Carytown is a treasure trove of specialty stores and restaurants. Stroll down the sidewalks and explore antique stores, salons, vintage clothing stores, coffee places, bookshops and more. On and off-street parking is plentiful. The eateries represent many different kinds of food, from Mexican at Nacho Mamma's to French-Asian at Indochine or Indian at Farouk's. The shops include Premiere Costumes, The Compleat Gourmet and Leo Burke Furniture. These and other stores have sidewalk sales in the spring and fall and open houses on December Sundays. In August, the street comes to life with the Watermelon Festival.
A music lover's passion for music would be incomplete without watching a show at the National. True to its name, this classic place is nationally renowned for the finest concerts held here. Wooden floors, brick walls, 1500-cushioned seats and seven full bars is what makes the patrons return for more. The stylish backdrops and the grand stage provides an unobstructed view of your favorite artists playing live. Add to it the ultra-modern V-DOSC sound system and you have a power-packed experience!
Don't have time for a dinner and a movie? Then visit CinéBistro at Stony Point, where you can do both at once. Have food and cocktails served to you before the movie even starts. From delectable dishes such as the Philly cheese steak and sweet potato fries to movie snacks such as richly buttered popcorn (served in a stylish ceramic dish, no less), this movie bistro has got your entertainment and hunger covered. Enjoy a movie and meal with your date and luxuriate in the plush seats offered.
The camel in the desert of Richmond is in fact a space for a myriad of activities to take place. The camel offers space for art, meetings for corporates or for events. The place also serves food and you can grab a bite of san fran pannini or a pesto pizza. The Camel is also rented out for community events and many fund raisers for causes have taken place here.
Hippodrome Theater is a big and spacious entertainment venue in Jackson Ward. The decor style of the 1930s and the palatial interiors make it a special place for events like weddings and receptions. This multi room theater also has a balcony that offers a better view of the event taking place. Heavyweights such as Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong have performed here in the past.
Art Works Studios and Galleries is the perfect place to plan a party, wedding, or to host a gallery showing for art. If you want to have your creations seen, then Art Works will collaborate with you to make sure that everything goes according to how you'd like it. Gallery spaces are aplenty on the two floors of the building. There are some galleries that are always available to peruse, so you can check out local artists' work - from paintings, photographs, jewelry and crafts - and perhaps make a purchase or two. On the 4th day of the month, the entire building is open to the public, including all of the rented spaces, and food as well as music is provided while you walk around and check out the talent. There are monthly youth art classes and group art projects that are offered to the public.
Barksdale Theatre is one of the most reputed venues in Richmond to catch a good play. It features well-scripted plays and productions of leading companies the year round. From musicals to drama, comedy to some noteworthy classics—this venue presents them all with great aplomb. The venue is a 207 seat space, complete with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. Barksdale Theatre also conducts acting classes and short workshops for students in high and elementary school and adults. With an active program of courses aimed at enhancing the cultural aspect of the community, this theatre contributes in a large way by encouraging budding artists and coming up with aesthetic events.
James River Distillery is situated close to James River and specializes in gin. It boasts of state-of-the-art Vendome stills and a unique method of preparing its signature Commonwealth Gin. It sources organic ingredients from Virginia and the rest of the Mid-Atlantic region and uses a unique triple distillation technique. The owners are involved in each process, right from milling and distilling to the final packaging. A vapor infusion process, which allows alcohol vapors to pass through a mixture of 10 botanical extracts, imparts unique aromas and flavors to the gin, especially those of juniper, green spice, citrus and pepper. This distillery also produces seasonal gins and gives tips for concocting cocktails from their signature liquor.
A flour mill built in 1663, Swift Creek Mill has changed a number of hands in the past. Today, this old structure is dinner theater that offers candle light dinners in both, the spectacular Mill room and Granite room. Advance reservations can get you tickets to the air conditioned theater which is open from Wednesday to Saturday nights all year round.