Once considered a sleepy Southern capital with a handful of historic sites, Richmond, Virginia, is shaking off the past. Passionate entrepreneurs have muscled onto the scene: hot art-themed hotels are wowing guests, bold chefs are shaking up the culinary landscape, and brewers offer sours and saisons in brand-new tasting rooms.
The neighborhood of Scott’s Addition features the best of what modern Richmond has to offer. This compact and walkable historic district is buzzing with craft breweries, destination eateries, and iconic buildings refreshed for a new generation. Center your trip here to experience everything from whiskey to cider and bike shares to boutique hotels over a fun-filled 36 hours in the River City.
Day 1
Afternoon: A Distillery Delight
Join the steady flow of patrons streaming into the tasting room at Reservoir Distillery. Long-time local Jay Carpenter, who co-owns the small-batch distillery with high school classmate David Cuttino, remembers the neighborhood as virtually deserted when they opened up shop in 2008. ‘Literally when I’d leave, I’d flash a flashlight both ways [as I stepped outside] the door. It was a little sketchy,’ recalled Carpenter, noting that Reservoir was the first alcohol producer in the neighborhood. ‘And now it’s seven breweries, two cideries, and a meadery.’
Today, you can stop by the tasting room—one of many former warehouses that make the neighborhood well-suited for breweries—to sample and purchase four whiskeys: a 100% wheat, a 100% rye, a bourbon from 100% corn, and a bourbon blend. All grains are locally sourced. The distillery’s signature five-gallon barrels are made from Virginia white oak, increasing the wood-to-alcohol ratio, allowing for faster aging.
From there, it’s a four-block walk down Summit Avenue to Blue Bee Cider. As you walk, it’s hard to imagine a vast plantation once blanketed the surrounding landscape. In the mid-1800s, this property was owned by General Winfield Scott, a successful commander during the Mexican-American War. The Blue Bee Cider building at the corner of Summit Avenue and W Clay Street is hard to miss. This structure, resembling a miniature medieval fortress, is crafted from cobblestones that once lined the street and dates back to a Works Progress Administration project for skilled artisans in the 1940s. Today, Blue Bee sells ciders made from rare, heirloom apple varieties.
‘A lot of what we look to are what colonists were growing,’ says Blue Bee’s Cider Evangelist Brian Ahnmark. ‘There were estimated to be over 3000 different kinds of apples in the southern United States alone during the Colonial era. And now that number is less than 300.’
Evening: Dinner and a Movie
Gourmet burgers, craft beer, and adult milkshakes are the stars at Boulevard Burger & Brew, a postmodern diner on the northeast edge of the neighborhood. The red-and-white striped building once housed Kelly’s Jet Systems Burgers in the 1950s and ‘60s. Today, the beef is 100% organic and hormone-free, with toppings like basil popcorn pesto, apricot jam, and classic American cheese.
Cross the Boulevard for a movie at Bow-Tie Cinemas. From April through August, you might even catch a baseball game at the Diamond, home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels.
Day 2
Morning: A No-Frills Breakfast and an Artful Tour
Coloring-book drawings of ‘Webbster the People-Loving Cow’ decorate the walls of the low-frills Dairy Bar, open since 1946. Try the salt herring at this welcoming breakfast and lunch spot in the northwest corner of Scott’s Addition.
Once you’re fueled up, venture just one mile from the neighborhood to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in the Museum District. This glossy treasure box keeps locals engaged with its consistently innovative temporary exhibits. The striking new Chloe sculpture by Jaume Plensa in the sculpture garden offers a captivating sight.
Afternoon: Chinese + Craft Beer
For lunch, return to Scott’s Addition and look for the red neon sign marking the entrance to Fat Dragon, known for its modern and classic Chinese fare paired with craft beers. With its gritty exterior and dimly lit interior, the ambiance feels edgy, yet you’ll find many preppy patrons enjoying craft brews.
Next up? More craft beer. Thanks to Senate Bill 604, microbreweries have flourished in Scott’s Addition and across the state. This bill, passed in 2012, allows Virginia breweries to sell beer on-site without needing to offer food. Additionally, historic tax credits have encouraged development, providing financial incentives for preserving noteworthy architectural features. As you explore, appreciate the neighborhood’s distinct commercial architectural styles, which include International Style, Art Deco, and Moderne.
Beer and nature join forces at Väsen Brewing, the newest craft brewery in Scott’s Addition. In Swedish, the word väsen refers to your inner essence, or spirit animal, which you might just discover after sipping its tasty saisons and farmhouse ales. A mural of a caribou emerging from a dazzling green forest flanks the taproom, which features an imposing man-made boulder. Cheers to a refreshing afternoon!
From Väsen, it’s a three-block walk to The Veil Brewing Company—look for the crowds spilling from the garage doors. Beloved for its double-IPAs and gose lineup, the brewery gains popularity for its Tuesday afternoon releases, where a well-dressed crowd queues before the 4 PM opening. A staple release is the Hornswoggler, a chocolate milk stout with Oreo and coconut variations. The name itself refers to the pellicle, a film that forms over beer during spontaneous fermentation.
Evening: A True Southern Supper
Kitschy fried chicken joint Supper offers comfort food with a gourmet twist. Choose from toppings like bacon-cheese sauce, green tomato gravy, or melted pimiento. Cozy but convivial, Supper is perfect for date nights, after-work drinks, and friend gatherings. In sum, everyone stops by at some point.
Conclude your indulgent neighborhood journey with a refreshing German lager and breathtaking views over the city from the Hofgarden, a rooftop bar atop the historic Hofheimer Building.
Make It Happen
Scott’s Addition is conveniently located west of downtown Richmond, nestled between W Broad Street, S Boulevard, and I-195. Easily accessible from downtown via taxi or ride-share, the neighborhood offers ample free street parking. Once there, explore on foot. Richmond Bikeshare has a station in Scott’s Addition at 3118 W Leigh St.
Tasting rooms typically open in the late afternoon on weekdays, with most opening around noon on Saturdays and Sundays.
