25 NON-Bummer WAYS TO SPEND A RAINY DAY IN RICHMOND
Don’t forget your umbrella.
Rain in the forecast can definitely put a damper on your plans, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t still have an awesome day in RVA! Check out our recommendations for rainy day activities that will keep you dry while still having a good time. Whether you feel like venturing out or enjoying a new activity from the comfort of your living room, this list ought to inspire it all.
— Updated by Alie McArdle, Contributing Writer
Move Your Body with an Indoor Workout
Triangle Rock Club
Channel your inner daredevil and brave the indoor climbing wall at Triangle Rock Club. Their facility caters to climbers of all experience levels and features rope climbing, lead climbing, bouldering, and auto-belay systems. They also offer fitness classes, including yoga and HIIT!
Location:4700 Thalbro St (Libbie Mill)
Hours: Found here
[SolidCore]
Ready for the toughest workout like, ever? Pop into Solid Core for a Pilates class unlike any other. Each class focuses on slow movements that work your entire body. Core is always emphasized, with different classes targeted at other muscle groups as well.
Location: 5000 Bakers Mill Ln (Libbie Mill) and 12191 W Broad St Ste A (Short Pump)
Hours: Found here
TAOU Studio
TAOU stands for The Art Of Us. This yoga studio is founded on inclusivity and provides a community space that connects creativity, community, and body awareness. They offer yoga, reiki, dance classes, massage, and more.
Location: 3122 W Cary St #220 (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Dig for Treasure at a Local Thrift Store
Diversity Thrift
Richmond’s LGBTQ+ thrift store has been serving the community since 1999. Get lost exploring their huge indoor store that offers everything from furniture, books, décor, clothing, and more!
Location: 1407 Sherwood Ave (Scott’s Addition)
Hours: Found here
Class and Trash
Filled with vintage and antique finds, you’re bound to find some unique treasure at Class and Trash.
Location: 1720 Altamont Ave (Scott’s Addition) and 11088 Washington Hwy (Glen Allen)
The Clothes Rack
The Clothes Rack has two Richmond-area locations that raise funds for the Junior League of Richmond. This is a great spot to score some new clothing, furniture, and home décor finds.
Location: 2618 W Cary St (The Fan) and 6780 Forest Hill Ave (Stratford Hills)
Warm Up with Delicious Comfort Food
Bottoms Up Pizza
Who doesn’t love a cheesy, hot pie on a rainy day? I know we do. Bottoms Up offers delivery, dine-in, curbside pick-up, and even gluten-free and vegan options!
Location: 1700 Dock St (Shockoe Bottom)
Hours: Found here
Mama J’s
Mama J’s is family-owned and operated and serves some of the best Southern and soul food in the city. Some fried chicken and mac and cheese is bound to cheer you up even when the weather is cold and gray.
Location: 415 N 1st St (Jackson Ward)
Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11 am – 9 pm, Friday – Saturday, 11 am – 10 pm
Sen - Organic Small Plate
Pho is a classic and comforting Vietnamese noodle soup. Sen – Organic Small Plate uses fresh, organic ingredients to help you craft your perfect and customized bowl of pho. They also have a variety of delicious, organic teas!
Location: 2901 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Joe’s Inn
Nothing says “comfort” quite like a giant plate of Spaghetti A La Joe from Joe’s Inn. If spaghetti isn’t your thing, their menu offers an extensive selection of diner favorites from classic breakfast, sandwiches, and pizza.
Location: 205 N Shields Ave (The Fan)
Hours: Found here
LuLu’s
Get out of the rain and into some mimosas with brunch at LuLu’s. You can’t go wrong with classics like the Lulu’s Benedict, Chicken & Biscuit, and Huevos Rancheros. Oh, and did I mention their drink menu?
Location: 21 N 17th St (Shockoe Bottom)
Hours: Found here
Learn a New Skill (In Person or From Home)
Mise En Place
Sick of ordering takeout? Create your own culinary masterpiece with a class from Mise En Place! They host cooking classes and virtual events for the novice or expert chef. Find a list of their upcoming virtual classes here.
Location: 104 Shockoe Slip (Shockoe Slip)
Hours: View their class schedule here.
Hand / Thrown Ceramics Studio
Ever wanted to try your hand at ceramics? Hand / Thrown has several classes for wheel throwing, candle making, handbuilding, and more. Book your class here.
Location: 123 W Brookland Park Blvd (Brookland Park)
Hours: View their class schedule and membership options here.
Visual Arts Center of Richmond
With online and on-site options, the Visual Arts Center of Richmond is the perfect place to pick up a new hobby. Their classes include a broad range of options including drawing, metalworking, painting, writing, ceramics, graphic design, and more! View their current offerings here.
Location: 1812 W Main St (The Fan)
Hours: Found here
Find Inspiration at a Local Art Gallery
ICA at VCU
VCU’s Institute for Contemporary Art features several rotating exhibits that are perfect for wandering on a rainy day. See their current exhibitions here.
Location: 601 W Broad St (VCU)
Hours: Found here
Quirk Gallery
Quirk Gallery hosts exhibitions from established and emerging artists alike. Pay a visit to their gorgeous gallery space and then head next door to Quirk Hotel for a drink at the café or lobby bar.
Location: 207 W Broad St (Jackson Ward)
Hours: Found here
Toast in a Cozy Tasting Room
Triple Crossing Beer - Downtown
Triple Crossing’s Downtown location is the ideal spot to hide out from the rain. Enjoy one of their 16 rotating draft beers and a Neapolitan-style pizza while you wait out the weather.
Location: 113 S Foushee St (Monroe Ward)
Hours: Found here
The Answer Brewpub
As their slogan says – Beer is the Answer! With 56 taps and two bars, there’s plenty of craft beer options to sample. While you’re there, don’t forget to order some of their amazing Vietnamese cuisine.
Location: 6008 W Broad St
Hours: Found here
Garden Grove Brewing and Urban Winery
Can’t decide between beer and wine? Look no further than Garden Grove. They have beer, wine, and cider options on tap that are made in small batches in-house with a focus on local, organic ingredients.
Location: 3445 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
The Veil Brewing Co.
Between The Veil Brewing Co.’s two locations, you’ve got plenty of indoor and covered seating options, an extensive draft list, wine and cider options, and amazing food menus.
Location: 1509B Belleville St (Scott’s Addition) and 4910 Forest Hill Ave (Forest Hill)
Check Out Some Other Indoor Activities
Red Door Escape Room
Brush up on your problem-solving skills with a trip to Red Door Escape Rooms. Each room is different, giving you a new story and puzzle to conquer. Grab a few friends and see if you can solve these live-action games and challenges.
Location: 1800 W Broad St Suite 1214 (Short Pump)
Hours: Found here
Hotel Greene
Strategically beat your golf partner with this fun hotel-themed indoor mini golf course. They offer hors devours, cocktails, and live jazz music on select days as well.
Location: 508 E Franklin St (Monroe Ward)
Hours: Found here
River City Roll
Sip, bowl, and jam to live music (during select evenings) at River City Roll. This is “not your mama’s” bowling alley. It’s much more than that.
Location: 939 Myers St (Scott’s Addition)
Hours: Found here
Science Museum of Virginia
Catch a movie at the Science Museum planetarium, discover the laws of physics through numerous exhibits, and test your skills at their boost exhibit. This is the perfect place to spend a rainy day in RVA.
Location: 2500 W Broad St (The Fan)
Hours: Found here
Rage RVA
Take out some pent-up rage and experience the thrill of smashing stuff at Rage RVA. Break dishes, TVs, cars, and more.
Location: 2403 W Main St (The Fan)
Hours: Found here
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