First time visit to Richmond (Norfolk, Jefferson: city hall, neighborhoods, restaurants)

[sdurbanite]

Hey all,

Heading to Richmond for the first time early next month and seeking some input on what to see and do while I'm there for two nights. I'll be driving in from Baltimore and will be staying about 12 mins from downtown, according to Google maps.

After doing some quick research, I plan on checking out the Fan District, Carytown, VA Museum of Fine Arts, Maymont and the City Hall Observation Deck. Am I on the right track here?

Any recommendations on places to eat would be great. Because I'm travelling solo, I'm more interested in casual dining places in the more interesting neighborhoods.

After Richmond, I'll be stopping in Williamsburg before ending my mini road trip in Norfolk/VA Beach. Flying back to San Diego from there. And speaking of Williamsburg, besides the historical park, is there anything I shouldn't miss?

I look forward to your responses.

[mpier015]

Originally Posted by sdurbanite

Hey all,

Heading to Richmond for the first time early next month and seeking some input on what to see and do while I'm there for two nights. I'll be driving in from Baltimore and will be staying about 12 mins from downtown, according to Google maps.

After doing some quick research, I plan on checking out the Fan District, Carytown, VA Museum of Fine Arts, Maymont and the City Hall Observation Deck. Am I on the right track here?

Any recommendations on places to eat would be great. Because I'm travelling solo, I'm more interested in casual dining places in the more interesting neighborhoods.

After Richmond, I'll be stopping in Williamsburg before ending my mini road trip in Norfolk/VA Beach. Flying back to San Diego from there. And speaking of Williamsburg, besides the historical park, is there anything I shouldn't miss?

I look forward to your responses.

For Richmond, check out Byrd Park, The Maggie L. Walker House, Henry Box Brown Exhibit, VA Museum of Fine Art, Edgar Allen Poe Museum, Jefferson Park(one of the best views of the city), Boulevard, Museum District, Shockoe Bottom, Church Hill, Jackson Ward, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Governor's Mansion, the Canal Walk, Main street Train station, The Valentine, any restaurant in Cary Town, etc. For Williamsburg check out York Town beach, Jamestown, Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, Governor's Palace, Busch Gardens/Water Country, The Historic Powhatan Resort, etc.

[spencer114]

I second the Yorktown recommendation. You can just drive through on your way to Norfolk. The Colonial Parkway (a National Park) connects the two abs it’s a beautiful drive (can easily access I-64 from route 17 in Yorktown).

Your Richmond list is a great starter and will probably take up the two days. I’d recommend a trip to Brown’s and Belle Islands. They are right downtown so it takes zero effort to get to them. The river is super cool and if it doesn’t rain (a bunch) before your trip, the water should be pretty with people out in kayaks, sunbathing. There are two pedestrian bridges across the river. Both are very popular. I’d take a look at the Capitol too. It’s a really attractive building in the middle of downtown (a block from City Hall).


Restaurants are abundant in the Fan and Carytown. When you start to get hungry just take a walk (or ride) up Main Street or Cary Street in the Fan, you’ll have lots of options.

[mpier015]

Originally Posted by spencer114

I second the Yorktown recommendation. You can just drive through on your way to Norfolk. The Colonial Parkway (a National Park) connects the two abs it’s a beautiful drive (can easily access I-64 from route 17 in Yorktown).

Your Richmond list is a great starter and will probably take up the two days. I’d recommend a trip to Brown’s and Belle Islands. They are right downtown so it takes zero effort to get to them. The river is super cool and if it doesn’t rain (a bunch) before your trip, the water should be pretty with people out in kayaks, sunbathing. There are two pedestrian bridges across the river. Both are very popular. I’d take a look at the Capitol too. It’s a really attractive building in the middle of downtown (a block from City Hall).


Restaurants are abundant in the Fan and Carytown. When you start to get hungry just take a walk (or ride) up Main Street or Cary Street in the Fan, you’ll have lots of options.

Can't believe I forgot Browns Island. When I wrote out Byrd Park I was thinking Browns Island smh.

[sdurbanite]

Originally Posted by mpier015

For Richmond, check out Byrd Park, The Maggie L. Walker House, Henry Box Brown Exhibit, VA Museum of Fine Art, Edgar Allen Poe Museum, Jefferson Park(one of the best views of the city), Boulevard, Museum District, Shockoe Bottom, Church Hill, Jackson Ward, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Governor's Mansion, the Canal Walk, Main street Train station, The Valentine, any restaurant in Cary Town, etc. For Williamsburg check out York Town beach, Jamestown, Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, Governor's Palace, Busch Gardens/Water Country, The Historic Powhatan Resort, etc.

Originally Posted by spencer114

I second the Yorktown recommendation. You can just drive through on your way to Norfolk. The Colonial Parkway (a National Park) connects the two abs it’s a beautiful drive (can easily access I-64 from route 17 in Yorktown).

Your Richmond list is a great starter and will probably take up the two days. I’d recommend a trip to Brown’s and Belle Islands. They are right downtown so it takes zero effort to get to them. The river is super cool and if it doesn’t rain (a bunch) before your trip, the water should be pretty with people out in kayaks, sunbathing. There are two pedestrian bridges across the river. Both are very popular. I’d take a look at the Capitol too. It’s a really attractive building in the middle of downtown (a block from City Hall).


Restaurants are abundant in the Fan and Carytown. When you start to get hungry just take a walk (or ride) up Main Street or Cary Street in the Fan, you’ll have lots of options.

Thanks for the responses. Just did some research on some of the places mentioned above and there cool things/places to check out. I'm all about the views so Jefferson Park sounds good. And I didn't realize there were pedestrian bridges that cross the river so definitely get my exercise walking around downtown. The State Capitol building is on my list.

Sounds like Carytown and the Fan are where I need to go. Any input on Sally Bell's Kitchen, Comfort, 8 1/2, Nota Bene or Early Bird Biscuit?

[mpier015]

Originally Posted by sdurbanite

Thanks for the responses. Just did some research on some of the places mentioned above and there cool things/places to check out. I'm all about the views so Jefferson Park sounds good. And I didn't realize there were pedestrian bridges that cross the river so definitely get my exercise walking around downtown. The State Capitol building is on my list.

Sounds like Carytown and the Fan are where I need to go. Any input on Sally Bell's Kitchen, Comfort, 8 1/2, Nota Bene or Early Bird Biscuit?

Of that list, I've only been to early bird and comfort but they are both excellent choices. I also like the Daily, Xtra's cafe, Lucy's and Heritage

[sdurbanite]

^^^Lucy's and Heritage look pretty good. Thanks

[ShannonMilligan]

Originally Posted by sdurbanite

Hey all,

Heading to Richmond for the first time early next month and seeking some input on what to see and do while I'm there for two nights. I'll be driving in from Baltimore and will be staying about 12 mins from downtown, according to Google maps.

After doing some quick research, I plan on checking out the Fan District, Carytown, VA Museum of Fine Arts, Maymont and the City Hall Observation Deck. Am I on the right track here?

Any recommendations on places to eat would be great. Because I'm travelling solo, I'm more interested in casual dining places in the more interesting neighborhoods.

After Richmond, I'll be stopping in Williamsburg before ending my mini road trip in Norfolk/VA Beach. Flying back to San Diego from there. And speaking of Williamsburg, besides the historical park, is there anything I shouldn't miss?

I look forward to your responses.

Little Nickel is a great restaurant in the Forest Hill area. Can Can is nice as well in Carytown, it is casual but more expensive. I still love Galaxy Diner in Carytown. Juleps, Stella's...all good. One of my favorite places for a casual lunch is Mama J's! WPA Bakery is wonderful, as is Proper Pie and Shyndigz if you like desert.

VMFA is nice if you are into art. The Science Museum is also very cool if you are into that! Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is also lovely, as is Maymont Park.

Hope this helps! Shannon