Labor Day is soon approaching and you still don’t have a vacation planned? Flights are too expensive last minute, beaches are going to be over crowded, and you sure don’t want to be stuck at home this long weekend. Why not do a little staycation?
Roughly 2 hours from the Washington area, is the capital of Virginia, Richmond. With a population of over 200K, Richmond is one of the oldest city in the country and has been independent since 1871. Virginia played a crucial role in shaping the country’s history and the capital of Richmond has preserved the history in the best possible ways.
Now that you think visiting Richmond for your long weekend is an excellent idea, here are the answers to all your questions to help plan your staycation in Richmond.
Best way to get there?
If you are visiting from the Washington, D.C. area, Richmond is only 2 hours away. Driving is the best mode of transportation with plenty of parking around. If you are planning to fly in from anywhere in the country/world, you can conveniently land at Richmond International Airport. Found a great flight deal on Frontier airlines and think it is to good to be true? Click here to read my honest review before booking your flight with them.
Where should we stay?
The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond is hands down the best option to stay! Conveniently located in the heart of the city, there are several restaurants and bars within walking distance from the hotel. I had an excellent time during my stay at the hotel and celebrating my birthday. Click here to read about my experience at the Jefferson Hotel.
Where should we grab breakfast?
If you love a good biscuit for breakfast, check out The Fancy Biscuit. If you are travelling with your family, it is a great option for kids too, the service is fast and the food is delicious, aka 5 star Southern hospitality!
Option 2 for breakfast, Lucy’s Restaurant. A newer American restaurant in Richmond, Lucy’s has been voted one of the top restaurant in the city. they also offer brunch on the weekends. I would highly recommend trying their bacon donut holes! Click here for their website.
Best cup of coffee?
Coffee lovers check out this hip coffee shop called Lift Coffee Shop and Cafe. They offer delicious locally roasted organic coffee, bagels, homemade sandwiches and much more.
Best cocktails?
I’d describe Saison restaurant as hip, effortlessly cool and a bit mysterious. This Latin American restaurant focuses on bringing locally grown and seasonal foods in addition to unique beers and seasonal cocktails. A great place to meet up with the friends and enjoy their signature drinks!
Dinner spot?
For dinner, I recommend Laura Lee’s. Another new American neighborhood restaurant, highly recommended by the locals. Monday no-meat days are pretty popular, the chickpea and quinoa bowl is a must try!
Best Vegetarian food?
Meat not your thing? Ipanema Cafe LLC is the spot for you then! Open till 2:00 AM, Ipanema is more than just vegetarian food, it offers live music and a full service bar. If you are looking for a good vegetarian spot, definitely try them out and the tofu sandwich!
Place to catch live music?
Browns Island is a locals favorite spot to catch live music. It is basically an open, grassy park on a river island where live concerts can be enjoyed for free. Click here to check out the schedule.
Place to see great art?
Art lovers, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is the place to be. One of the largest museum in North America, admission is free for all! With several unique exhibitions that includes South Asian gallery, McGlothlin galleries, Native American Art and much more. Click here more details.
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Ready for your trip? Check out my 15 travel must haves here.
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Best day trip?
Richmond is conveniently located and makes for a great day or weekend trip from Washington, D.C. If you are in Richmond for an extended period and are looking for some day trip options. then George Washington and Jefferson National Forests is perfect for the nature lovers and hikers. Just under 3 hours drive, get you to this amazing to these national forests. Click here to find out more details.
Other day trip options include Virginia Beach, city of Baltimore and the capital of Maryland, Annapolis. Click here to read my post about planning your trip to Annapolis.
Have you made plans for your upcoming long weekend? Where are you headed to? I would love to hear about your next destination in the comments!
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Such beautiful photos! We’d love to visit Richmond one day.
Looks like you had a beautiful vacation. If I ever visit Richmond I’m going to use your suggestions.
Thanks for share such an elaborate post
I’ve been to Richmond many times but this guide is right on point.
I still think Virginia would be great place to visit. The museum and Browns island especially caught my eye. Virginia is definitely on my bucket list.
The Jefferson Hotel is one of the best hotels that I’ve stayed and I really like the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Have you been there yet?
Hi,
Nice article. Love the place.
Have a nice day😊
Amazing! The architectural design is breathtaking ☺️ Such a great pot, as well. Thanks for sharing! Xo
Such grandiose architecture! Wow the place is so nice.This stay cation idea is popping up on my radar layely. I’m convinced that I need one in my life.
Great post
This is making me wish I still lived on the east coast! Ipanema Cafe and Browns Island both sound amazing. Long weekends like this would be perfect for a visit.