Richmonders know romance isn’t just about candles and prix fixe menus, at least if readers’ picks for the city’s most romantic spots are any indication.
Why it matters: Nearly 100 people responded to our poll this past week, and their answers ranged from scenic overlooks to booths tucked away in legendary neighborhood bars.
The intrigue: Even with the miserable cold of the last few weeks, locals consistently chose outdoor spaces as the city’s most romantic spots.
- But good news: Saturday’s forecast calls for a high of 59 degrees, so maybe readers are onto something.
The big picture: The reigning champion for Richmond’s most romantic spot is Libby Hill Park, with nearly a third of readers naming it their top choice.
- Readers repeatedly mentioned the sunsets there, which one person said “feel like they’re out of a painting.” We agree.
- Most also suggested having a picnic with a bottle of wine for peak romance.
🌇 More romantic spots with a view that readers shouted out:
Jefferson Park at sunset. Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios
- Jefferson Park, where one localsaid they first kissed their wife.
- Chimborazo Park overlooking the James River (bonus points for dinner and drinks at Grisette first).
- The Hollywood Cemetery mausoleum with its river view.
- The T-Pott bridge, especially at sunset (notice a pattern?).
🌳 Nature lovers pointed to:
The sunset at Byrd Park isn’t too shabby, either. Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios
- Fountain Lake at Byrd Park, where one reader got engaged.
- The sunflower field at Lickinghole Creek in Goochland.
- A walk around Forest Hill Park.
- Maymont’s gardens.
🧺 Those who love a good lawn said:
A 7pm VMFA sunset in March. We’re so close to having that again. Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios
- The VMFA lawn at sunset.
- The lawn at Blue Atlas in Fulton.
🍽️ On the restaurant front:
Let’s just pretend I cleaned my camera lens before taking a pic of Stella’s, which is even cooler in person. Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios
- Stella’s on Lafayette Street.
- Laura Lee’s in Forest Hill.
- Gersi on North Davis for its “close seating and decadent food.”
- The bar at Can Can in Carytown.
- Lost Letter’s patio on a summer night.
- The tiny booth in the back of Bamboo Cafe.
Honorable mention: The Richmond gun hole…