Couldn’t help myself when I was given the chance to return to Richmond. My first time exploring the city was during the pandemic in late 2020. There were a lot of rules and restrictions on timing and wearing masks (obviously). It was lovely to come back and be able to fully immerse myself.
Richmond Raceway
While attending the conference, I ended up exploring some places in Richmond I might not have visited otherwise. I spent an evening at the Richmond Raceway. I cant say that I am particularly interested in NASCAR but it was a pretty cool experience to get to watch the cars up close to the track. Its host to some pretty major events year-round even outside of NASCAR like VA ComicCon. It also offers tent and RV campgrounds year round for all festivals and NASCAR races. Looking at the website, the campsites book up fast so if you’re interested in staying there for any of the events I suggest booking ahead of time.
Main Street Station
Built in 1901 as a fully functional train station, now it runs limited Amtrak trains a day. The architecture is worth the visit alone, but this train station is more than just that. It has an art gallery space for new and upcoming local artists, a rotating museum exhibition and an event space where it hosts galas, weddings and many other events.
Architects designed it in the style of classic French Renaissance, with marble floors and high ceilings. Many features were kept when it was redone even some of the original tracks can be seen under the glass floors. The old station was outdoors but has been walled in with glass windows to surround you with views of the city during an event.
It is also the host to the Virginia Welcome Center. Main Street Station is a great place to start a trip to Richmond to get your barrings!
Crossroads Art center
A bit off the beaten path of downtown Richmond but if you are an art lover then it’s a must. Crossroads Art Center boasts over 300 artists across a giant warehouse filled with everything from authors to sculptors. If you’re lucky you might just catch one at work. There are rows and rows of artists showcases of what they do and working on their projects alongside what they are selling. I bought a book by a local author called Hooray for Goats by Wendy Daniel for my nephew. He loved it!
Walking the Ward with Gary Flowers
By far the best experience this time around was the bus tour I did with Gary Flowers. His company does bus and walking tours of Jackson Ward, which is the historically black neighborhood in the downtown area of Richmond.
He takes you from the arrival of the first enslaved people on the riverbanks of the James to current day Richmond. Gary is a compelling speaker with a storied background of his own having worked with Reverend Jesse Jackson, teaching courses at Harvard, a policy analyst at the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law in Washington, DC among many other accomplishments. Gary Flowers is a fifteen-generation Virginian, so he knows his stuff.
For more information look here.
Revisiting the Black history museum
I did visit this museum the last time I was in Richmond which you can check out here but I think it well worth a second visit. It has rotating exhibits on its second floor making it easy to come back. They were opening their America 250 exhibition soon wish I was there for that!
Eating & Drinking
Looking for nightlife or places to eat while in Richmond? Here are a few new places I went to my second time around.
Black Iris Social Club
While in town I went to an artists event at the Black Iris Social Club. I loved the concept. It is a co-work space but this one focuses on and caters to creatives. The decor in the place ranges from eclectic paintings to mismatched furniture and reflects the type of artsy people who frequent the place. Located in the arts district and it regularly hosts performances, has rotating artists on display in their galleries and has weekly events. Depending on what you are looking for you can find some peace in quiet in a private room to do work or grab a drink from their full service bar to mingle during an event.
There is a member fee to join as it is a social club but the space offers a lot of amenities. If I was looking for a co-work in the area this place would definitely be my vibe. The cocktails were top notch. There is also a cigar lounge for anyone who is into that.
Bingo Beer Co.
All I can say is what a fun time Bingo Beer Co. is. They have VERY serious trivia nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays and obviously a bingo night but no matter when you go it’s a full on arcade with all the iconic games you could want like my personal favorite Skee Ball!
On top of this the food is delish! Shout out to the giant mozzarella sticks which you can never go wrong ordering. I know the pizza is amazing here but I could not get enough of my Girl Lunch Fries – parmesan fries with Caesar dressed romaine lettuce, fried chicken, croutons and more parm cheese. The portions were huge, I brought it home and ate it over several days.
Hippodrome
Originally opened in 1914 as a vaudeville theater, it retains the feel of the original era. The Hippodrome serves regular Sunday brunches but what you want to come for is the Jazz. Most nights you can find live performances and a full menu to enjoy. With its gold trimmed, sunken dance floor you might just think its 1920’s. In addition, it has its own speakeasy, hidden upstairs. A fun unique night out in Jackson Ward.
Mama J’s
A tiny southern soul food restaurant that delivers huge platters of food. Signature dishes like the fried catfish or fried pork chops are not to be missed. The catfish is the star of the show. I previously thought I did not like catfish, I was wrong. Or maybe I only like Mama J’s but don’t miss the catfish. They have it for an appetizer or a meal. But make sure to load up on the sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, I could go on. Make sure you stop by Mama J’s when you are in Richmond.
Old Tavern Farm
If you are willing to drive about 20 minutes outside of Richmond into Kent County you can drop by Old Tavern Farm. A 4the generation owned farm now run by John Bryant, this is a fully sustainably run farm. From crop rotation down to the organic way they fertilize their crops (worm tea, fish and seaweed emulsion). They offer a pick-your-own blackberries experience and a full-service store with all their yummy produce plus lots of locally sourced products. I had a picnic lunch made of products (almost) entirely grown from their farm.
The history of the farm is just as interesting as it dates back to 1693, John told us he has found everything from arrowheads to civil war era bullets while cultivating the land.
They also do Chef Dinners in the warmer months in their restored barn. They are so popular, they sell out in minutes. The dinners are multi-course and inspired by the ingredients grown around the farm.
What are your favorite things to do in Richmond???
