5 amazing date ideas in Richmond

by Kate Vinnedge

Photo by Will Fisher

Whether it’s your first date, or your twentieth, coming up with ideas on where to take that special someone can be anxiety inducing - how do you know they’re going to like it? That’s why we’ve got 5 great ideas for you!

1. Take them to breakfast at Dots Back Inn

Located on MacArthur Avenue in Northside, Dots Back Inn is an adorable mix of old style diner food and atmosphere, gracious and homey service, and all around great classic American fare. If you’re the kind of couple who vibes with an energetic dining atmosphere, good bacon, delicious eggs, and warm, southern hospitality, Dots Back is the place for your budding romance.

2. Make a memory at Wine & Design

Right next to the Broadberry is Wine & Design, a cute little space for all types of events like birthday parties, baby showers, and of course, dates! All you have to do is make a reservation in advance - they’ll supply you and your significant other with everything you need to make your own works of art together - from the brushes and canvas to a local artist to help guide you and your date as you create something together! Plus, wine!

3. Get away from it all at Pocahontas State Park

Just twenty minutes outside of Richmond in Chesterfield County is the lovely Pocahontas State Park. Offering everything from simple camping experiences to full RV hookup, this state park fits to everyone tastes - whether you go camping or glamping. Also, you needn’t reserve a campsite to enjoy this park’s amazing forests and ponds - since it’s so accessible from the city, just making a day trip out of it will give you plenty of time for you and your special someone to make a connection - with each other, and with nature.

4. Jazz & Wine at Branch & Vine

Every Monday evening Branch & Vine hosts a local jazz musician, sets out extra tables, and offers free wine tastings! Yep, that’s right - free. Impress your date with your wine knowledge, or learn something new about wine together! The Italian-American inspired fare paired with wine and relaxing, warm jazz is the perfect backdrop to get to know some new wine - and each other.

5. Take their breath away at the Oregon Hill Lookout

Our city’s skyline is beautiful from all angles - but the view that takes the cake is the Oregon Hill Lookout. A small half-circle jutting out from the hilltop at the ends of Laurel and Pine streets, the city looks beautiful from here at all times of day - but especially at night when the lights come on. The streetlights on the bridges spanning the waters of the James below punctuate the night sky like far away fairy lights, and the towers of downtown coalesce into a myriad of dazzling pinpricks of light, not unlike a romantic LiteBrite.