Tuesday, November 14, 2017

{travel guide | richmond, virginia}




Two months ago I had the opportunity to finally experience Richmond over a weekend without being there for a wedding! I went with Kristyn and Laura, my two travel buds, to get a taste of the amazing history in RVA and all that it had to offer. We were also hoping for a little bit of cool weather but that wasn't the case haha. Every time I've visited Richmond it's been for a friends wedding - I've always stayed at the same hotel, and eaten at the same restaurants, and done the exact same thing. So when the three of us were invited to stay at the newly renovated Jefferson Hotel, I knew this was going to be a different type of visit to this awesome city. It's easy to say that I'm looking forward to going back and checking off more of the restaurants that were recommended to me and explore even more of the bars and views!


HOW TO GET THERE

If you're close by on the East coast it's a really easy drive - only 2 hours from DC! There is also an international airport 15 minutes away from downtown Richmond.


WHERE TO STAY

I have stayed at a fair amount of hotels because of all the weddings I've been to... maybe almost 7 in RVA? Staying at The Jefferson Hotel was the most incredible place I've ever stayed in. The rooms were just recently updated, the staff was incredible, the rooms were massive, the beds were fluffy and perfectly white, the carpet was padded, and the bathroom mirrors had tv's in them (haha)! Oh, and I'm a bathrobe junkie and I really lived in the bathrobes when we were in the room... I didn't get dressed until the last second. They just recently redecorated and the colors and decor felt so regal yet warm and welcoming - it was so fantastic. One of the best things was the concierge provided us with complimentary shuttles wherever we wanted to go - they picked us up too. That's incredible in the land of Uber and Lyft! We loved being able to walk to a bunch of restaurants (and the river area was a quick jog away) but being able to take a bus to Carytown was great for helping us expand our exploring! I'm dying to go back around Christmas because the holiday decor is absolutely amazing!! The holiday spirit is in full force right now - just check it out on their website!






WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

The Beer Trail - a group of breweries that are a must visit! The majority are in a neighborhood called Scott's Addition. We went to The Veil Brewing Co and Ardent. Next time we want to check out Hardywood too!
Stella's - Easily the best dinner I've had in a long time. Not only was the ambience perfect - I love a good candlelit restaurant that is still lively with people chatting - but the food selection was insane (I loved the dish "pasta no. 5" the best). I wish I could've taken photos of everything but it was too dark!
The Jefferson Hotel - theeeee most amazing champagne buffet brunch! Pretty sure I had 4 plates of food? There were waffles, oysters, honey ham, shrimp and grits, you name it! And THEN there was a whole table filled with every dessert your heart could dream up... I got every single dessert and tried them all hahah I couldn't help it!
Can Can Brasserie - we stopped here for french fries and a glass of wine after walking in Carytown!
Havana 59 - Cuban flair restaurant that has great dancing
Boathouse Rockett's Landing - great views of the James River. This is always a great group spot when the weather is nice and you can take photos out on the balcony
The Quirk hotel - rooftop drinks with an awesome view!
Maple & Pine - gorgeous pink accents and the perfect place to grab brunch with your girls










These were all suggestions from friends of mine!
Edo's Squid
Baker's Crust
Coppola's Deli
Lamplighter
Buzz
Ned's
Kuba Kuba
Lunch/Supper
The Daily
Stuzzi's
Mama J's (Southern food)
Wong Gonzalez
Sidewalk
Belle Isle
L'Opossum
Joe's
Shagbark
Continental Westhampton (brunch)
Sabai
Burger Bach
Laura Lee's
Toast
Tallie's

WHAT TO DO & SEE

Hollywood Cemetery - Segway Tour
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Art Galleries on First Fridays
Edgar Allen Poe Museum
Maymont Park
Cary town - shopping, eating, music, etc!
Virginia Capital Trail
Tour the Tredegar
Take a run along the James River




WHAT TO WEAR

Richmond is a pretty casual town. If you're out walking you'll want comfortable shoes (obviously) but dress them up with a fun sweater or accessories. Style is strong everywhere you go so it's a great opportunity to show your own personal flair! Even though everyone was dressed pretty casually people dressed up for dinner and brunch! It was fun to wear a pair of heels to brunch at The Jefferson - most people were wearing their Sunday best :) I loved wearing a bright skirt out at night and pairing it with my jean jacket too.





Any suggestions where the three of us should travel to next?!

*Thank you to The Jefferson Hotel and Visit Richmond for a wonderful stay and visit! All thoughts, photos, and opinions are my own.*

Love Always,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Pin It button on image hover