Date Archives: February 2022

Keeping the family busy with fun things to do isn't hard when you call the Richmond area home. Our real estate agents know it's important to be out of the home for showings or an open house. But where should you go during that time? If your home is listed among the Richmond homes for sale, consider stopping by these family-friendly locations for some fun while your showing is going on. 

1. IC Scoops - 2447-A County Dr., Petersburg, VA 23801
   Parents may pretend they're treating the kids with a trip to IC Scoops, just down the street from Petersburg homes for sale. But really, who can resist all those luscious ice cream and milkshake flavors? There are also cookies and brownies to enjoy solo or a la mode. If you want to eat an actual meal first, IC Scoops serves burgers, hot dogs, cheesesteaks, and a soup of the day. Follow them on Facebook for information about daily specials. Hours are 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, 3 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
2. Agecroft Hall & Gardens - 4305 Sulgrave Rd., Richmond, VA 23221
   See how much fun history can be at Agecroft Hall & Gardens. The stunning Tudor-style manor was home to landed gentry in Lancashire, England, dating back to the 16th century. Transplanted to Richmond in the mid-1920s, Agecraft Hall and its lush gardens offer a fascinating look into the Elizabethan Era. Quill Theatre, on the grounds of Agecraft Hall, hosts the annual Shakespeare Festival. Tickets for the museum are $10 for adults and $6 for students, with no charge to tour the gardens. Agecraft Hall is open Thursday through Sunday from noon - 5 p.m.
   
   
3. Richmond Railroad Museum - 102 Hull St., Richmond, VA 23224
   The Richmond Railroad Museum keeps this important part of Americana alive for current and future generations. Artifacts, photos, and documents tell the story of railroading in Virginia and the vital role it played in the state's growth. Richmond's largest HO scale model railroad includes a model of a former Governor's Mansion, based on a picture from a 1930s-era postcard. Go inside an actual steam locomotive from 1924 and take a walking tour of a flood wall along the James River. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 6-13. Hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
4. The Circuit Arcade Bar - 3121 W. Leigh St., Richmond, VA 23230
   Pinball and arcade games paved the way for today's high-tech video games. Challenge your kids to some old-school competition at The Circuit Arcade Bar. Choose from more than 80 classic and modern titles such as Asteroids, Donkey Kong, Mario Bros., Mortal Kombat, and Street Fighter. Keep your energy up with tacos, chicken wings, and other traditional snacks. Games operate on 1-3 tokens, which are sold 4 for $1. A $20 annual gold membership includes perks such as priority check-in with no waiting in line. Family-friendly hours are 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. on weekends. 
   
   
5. Mad Science - 11551 Nuckols Rd., Suite J, Glen Allen, VA 23059
   Inspire a love of science when you book a workshop or enrichment program at Mad Science. Their lab, not far from Glen Allen homes for sale, is a great way to teach your kids a variety of fun science experiments. The team at Mad Science is committed to teaching kids how interesting science can be! Be sure to check out their website for their latest schedule and workshops.

Share the vibrant cultural, entertainment, and educational opportunities of Richmond with your whole family. Contact us at Napier Realtors ERA to learn more.

In just over five years, since the debut of White Claw, hard seltzer is now challenging craft beer as the country's adult beverage of choice. Boasting a legendary brewing scene, it was only a matter of time until Richmond started crafting hard seltzers and perfecting that as well! 

Our real estate agents look forward to raising a glass to this taste sensation with these great hard seltzer brands around Richmond homes for sale. 

• River City Seltzer - 2114 E. Main St., Richmond, VA 23223
  Hitting the market in August 2020, River City Seltzer already had a hometown advantage. The new brand is a spin-off from Bryant's Cider in Nelson County, which has a popular taproom in the trendy Shockoe Bottom neighborhood of Richmond. Jerry Thornton, owner of Bryant's, was inspired to start his new venture when he realized he didn't care for any of the national brands. River City Seltzers are naturally carbonated, with no processed sugar or flavors. Coming in at only 100 calories, seltzers such as Peach and Unicorn Fuel are light and refreshing. Taproom hours are noon - 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 6 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Richmond Seltzer Co. - Stoplight Gelato Cafe, 405 Brook Rd., Richmond, VA 23220
  Vanessa Gleiser developed an interest in craft spirits while working at Bryant's Cider. When Vanessa and her childhood friend-turned-partner Iain Gordon decided the city needed a hard seltzer taproom, Richmond Seltzer Co. was born. Plans are in the works to share space with Stoplight Gelato Cafe in Jackson Ward. In the meantime, Vanessa and Iain are turning out blackberry sour, peach hibiscus, and passion fruit/guava/orange hard seltzers from their apartment kitchen.
  
  
• Benchtop Brewing - 434 Hull St., Richmond, VA 23224
  Norfolk's Benchtop Brewing is bringing its award-winning beverages and innovative spirit to Richmond in early 2022. Owner Eric Tennant seized the opportunity to open a satellite location in the Manchester neighborhood, forming a beer-centric area with fellow breweries Legend and Basic City. Eric uses his unique background as a food scientist to continuously improve his lineup of tasty, high-quality brews. "Benchtop" is a term used to refer to the first iteration of a new prototype, honoring Eric's goal to keep the brewery's product new and exciting. Last May, Eric tried his hand at hard seltzer when he produced the "world's first snobby seltzer." Dubbed the Bubbler, the drink is made with raspberries and phantasm, a high-tech ingredient created by freezing the skins of sauvignon blanc grapes. Watch the website and follow Benchtop on Facebook for information about the Richmond opening.
  
  
• Buskey Cider - 2910 W. Leigh St., Richmond, VA 23230
  While other students at Hampden-Sydney College were cramming for exams, Will Correll was working toward his future by learning to make cider in his dorm room. Will's efforts paid off in 2015 when he and his wife Elle opened Buskey Cider in a 7,000-square-foot historic building in Scott's Addition, one of the country's most notable beverage districts. Buskey Cider is made with 100 percent fresh-pressed Virginia apples with no added sugar, dilution, or acid adjustments. The result is a flavorful drink that's at a level above most cider brands. Incorporating the new trend, Buskey has begun producing a "light" cider that's similar to hard seltzer. Buskey Cider is open 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 9 p.m. Sunday.

Traditional and contemporary find their perfect meeting place in Richmond. If you're buying or selling real estate, contact us at Napier Realtors ERA. 

Richmond has gained a reputation as one of America's next great food cities. Forbes recently described it as a "hidden culinary gem," and it's a place where you'll find eateries serving fresh seafood and tasty Southern fare alongside amazing flavors from all around the globe.

Our real estate agents have long sung the praises of Richmond's unique and varied cuisine. For a taste of what our city has to offer, look no further than these award-winning restaurants in Richmond. 

• Mama J's Kitchen - 415 N 1st St, Richmond, VA 23219
  Richmond's premier Soul Food restaurant, Mama J's Kitchen, is a labor of love for Velma "Mama J" Johnson and her family. Among its many accolades, Thrillist called Mama J's one of the "50 Restaurants to Try Before You Die," and the restaurant has been featured on ESPN, National Geographic, and Southern Living. Of course, none of that is as important as Mama J's friendly atmosphere and amazing menu. It's also just minutes from many Richmond homes for sale. 
  
  
• Alewife - 3120 E Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23223
  Nestled in Richmond's historic Church Hill neighborhood, Alewife has its roots in the traditional seafood dishes and cocktails of the Mid-Atlantic region. But its unique, sophisticated dishes are always full of surprises. In 2019, Alewife was ranked among the best new restaurants in America by both Esquire and GQ magazine and chef. Owner Lee Gregory is a three-time James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist.
  
  
• Rappahannock Oyster Co. - 320 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219
  Named a "2014 Best New Restaurant" by Esquire, Rappahannock Oyster Co. highlights the unique shellfish of the Chesapeake Bay region. With its industrial-chic ambiance and world-class raw bar, the Rappahannock Oyster Co. is also a farm-to-table restaurant that sources its ingredients locally and also serves up a great selection of craft beers and cocktails. 
  
  
• Alexander's - 101 West Bank St, Petersburg, VA 23803 
  Opened in 1977, Alexander's serves up flavorful dishes inspired by Greece, Italy, and American comfort food that locals rave about. Their Mediterranean dishes have been voted as some of the area's best. Plus, they are only a short drive away from Petersburg homes for sale. Both lunch and dinner menus are available and are sure to impress!
  
  
• Lehja Restaurant - 11800 W Broad St, Suite 910, Richmond, VA 23233
  For Indian food in the Richmond area, Lehja Restaurant is a local favorite. Chef Sandeep "Sunny" Baweja is a 2019 James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist, and Lehja was included in Washingtonian Magazine's top 15 must-visit RVA destinations. Serving traditional Indian dishes with a contemporary flair, Lahja Restaurant's sauces and seasonings often take 10-plus hours to prepare. It's also known for its stylish decor and comfy outdoor dining area and a convenient location in Richmond's Short Pump neighborhood. 
  
  
• Peter Chang Cafe - 11424 W Broad St, Glen Allen, VA 23060
  A talented chef known for his dazzling cuisine, Peter Chang was a finalist for best chef in Mid-Atlantic in the James Beard Foundation Awards in 2016. His namesake restaurant in Glen Allen—one of several restaurants on the East Coast that bears his name—serves up artful Szechuan specialties family-style in a warm, welcoming setting. Peter Chang Cafe made the Washingtonian's "100 Very Best Restaurants" list in its inaugural year and is convenient to numerous Glen Allen homes for sale. 
  
  
• The Boathouse at Sunday Park - 4602 Millridge Pkwy, Midlothian, VA 23112
  The Boathouse at Sunday Park is a fixture of "best date night spot" lists in the Richmond area and was also been bestowed with a Couples' Choice Award from WeddingWire. It's a charming waterfront spot located a stone's throw from these Midlothian homes for sale, with a full bar and beautiful indoor and outdoor dining areas. Locally-sourced is the star of their menu, but they also serve up some next-level burgers. 

Contact us today to learn more about Richmond's amazing dining options. If you're looking for your dream home in Central Virginia, our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way. 

For many of us pet owners and dog lovers, quick access to pet-friendly amenities is essential. Things like boarding and pet stores are important, but sometimes your pup needs a little bit of luxury too. Central Virginia has it all -- from options for pet-friendly outdoor activities, doggie spas, and even upscale overnight accommodations. Our real estate agents love pets, so it only made sense that we'd create a quick list of our favorite places around Central Virginia to treat our pups.

1. Dog Krazy - 3310 W. Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
   If you're looking for some of the highest quality pet products around, a stop by Dog Krazy is in order. This specialty pet store offers a wide selection of quality dog food as well as essentials, toys, and treats. You'll also enjoy checking out their assortment of doggie baked goods. 
   
   
2. Ruff Canine Club - 1924 Ellen Rd, Richmond, VA 23230
   This members-only dog club offers a recreational haven for your pup. Dogs have plenty of room to run around and play at Ruff Canine Club, while owners can enjoy a drink at the dog bar. Memberships are available on a monthly or annual basis, but you can also buy a guest pass for the day if you want to check it out.
   
   
3. Dogtopia - 13615 Hull Street Rd, Midlothian, VA 23112
   Looking for some great boarding options? Dogtopia is a premier destination for daycare, boarding, and spa services. However, this is more than just a place to drop off your dog -- the staff at Dogtopia offer training to help pets learn valuable social skills during their stay. The daycare is an off-leash setting, so your dog will have complete freedom to explore. Dogtopia is a great option for pet boarding, especially if you're considering one of these great Midlothian homes for sale nearby.
   
   
4. Swift Creek Animal Hospital & Pet Resort - 2331 Colony Crossing Pl, Midlothian, VA 23112
   Easy access to high-quality medical care can be found at Swift Creek Animal Hospital. This vet clinic offers comprehensive services to help keep your dog feeling healthy. Emergency services, basic health care, dental care, and even laser treatments, you'll find everything you need and more. They also have an onsite pet resort for daycare, boarding, and spa services.
   
   
5. Scott Memorial Park - 6680 Courthouse Rd, Prince George, VA 23875
   If your pet is in need of some fresh air, a nice walk Scott Memorial Park could do you both some good. This beautiful park consists of ballfields, playgrounds, walking trails, and obstacle courses, spread across 10 acres of land. It's the perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon. If you love this park, you might enjoy checking out some great Prince George homes for sale just down the road.
   
   
6. Dorey Park and Recreation Center - 2999 Darbytown Rd, Henrico, VA 23231
   Head on over to Henrico and check out one of the best dog parks in Central Virginia. Dorey Park has an excellent outdoor, off-leash dog park. It's about 1 acre and is surrounded by a 6-foot fence. The park has its own section for small pups and another one for large dogs. There is also a trailhead for the Virginia Capital Trail right next to the park, so you can head on a nice walk in the woods. There are also plenty of gorgeous Henrico homes for sale not too far away.

Access to amenities and resources for your pet is important when selecting a new place to live. Contact us for more information on all the great things Central Virginia has to offer.