The Bon Air bedroom at The Boulevard Inn, a charming bed and breakfast — *The Bon Air room at The Boulevard Inn*

As one of the oldest cities in the states, Richmond, Virginia, blends southern charm with modern living. Only two hours from Washington, D.C., Richmond is easily accessible by train or car and is perfectly sized for a weekend getaway.

Richmond’s history starts long before European settlers arrived. The Powhatan people, a powerful group of tribes in the Tidewater region of Virginia, thrived in the area—utilizing the fertile lands and abundant resources along the James River.

The area quickly grew from a small settlement into a bustling city in the 18th-century. Its strategic location on the James River and its development as a major tobacco center played key roles in its rise. During the Civil War, Richmond became the capital of the Confederacy, making it a pivotal location in the conflict. As the Confederate capital, the city was the center of political and military activities. This period left a lasting impact on the city's architecture and heritage.

Today, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities along the James River, explore renowned museums and historic sites, and shop in Carytown.

The interior staircase of the Carriage House, an airbnb in Richmond — *The Carriage House*

Where to Stay in Richmond

Richmond has a variety of options, from bed and breakfasts to boutique hotels—you’ll be sure to find something that fits your style. We absolutely adore The Boulevard Inn for it’s charm, service, and location.

• The Boulevard Inn (Featured)
• The Carriage House
• Quirk Hotel

Friday Itinerary

Plan to arrive to Richmond around 3pm so you can enjoy your first night there with good art and good food.

FRIDAY Overview

• Check in
• Visit the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU
• Drinks at Q Rooftop bar
• Dinner (L’Opposum or Stella’s)

Preparing for the trip

Richmond has so much to offer; all you’ll need to do is pack your bags and go. If you don’t mind getting steps in, much of our itinerary is walkable. Look into what walks/hikes you’d like to do near Belle Isle as there are several options. Bring a picnic blanket for Saturday night (and for river rock chilling).

3 PM: Check in

Hooray! You’ve made it. Time to hit the town.

4 PM: Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU

Designed by architect, Steven Holl, the ICA opened its doors in 2018 and serves as a bridge between the VCU campus and the creative community. The museum is free to visit and is sure to provoke conversation.

Designed by architect, Steven Holl, The ICA at VCU opened its doors in 2018.

5 PM: Drinks at Q Rooftop BAR

Take in the city skyline from the Q Rooftop Bar, just over half a mile away from the ICA. With a beverage in hand, cheers to the start of a fun weekend away!

7 PM: Dinner

For modern french cuisine and a cozy atmosphere, go to L’Opossum, located in the Oregon Hill neighborhood. For delicious modern greek fare, try Stella’s.

Saturday Itinerary

SATURDAY OVERVIEW

• Breakfast
• Explore Belle Isle and Brown’s Island
• Lunch at Kuba Kuba
• Carytown & nearby shops
• Proper Pie & Picnic at Church Hill Overlook
• Ice cream from Scoop

9 AM: Breakfast

Have we raved enough about The Boulevard Inn? If you’re staying here, you’ll want to enjoy the many breakfast offerings. Otherwise, enjoy brunch at Perly’s or coffee from Paix.

A guest space in The Boulevard Inn. — *Shared space at The Boulevard Inn*

10 AM: Explore belle isle and brown’s island

For outdoor fun, explore areas around the James River. Some options include:

• Belle Isle
For Belle Isle, free [but limited] parking is available at the Belle Isle Parking Lot. Access Belle Isle by the pedestrian bridge from Tredegar Street on the north shore. Though the trail is a 1.3 mile loop around the island, the most scenic views are along the James River.

• Brown’s Island
Explore Brown’s Island and walk the T. Pott Bridge to see and hear the rivers roar. Brown’s Island is a popular, public park space so be sure to check for upcoming events. (Our favorite is Riverrock!)

• James River Park Pipeline
A little further southeast, you’ll find a short, but unique, trail visited mainly by locals, the James River Park Pipeline Walkway. For an off the beaten path option, walk the pipeline for a close-up of the rapids.

The T. Pott Bridge spanning the James River — *Overlooking the T. Pott Bridge from the Belle Isle footbridge, spanning the James River.*

12:30 PM: Lunch at Kuba Kuba

In our humble opinion, no trip is complete without a bite to eat at Kuba Kuba. Enjoy a cuban sandwich and cafe con leche for a post meal pick me up. It’s first come, first serve, so expect a brief wait. We promise it’s worth it.

Inside Kuba Kuba, a Cuban food eatery — *Image from kubakuba.info*

2 PM: CARYTOWN & NEARBY SHOPS

Now that you’ve seen a few different neighborhoods, you’ll want to check out Carytown. Whether it is to peruse or to shop, enjoy all the independent stores that Carytown has to offer.

About a half mile east of Carytown is one of our favorite clothing stores, Na Nin. Be sure to swing by if you have a penchant for vintage clothing or quality basics.

5 PM: B&B Wine and Cheese

Rewind and recharge over wine and cheese before heading out for a picnic dinner.

5:30 PM: Proper Pie

Place your order in the morning and schedule a pick up before Proper Pie closes at 6pm. You’ll want to choose a savory and sweet slice to bring with you around the corner.

6 PM: Picnic at Church hill Overlook

Only a few blocks away, bring your pies and picnic blanket to the Church Hill Overlook to watch the setting sun over the Richmond skyline.

Sunset at the Church Hill Overlook — *View from Church Hill Overlook*

9 PM: Ice cream from scoop

End the night with a sweet treat from Scoop in Scuffletown Park.

Sunday Itinerary

Sunday Overview

• Check out
• Breakfast at Nate’s Bagels
• Visit Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) or explore Maymont
• Lunch at Garnett’s

The Bon Air room's luxurious bathroom — *The Bon Air room at The Boulevard Inn*

9 AM: Nate’s Bagels

Join the many other Richmonders in securing a bagel sandwich and iced coffee Sunday morning at Nate’s Bagels.

10 AM: VISIT THE VMFA OR EXPLORE MAYMONT

From its striking modern architecture to its diverse galleries, visit the VFMA and explore the extensive art collections spanning centuries and cultures. It’s also the perfect rainy day activity.

Alternately, explore the grounds of Maymont, a free public park with trails, gardens, and animals.

12:30 PM: Garnett’s

On your way out of town, enjoy a quaint and classic neighborhood eatery—Garnett’s.

Interior of Garnett's Cafe — *Image from garnettscafe.com*

Richmond, Virginia

Where to Stay in Richmond