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Its the most wonderful time of the year in Virginias capital.
Cedric Angeles
Carytown
Cary Street is Richmond’s main artery of shops and restaurants.
Credit:Cedric Angeles
(Cherry Almond, Cranberry Pecan, and Apricot Pistachio are all perennial favorites.)
Nearby,Creme de la Crememakes browsing for presents a treat.
A French-inspired store, it features exquisite home goods you may not stumble upon anywhere else.
Down the road isWorld of Mirth, the city’s best toy store.
Many of the daily showings include a caroling sing-along with the theater’s house organist playing the Wurlitzer.
Church Hill
One of Richmond’s most storied neighborhoods is Church Hill, not far from downtown.
Breakfast atSub Rosa Bakeryis a must.
Many claim it’s the best one in town, and their croissants might convince you.
Pick up lunch (try the Reuben) atUnion Marketand unique gifts atDear Neighbor.
Hit theShops at 5807for booth-style browsing in a large market hall.
Eat lunch atTaste, but save some time to shop their Virginia-made food gifts like the belovedBeach Crunchmix.
Head toNestantiques for one-of-a-kind gifts and visitLittle Nickelfor fruity cocktails in a tropical setting.
A delicious fare at Alewife.Credit: Robbie Caponetto
At dinnertime, a cozy booth atLaura Lee’sis the perfect spot to relax.
Then stop byThe Veil Brewing Co.‘soutpost on Forest Hill Avenue for a craft IPA.
Mandy Scandlen, who moved here from Washington, D.C., loves tea atThe Jefferson Hotel.
Sandwiches and treats are served during Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Jefferson Hotel.
“There’s not a square inch of the hotel that hasn’t been touched with decorations.
Getting dressed up to go downtown for tea is what signals the arrival of the holidays for me.”
Another can’t-miss is theRTD Tacky Lights Tour.
(A list of showy stops is posted annually on theRichmond Times-Dispatchwebsite.)
“There is nothing quite like it back where I come from.”
It’s Richmond’s version of Rolf’s in New York City.
Stop by The Jasper, one of Richmond’s most popular bars, to enjoy a cocktail and chase the chill.
Get there early, or dress warmly, as you’ll have quite the line to wade through."
The seasonal house cocktail is a Smoking Cigar made from Lemaire’s barrel-select Elijah Craig bourbon.
The Quirk’s thoughtfully curated boutique is the ideal spot for finding gifts and stocking stuffers.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is always worth a visit, but the annual Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights takes decorating to a whole new level.Credit: Cedric Angeles
The Quirk favors pink, even this time of year.Credit: Cedric Angeles
