Hey y’all!

A couple weekends ago, Doug and I took a day trip to Richmond, VA. Prior to this, all I knew is that we would be driving to and exploring somewhere new for the day. When we landed in Richmond, VA it was quite a surprise to me. Needless to say, Richmond, VA was not on my radar at all for a day trip. However, we had the best time! I had no idea how cultured and eclectic Richmond is. We spent the day eating, drinking and exploring. Keep reading for three things you should do the next time you find yourself in Richmond!

Take a Photo With a Mural

When we arrived in Richmond, VA, I immediately noticed all the cool murals. This one showcasing beautiful black women of all shades caught my attention in particular.

In the same square there was a mural of Maggie Lena Walker, who was the first African-American woman to charter a bank and serve as its president in the United States. While there, I learned that Richmond has a deeply rooted black history including the Jackson Ward community which served as Richmond’s Black Wall Street of sorts. A quick history lesson on the Jackson Ward Community– the area was home to many theatres, jazz clubs, churches, schools and other institutions that were central to life in this vibrant community. Jackson Ward thrived in part because of the disenfranchisement African Americans experienced in other parts of Richmond under Jim Crow.

Richmond, VA is currently home to over 100 murals. Learn more about these murals here.

Eat at a Black Owned Restaurant

Richmond, VA is also home to many black owned restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. When we arrived we made our way straight to Croaker’s Spot for some fish and grits. Despite being born and raised in the south, this was my first time having fish and grits. I was not disappointed. And the cornbread–don’t get me started!

For dinner, we grabbed Jamaican dishes from Carena’s Jamaican Grill and again we were not disappointed. I chose the Rasta pasta and Doug had the oxtails. My pasta was amazing, packed with veggies, jerk chicken and smothered in a delicious parmesan sauce. However, I will say that Doug let me sample his oxtails, and I ALMOST regretted my decision. When I had my leftovers the next day (because the portion was huge), I knew I’d made the right decision. It was even better the next day.

Of course this is only two of the many black owned establishments that call Richmond home. You can explore black owned restaurants, stores, events and more here.

Visit Stone Brewing Brewery

After a day of exploring we found our way to Stone Brewing. We are still social distancing as best we can, and if you are too Stone Brewing is the perfect spot to cap off your trip to Richmond, VA. The outdoor spaces is expansive as well as pretty. We opted for the Adirondack chairs and enjoyed low contact service. Ordering and payment were done via our devices by scanning a QR code.

While there we finally got our hands on the Black is Beautiful stout. I saw it in the store a few months back and didn’t grab it. Of course I couldn’t find it in stores again after that. If you’re not familiar with this brew, nearly 1,000 craft breweries in all 50 states and in 19 countries created the Black is Beautiful beer to bring awareness to social injustices (WDSU.com). It was delicious as I expected it would be. I will admit though that I am partial to stouts.

Richmond is filled with breweries. You can find a list of locations here.

Wrapping Up

Richmond, VA was so much fun and I honestly can’t wait to get back . Thankfully, it’s only a 2.5 hour drive from our home and makes for an easy trip. I’m looking forward to getting more photos with those stunning murals, enjoying delicious black owned cuisine, and trying all the craft beer my tummy can hold. Have you ever visited Richmond, VA? Let me know in the comments. Also, if you’re looking for another social distanced approved getaway, check out our last visit to Asheville, NC.

Talk soon!