Lifestyle in Richmond

Lifestyle in Richmond is on the rise and continues to receive national accolades for its progressive development. If you’re moving to Richmond from elsewhere in the US or abroad, you’ll soon experience the city’s welcoming nature and witness the collective, contagious pride residents have in Richmond’s many treasures.

Richmond’s craft beer culture is famous, and you’ll quickly discover the city’s reputation as a foodie capital. You can take great delight in exploring the host of culinary and brew offerings, while art buffs will appreciate the trove of galleries and museums. If you love shopping or are fond of nature, you’ll feel right at home here.

Arts and culture in Richmond

Arts and culture in Richmond reflect a lively, creative spirit rooted in the city’s storied past. Once lined with Confederate statues, Monument Avenue has seen major changes as the city rethinks its public spaces. It remains a gracious, tree-lined mall, home to beautiful architecture and plenty of local history.

The cultural calendar brims with events.

• First Fridays Art Walk draws emerging local artists and performers to the city’s Arts District, offering a friendly platform for live exhibitions and eclectic installations.
• If you relish festivals, check out gatherings like the Pawpaw Festival, which celebrates a native fruit alongside music and outdoor fun.
• You can still catch top-notch performances from the symphony orchestra or admire the ballet theatres and galleries dedicated to both classical and contemporary art.
• The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is also expanding with a new wing, promising further highlights for art enthusiasts.
• The Science Museum of Virginia and the Children’s Museum of Richmond bring education and entertainment together for inquisitive young minds.

Sports and outdoor activities in Richmond

Sports and outdoor activities in Richmond centre around the James River, known affectionately as the ‘River City’. You can try your hand at river rafting on Class 3 and 4 rapids right in the heart of the city. If you’d rather stay on dry land, there are forest trails stretching along the banks, perfect for mountain biking, hiking, or a quiet stroll beneath the canopy.

Local clubs abound for nearly every pastime. You might join a social sports league to play dodgeball or basketball, or find a cricket league if you fancy trying something different.

If spectating is more your style, cheer on the Flying Squirrels baseball team or the Richmond Kickers soccer club. Virginia Commonwealth University’s basketball squad is one of the strongest in collegiate sports, and motorsport fans can head to the NASCAR track in the city’s north for a taste of high-octane action.

Shopping in Richmond

Shopping in Richmond offers a perfect blend of big-name shopping centres and creative local flair. Short Pump Town Center remains a premier open-air destination, boasting over 140 shops and restaurants. Stony Point Fashion Park is introducing fresh programming and events, breathing new life into its inviting spaces.

Carytown is an eclectic favourite, now home to the new Carytown Exchange development. You’ll find local and national retailers here, plus ample parking and comfortable outdoor seating for when you fancy a bite. If you prefer vintage treasures or quirky boutiques, explore Broad Street and the downtown area, brimming with antiques and indie emporiums.

Artisan fairs and farmers’ markets keep the scene lively. PopUp Market RVA at Chesterfield Towne Center hosts local makers daily, offering handcrafted gifts and unique finds. The Richmond Night Market springs to life on second Saturdays at the 17th Street Market, while the Carytown Farmers Market at City Stadium brings fresh produce and live music on Sundays.

Entertainment and eating out in Richmond

Entertainment and eating out in Richmond are among the East Coast’s highlights. The city’s food scene ranges from Southern soul treats to refined gastronomic delights, with everything from Tex-Mex to Mediterranean influences on offer. You’ll love the craft breweries dotted across town, and there’s a selection of wine bars, live music venues, and stand-up comedy clubs for night owls.

Scott’s Addition has evolved into a powerhouse of eateries, breweries, and cideries. Food halls are also on the rise, allowing you to savour world flavours in one convenient spot. Food-focused festivals like Fire, Flour & Fork or Broad Appétit run throughout the year, attracting celebrated chefs and curious foodies keen to taste the latest culinary innovations.

The nightlife scene shines in historic areas like The Fan District, where bars, music venues, and small theatres create a cosy atmosphere. Shockoe Bottom keeps the party going late, featuring bustling dance clubs and intimate lounges. Pick your favourite way to let your hair down – there’s no shortage of entertainment in Richmond.

See and do in Richmond

You’ll soon discover that Richmond has a wealth of activities and attractions for art lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike. Below is a selection of highlights to enjoy.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

If you appreciate fine art, put this near the top of your list. Featuring impressive German Expressionism and French Impressionism collections by great artists such as Matisse, Picasso, and Braque, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a wonderland.

Maymont

Maymont is perfect for a family day out. Donated to the city by the Dooley family in the late 19th century, this 100-acre estate boasts beautiful gardens, a kids’ petting farm, and a carriage collection. The mansion, converted into a museum, showcases an opulent late-1800s style.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offers something for everyone. Kids can explore the children’s garden, climb around the CWDKids Tree House, and cool off in the water-play area. Meanwhile, you can marvel at the views from the 63ft (19m) tall domed conservatory, which houses spectacular floral exhibits, a model-train display, a butterfly experience, and hosts seasonal events.

Canal Walk

The James River-Kanawha Canal, constructed on the advice of George Washington, features a charming 1.25-mile (2km) promenade. As you stroll, you’ll come across significant landmarks and monuments that highlight Richmond’s history. Along the walk, you can explore Brown’s Island and the American Civil War Center or opt for a guided historical river cruise.

American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar

You’ll find the five original buildings of the former Tredegar Iron Works along the James River, now designated a National Historic Landmark. The American Civil War Center is here as well, offering fascinating Civil War exhibits.

Virginia State Capitol

Another must-see is the Virginia State Capitol, built in 1785 and designed by Thomas Jefferson. Modelled on the Maison Carrée, a Roman temple in Nîmes, France, it also houses the 1813 Governor’s Mansion, an 1824 bell tower, and two statues of George Washington.

Meeting people and making friends in Richmond

Meeting people and making friends in Richmond is simpler than you might expect. You can connect around sports or cultural interests, volunteer your time, or join local community groups. It’s a city that welcomes you warmly and gives you every chance to build a supportive network.

Volunteering is a brilliant way to engage with the community. Organisations such as ReEstablish Richmond and the International Rescue Committee offer opportunities to help newcomers and refugees settle, often matching locals with recent arrivals. Volunteers United by United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg also brings people together to make a meaningful impact through regular programmes and projects.

If you prefer professional or social meetups, the Richmond Young Professional Networking Group and RVA Networking Event Group run monthly gatherings for business-minded folk interested in expanding their circles. It’s also worth browsing Eventbrite for networking events or turning to social media to find additional workshops, webinars, and informal get-togethers.

Useful links

• ReEstablish Richmond
• International Rescue Committee in Richmond
• Volunteers United by United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg
• Richmond Young Professional Networking Group
• RVA Networking Event Group
• Eventbrite – Richmond Networking