Girls’ Guide to Richmond, VA
It’s the first day of classes over here at Richmond! We just finished up orientation week, where I had the cutest group of girls who are so excited to start their lives here! Between the many seminars, discussions, and tours during orientation, my girls asked me some very important questions, such as “Where is the best nail salon around here?” and “What are your favorite places to go out to eat?” Clearly, this…
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It’s the first day of classes over here at Richmond! We just finished up orientation week, where I had the cutest group of girls who are so excited to start their lives here! Between the many seminars, discussions, and tours during orientation, my girls asked me some very important questions, such as “Where is the best nail salon around here?” and “What are your favorite places to go out to eat?” Clearly, this is vital information and I am very opinionated about my nails and food:) So I made a mental list of all of the places I love most outside of the University and am sharing them all today!
Hair:
123 Libbie Ave, Richmond, VA 23226
(804) 285-2800
I got a trim, deep condition, and blow out here last year and loved it! The salon is very modern and cool, and the people have been very nice. When you make an appointment, be sure you’re doing it at their “Libbie Ave” location.
Nails:
The Village 7009 Three Chopt Rd. Richmond, VA 23226
(804) 288-0266
Okay, this is my favorite nail salon I’ve ever been to. It is so clean, relaxing, and enjoyable. They give you water with lemon and fresh fruit upon arrival and a massage during your manicure. Definitely a wonderful treat after a big exam or long week! The best part?! It’s literally a two minute drive off campus in the Village Shopping Center.
Tan:
7009-B Three Chopt Rd. Richmond, VA 23226
(804) 282-2566
(804) 282-2566
I love a good spray tan (I am from Jersey, after all…) and Palm Beach Tan is the closest tanning place to campus, also located in the Village Shopping Center. I would recommend buying a pack of tans so you can save some $$ and use them throughout the school year!
Going out to eat:
Here are some of my favorite places to eat. I would suggest looking at the menus online and just plugging in the address to a GPS to get there. (none of these are farther than 20 minutes away!)
Mosaic’s is in walking distance from Richmond in the River Road Shopping Center. There is some major comfort food here– definitely try the award winning smoked gouda mac & cheese and their homemade cookies for desert!
Located right next to Mosaic’s, Azzurro is a quaint Italian bistro with delicious pasta!
Also in the River Road Shopping Center within walking distance from campus, Osaka is a convenient option for sushi lovers.
Richmond students literally love Cafe Caturra. A short ride from campus in Libbie and Grove, it has inexpensive soup, salad, and sandwich options and even offers a student discount during the school year.
If you’re in the mood for an omelet, check out this fun and delicious classic diner in Carytown.
Potentially my favorite restaurant in Richmond, the Tobacco Company is located in Shockoe Slip in an abandoned tobacco warehouse. This is a great option for dinner with the fam during Parent’s Weekend.
A Richmond “landmark eatery,” Millie’s is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and has a different menu every day. It serves fresh and local Richmond foods, and it’s signature dish is Thai Spicy Shrimp.
Located in Rocketts Landing on the James River, the Boathouse is the ultimate spot to eat seafood and watch the sunset. Another fancier dinner option.
The Daily serves every meal and includes vegan, gluten free, and other allergy options. they have everything from seafood, pizza, sandwiches, and cold pressed juices!
This is a very popular Italian and seafood option. I haven’t been there yet myself, but I’ve only heard good things!
Located in Carytown and Short Pump, Baker’s Crust offers affordable paninis, soups, salads, and brick oven pizza. An easy and yummy dinner.
Sushi and tater tots. Weird combination? Definitely not. This is the best sushi around and they even have a to-go option called, Sticky Rice Togogo. My girlfriends and I have picked up sushi here and taken it back to eat in our rooms, hence the many soy sauce stains on my carpet last year…
The best cupcakes in Richmond. Located in Libbie and Grove– definitely a must for a birthday celebration!
There are multiple locations such as Carytown and Libbie and Grove for this delicious frozen yogurt. My mom is absolutely obsessed with their fruity “poppers” toppings!
Libbie Market
A quaint market in Libbie and Grove that serves fresh sandwiches, sushi, and more. Definitely worth checking out!
A quaint market in Libbie and Grove that serves fresh sandwiches, sushi, and more. Definitely worth checking out!
Shopping:
Pink Palm (Lilly Pulitzer)
5019 Huguenot Rd, Richmond, VA 23226
(804) 282-8799
A Lilly Pulitzer signature store that’s located within walkable distance from campus. Need I say more?
5401 W Broad St
Richmond, VA 23230-2629
I am a Target enthusiast. This one is located 5-8 minutes from campus and even has a Starbucks inside. Yes, Target AND Starbucks, it exists.
5800 Grove Ave, Richmond, VA
(804) 288-8123
The Best of Carytown:
3118 W. Cary St. Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 358-2357
An adorable vintage boutique that carries lightly used Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Kate Spade, etc. I love finding unique items here!
3140 W. Cary St. Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 213-0720
All the clothing you’d ever need for themed parties. I’d invest in a few spandex leggings.
3004-A W. Cary St. Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 254-2741
An inexpensive and cute boutique with brightly colored dresses, tops, and skirts. They have a wide selection of accessories and jewelry as well!
The Best of Stony Point:
9200 Stony Point Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23235
Anthropologie
Bath and Body Works
Bare Minerals
BCBGMAXAZRIA
Lucky Brand Jeans
Saks Fifth Avenue
Vineyard Vines
Victoria’s Secret
Does all of this shopping make you hungry?! No worries, Stony Point has a P.F. Chang’s, Chipotle, Les Crepes, and Panera Bread.
The Best of Short Pump:
11800 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23233
American Eagle/Aerie
Apple
Banana Republic
Bath and Body Works
Fossil
Francesca’s Collections
Free People (this is new!)
H&M
J.Crew
Journeys
Kate Spade New York
Lululemon
Macy’s
Madewell (also new!)
Nordstrom
South Moon Under
Urban Outfitters
Victoria’s Secret
Take a break and eat at one of these delish places: Auntie Anne’s soft pretzels, Baker’s Crust, Cheesecake Factory, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Cold Stone Creamery, Nordstrom Ebar, and Starbucks (there’s one with a drive through too!!)
I hope this list of my Richmond favorites helps you out as you explore everything that lies outside of UR’s beautiful campus… Let me know if I am missing any of your favorites and I will happily add them! Feel free to share this post with your friends so they too can take advantage of everything that Richmond has to offer as well!
p.s. Check out one of my posts from last year, “Girls Day Out in Richmond” for more pictures and information on some of these stores!
xxAmy
