There's still time this summer for a road trip, with a twist. Whether you're seeking mountains or sea, Richmond sits in close proximity to some the best day trips in all the land. We recommend picking a spot with Richmond roots. To get you started, we've rounded up three unique destinations just out of town that were inspired by fellow Richmonders.
Windswept Experience & Supply Co.
Many Richmonders know Craig Dodson, the former executive director of Richmond Cycling Corps, for operating the nation’s only competitive cycling program for youth living in public housing and his dedication to breaking young people free from the cycle of systematic poverty. Today, Craig can be found in Irvington where he has channeled his love for bikes, adventure, and community into Windswept Experience & Supply Co. He recently revamped an old garage into a one-of-kind space for curated apparel, bicycle sales and rentals, bike service, paddle-board sales and rentals, long board skate sales, vintage accessories, and more. We recommend making the short drive from Richmond to check out Craig’s new venture, rent a bike or paddle board, and explore the bay, river and creeks. Irvington has two nationally recognized inns, beautiful creekside rentals, gorgeous sunsets, and some of the best eats around at nearby Adrift.
In 2015, Richmonders Ted and Katie Ukrop opened Quirk Hotel, a 74-room boutique hotel (plus art gallery, restaurant, and rooftop bar), in downtown Richmond in an Italian Renaissance building that once was a department store. Today, they’ve expanded their concept to Charlottesville, just an hour drive from RVA, where Quirk occupies a space built around two historic homes on West Main St in the downtown area. Just like the Richmond flagship, Quirk Charlottesville is styled in minimalist contemporary design and art from local artists can be easily spotted around the hotel’s pristine grounds. And like its sister property, the Cville version of Quirk boast an impressive rooftop bar and lounge. Not to mention an expansive barrel aged spirits bar, Bobboo, featuring private reserve and locally distilled whiskeys and spirits. Schedule a stay, stroll the nearby Downtown Mall, rent a kayak from Rivanna River Company, and get inspired at Ix Art Park.
Skip the crowded beaches and head straight to charming Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore where Richmond’s very own local entrepreneur David Gammino, along with co-owner Kathryn Gammino, has lovingly renovated a historic building within walking distance of Cape Charles Beach into what is today known as Hotel Cape Charles. Chesapeake-facing Cape Charles is ideal for those seeking a relaxed pace, small-town vibes, and coastal beauty. We suggest booking a room facing the courtyard at Gammino’s boutique hotel and renting an electric golf cart form the front desk (the entire town is golf cart friendly) right away! Once you’ve settled in, consider an eco-tour to the wildlife refuge just a few minutes away, grab some freshly baked goods and sandwiches to-go from Coastal Baking Co, or take your cart for a spin to Cape Charles Brewing Company where you can sit outside sipping on local brew while enjoying live music.
Represent Richmond when you're on the road with our comfy cotton t-shirt emblazoned with a hand-drawn design. Yes, that's Richmond's airport code. We consider this tee perfect attire for traveling over the holiday weekend or enjoying a lazy day off. Trust us — it's so super soft, you'll be wearing it everywhere.
Meet this week's guest editor, Paul Trible. As many Richmonders know, Paul is the co-founder and CEO of Ledbury, a luxury shirtmaker and menswear brand that has been on fire since 2009. A Virginia native, Paul launched Ledbury in Richmond with his good friend, Paul Watson, after apprenticing under a master shirtmaker in London. Together, the two set Ledbury's businesses strategy, leading to rapid growth and loyal customers here in the River City and far beyond. Paul is joining us today with three tips for venturing out while social distancing. As he puts it, "trying something new might make you feel right at home again...but not at home...again." Take it away, Paul!
Hardywood Virtual
Tasting Panel
Each weekend, our friends at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery host a virtual beer tasting panel. Even though you’re socially distant, you can still drink great beer with your neighbors. Sign up for a weekend session, and beer is dropped off on your front stoop. Who doesn’t want to try a Bourbon-Barrel-Aged Belgian Quad blended with an Apple-Brandy-Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout fermented with figs? No tapped kegs or socially distanced lines. This is one Zoom meeting you will want to attend.
It’s a Ledbury tradition to host our Hunt/Gather Field Party at Orapax, a beautiful hunting preserve just outside the city. It’s a special place as it gives you the sense that you’re in the hills of Charlottesville, without the drive. There’s a fully stocked pond where you’re able to fish from the shore or rent a boat. It’s the perfect place to fish (think 7-lb bass), hunt when in-season, or take your family for an afternoon picnic on the hillside.
As of today, Virginians will be mandated to wear a mask when in public spaces. We at Ledbury have always tried to make your wardrobe fit better and feel better, so our masks follow "suit." Buy one, and we'll donate one to non-profits in Richmond to protect our city's most vulnerable. We recently released our "Love is Why We Wear Them" video featuring friends and family from the neighborhood. Check it out (you might see someone you know), and help our community spread the love, not the virus.
Hand-illustrated letterpress charts detailing flora and fauna native to the Commonwealth of Virginia by The Wild Wander now available at Grid Supply Co.
Calling all leaf peepers, road trippers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Now is your time. Get out there this weekend. The leaves of deciduous varieties are at their peak and there are options aplenty, here at home and just a short drive away, for enjoying one of the best times of the year. See ya out there ...
Carter
Mountain
It's hard to know where to start when talking about this beautiful mountain-top orchard, but something tells us that fresh, hot apple cider donuts are a good place to begin. That's right, come hungry when you come to the mountain...'cause these award-winning donuts are legendary. And they come with dramatic vistas and acres and acres of fruit trees. When you're finished with this fall treat at Carter Mountain Orchard, meander into the orchard to pick-your-own apples (or you can buy fresh-picked apples) as you take in the Virginia countryside. No trip to this family orchard is complete without also popping into the onsite Bold Rock Hard Cider tasting room where you can sip on a cider crafted in the Blue Ridge Mountains using local apples from Carter Mountain. If you make the quick, approximately 1-hour, trip from Richmond this Veteran's Day weekend, make sure to check out the Hometown Heroes celebration on Saturday honoring active and retired military and first responders!
As the temperatures cool, there's no better time to hit the trail, huddle around a fire, or even squeeze in one more camping trip just in time for spectacular displays of orange, yellow, and red during peak fall foliage. And the good news is that you don't have to travel very far. Just 20 miles from Richmond, Pocahontas State Park offers 64-plus miles of pristine trails (particularly popular among bicyclists), rotating nature and history programs, three lakes (including the 225-acre Swift Creek Lake), some of the best camping around, and a variety of cabins. And if yurts are more your style, Pocahontas State Park has you covered. Bundle up, make a fire, and soak in the beauty of our state parks!
Just outside of Richmond is Upper Shirley Vineyards, an estate/winery/restaurant that is perched above one of the most scenic bends on the James River that is stunning this time of year. Located at mile maker 30, we recommend hopping on a bike and taking the Capital Trail to this rural wonderland. The tasting room is open Wednesday to Monday from 11-5, with lunch from 11-3 and small plates from 11-4:30. On their fall menu, the crispy fried Virginia oysters (with Absinthe creamed spinach, smoky bacon, and Parmesan) are not to be missed. And if you want to make it easy on yourself, let the Cap Trail Bike Shuttle turn your outing into a one-way cycling trip by dropping you and your bike off at Upper Shirley or have them drive you back!
Join or watch the fifth annual ‘King of the James’ adventure triathlon on Sunday, November 10th. Individuals and teams will
battle it out as they run the Forest Hill Trail loop, mountain bike Buttermilk and North Bank Trails, and paddle the urban whitewater found deep in the heart of Richmond’s fall line!
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