Girls Getaway: The Richmond Experience

Finding the perfect getaway destination can be a daunting task filled with hours of research. But you don’t always have to take a plane ride to the islands or endure a 12-hour drive to get to a destination worth traveling to. Sometimes it’s not about how far you go, but the experiences you have. For those who live in the DC, MD, and VA area, we’ve got a nearby experience just for you in Richmond, VA.

Richmond is the capital city of the Commonwealth of Virginia and known for American Revolution sites. But what else is it known for? Plenty! While we know everyone is unique in what excites or entices them, we can heartily recommend these spots that our crew has enjoyed. Check them out and see if Richmond is the place for your next getaway.

Food

You don’t have to be a food connoisseur to have a great foodie experience. An amazing experience can be defined by several factors including good customer service, an inviting atmosphere and décor, and the variety and accommodations of the food items on the menu. We’ve included some diverse destinations for mouth watering experiences that we think you can appreciate.

The Lilly Pad

Known as the only waterfront restaurant in Richmond, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to dine at a restaurant like The Lilly Pad on Kings Island Marina. They are family owned and by the water so of course they offer seafood. We recommend their delicious seafood sandwiches and a side of grits for a mouth watering meal to check off of your list.

The Hardshell

How far you’d like to venture out for a good bite to eat might depend on where you’re staying. If you happen to be downtown, another mouthwatering seafood sanctuary is The Hard Shell. The Hard Shell not only provides a warm atmosphere that is relaxing and offers high quality customer service, they also have speedy service, tasty libations, and mouthwatering seafood options from their appetizers to their main dishes. Tip: We would suggest the pan-roasted mussels for an appetizer and the crab cake for a main dish.

Joe’s Inn

Respected and loved by “Richmonders,” Joe’s Inn in the Fan District has something for everybody. Joe’s Inn has a loyal following and is known for their spaghetti. With a large variety of menu items from breakfast foods to delicious (and large) portions of great Italian food, you will leave happy and wanting to come back!

Drinks

Looking to spend a chic evening out on the town? Stop by Secco Wine Bar in the Fan District. Secco Wine Bar is the ideal destination for you and your friends to sit down for some delicious wine, cocktails, and other drink offerings. They also have a delicious food menu too, so pair your wine with some great shared plates and mezze.

Things to Do

Stroll Through Botanic Gardens

Spend some time in nature or just hang out on the lawn with a blanket and a book at Maymont Park. Maymont Park offers gardens, an arboretum and wildlife habitats. While strolling on the grounds you’ll get to witness absolutely stunning views, mansions, multiple types of gardens to explore, and an overall quiet escape.

Shopping in Carytown

There is something about shopping in another city that always keeps us going. Carytown is a bohemian district that focuses on small, locally-owned businesses. With several cute boutique shops and vintage clothing stores, eclectic shopping, dining, and entertainment, Carytown has a lot to offer all in one little district. We suggest that you add these spots to your shopping stops:

Did we mention there are some shops that offer sweet treats along the way? Carytown Cupcakes is just one of a handful of shops that satisfy our sweet tooth cravings. We guarantee that you will leave with something scrumptious in hand, and also enjoy being in a quaint little neighborhood with so much to offer.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

The citizens of the Commonwealth refer to this fine arts museum as the VMFA. Like other museums, they have several different exhibitions during specific days of a month or season. These can range from contemporary art exhibitions on southern material culture and the “sonic impulse (music)” to romantic bronze exhibitions. No matter the season, if you’re in the area, you’ve got to visit the VMFA to add some color to your trip.

Chloe Scott

Chloe Scott is a Public Relations professional interested in fitness and wellness, sports, and entertainment. She enjoys reading, writing in her spare time, and working out. Her mantra is “when you know better, you do better,” so she chooses to learn and experience what she can in life. Chloe was born and raised in Frederick, MD and looks forward to traveling the world someday and learning about other cultures. She has contributed a short story to an anthology for empowering women and girls and hopes to author her own book one day. Her current education includes a Master of Science in Sport Management and a Bachelor of Art in Communications, specializing in Public Relations. She was a previous commissioner for the Frederick County Commission for Women, has volunteered and interned with various non-profit organizations in Frederick, and was featured in a body-positive section for Sass Magazine in 2016.