The Richmond Region Recommended by Our Pros
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There’s no better way to experience the Richmond Region than through the eyes of the people who know it best! Our team at Richmond Region Tourism spends every day sharing what makes this place so special, and we all have our own personal recommendations for first-time visitors, including can’t miss restaurants and family favorites. Use this insider guide to the Richmond Region to plan your first (or 50th!) trip RVA, filled with go-to spots, local favorites, and must-do experiences straight from the people who love it here most.
Katherine O'Donnell - President & CEO
"My favorites in the Richmond Region are always evolving from season to season and even from day to day, which speaks to the incredible depth and character of the experiences here. There is always something new to discover, but a few reliable standouts come to mind. For picture-perfect moments, the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge offers stunning views of the James River, and I’m very excited for Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Butterflies Bloom exhibit opening in their expanded conservatory. Carytown is perfect for an afternoon of shopping and strolling, and signature events like the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs, NASCAR races at Richmond Raceway, and Discover Richmond Food Tours provide unique ways to feel the region’s energy and culture. For drinks, Verdant Lady is one of my top picks, and for dining, Conejo and Ash & Olive do a great job showcasing the creativity and range of our dining scene. The region’s distinct spirit also comes through in historic landmarks like the Virginia State Capitol and Hollywood Cemetery, exceptional dining at Edo’s Squid and Lehja, exploring the Fall Line Trail, and family-friendly favorites like the Science Museum of Virginia and a Flying Squirrels baseball game at the new CarMax Park."
Tameka Jefferson – Community Relations & Diversity Program Manager
“There are a ton of places to visit, businesses to patronize, and cultural experiences to enjoy – and we owe it all to our dope business owners and event planners. I enjoy grabbing a bite at one of our many restaurants, hanging out with my family at local parks like Rockwood Park and Forest Hill Park, and enjoying the nightlife with friends at one of our local bars or lounges. Our DJs and live bands are sure to make me hit the dance floor with my infamous one-two step.”
Jason Whitt – National Destination Sales Manager
“When I’m recommending a ‘can’t miss’ Richmond Region experience, I always start with a mix of flavor, adventure, and local character. For food and drink, Gauthier Vineyard in New Kent is a perfect laid-back escape with beautiful views, and L’Opossum in the city offers a truly memorable, artsy dining experience. If you’re looking to get outside, whitewater rafting on the James River is an absolute must and one of the most unique urban outdoor adventures in the country, and events like Dominion Energy Riverrock bring that outdoor spirit to life with climbing, paddling, and live music along the riverfront. For a more relaxed day, Short Pump Town Center offers a traditional retail experience. And if you’re visiting in season, the Hanover Tomato Festival is a fun, family-friendly way to experience local culture and one of the region’s most beloved traditions.”
Carla Murray – Director of Marketing Communications
“As a New Kent resident, I love showing off my corner of the Richmond Region, especially when it comes to wine. A visit to Jolene Family Winery or Saudé Creek Vineyards is always on my list with out-of-town guests, where it’s easy to sip, relax, and take in the picturesque vineyard views. From there, it’s on to The Original Ronnie’s BBQ to pick up some smoky pulled pork and fall-off-the-bone ribs, followed by something sweet from Country Style Donuts. A couple of highlights for visiting families are Kings Dominion, where we can have a full day of thrills and kid-friendly entertainment, and Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum with its huge collection of antique cars, tractors and vintage Americana. A little treasure hunting in local antique shops, like Antique Village Mall in Mechanicsville, is always a fun addition. And if there’s a golfer in the group, I’ll pair them up with my husband for a round at Royal New Kent Golf Club, one of my husband’s favorite public courses. It’s my perfect mix of laid-back charm, great flavors, and a little adventure—everything that makes this region feel like home.”
Gerald Taylor – Sports Sales & Events Manager
“Some places everyone should experience when visiting the Richmond Region for a perfect day that hits all the highlights are:: brunch at a BLK RVA restaurant, like Sweet P’s; a great meal at Burtons Grill & Bar in Carytown; a little adrenaline at K1 Speed; and time to unwind outdoors at Maymont. It’s that mix of flavor, fun, and fresh air that really captures the spirit of visiting RVA.”
Jerrine Lee – Chief Growth Officer
“Every great day in the Richmond Region starts with coffee! Coffee here isn’t just a drink but instead it’s an experience. Whether you’re looking for cozy, community vibes at Urban Hang Suite, want to indulge in something sweet at Coco & Hazel, or simply kick back and sip at Stir Crazy, every shop is a chance to savor and feel like a local.”
Tom Loftus – Vice President of Marketing
“Whenever someone asks me what they have to do on their first visit to the Richmond Region, I always send them straight to the Richmond Region Mimosa Trail. As the first experience of its kind in the country, it’s a playful, bubbly way to explore all seven jurisdictions of our region, guiding you through some of our best brunch spots, vibrant neighborhoods, and unforgettable local flavors. It’s not just a trail; it’s a toast to everything that makes the region such a fun and welcoming place to visit.”
Reed Patterson – Senior Event Services Manager
“My perfect spring Saturday in the Richmond Region starts slow, with coffee and breakfast at Shore Dog Cafe, the kind of cozy spot that makes you want to linger a little longer. From there, it’s time to leash up the pups and head to Deep Run Park for a long, easy walk. By early afternoon, I’m grabbing something delicious from Stella’s Market and making my way to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts lawn for a laid-back picnic with friends. And because it’s just too nice to call it a day, we finish things off in Scott’s Addition, stopping into Hardywood or Väsen for a drink before heading home.”
Elise Hrabe – Destination Sales Manager
“For a family friendly outdoor adventure day, I would recommend Pocahontas State Park. Pocahontas State Park has walking and biking trails, a water park, and kayak and paddleboard rentals. After you work up an appetite, you can visit one of their outdoor pavilions to grill out or hit up Local Pizza and Brewery for authentic Neapolitan pizza and local beer!”
Mike Kerr – Director of Finance and Administration
“My RVA recommendations tend to center around a mix of well-loved institutions and the region’s distinct neighborhoods. In Scott’s Addition, Ruff Canine Club and CarMax Park are both standouts, and from there, it’s always worthwhile to explore nearby areas — The Fan, Shockoe Slip, the Museum District, and Libbie/Grove all offer something unique. There are a number of seasonal traditions I always look forward to, such as visiting The Jefferson Hotel or The Jasper’s “Miracle on Cary” themed pop-up during the holiday season. My personal favorites for Richmond’s dining scene include Edo’s Squid—where I reliably order the sausage with broccoli rabe and penne—along with Stella’s and Christian’s Pizza. For a more casual evening, trivia nights at places like The Local Eatery & Pub and Bar West are always enjoyable.
Casey Armstrong – National Destination Sales Manager
“If you’re looking to get a well-rounded feel for the Richmond Region, I’d start with a few places that really capture its character. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden—especially during GardenFest of Lights—and the Fall Line Trail are great ways to experience the region’s natural beauty and connectivity. From there, you can easily explore what makes Richmond so distinctive across interests: First Fridays Artwalk for arts and culture, dinner in Downtown Ashland with a view of passing trains for a memorable food experience, and historic moments like the St. John’s Church reenactment. There’s also a strong sense of community and inclusion through places like the Shockoe Institute and events like Virginia PrideFest. Taken together, these experiences reflect the creativity, history, and sense of connection that make the Richmond Region feel truly special.”
Chase Gunn – Senior Creative Marketing Manager
“As someone who lives in Chesterfield, a lot of my favorite spots around the Richmond Region come down to a balance of quality, value, and community. The Club at Viniterra in New Kent remains my top choice for golf—consistently excellent and well worth the price—while First Tee locations in Richmond and Chesterfield offer a more affordable, accessible option. For social outings, Väsen Brewery is a go-to for trivia nights with friends, and Unplugged Games Café in Chesterfield is perfect for a relaxed evening, whether for a date night or time with friends. Nearby, Bubs and Gracie’s Ice Cream and Cookies is a hidden gem, with standout flavors like their ube ice cream. For entertainment, The National is always a great place to catch live music and discover new artists, and The House provides a welcoming, drop-in dance experience for all levels. And when I’m in Colonial Heights, Colonial Italian Restaurant is a reliable favorite for both its food and hospitality.”
Sarah Hunter – Community Relations & Event Manager
“Some of my go-to spots highlight a mix of fun outings and local favorites. The Metro Richmond Zoo is always a great option—whether for a family day or just something a little different to do. For something more relaxed, I enjoy spending time at Providence Farms Cidery, and when it comes to a casual bite, Wong’s Tacos in Midlothian is a favorite I find myself returning to.”
We hope you love the Richmond Region as much as we all do! Check out more uniquely RVA experiences, here.