Exploring the City of Richmond: A Student's Guide to Off-Campus Gems

While it is easy to remain on the University of Richmond’s beautiful campus with the bustle of students and excess activities offered, many Spiders take the opportunity to get off campus and explore the city. The city of Richmond is a hub for art, restaurants, and festivals—there is always something  to do! The university’s close proximity to a vibrant city is one of the perks of being a Spider, so why not take the opportunity explore it? As a Richmond native, I would be happy to serve as your travel tour guide for this city. I’ll tell you the off-campus places that shouldn’t go unnoticed when planning a visit the city or deciding to spend your college years here. 

• Libbie and Grove: For students looking for a quick trip off campus, Libbie and Grove is the perfect spot! This mile-long shopping and dining area is home to student favorites including Jack Brown’s Burger Joint, TASTE, The Continental Westhampton, and Gelati Celesti Ice Cream! Libbie and Grove is approximately 2 miles from campus. 
• Carytown: A strip of locally owned shops and restaurants right in the heart of the city. Carytown has plenty of dining options, entertainment, and unique shops to visit. It’s also home to the historic Byrd Theatre! Carytown is approximately 4 miles from campus. 
• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA): A popular art museum in Richmond. The VMFA offers many different exhibitions throughout the year as well as many local events. Their collection of artwork spans 6,000 years and contains work from all around the globe! The VMFA is also known for their outdoor picturesque setting, where many students visit to study, relax, or spend an afternoon with friends! The VMFA is approximately 4 miles from campus.
• Shyndigz: One of the best bakeries in all of Richmond! The café is known for their daily cake specials as well as their extensive dessert menu, which is almost impossible to choose only one item from! Shyndigz is approximately 5 miles from campus. 
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden is a nonprofit organization that comprises 50 acres of beautiful plants, flowers, and outdoor attractions. The Gardens hold special events throughout the year, including their very own butterfly exhibit that you can visit! Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is approximately 6 miles from campus. 
• The Jefferson Hotel: Located in downtown Richmond, The Jefferson Hotel is home to two astounding restaurants—TJ’s and Lemaire— as well as their weekly Sunday brunch and afternoon tea. In early December, it is a beloved holiday tradition for the hotel to annually put out their life-sized gingerbread display, as well as their 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, which is the centerpiece of the hotel’s holiday decorations. The Jefferson hotel is 7 miles from campus. 
• Brown’s Island: A popular venue right on the James River for festivals and outdoor concerts. The island is a public park right on the waterfront of Richmond and is a perfect place for an outdoor stroll on spring or fall day. Brown’s Island is 9 miles from campus. 
• Dominion Energy Center: This performing arts center is the place to watch renowned theatre performances, including the Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker in December. Dominion Energy Center is approximately 8 miles from campus. 
• Libby Hill Park: Libby Hill is one of Richmond’s earliest parks located at the very top of the city, allowing an incredible outlook of RVA. The views of the city are unmatched, and the park’s cobblestone streets allow for a timeless urban feel. It’s the best place to watch a Richmond sunset and soak in a view of the entire city! Libby Hill Park is 12 miles from campus. 
• Carter Mountain Orchard: Located in the mountains of Charlottesville, Virginia, this orchard holds apple picking from mid-August until mid-November as well as peach picking from the spring season into the summer (and has the most beautiful scenic views all year round). Carter Mountain holds family friendly events, live music, and the best apple cider donuts in the world (and I’m sure this is not just my opinion!). It is my favorite place to spend a fall weekend. Carter Mountain Orchard is approximately 67 miles from campus. 

While this is not an exhaustive list of off-campus gems, I hope it serves as a starting point as you explore the city. I’m excited for you to weave your own web of experiences right here in Richmond!