Your Next Trip TRAVEL GUIDE
Richmond
In History Reclaimed in Richmond, Your Next Trip explores how Richmond, Virginia confronts its past while shaping a more expansive future. From the Freedom Monument and Jackson Ward to museums, murals, and Black-owned kitchens, this episode traces how art, food, and community storytelling transform a city once defined by the Confederacy into a living expression of Black joy, resilience, and cultural pride.
Now, check out our recommendations featured in this episode and more!
What to do
Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia
A powerful and thoughtfully curated space preserving the history and contributions of African Americans across Virginia. Exhibits explore resistance, achievement, and community building.
Address: 122 W Leigh St, Richmond, VA 23220
Hours: Wed–Sat 10 AM–5 PM, Sun 1–5 PM (Closed Mon–Tue)
Cost: $10 adults, discounts available
Website: https://blackhistorymuseum.org
Mending Walls Public Art Project (Self-Guided or Walking Tour)
Founded by artist Hamilton Glass, this citywide mural initiative pairs artists across racial and cultural lines. Murals are painted live over a week and now span dozens of sites across Richmond.
Address: Various locations throughout Richmond (many in Jackson Ward & Arts District)
Hours: Public outdoor murals available anytime
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.mendingwallsrva.com
Emancipation and Freedom Monument
Located on Brown’s Island, this monument honors formerly enslaved Virginians and centers emancipation in Richmond’s public landscape.
Address: Brown’s Island, 510 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
Website: https://mlkcommission.dls.virginia.gov/emancipation.shtml
Hanover County Black Heritage Society (Ashland)
Guided experience exploring the African American history of Hanover County, including preserved artifacts and community storytelling leadership.
Address: 116 N Railroad Ave, Suite 11, Ashland, VA 23005
Hours: By appointment or scheduled tour
Cost: Varies by tour / donation-based
Website: https://ashlandmuseum.org/businesses-and-organizations/hanover-county-black-heritage-society
Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU
Contemporary art museum featuring rotating exhibitions, performance art, and experimental installations. Free and open to the public.
Address: 601 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
Hours: Wed–Sun 10 AM–5 PM (varies by exhibition)
Cost: Free
Website: https://icavcu.org
Where to stay
If you’re looking for tours specifically geared towards stories of Black Americans, here’s a list vetted from the RVA tourism board.
RVA Explore Tour
Black, women-owned tour and transportation company offering winery tours, holiday tours, Black history tours and more
Website: https://www.rvaexploretour.com/home
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rvaexploretour/
Walking the Ward with Gary Flowers
Led by local Jackson Ward historian, Gary Flowers
Website: https://www.walkingtheward.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/walkingtheward/
Elegba Folklore Society
Led by founder Janine Bell, offers diaspora history tours along the Trail of Enslaved Africans and more
Website: https://efsinc.org/tours/
Where to stay
Quirk Hotel Richmond
A boutique hotel in the Arts District blending contemporary design with local art. Rooftop bar views and walkable access to Jackson Ward and downtown.
Address: 201 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
Hours: 24-hour front desk
Cost: Approx. $200–$350 per night (seasonal)
Website: Quirk Hotel Richmond
The Jefferson Hotel
A historic luxury property dating back to 1895, known for its grand staircase and architectural detail. Ideal if you want old-world elegance.
Address: 101 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23220
Hours: 24-hour front desk
Cost: Approx. $300–$500 per night
Website: The Jefferson Hotel
Graduate by Hilton Richmond
Modern stay near VCU and the Institute for Contemporary Art. Rooftop pool and bar with skyline views.
Address: 301 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23220
Hours: 24-hour front desk
Cost: Approx. $180–$300 per night
Website: Graduate by Hilton Richmond
And there’s tons of other fabulous places to stay during your trip.
Check out the best accommodation deals below.
What to eat
Around the Table (Ashland)
Family-owned soul food spot where hospitality leads. Comfort dishes rooted in Southern tradition.
Address: 155 Junction Dr, Ashland, VA 23005
Hours: Wed–Sun, hours vary (check before visiting)
Cost: $15–$30 per person
Website: www.rvaaroundthetable.com
The Beet Box
Plant-forward café known for smoothies, bowls, and fresh juices. A lighter counterpoint to traditional Southern fare.
Address (Church Hill): 2400 Jefferson Ave, Richmond, VA 23223
Hours: Tue–Sat 8 AM–3 PM (varies by location)
Cost: $10–$20 per person
Website: www.thebeetboxrva.com
Lillie Pearl
Elevated Southern cuisine honoring West African ingredients and generational cooking traditions.
Address: 415 N 1st St (verify exact location before publishing)
Hours: Dinner service Wed–Sun (varies)
Cost: $25–$45 per person
Website: lilliepearlrva.com
Urban Hang Suite
Richmond’s only “social café” blending coffee culture with community connection in Jackson Ward.
Address: 304 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23219
Hours: Tue–Sun (varies)
Cost: $10–$20 per person
Website: urbanhangsuite.com
Sweet P’s RVA
Scratch-made American fare in the Arts District with elevated brunch options.
Address: 308 N 2nd St, Richmond, VA 23219
Hours: Wed–Sun (varies)
Cost: $20–$40 per person
Website: sweetpsrva.com
Charlotte’s Southern Deli
Southern-inspired deli known for themed chef experiences and curated dinners.
Address: 400 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220 (verify before publishing)
Hours: Tue–Sat (varies)
Cost: $15–$40 per person depending on experience
Website: instagram.com/charlottesllc/
Ruby Scoops
Award-winning, Black woman-owned ice cream shop known for bold, globally inspired flavors and seasonal creations. What started as a food truck is now a beloved brick-and-mortar destination celebrating culture through dessert.
Address: 120 W Brookland Park Blvd, Richmond, VA 23222
Hours: Wed–Sun (hours vary by season; check before visiting)
Cost: $5–$10 per scoop
Website: rubyscoops.com
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–May) and Fall (September–October) are ideal. Temperatures are mild, humidity is lower, and outdoor experiences — from mural walks in Jackson Ward to festivals and riverfront strolls — are more comfortable.
Summer brings major cultural events and strong energy, but expect heat and humidity, often in the high 80s to 90s. Winter is quieter and more affordable, though some outdoor programming slows down.
If your focus is cultural travel, check the calendar for:
– 2nd Street Festival (October)
– Richmond Black Restaurant Experience Week (March)
– First Fridays Art Walk (monthly in the Arts District)Getting Around
Richmond’s downtown core, Arts District, and Jackson Ward are walkable. If you’re staying centrally, you can explore murals, museums, and restaurants on foot.
Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and reliable.
Public transportation is operated by GRTC, and the Pulse Bus Rapid Transit line runs along Broad Street, connecting downtown to other neighborhoods efficiently and free of charge.
If you plan to explore Ashland, Maymont, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, or outer neighborhoods, renting a car is helpful.
Richmond International Airport (RIC) is about 15–20 minutes from downtown.Safety Tips
Richmond is generally safe in central areas and cultural districts, but like most cities, neighborhoods can shift quickly block to block.
– Stay aware at night and park in well-lit areas
– Avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles
– Use ride-share if walking long distances after dark
– During festivals, expect crowds and plan meeting points
Stick to active, well-trafficked areas if you’re exploring solo.Helpful Notes
Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD) Credit cards are widely accepted
Richmond weather can change quickly in spring and fall. Bring layers if you plan to walk outdoors or attend evening events.
Many museums are closed Mondays. Always check hours in advance.
If you’re visiting with intention, consider booking guided experiences in Jackson Ward or the Black History Museum to add historical depth to your stay.
Plug Type: Type A (two-pin) and Type B (three-pin, grounded)
Voltage: 120V
Frequency: 60Hz
Packing list
Here’s our suggested items to pack for this destination. Please always consider the weather and activities you will be doing.
Richmond blends walkable neighborhoods, outdoor art, food culture, and festival-style events. Pack for movement, layers, and moments that shift from daytime exploring to evening style.
Clothing
Comfortable Walking Shoes
You’ll cover ground in Jackson Ward, along Broad Street, and possibly Brown’s Island. Stylish sneakers or cushioned flats are ideal.
Elevated Casual Outfit
For rooftop drinks, chef experiences, or fashion events. Think polished but relaxed.
Light Jacket or Layer
Spring and fall evenings cool off quickly, especially near the river.
Breathable Fabrics (Summer)
Humidity is real. Linen, cotton, and moisture-wicking pieces will make long days more comfortable.
Festival-Friendly Look
If you’re attending events like street festivals or fashion showcases, pack something expressive but comfortable for standing.
Accessories
Crossbody or Secure Day Bag
Hands-free is best for mural tours and markets.
Sunglasses + Hat
Outdoor walking tours and festivals offer limited shade.
Compact Umbrella
Weather can shift quickly, especially in spring.
Statement Piece
Richmond style leans creative. A bold accessory fits right in.
Tech & Essentials
Portable Phone Charger
You’ll be filming murals, meals, and monuments.
Camera or Small Tripod
Public art and skyline shots are worth capturing.
Refillable Water Bottle
Hydration matters, especially in warmer months.
Notebook or Notes App Ready
Museum tours and local guides share powerful context.
Cultural Travel Must-Haves
Comfort for Long Conversations
Some of the most meaningful moments happen during guided tours or over dinner.
Respectful Attire for Museum Visits
Smart casual works well.
Open Schedule Windows
Leave space for local recommendations. Richmond rewards wandering.
Get a full packing list and free downloadable template at Pack Better.
Ultimate Packing List Library
Find the perfect customizable packing list for all of your travel situations on our sister website Pack Better.
This episode of "Your Next Trip" explored the ancestral lands of
We extend our respect and gratitude to the Indigenous communities who have been the stewards of these lands for generations. Research for this acknowledgment was made possible using the NativeLand.ca.
Learn more about responsible travel practices in the TWD Responsible Travel Guide.
Visit the guideTrip provided by: Richmond Region Tourism
Special Thanks: K3 Marketing and Media Group – Kevin Stephenson Jr. (for key supporting images in episode), Black HIstory Museum – Faithe Norrell led our tour, Kelli Lemon anf the Urban Hang Suite, artist Hamilton Glass, Amy & Kelly from Around the Table, Caroline Hemphill from Hanover County Black Heritage society
