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Our Favorite Shops, Restaurants, and Activities In Richmond Virginia

Exactly eight years ago today, Sherry and I picked up and moved from NYC to Richmond, VA together. Apart from the towns that we grew up in, neither of us have ever lived any place longer – and it’s the only hometown that Clara has ever known. So we thought it would be fun to commemorate this date – and this city that we love. Especially since you guys ask us plenty of “when in Rome Richmond” questions – the biggest one being “what thrift/discount stores should I hit up when I pass through?”

  RVA Instagram Grid

Three years ago we celebrated our 5th anniversary by sharing a quick post about our “Five Richmond Top Fives” – but that only mentioned two thrift shops – and we’ve definitely found other haunts, activities, and eateries since then. So we thought a more thorough guide was in order… complete with an interactive map and an itinerary (you know me – I love a good graphic).

And since Richmond was recently named The Best River Town in America and one of Frommer’s Top Destinations for 2014 (only one of three in the US, the others being Palm Springs and Hawaii!), well, we figured our eighth anniversary was the perfect occasion to break things down for you guys.

RVA Title

With the help of modern technology (i.e. Google) we’ve embedded an interactive map with a dozen of our favorite thrift and discount stores in Richmond (green dots), along with some other suggested spots for eating (blue dots), or otherwise having-a-good-time spots (red dots). You can click any of the dots below for more info on each one of them – including a description from us about what you’ll find, some tips about when they’re closed, etc. Note: if you can’t see the map, try clicking here.

And here’s a hypothetical itinerary. It doesn’t include all of the eating options or any of the red dots (those are other fun activities outside of shopping/thrifting) but if you click those dots on the map you’ll get more info on each of those.

Let’s hit the road, shall we? Assuming you’re starting somewhere near the city center, you can head either clockwise or counter-clockwise around the map – we’ll do the latter in this post. Either way, you might want to fuel up at Sugar Shack Donuts before you start shopping (check out Sugar Shack’s FB page for secret free donut deals like “recite an ode to your donut”). Most thrift stores don’t open ’til 9 or 10am, so you’ve got time to enjoy it. Oh and many are closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays – so try to avoid those days if you want to cram the most in.

RVA Dixie Donuts

Our local Habitat for Humanity ReStore is our go-to spot for donating, and is usually a good shot at finding building materials and fixtures. If you’re more in the market for furniture and accessory finds, you might want to start at Diversity Thrift. We got lots of stuff there over the years, including the glass and metal table in our first house’s living/dining room (we still have it in the garage with a plan for tweaking it for our back porch someday).

Final Living Room After 2

Next head north on nearby I-95 to Lakeside Avenue which has a few thrift and antique spots, most notably Consignment Connection. It’s got tons of little rooms full of things, and is sort of a mix between an antique shop and a thrift store. It’s where Sherry found her beloved whale globe.

Love Art8

If you want the inspiration and tools for revamping your thrifted finds – or just want to buy something that has already been made over, make the short trek up I-95 to Ashland and swing by Thrill of the Hunt which has great upcycled furniture.

RVA Thrill Of The Hunt

On your way back, don’t miss Class and Trash for lots of vintage and shabby chic stuff, including tons of metal signs and letters. We try to stop in a few times a season since there’s always a lot of stuff (both big and small) to see. If you’ve haven’t already needed a lunch break, you could pop down to the Short Pump area for a burger. We love Burgerworks for a casual but filling one built to your liking (I always get a fried egg on top). Burger Bach, a New Zealand-style gastropub, is also nearby for a foodie-r experience (it’s really good, but you might have a bit of a wait).

You may just need to go nap and call it a day by this point, but if not – head south on I-288 toward the river. Wait, but slip through HOPE Thrift on your way. It’s the newest store on our radar and we know we’re bound to find something cool there soon. Once you hit Midlothian Turnpike, you’ve entered our main drag of thrift stores. You can start small at RAL Reuse, which we love because it supports the Richmond Animal League. And also because its near one of our favorite cafes, Urban Farmhouse. Even if you’re not hungry, stop in for a coffee/tea and some pretty amazing design inspiration. There’s also a location downtown if you don’t have time to spare.

RVA Urban Farmhouse

Further down the road is a Salvation Army Family Center, which is one of the more furniture-heavy thrift stores that we’ve been into locally. If that’s not really what you’re looking for, you can skip it and head straight for The Decorating Outlet. It’s not technically a thrift store, but it’s too full of deals to leave off the list. We get tons of lights there, but we’ve also scored rugs and furniture there too – including our crazy discounted kitchen table.

Gold Clara Close

By the time you get to this part of the route, it means you’re nearing our #1 go-to spot for thrifted furniture: Love of Jesus Thrift Store on Midlothian. They’ve got tons of furniture, and we scored a bunch of stuff for our book there – including this dresser that we painted in a gradient back in 2012 (and still use in our bedroom today). Across the street is Family Thrift Center, which used to just be a convenience (i.e. pity) stop, but we just found this $9.98 headboard for the showhouse there, so it’s a new favorite.

Video Screen Shot9

If you still have time (admittedly, doubtful) – Caravati’s is also worth a stop. It’s an architectural salvage place so prices are much higher than thrift stores, but there are such cool sights that make it worth the detour. And once all the stores are closed, hit up the Proper Pie Company for dinner and dessert (yup, they’ve got savory and sweet pies) – along with one last dose of vintage decor inspiration.

RVA Proper Pie

Admittedly it’s probably a bit ambitious to cram all of this into just one day, especially if you like to take your time perusing like Sherry does (or take your time eating like I do). But maybe that just means you’ll need to stay the weekend. Or move here entirely. You know, either one works.

Now what about you guys? What are the best thrifting spots in your town? Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a city-by-city database of them somewhere with user rated reviews and a “print me a map” feature so you’d know where to go when you get to a new place? Somebody get on that. Or does it already exist and we’re the last ones to know?

Comments

    • Jennifer says

      Too funny – the second I saw that picture, I thought, “Oh man, my (also British) husband would be in heaven if we had one of those up here!”

  2. Laura @ Rather Square says

    Admittedly we have never been to Richmond (!) but if we ever make it there, thrifting is definitely on the itinerary! I love thrift stores. Not just for getting good deals, but for donating unwanted things in the hope that someone else will use and love it. In our area (west burbs of Chicago), there are several good places like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and the Brown Elephant local chain. Sometimes we also just shop our back alley, though. ;-)
    http://www.rathersquare.com/2013/09/from-trash-to-treasure/

    Reply

  7. Janice says

    GREAT post! I’m planning a few day trips and weekend getaways with my son for this summer and I think we’ll add Richmond to the list! THankS!

    Reply

    • Stephanie says

      I second Cathy! I’d love to find more places in NoVa.

      Cathy – have you been to Treasure Hound in Chantilly? It’s staged more like a consignment store, but it’s a thrift store with great prices. At first it can seem a little country / old, but I’ve found some great stuff there by popping in often (not a lot of big furniture pieces though). The ReStore in Chantilly is nearby also and even though it can be hit or miss – when it’s a hit it’s a hit!

  9. Vanessa says

    Great post. Its always nice to hear of great places to try all over the country- just in case you are ever in the area!

    Reply

  10. Megan CC says

    Man I wish I was closer to Richmond, or just lived in a cooler town! All these great stores and food options make me very jealous. My new town in Ohio (just moved here a few months ago) is soooo dull and the nearby options aren’t that good either. I guess one good thing about the lack of good food options is we just eat at home more often, which is saving us a ton of $$! I would love to visit Richmond for a weekend trip sometime!

    Reply

    • Christy says

      Columbus area has great thrift and consignment stores! Good food options, too. Maybe a weekend trip for you? Google “Ohio Thrift Inc” for their store locations. Also, Grandview Mercantile in the Short North and some shops on W. 5th Ave. are worth a look. As for food, try Urbanspoon or Yelp for suggestions, depending on your tastes. City Barbeque, Skillet, Schmidt’s — all family affordable, plus many upscale ($$$$) places like The Refectory…oh, and try Jeni’s Ice Cream! Maybe this is not new info for you, but just in case…

    • Tracy says

      Ohio has a lot of great places to shop, eat and have fun. I am most familiar with NE Ohio and I have lived in other parts except for SE OH. The weather has been unusually cold and snowy for many parts so maybe your opinion will change once spring comes!

  11. Jillzy says

    I am from Richmond (now residing in NoVA) and all these new food places are popping up which makes me extremely jelly. I’m heading to Richmond this weekend to see family and will definitely take a detour to the places you mentioned. I LOVE

    Reply

  12. Jillzy says

    I am from Richmond (now residing in NoVA) and all these new food places are popping up which makes me extremely jelly. I’m heading to Richmond this weekend to see family and will definitely take a detour to the places you mentioned and possibly snag some items from the thrift shops as well… even if the hubby likes it or not!

    Reply

  13. Kathy C says

    I’m curious – why did you decide to leave NYC and why Richmond? Do you have family there?

    I’d love to pick up my fam and move south. It’s too cold in Ohio for me. Brrrrr

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      John’s sister lives here and we came to visit her and really liked it. We knew we wanted to slow down from the NYC pace and get a house instead of a tiny studio, and the house prices in Richmond were compelling. The advertising presence here sealed the deal though (we were both in that field and there are a bunch of agencies here, so it seemed like a good fit).

      xo
      s

  15. Dalynnk says

    Have you all tried Country Style Donuts off Williamsburg Rd? They are the best donuts I’ve ever had. I do love Sugar Shack and I’m super excited they opened a coffee shop downtown but CSD is by far the best. You get a dozen for around $8. Your only regret will be trying them because you’ll find yourself daydreaming about them once they’re gone.

    Reply

  16. Mary | Lemon Grove Blog says

    We’re in the process of moving down south right now, and we’ll only be a few hours away from Richmond(!), so this cheat sheet is oh so helpful. :) I completely agree that every thrifting trip should start with some donuts :D

    Reply

  17. rachel says

    I know you’ve donated to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore pretty often, but have you ever purchased things there? If so, can you give us some examples of things you’ve bought there?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That’s a Saturday favorite for us! They’re busier but sometimes that’s part of the trill, and we all get to stop to eat lunch somewhere fun. Even Clara’s a fan ;)

      xo
      s

  19. Natalie Royall says

    Looove this post!! I’m a fellow Richmonder :) and this past year, by hubby and I actually did a stay-cation here so we could finally have some free time to fit in all the places we always want to get to… but never find the time. If someone comes in the spring time they HAVE to check out the Butterfly house at Lewis Ginter Bontanical Gardens. 100’s of butterflies in a huge glassed in area… a MUST.

    Reply

  20. Jess says

    It was just my eight year anniversary for moving to my current city and meeting my wonderful boyfriend! Happy eight years guys!

    Reply

  21. cindy says

    you guys are missing the lazy daisy in heart of chester! consignment, gifts, home décor, upcycled cool stuff. check it out!

    Reply

  22. Christine Williams says

    Hey guys, I’m wondering how you found all these places? I’m from Baltimore and every time I google thrift in my area all I get is goodwills. Suggestions???

    Thanks, Chrissy

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      It was a combination of word of mouth/asking people, googling around (ex: Richmond thrift store), and just doing one of those “turn around and stop there while I run in” moves to discover new places. Whenever we drove by something that looked fun or heard about it from a friend or relative we checked on it – and even google was helpful sometimes!

      xo
      s

  23. Nancy says

    Maybe this is a good use of the forums (which I admit to only lurking on now and then) — a spot for us all to say “Hey! I’m visiting XYZ…who knows where the good thrift shops are??” Or consignment shops, you know, wardrobe DYI sorta… If anyone wants Chattanooga or Atlanta consignment (and some house DYI thrift) ideas, feel free to message me through my FB page (linked)!!

    Reply

  24. tonpia says

    Sometimes I use this site if I’m going to a new city to check stuff out. I don’t know how reliable and all inclusive it is, but I’ve had some luck with it (even without the map part). Bypass the sponsored part, the better ones are listed below…

    http://www.thethriftshopper.com/

    Reply

  25. Emily R says

    I’d love to hear what ideas people have for Boston. The only shop I know of and shop regularly is the Garage Sale in the South End.

    Reply

    • Cathy S says

      I mostly know of secondhand clothing stores. But in Roxbury is the Boston Materials Resource Center which has reclaimed fixtures, doors, windows, sinks, vanities, kitchen cabinets, countertops, tile, and other treasures. The other side is a co-op where you can order new stuff for very reasonable prices. Roxbury is also home to the Goodwill mothership. Davis Square in Somerville has a nice little trio of a Goodwill, a Buffalo Exchange, and Found (designer consignment) on the same block. Urban Renewals in Allston has miles of clothes, and a room of housewares all the way in the back. Second Time Around is a consignment chain that’s got a few different locations around the area. Garment District in Cambridge is a great source for secondhand clothes, vintage clothing and costumes. Thrifted furniture is scarce because of the bed bug problem. But Davis Square has Sunshine Lucy’s which is a tiny shop with a mix of vintage and up-cycled furniture. There’s also the Antique Market in Cambridge – 4 stories that house ~150 different stalls run by individual dealers – so there’s tons of variety. The nice stuff is $$$ though.
      I’ll have to check out the Garage Sale – I hadn’t heard of that one!

    • Izzy says

      There’s also a great Habitat ReStore in Billerica. I got an amazing milk glass & bronze flush mount light fixture there for $8!
      Shh… don’t tell too many people :)

    • Emily H says

      I’m so glad you asked this question! I’ve been lamenting the lack of thrift/consignment options here for a while. If only we had a ReStore…and I just saw the comment about the one in Billerica. Solved!

      Another place to check out in the South End/Roxbury area is Restoration Resources. Awesome stuff, and the guy who owns it is really nice. http://www.restorationresources.com/

  26. Donna says

    Wow, what a treasure trove! I’ve lived in Richmond most of my life and have been to many of these thrift stores, but you’ve put some new ones on my radar. And maybe, with the restaurant suggestions, I can get hubby to come along too!

    Reply

  27. Stefanie says

    Love of Jesus is a favorite of ours too. The amount of furniture that place has at any given time is insane. We’ve actually not bought any large pieces from there but last time we went I found this amazing set of 6(!)vintage wooden salad bowls for $3.

    And Proper Pie Co..GOOD LORD. This place had me at hello! The Brekkie is TO DIE FOR and I have DREAMS about the buttermilk and raspberry! Next time I’m going for the chicken & kumara.

    If you guys have never tried The Naked Onion or Kuba Kuba I recommend both places.

    Great…now I want pie.

    Reply

    • Stefanie says

      Definitely give The Naked Onion a go. They’re very very reasonably priced and a no frills kind of place. Warning, they are TAKE OUT ONLY. Just didn’t want you guys expecting a sit down experience. It’s over on Cary Street and only about a mile from Maymont so we usually grab it to go on a nice day and head over to the park and have a picnic. Soups, salads and sandwiches. Oh..and FRESH MADE IN HOUSE BREAD. Best bread I’ve ever had..and this is coming from a Jersey girl native and everyone knows Jersey is where the good bread is!

  28. Meg says

    Love this post. We moved to RVA this summer and still have much to explore. Thanks for the tips! ps there is a Dixie Donut location on Broad St in Short Pump now too & if you’re looking for NY style bagels Cupertino’s is great (also Short Pump area)

    Reply

  29. adele says

    I live in Montreal but I’m from the Maritimes (Eastern Canada) and I think less populated areas have the BEST thrifting because fewer people pick through things, and there seems to be a preference for the new. That means more vintage stuff for me, yay!

    There’s a chaine called Frenchy’s that has the best clothes and vintage home goods, then of course there’s Value Village and the Salvation Army for bigger pieces. In Montreal we have VV, SA another chaine called Renaissance, but they’re often already picked through. There are however flea markets including the St-Michel Flea market and when you’re lucky, you can find a church bazaar. You really have to commit to these, but when you do, you can strike gold.

    An interactive database would be so awesome (!), because thrifting is one of the top things I want to do when travelling, but it’s hard to find the places where the locals go.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We used to do the flea markets there sometimes (very rarely though since we had tiny apartments without much room for anything). For general shopping I loved Broadway downtown (Soho area). It was really fun to walk all the way down on foot and stop to eat and shop and even make it all the way down to Canal Street sometimes.

      xo
      s

  32. Sara says

    SO fun! It’s funny, my SIL lives in VA. Whenever we go down for a visit I always ask if we can go to Richmond. She lives about two hours away though so it has yet to work out. But when it doesn’t I’ll have a full days worth of shopping to do!

    Thanks!

    Reply

  33. Kelly says

    Doesn’t Matt Paxton, the Hoarders guy, live in Richmond, too? You guys should team up! Find a hoarder, have Matt clean out all of the dead cats and poop, and then you guys could redecorate! I would totally watch that.

    Reply

  34. Samantha says

    LOVE that you guys did this! So going to check out these places if I ever get to the States. Am planning a trip to San Fran in Feb 2016 for the Super Bowl sooooo maybe I’ll just have to swing by while I’m there! (Yes I know its COMPLETELY on the other side but I think its do-able. LOL!) Will get back to you on the best haunts over here in my neck of the woods.

    Reply

  36. sally says

    Awesome! Thanks for the Richmond tips. I drive through Richmond all the time since it’s between my house and the houses of all of my family and my partners family.

    Is Diversity thrift the rainbow building you can see from the highway?

    Reply

    • Sally says

      Thanks! I just looked at their website. Looks like there open til 6 on Sundays, so we could stop on the way home from a weekend visit!

  37. Laney says

    As a fellow Richmonder, I love this post! Thanks. Have y’all been to Susan’s Selections over by Willow Lawn? It’s another great place. Also – we found our 50s-vintage kitchen table at Cold Harbor Antique Mall.

    Reply

  39. Colette says

    Thanks so much for the info. We are only about an hour from Richmond, so go there on occasion and I’m always looking for places to check out for home wares, etc. Oh, and the Proper Pie Co. – just makes my Aussie heart melt!

    Reply

  40. Amy says

    Thank you for this list! Someday I’ll make it down there to visit my brother and sister-in-law and I’d like to do check out some of the sights.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oops, I must have missed seeing that on the list! Sorry to overlook The Palm. I think because it was after Richmond I was so excited to see us that my eyes glazed over. Just updated the post with that info though!

      -John

  43. Carolyn B says

    My hubby and I are just about to celebrate our 6 month anniversary of moving to RVA! We’ve hit up a few of your suggestions for thrifting and we wholeheartedly agree with the Sugar Shack/Dixie Donuts shout out. So good! Next time you’re at Carvatis (my neck of the woods!)you should pop over to Plant Zero Cafe on 3rd street for breakfast or lunch. :) it’s delicious and they have cheap mimosas!

    Reply

  44. Jacqueline says

    What a timely post! The hubby and I are relocated to Richmond in a couple of weeks. We now have a great list of places to explore. We only visited for one weekend during his interview, so there is still LOTS to see.

    A little off topic, but I noticed several places on the list are in the Church Hill area. We are looking for a rental and have been searching in the Carytown/Museum District/Fan area. We didn’t even see Church Hill while we were in town. Any recommendation on whether Church Hill would also be a good place to look?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      It’s a really charming area and we have a few friends who live there. I’m not sure how the schools are there if that’s a consideration (we usually check out sites like greatschools.org for that info). I’d definitely drive around and check it out though – you might love it!

      xo
      s

    • Ellen says

      I live in Church Hill and LOVE it! We have several new resturants that have opened up recently too. Church Hill now has its own Urban Farmhouse location (mentioned above). Union Market and Sub Rosa are both delicious and Alamo BBQ is one of my favorites. That’s not even mentioning Proper Pie (also above) and The Hill Cafe which is a classic:) The house next door to mine is actually for rent right now if you are interested…

    • Jacqueline says

      Ellen – I would love to hear more about the area and the house for rent! Feel free to email me:
      jroark at fsu dot edu

  46. Manda Wolf says

    I lived near Richmond (Ft. Eustis!) when I was Clara’s age. I love it so much. We took a vacation near Richmond last summer (over fourth of July). We didn’t get to do any thrifting but we went to the beach, and Williamsburg Pottery and a few museums. But my biggest passion when I am there is to go to Colonial Williamsburg. Have you taken the family there? I think Clara would really like interacting with all the people in character for the time.

    Reply

  48. Nicole says

    We lived in Richmond for 8 years and are traveling back for a visit in April-Can’t wait to eat at our favorites-821 & Harrison Street cafe. Sooo many great places to eat!!!

    Reply

  49. Michelle says

    Love this. We are heading to Arlington/DC Area for spring break and to celebrate my grandfather’s 100th birthday! Unfortunately, I highly doubt I can get the family on board with thrifting, even with the lure of doughnuts and pie. Boo.

    Reply

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