Richmond Itineraries For Every Friendship Type
Name a better day than one spent with a bestie. We’ll wait.
In honor of National Best Friends Day happening earlier this month, we’re keeping the celebrations going and helping you avoid the decision fatigue of planning the perfect hangout. We know a perfect Saturday looks different to everyone. You might be catching up with your “let’s drink wine on a patio” friend one weekend, but your “let’s get our steps in while we yap” friend might visit the next.
Here are five custom itinerary options for you, based on your friendship type!
Image Source: Divya Williams
Sun Seekers
This bestie’s worst nightmare? Wasting one minute of a beautiful day inside.
Morning: Beat the heat and get to Pony Pasture early (though the trails are plenty shaded if you’d rather sleep in). And not to steal the theme of the next itinerary, but bonus points for being close to Baltik’s Bagel.
Afternoon: For lunch, head over to the Fan and pick up a pizza at 8 ½. Walk your pizza approximately 10 steps across the street for a little picnic at Scuffletown Park. Again, we’re overlapping with the foodie itinerary here, but we need to stay fueled during our day outside!
Evening: Wrap up your day with a walk along the floodwall, where you’ll have the best view of the downtown skyline and its reflection along the river.
Image Source: Divya Williams
Foodie Friends
A day dedicated to food, friendship, and phone-eats-first.
Morning: Start off with brunch at Uliveto—yes you need a res, but yes it’s worth it. Get the French toast as an app to share and thank us later.
Afternoon: Jardin is always a must, but especially when they have a guided wine tasting, and especially when they have a guided wine tasting plus a food special. If the date you’re looking at offers neither, a regular day at this spot still makes the list. Experienced wine drinker or not, you’ll find a glass of wine (or bottle) you love. Pairing with the ricotta and focaccia plate is nonnegotiable.
Evening: We simply can’t pick one spot to recommend here, so here are three options. For a casual affair, head to Pizza Bones for the most insane sourdough pizza and a bottle of wine from their connecting natural wine shop Friend Bar. Enjoy both at a picnic table right out front. If sit-down is more the vibe, head to Fighting Fish if you both love sushi—this spot has the best in town. And if you’ve decided to splurge for the occasion, Restaurant Adarra is calling your name. Think mood lighting, custom wine recommendations, and some bites you’ll imagine rival those from The Bear.
Image Source: Divya Williams
Cozy Companions
Slow down and smell the charcuterie.
Morning: Ease into the morning with some slow-paced productivity by hitting a farmers market. On Saturdays, there’s the RVA BIG Market, or if you’re closer to Short Pump, the smaller (but mighty) West End Farmers Market. On Sundays, there’s the Carytown Farmers Market and my personal favorite, the South of the James Farmers Market. You’ll have lots of options for breakfast, coffee, and treats. But don’t forget—we’re being cozy!—so we’re obviously staying in for dinner. Make sure to grab ingredients.
Afternoon: Pop into the Fountain Bookstore to peruse for your next read, because we all know cozy means a good book. Then head a block over to crack open your book with a cup of coffee at the Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe (or with a glass of wine at Echelon Wine Bar—choose your own adventure).
Evening: Finish stocking up for the aforementioned cozy night-in. Swing by Dinner Party to grab some couch-essentials to pair with your farmers market haul from earlier—think wine, charcuterie, you get it.
Image Source: Divya Williams
The Sporty Spices
Thrill-seeking friendship, high heart rates, can’t lose.
Morning: Skip the standard morning gym routine and head to Peak Experiences for some indoor climbing. Whether you’re an experienced climber, giving it a try for the first time, or somewhere in between—there are class options for everyone.
Afternoon: Take the adventure outdoors—get on the James with RVA Paddlesports. From paddleboarding to whitewater rafting, there’s an option for every comfort level.
Evening: Time to let someone else do the sweating. Check the local team schedules and end the day under stadium lights cheering on our Flying Squirrels, Kickers, or Ivy.
Image Source: PlantHouse
DIY Darlings
Because anything someone else can do, you two can do better (or at least have more fun trying).
Morning: You don’t need a green thumb to enjoy a PlantHouse Richmond workshop. Make a reservation to build your own terrarium and get creative (alongside expert guidance to make sure you love what you leave with).
Afternoon: Spend an afternoon taking a pottery class at Hand/Thrown. You can choose anything from wheel throwing to bowl painting to cup shaping.
Evening: Think you get a break for dinner? Think again! Richmond comes equipped with DIY options for that, too. Take a look at what classes catch your eye at Mise En Place or The Kitchen Classroom.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Divya is a Richmond explorer in search of the best bites, bevs, and beautiful views this city has to offer. She's a Leo sun, Flying Squirrel rising. Find her at Pony Pasture with her dog Bean, sipping sauvy b on the Jardin patio, or enjoying a Cobra Kai at Jack Brown's—notch card in hand. Follow along @divwilliams.
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