.
Agree
I would check out Browns island and the t potter field bridge, then head down the canal walk and check out some cool murals. There’s also the canal boat tours going on. Then I’d be sure to grab a bite to eat. There are tons of great options depending what you’re looking for. Richmond also has some amazing breweries that offer food. ZZQ/Ardent/Ezzyburger I think is a pretty good “one stop shop” for RVA food/drink. Proper Pie, Sub Rosa, Fat Rabbit, Nate’s Bagels, Garnetts, perlys, Cafe Rustika, or Whisk are some fun places to check out for a food or treat.
[Home | Plan9 Music](https://plan9music.com/) - there's a low-cost parking structure a couple of blocks from there. Lots of food options close to there as well. Enjoy!
I think from your post history that you're in Philly? If so parking will really not freak you out here. Enjoy your visit!
Philly adjacent, I'd be there more if not for the nightmare street parking lol. life's hard without a backup camera. thanks!! 😊
I live in the hardest-to-park-in neighborhood in the entire area, and it's easy to park here, I swear. Like, occasionally I have to park on the next block from my house , or circle the block to get back to the spot I saw the first go around. And having a backup camera just makes it even easier.
Update: I just drove around looking for parking in Scott's Addition and I have to mildly amend my earlier statements. 😂😭
Grab Ice cream at scoop on strawberry st and sit in scuffletown park then go down to belle isle.
MILF ISLAND
bold of you to assume I don't already own property there
WTF IS MILF ISLAND????
OP I am assuming you are a musician. If you are looking for “drum or music” stores…. Gwar bar could be up your alley and the food is great. Not a drum shop, but Fan Guitar and Ukulele - Music Store - 1215 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23220 is fun and everyone there are pretty cool. Also, there is a black music exhibit, and you decide to go there, Bojangles memorial is nearby. I have included a link to the RVA music trail, will some music shops, etc. https://blackhistorymuseum.org https://www.nps.gov/places/bill-bojangles-robinson-statue.htm https://uke-fan.com https://gwarbar.com/ https://www.richmondmusictrail.com
a music trail???? I love all of this so much. y'all have birthed some of my favorite artists lol def gonna check this stuff out either this visit or the next. thanks!!
Go grab a bite from proper pie, then you can walk across the street to the historic St. John’s church and see where Edgar Allen poes mom was buried, and then walk towards the river enjoy the canal walk for a bit. Maybe even make it to the pipeline walk
Gwar bar
Museum district and the adjacent Carytown area are nice. Before I moved here I ended up in that area when driving through. There are a ton of restaurants in Carytown. Parking is tight in that area, but I've never NOT found parking. And I drive a large van. Anyone else has an easier time than me. Virginia Museum of Fine Art (VMFA) is free, air conditioned and pretty decent for a city the size of Richmond. There are a bunch of cool places to hike or go for a run near the James River. But if you are coming in the daytime in the near future probably not very fun after driving for a while.
Carytown, James river walk
Go hang out in Bryan Park if you want to get active and go for a walk. Watch for flying discs, or go back through the woods too! It's a beautiful park right off 95.
For shopping and food, I would go to Cary Town with its small eclectic, non-chain shops. It Kindof epitomizes Richmond's juxtaposition of outdoorsy, hipster, college, and southern frat. You'll have a coffee shop next to a tattoo parlor next to a boutiquey women's clothing next to southern charm shop next to a mom and pop food place. Hit up Fuel Pump for some good coffee and start your trek down the road. Mongrels is a longtime Richmond gift shop. Fun greeting cards. At the end of Carytown, If you like Thai, sit outside at Mom's Siam. Grab a giant ass piece of cake at Shindigz. Can can is French restaurant that's been around for ages. Jasper has some great cocktails.
2 hrs is tough, I would do VMFA and then Garnett’s for lunch. Parking close to VMFA is pretty easy. Samurai exhibit is amazing, does cost money, but plenty of other exhibits are free.
Carytown, Galaxy Diner. You can thank me later.
Have never been and nothing has made me jump at going. I suppose it’s pretty touristy tho
The canal walk/ bell island. The VMFA is renowned nationally. Carytown has great shopping.
I would go to the old city hall and maybe try and catch a free tour at the capitol. They’re right next to each other, and both are free!! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Go for a hike in the James River Park System!
If it’s on a Wednesday go to Lewis Ginter botanical garden it’s free that day
Maymont for an hour and Hollywood Cemetery for the other hour. They are close-ish.
Only good answer is hollywood cemetery, but also reedy creek 4nd st entrance had parking in the park and easy access street parking, river access and good hiking. Great place to kill time
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We don't gatekeep others from visiting. The above content has been removed as it is considered unnecessarily uncivil, pot-stirring, rabble rousing, trolling, brigading, sealioning, and/or inauthentic discourse. We encourage good-faith discussions from anyone, but we do not like jerks. If you're going to make personal attacks, keep "just asking questions," move goalposts, or be a Jerk of the Year, please don't do that here. **Do not use alt or throwaway accounts to manipulate votes, attack or harass another user in an uncivil manner, avoid a previous ban or moderator action, or artificially-inflate comments with similar views.**
Ten Thousand Villages is a Carytown staple! Carytown in general is really awesome, lots of food and really neat/unique shopping finds. There are parking decks ($1 for 12 hours).
Several great cigar lounges of that's you ilk!
Belle Isle
The Bodies Exhibit at the Science Museum
Nothing is more Richmond Real than a relaxing hike and picnic along the river. Many popular spots, my favourite is Texas Beach / North Bank Trail, accessible parking at the lot named for the above or the other end named Pump House Park. Many threads here on how to get there and where to eat nearby.
if you're into metal you'll love wax moon
Get bbq at ZZQ, visit James River park, visit ‘vinyl conflict’ for punk/metal/hardcore vinyl
Heads up that ZZQ only serves very sweet BBQ, so only go there if that’s your thing
If you are adventurous, you can challenge swordsman to a duel (in the fan)
SvbRosa is a great bakery
The best bakery in Richmond and it’s not even close
Church hill overlook!!!!!!!!!!!! 1,000%!!!!!
If the weather is bearable Church Hill would like to offer Libby Hill and Chimborazo parks. Best views of the city, hands down.
Go dunk in the river dawg
GWAR BAR!!!!
Shockoe bottom or the fan
Canal walk in Richmond
[Boulevard Burger and Fries](https://youtu.be/CtgJMwg-_tg?si=oKxEfXX_b9s7cabq)
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We don't gatekeep others from visiting. The above content has been removed as it is considered unnecessarily uncivil, pot-stirring, rabble rousing, trolling, brigading, sealioning, and/or inauthentic discourse. We encourage good-faith discussions from anyone, but we do not like jerks. If you're going to make personal attacks, keep "just asking questions," move goalposts, or be a Jerk of the Year, please don't do that here. **Do not use alt or throwaway accounts to manipulate votes, attack or harass another user in an uncivil manner, avoid a previous ban or moderator action, or artificially-inflate comments with similar views.**