Stay Cool in a Richmond Heat Wave with These 7 Indoor Escapes
Richmond summers are known to be ~uncomfy~ at best… and a swampy hot mess at worst. In either circumstance, you may be seeking reprieve from the oppressive heat. Here are some of Richmond’s best indoor activities to keep you cool all season long.
Image Source: The Byrd Theatre
Watch a film at The Byrd Theatre
Movie theater air conditioning just hits different, doesn’t it? That, plus the grand venue itself, makes the vibes at the Byrd unmatched. The theatre features old movies and new, so check their calendar to find your perfect flick.
Location: 2908 W Cary St (Carytown)
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Image Source: River City Roll
Bowl a strike at River City Roll
Bowling in general is a great escape on a sweltering day, but River City Roll takes it up a notch. This boutique bowling alley also offers a long lineup of live music, a dog-friendly patio, and a full menu of eats and sips that always impresses us—all available right at your lane thanks to their full service.
Location: 939 Myers St (Scott’s Addition)
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Image Source: The Branch Museum of Design
Wander The Branch Museum of Design
Richmond’s museums offer more than just an escape from the heat. Virginia’s only design museum offers year-round programming, providing immersive opportunities to experience design. Plan a visit to The Branch and catch a featured exhibition, participate in a workshop, hear from an artist, or simply take a stroll through the largest single-family residence ever built on Monument Ave.
Location: 2501 Monument Ave (The Fan)
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Image Source: DawnStar
Level up at DawnStar’s StarCade
Inside Scott’s Addition’s DawnStar Video Games sits StarCade, a haven for gaming enthusiasts. The arcade houses a growing selection of arcade and rhythm games, and a flat fee gets you free-play access to all the machines for as long as you like.
Location: 3007 W Clay St Ste A (Scott’s Addition)
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Image Source: The Purrfect Bean
Make a few feline friends at The Purrfect Bean
This cat café opened on Lombardy Street last summer, offering the neighborhood both a new coffee shop AND a cat-cuddling paradise. Reservations are recommended to secure your spot in the upstairs cat lounge, but the vegan café downstairs is separate, and you can walk in anytime. Worried about falling head over heels for one of the kitties? The best part is that all the cats are adoptable through Purring Hearts VA!
Location: 214 N Lombardy St (The Fan)
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Image Source: Hotel Greene
Play a round of indoor mini golf at Hotel Greene
Mini golf: the ultimate summertime staple. But in 90-degree heat? Hard pass. Enter Hotel Greene! This 13-hole miniature golf course is situated throughout the faux hotel, featuring a lobby bar to make any potential wait time more enjoyable. And if you (like us) love to score a deal, don’t miss their date night special on Thursdays from 5 to 9 pm. $55 covers two plates, two bevs, and a round of golf together.
Location: 508 E Franklin St (Downtown)
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Image Source: Divya Williams
Catch a show at The National
It’s not news to anyone that Richmond has a thriving music scene, but sometimes an outdoor show can feel like an endurance test. On those days, head for this iconic Broad Street venue. The National’s lineup offers everything from indie rock bands to stand-up comedy specials, with the added bonuses of great acoustics, cold drinks, and zero humidity.
Location: 708 E Broad St (Downtown)
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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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