Going to Richmond? Now you have more hotel choices than the Jefferson. For something completely different—i.e., cheerful, fresh, fun—try Quirk.
(photo courtesy of Quirk hotel)
Since Departures, CN Traveler, and Travel+Leisure recommended it, Mimi’s Travel File had to go to Quirk. It’s stylish and happy. Built in 1916 as a department store, Quirk’s windows are large and ceilings are high. Recommend room 515, a king suite with vast views of Richmond.
In addition to its bar and restaurant, there’s an art gallery and stylish store just off of Quirk’s lobby. (photo courtesy of Quirk hotel)
It has a pretty design palette that carries through from the lobby to the hotel rooms.
Quirk’s happening rooftop bar (photo courtesy of Quirk hotel)
My sources tell me that nearby Graduate hotel also has a happening rooftop bar, called Byrd House.
Full disclosure: While I loved Quirk and would go back in a heartbeat, the housekeeping had some flaws (missing buttons on the remote, curtain stuck, phone that didn’t ring down to reception). When I brought them to the attention of the staff, they took notes, apologized and reduced my room rate. I plan to stay there again because I loved it.
Bonus: Quirk has valet parking, so you don’t have to mess with a parking lot.
See the Sights
So, now that we have our room squared away, let’s see my two favorite sites in Richmond…
- St. John’s Church, circa 1741 and the site of Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech.
St. John’s sits atop Church Hill, the first neighborhood in Richmond. And what a pretty neighborhood it is! Old, gorgeous houses large and small, and good views. (photo courtesy of St. John’s Church)
George Wythe, signer of the Declaration of Independence and mentor to Thomas Jefferson, is buried in St. John’s Church’s graveyard. (photo courtesy of St. John’s Church)
- The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has an outstanding collection (esp. its art nouveau furniture), gorgeous garden, fab gift shop and two nice places to eat.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (photo courtesy of VMFA)
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ garden (photo courtesy of VMFA)
Let’s Eat
And speaking of eating, where shall we dine? I highly recommend:
Brenner’s Pass in the hip, low-crime neighborhood, Scott’s Addition (architects’ offices, craft breweries, etc.). The food is amazing (the highly discerning James Beard Foundation likes it), decor mod and attractive, and service terrific.
If you prefer a retro-fast food feel, I hear the burgers at nearby Boulevard Burger & Brew are stand-in-line-it’s-worth-it delicious.
For an old-timey box lunch to send you on your way once you check out of Quirk, go to Sally Bell’s. “Inside each box is a happy meal from a better time,” said Bon Appetit magazine. Works for me!
