Richmond’s Shopping Scene Still Has a Small-Town Feel

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Welcome to Summer Getaways: Your guide to the best day trips outside eight major US cities — and where to shop when you get there. For each starting point, we’ve enlisted the help of a local to tell us where they go when they want to get out of town.

Your guide for getting out of Washington, DC, is Gabby Klingman, the owner of the boutique Lynn Lousia in Georgetown. Her destination: Richmond, Virginia.

I had heard amazing things about Richmond, but had never been until recently. I decided to go on a friend’s recommendation — she’s also in fashion and was going to the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. I went, and the museum was incredible; the exhibit was super well done. Of course, at the end of it, I shopped the gift shop and picked up the exhibition book.

Photo: VMFA

From there, I knew Need Supply was in Richmond, so we planned to start shopping there and then continue on to wherever else. I was pleasantly surprised that Need Supply is on the most fun street that's not overly commercialized — it's got a ton of independent boutiques right there. Of course, Need was incredible to shop in; their staff was extremely friendly and helpful.

There were plenty of little gift shops where you could buy Richmond apparel just walking down that street — they’re really proud of their city, which was cool to see.

Photo: Justin Chesney

Photo: Justin Chesney

Further, maybe about a half-mile down or so, there’s this cute little spot called Yesterday's Heroes. I was able to pick up things like cut-off vintage Levi’s and baskets and things like that.

Right next door is Na Nin and Addison, which were also super cute. Then, across the street from them was this coffee shop called Lamplighter. It was a nice collection of things with a really fun indie vibe. Both Na Nin and Need Supply have incredible websites — you go into the stores, and it’s a well-curated mix of things. Both spots are small, so it’s the best of the best.

Photo: Laura Sant

Photo: Justin Chesney

Before I finished up the day, I had dinner — a glass of rosé and mahi tacos — at The Daily. I’d definitely recommend parking and just walking around, because there are hidden things all over. I drove from DC, and it was pretty much just a straight shot on the freeway. —as told to Tiffany Yannetta