This past weekend we took another random fun family road trip. This time the road led us to the south in Richmond, Virginia. At one point or another everyone has passed by Richmond driving to or from more southern states. I, myself, have passed by Richmond a few years ago on my way back from a family reunion in South Carolina. Richmond is not a destination that people usually make plans to go to. It was hubby’s idea to go down there and so we went.

The drive was about two and a half hours going there, but a little longer coming back. For some reason there is more traffic coming back than going down there. Richmond is the capital city of the Commonwealth of Virginia – I didn’t know that! Richmond was incorporated in 1742 and has been an independent city since 1871.

  

We first went to downtown Richmond on Broad Street, which if you are visiting Richmond – you should definitely check out.  We walked on the streets and visited different stores, including the really popular consignment shop, “The Gallery by Round Two,” which carries secondhand sneakers, clothing for men & women. You will also have fun going down memory lane – I saw so many items that reminded me of my childhood. Really cool place to visit. We then ended up at Tarrant’s, which by the way is an amazing restaurant with amazing food, and service. Since it’s lent season and I can’t have meat nor dairy, I had their tilapia sandwich without the cheese. It was amazing. Take a look for yourself. I highly recommend this restaurant if you’re in town.

After lunch we walked around a little bit more then we drove to Carytown. If in Richmond, you have to check out Carytown! It is such a colorful and beautiful place with indie boutiques, record stores, vintage shops, and local restaurants. There are over 230 shops and many of the shops there are in historical buildings. The shop center was built in the 1930s and opened for business in 1938, which made it Richmond’s first strip shopping center. I also learned that it became popular due to its “park and shop” nature. Finding parking in Richmond is easy by the way, I loved that!

We visited countless stores. It was awesome. One of the stores I enjoyed visiting the most was Ten Thousand Villages. If you don’t know “Ten Thousand Villages” is a nonprofit fair-trade organization that markets handcrafted products made by artisans from more than 35 countries. I love that they pay these talented artisans fair wages for their beautiful work. I got a nice plant pot from India. They have stores in other parts of the country – your purchase would make a difference!

The other aspect I loved about Carytown is the murals. I am big on art and I felt that it brightened alleyways and the buildings housing all the shops and restaurant.

You don’t have to plan something fancy and spend lots of money to have quality time with your family, a quick day trip would do! Simple & fun!

Where’s your favorite quick getaway spot?

Until next time,