A Love Letter to Richmond Life
For anyone who wants to indulge in Southern comfort—historic, artful, and magnetic—Richmond, Virginia, is a must. Founded in 1737 amid rolling hills of the Piedmont, Richmond stands steward over its storied history while championing timeless design for generations to come. Classicism never wanes here, despite cycles in national taste, and it rarely takes more than 20 minutes to get anywhere—even in a place of more than a million residents. Here, our guide to the city, whether you want to visit a 16th century Tudor house transported from Britain or treat yourself to a James Beard Award-nominated dinner.
We invite you to visit us in our Richmond Workshop, and stay awhile.
Art & Artists
Alma’s | 224 W. Brookland Park Blvd.
An artist-owned gallery focused on contemporary craftsmanship across a wide range of media. A particularly nice place to source small-scale sculpture as the finishing touch for wall or tabletop styling.
Blackwell Botanicals | Richmond, VA studio by appointment only
A proud recent member of the Lily Pad Society, our friend Anne Blackwell Thompson is commissioned to harvest and press botanical specimens up and down the East Coast. Her work ranges from smaller flora in the classical Swedish herbarium school size to monumental pieces with ostrich ferns from Berkshire Botanical Garden, and everything in between.
Crossroads Arts Center | 2016 Staples Mill Rd
A constantly revolving selection of works by more than 250 mid-Atlantic artists grace the walls here, but it’s the workshops and lectures that have us coming back regularly. Recently: a dynamic evening discussion of Van Gogh hosted by French artists (and mother and son) Jill Steenhuis and Sergio Ruffato.
Bond Millen Gallery | 5601 Cary Street Rd
A contemporary art gallery originally founded on Nantucket, and now Richmond’s go-to source for emerging and mid-career artists like Luisa Adelfio (who creates transfixing cast glass symbols from her home studios in Palermo, Italy and Norfolk, Virginia), Isabelle Abbot, and botanical photographer Fleming Cunningham.
Palette | 5813 Grove Ave.
Nestled amongst the thriving community of Libbie & Grove, Palette is beloved by local designers for its curated home decor—including hand-blown Veneto martini glasses–and constantly revolving selection of abstract paintings by artists local and from afar. It’s also the exclusive local source for Farrow & Ball and Fine Paints of Europe.
Reynolds Gallery | Locations in the Fan and Libbie/Grove
Reportedly the first contemporary art gallery in Richmond—Alexander Calder gouaches hung at their first show, in 1977—Reynolds Gallery is still turning heads. Current works include a fiber-based, gold leaf stitched piece by Kiyomi Iwata—whose work was presented to President Obama by Japanese Prime Minister Hatoyama—and the cinematic photographs of Sally Mann.
Quirk Gallery | 207 W Broad St
If you’ve ever wanted to take the effervescent vibes of Quirk Hotel home with you, stop by their Quirk Gallery—where watercolors by London painter Charlotte Hardy and text-heavy letterpress pieces by Aimee Joyaux await.
ANTIQUES & LIghting
Benjamin French | 2104 E. Main St.
With an uncanny ability to disassemble, transport, and reassemble ornate chandeliers, Ken Roeper also offers an eclectic array of antique fixtures.
Caravati’s | 201 England St, Ashland
Anyone who loves architectural salvage will enter nirvana in this shop helmed by architectural historians, where you may find everything from church pendant lights (working perfectly, thanks to Tommy, their talented lighting repair technician) to a cherry wood fireplace mantel with pristine dentil molding.
Class and Trash | 1720 Altamont Ave
Class and Trash is exactly what it sounds like: a treasure trove of unexpected and highly affordable wares that may range from an antique oak chest with dovetail detailing ($68) to a rattan rocker ($165) that would perfectly suit a Palm Beach retreat. An experienced eye can source incredible treasures for next to nothing.
Governor’s Architectural Antiques | 8000 Antique Ln, Mechanicsville
Well worth the 15 minute drive from downtown, this is among the largest architectural salvage shops on the East Coast with millions of items (literally) on six acres. Whatever you’re seeking, you’ll likely find, including brass door knobs from the Victorian era and Art Deco-era chrome pendant lights.
Harrison Higgins | 1700 Altamont Ave.
A boutique second-generation fine furniture restoration and replication workshop that specializes in 18th Century English and American fine furniture. Clients include Christie’s, Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, and some of our best clients.
Justin Westbrook Antiques | 5615 Patterson Ave
European and American antique finds are plucked from the owner’s 17,000 square foot warehouse and would put a pitter-pat in any antique curator’s heart. Spotted recently: a 19th century Grand Tour Scagliola center table made in 19th century Italy and a silk and wool circa 17th century Aubusson tapestry.
Kim Faison Antiques | 2111 Lake Ave
Antique huntress Kim Faison regularly shops her secret European antique sources, then ships her exquisite finds home in containers to lucky Richmond. With Charlotte Moss and Bunny Williams as fans, you know it’s among the best.
Mid Century Morris
A stunning warehouse full of mid-century modern treasures. Fittingly located right next to McKinnon and Harris.
RVA Antiques | 6102 Lakeside Ave, Henrico
A 10,000 square foot wonderland of shabby chic antiques, vintage-inspired signage, and other country charms spread out among the curated booths of 60 vendors. It’s perfect for picking photoshoot props.
Sheppard Street Antiques | 1126 N Arthur Ashe Blvd
With an impeccable eye toward early high-style Americana, owner Sara Garza curates the most prescient antiques store in Richmond. It’s the type of place where you’ll find that needed whisper of time: from a 19th century Virginia serpentine chest to an artful concrete bunny on his hind legs.
Wendy Umanoff | Studio by appointment only
Funky, industrial style lighting crafted by hand in Richmond.
West End Antiques | 2004 Staples Mill Rd
“Sprawling” doesn’t even begin to describe this 53,000 square foot antiques mecca, where the horde includes some 1,500 pieces from England, garden urns, a mid-century department, and so much more. They offer the widest range of antiques vendors in Virginia.
Verve Home Furnishings | 4903 W Leigh St
With Milo Baughman-style burlwood china cabinets and sumptuous swivel chairs on offer, this 12,000-square-foot shop specializes in 1960s-1980s vibes.
Garden Stores
Chadwick & Son Orchids | 203 N Belmont Ave
An obsession for orchids runs in the family for the Chadwicks, who have built an orchid empire in Powhatan County with some 13,000 plants, including Pastoral Innocence—born in 1961—and a Lady Slipper. On their curriculum vitae? Growing rare orchid varieties for first ladies of the White House.
Creme de la Creme | 3156 W Cary St
The spot for Italian-made Vietri dishes, ceramic guinea hens made in France, and exquisite garden accessories, including Copenhagen pots and ash-handled trowels made in Holland.
The Great Big Greenhouse and Nursery | 2051 Huguenot Rd
A local legend for gardeners since 1977, with weekly deliveries of heirloom and ornamental house plants straight from lush Florida. If you want a 12’ fresh Christmas tree—a rarity, in Virginia—this is the spot to get it.
Greenhouse ii | 5615 Patterson Ave
This nursery has thrived for nearly seven decades, flourishing like a snapdragon. Local aesthetes rely on them for meticulously designed planter arrangements and almost everything a green thumb needs, from ornamental kale to sturdy succulents.
Sneed’s Nursery | 8756 W. Huguenot Rd
Fans of David Austin roses flock here each spring for the cult British brand’s stunning garden roses. Not a rose person? Locally grown organic herbs, terrarium plants and even tillandsias have you covered. The best source for a creative and colorful selection of wired ribbon during the holiday season.
Strange’s | 12111 West Broad St.
An eye-popping assortment of heirloom geraniums as well as unexpected flora: including hand-crafted “dish gardens” and petunia hanging baskets that were grown in Richmond. They offer the very best selection of frost-proof planters come spring.
Strawberry Fields Flowers | 423 Strawberry St.
These well-educated floral designers whip up transcendent arrangements that bring lush, wedding-worthy flowers home. It’s worth checking their workshop calendar; topics run the gamut from fall centerpieces to holiday greenery.
Eat & Drink
Adarra | 501 S. Pine St.
Favored by local executive chefs themselves, Adarra focuses on woodfired tastes of the basque region alongside organic and biodynamic wines in a dimly lit, wood-panelled atmosphere in Richmond’s historic Oregon Hill.
Alewife | 3120 E Marshall St.
The first solo restaurant from multiple James Beard Award semifinalist Chef/owner Lee Gregory more than deserves its many accolades (Southern Living deemed this the best new restaurant in the South). Fiercely local and seasonal dishes rotate like the weather itself; recent menu offerings have included Virginia oysters in aji dulce pepper sauce; dry aged pork chops with koginut squash, collards and pickled peppers; and, for dessert, carrot cake tres leche with brown butter ganache.
Beaucoup | 111 N Robinson St (located in the Fan)
A new-ish neighborhood bar that we love with regionally sourced oysters, topnotch cocktails (get the Love Letter, featuring oolong gin, lemon, and raspberry rosebud) as well as a wine list focused on blanc burgundies.
Blanchard’s Coffee Roasting Co | 1903 Westwood Ave
A previously vacated Art Deco structure was brought back to life by architecture firm Fultz & Singh as the flagship location for Richmond’s lauded coffee roaster. Blanchard’s single origin, cult-classic offering Las Flores is produced once annually using beans grown by the Reyes family on their Nicaragua farm. Midnight Oil is a local favorite.
Brenner Pass | 3200 Rockbridge St #100
Inspired by the foodstuffs of the Alps and owned by local restaurateur Brittany Anderson (as seen on Iron Chef), this is the place for a seafood tower topped with sturgeon caviar and fondue. Don’t miss the roasted oysters with nduja breadcrumbs.
Celladora Wines | 111b N Lombardy St
This beloved neighborhood wine shop has a secret: a four-table restaurant that’s one of the best in the region for beautiful, surprising dishes. Served here last August: a stone fruit salad over perilla granita, basil and tomatoes, with a flurry of sunflower petals and shoots adorning it. Book your reservation well in advance.
Chez Foushee | 2 E Grace St
New owner Whitney Cardozo has brought a fresh perspective to this Richmond French culinary institution, made popular as a lunch spot for decades of downtown attorneys and bankers. Cardozo offers Celiac-friendly options in a warm and intimate setting–everything but the lemon butter cake and the baguette are gluten-free. We love that a resident pianist charms guests on Friday nights and the kitchen is run by an all-female team.
Heritage | 1627 West Main St
Heady twists on Southern comfort food are dishes du jour here, from multi-generational chef Joe Sparatta. With recent offerings that ranged from fried broccoli with yuzu kosho and Japanese mayo; pimento croquettes with smoked tomato aioli; and flat iron steak with chanterelle mushrooms, carmelized onion, corn and black truffle dashi. Plus, the most flawless peanut butter pie.
Idle Hands | 407 Strawberry St.
Naturally leavened delicious treats artisanaly made by hand that we often buy for photoshoot days.
L’Opossum | 626 China St.
A stone’s throw from historic Hollywood Cemetery, this local favorite books out months in advance. Chef and sole proprietor David Shannon has built a fantasy of eclectic French-inspired tastes fused with a funky interior. For when you want to expect the unexpected.
Paix | 407 Cleveland Street
This beloved new coffee shop in the Museum District specializes in Nordic-style roasting (i.e. ultra-light).
Shagbark | 4901 Libbie Mill E Blvd
Named for the Shagbark wood that sheathes the interior, the restaurant’s menu is just as hyper-focused on the region, with Byrd Mill stone ground corn in their mascarpone shrimp and grits; Chesapeake Bay fried oysters; and Chesapeake Bay Rockfish with candy roaster squash puree, caramelized pearl red onions and red curry coconut cream.
Stella’s | Lafayette St
The most fiercely authentic Greek bistro in town, with a divine Carrera marble bar and Yia Yia-approved dishes. Get the honey-drizzled phyllo-wrapped feta or the flaming saganaki.
Sub Rosa Bakery | 620 N 25th St (Temporarily closed for renovation due to a recent fire.)
Chefs visiting Richmond flock here for some of the best bread and pastries on the East Coast, made with heirloom grains that are milled in-house and baked in a wood fired oven. In-the-know-locals often schedule their order ahead; it’s worth it to guarantee your pinwheel croissants topped with Dalmatia fig jam and swirled with Appalachian manchego cheese from Galax, Virginia.
The Lost Letter | 2939 West Clay Street (located in Scott’s Addition)
Within a simple brick storefront on a nondescript street in our own historic neighborhood of Scott’s Addition, this ode to Italy is as authentic as a passport stamp itself. Expect small plates of the most bellissima flavors and order the grilled quail with polenta and apricot agrodolce.
Yellow Umbrella Provisions | Patterson Ave and Libbie Mill
The local antidote to Whole Foods, this iconic seafood shop and butcher is a family-owned regional icon and the go-to for Virginia Ruby Salts and Matheson oysters, pork belly from nearby Autumn Olive Farm, and tasty prepared foods (the pimento cheese is legendary). Their lunch counter has the best lobster roll south of New England.
Experience
Agecroft Hall | 4305 Sulgrave Road
Technically one of the oldest buildings in the continental US, this 16th century Tudor manor house from England was transported to Richmond in the 1920s by a local business tycoon, and is now open for tours. Expect rich tapestries and canopy beds galore. Visit on a summer night for the annual Shakespeare Festival—al fresco and entirely worthy of its enormous fanfare.
Arts in the Park | The Carillon in Byrd Park
An annual mecca for regional art obsessives, with works by 350 artists that range from hard carved wooden bowls to gold jewelry by Gopal Kapoor.
Branch Museum of Architecture & Design | 2501 Monument Ave
Financier John Kerr Branch’s former home—a Tudor Revival estate designed by architect John Russell Pope, who also designed the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.—this museum has recently featured a retrospective of works by Steven Glass, resident potter at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Craft + Design | Main Street Station
Put on each autumn for 60 years by the nonprofit Visual Arts Center of Richmond, this annual show is the spot to pick up works by coveted American artists. Found there in recent years: transfixing ceramics by Dwo Wen Chen and decorative fiber pieces by Jennifer McBrien.
Historic St. John’s Church | 2401 East Broad Street
The immortal words “give me liberty…or give me death!” were first uttered in this storied 1741 church by statesman Patrick Henry in 1775. Squint, and you can almost see Thomas Jefferson and George Washington standing here still.
Historic Virginia Garden Week | Gardens Across Virginia
If you’ve ever wanted to sneak peek into the lush secret gardens of Middleburg, Lexington, and beyond, this state-wide tour of private landscapes—held in April, and benefitting Virginia’s historic public gardens—is practically required.
Hollywood Cemetery | 412 S. Cherry St.
One of the preeminent examples of the didactic landscape movement in America, Hollywood Cemetery is a haven of respite for centuries of Virginians, including two U.S. Presidents John Tyler and James Monroe. Overlooking the James River, the 135 acres has a plethora of monuments, mausoleums, sculptures, and design details that are both inspiring and meditative.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | 1800 Lakeside Ave, Henrico
An 82 acre wonderland of 15 manicured gardens, four lakes, a lush conservatory, and some 5,700 taxa of plants. Be sure to stop in at the Garden Shop where green thumbs can invest in everything from Kew Gardens high carbon steel pruners to earrings made from (unharmed) butterfly wings.
Maymont | 1000 Westover Road
This stuck-in-time Gilded Age estate—a Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival mashup— is currently undergoing a revamp, but the grounds are worth visiting for the 29,000-square-foot Robins Nature Center, where you can climb a 34-foot-high netted sculpture to learn about local river microorganisms and ogle river otters and seahorses in the on-site aquarium.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts | 200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard
This gratis museum—which exists thanks in part to a generous donation from the late Bunny Mellon—is still open 365 days a year and the place to see some 50,000 artworks. Don’t miss Monet’s Field of Poppies; a collection of paintings by Edgar Degas; the third largest collection of Fabergé eggs in the world; and the exquisite iridescent glass and gilt silver punch bowl that earned Louis Comfort Tiffany a grand prize at the Paris World’s Fair in 1900. Heirloom McKinnon and Harris Virginia Benches grace the grounds of the gardens.
shop (For yourself)
Alton Lane | 304 Libbie Ave.
Merging fashion with technology, UVA friends co-founded this bespoke menswear boutique to offer flawlessly tailored styles for men with fine taste. With eight showrooms across seven states, the Richmond flagship offers more than 3,000 fabrics and countless suiting styles for a custom blazer or tuxedo.
Dear Neighbor | 2415 Jefferson Ave.
Tucked in a revamped storefront in Church Hill, this airy space is the spot to try permanent (i.e. clasp-free) 14k gold jewelry or shop for everything from Joanna Vargas Twilight face masks to patchwork quilted coats. Especially worth toting home? The bar soaps that are made in the South of France by Le Quartet.
Shop (for yourself) section image courtesy of Dear Neighbor.
Black Swan Books | 3310-C Rosedale Ave. (appointment only)
Bibliophiles trek from across the region to this legendary local bookshop named after the founder of Richmond, where rare and antique books on offer currently include a leatherbound copy of Shakespeare’s plays from 1832 and Longfellow’s complete works from 1886.
Verdalina | 325 W. Broad St.
With a philosophy hyper focused on ethical supply chains in a world obsessed with fast fashion, Deborah Boschen’s eye for buying is favored by women who prefer timeless silhouettes and high quality materials in a beautiful storefront a two block walk from Quirk Hotel.
Stay
Jefferson Hotel | 101 West Franklin Street
The grande dame of Richmond hospitality since 1895 is famous for its opulence—the afternoon tea, served overlooking the rotunda, is iconic, complete with Devonshire clotted cream and housemade scones. The Beaux Arts structure was designed by Carrère and Hastings (the same firm behind the Frick Museum on the Upper East Side). All 181 rooms are fitted with luxe touches like feather beds, Molton Brown toiletries, and soaking tubs. For the most indulgent stay possible, book the Jefferson Suite with a private marbled balcony overlooking picturesque Franklin Street.
Stay section image courtesy of The Jefferson.
Quirk Hotel | 201 W Broad Street
A ca.1916 Italian Renaissance Revival dry goods store reimagined by co-owners Katie and Ted Ukrop as a dazzling art-focused retreat for the creative community, with a rooftop bar and antique hardwood pine floors throughout. Nestled next to the coffee bar, Quirk Gallery is lauded as a go-to contemporary art source for local interior designers and curators alike.
Shenandoah Mansions | 501 N Allen Ave
Soon to open in 2025 in the historic Fan District, this 73-room gem by Ash Hotels (also behind Peter & Paul in New Orleans) will be outfitted with European antiques, canopied beds, and delft tile bathrooms. The 500-square-foot Titania’s Veil suite will be inspired by Mt. Vernon’s prussian blues, and has a cast-iron tub en-suite.
