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Most Insta-Worthy Spots in RVA


You’ve seen them for LA, NYC, and Miami, but I wanted to break the mold a little and share the most Insta-worthy spots in RVA!

I’m a proud Richmonder, as I was born and raised here, and I love that my city has some beautiful hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems that make for the best photo ops. So if you’re ever traveling through Richmond, make sure to stop at a couple of these spots to get the best Insta shot! You’ve seen them on my feed, and now I’m sharing where they’re at!

Happy travels!

The “Tuscan” Home on Monument Ave

2315 Monument Avenue West
I’ve taken photos here three times for myself and several times for others. It’s a beautiful place that doesn’t even look like it belongs in Richmond. The home is no longer occupied and is used primarily as a spot for wedding photos!

Quirk Hotel (and rooftop bar)

201 W Broad Street
While this may be a hotel, it’s also one of the most picturesque places in Richmond. They do charge a fee and ask you to sign a consent form to take photos there now, but if you want a heavy dose of pink, it’s a great spot.

The VMFA (Virginia Museum of Fine Arts)

200 N Boulevard Ave
Inside or out, the VMFA is a gorgeous place to visit and take pictures. Just keep in mind that if you’re indoors, you need to keep your flash turned off.

Ironclad Coffee Roasters

1805 E Grace Street
Like good coffee? Want a wonderfully urban, cozy place to hang out and take photos? This is the perfect place for you. Be polite of the customers around you. Some may be working or studying, so you can even call ahead to find out if they’re busy.

The Graduate (and their rooftop bar)

301 W Franklin Street
Hands down my favorite hotel in Richmond, as well as my favorite rooftop bar. During the spring and summer, you’ll find me here nonstop, drinking frosΓ© and taking a million photos!

Gather

920 Mt Hermon Road
My mom surprised me with a trip out to this gorgeous gift shop. The grounds are stunning, the bright red truck in the front is an ideal photo op, and there are so many fabulous gifts to get your hands on.

Hot Diggity Donuts

1213 Hull Street
I absolutely love this fantastic donut shop. There’s a neon sign, gingham wallpaper, and even the bathroom is perfect for a selfie. Just take my advice and head here for yummy treats and a photo.

Mon Chou

312 E Grace Street
I didn’t even know this place would be cute the first time I visited. I just wanted some yummy tea and a macaron. When I walked inside, I was thrilled with the plant paradise and gorgeous aesthetic that’s picture perfect around every corner.

The Canal Walk

1201 Haxall Point
Street art, river views, canal boat tours, and cute cacti that give off some Arizona vibes in the middle of RVA. So much color, and a beautiful place to take a walk during golden hour.

Miller and Rhoads

230 N 6th Street
It may just be a mural in front of an apartment building, but my gosh it’s an adorable mural. Totally stylish and perfect for a fashion shoot.

Whisk

2100 E Main Street
I used to frequent this cafΓ© so often I had my own hashtag for the photos I took there. I don’t get to visit as often anymore, but I still love getting a quick snap each time I swing by. They’ve got delectable pastries, delicious mocha lattes, and both indoor and out have great photo spots.

Collette Miller Wings at LIFT Coffee Shop & CafΓ©

218 W Broad Street
I remember seeing these wings all over Instagram, and had no clue that there was a pair in RVA. It’s on the back patio of a cafΓ©, and every time I’ve visited, I’ve had to take a photo. The wings are too gorgeous to pass up.

Pink Brick at Andres Day Spa & Unique Gifts

449 Forest Ave, Henrico
This hot pink brick wall is way too fun to not visit for a photoshoot. In fact, this photo ended up getting turned into a fashion illustration that I now have in my office. It’s so bright and cheery, and I’ve even taken photos for others here as well.

RVA’s “Painted Ladies” on Main St

1201-1309 W Main Street
You know the Painted Ladies in San Francisco, right? Well, we have our own version of them right here in Richmond. These pastel-colored buildings are all in a row, and if you’re looking for a specific color as your background, you’ll probably find it here!

The “Wavy Building” – McGuire Woods

800 E Canal Street
I’ve taken more photos here than I can count. Of myself, my husband, other bloggers, and sometimes just the building itself. It’s such cool architecture and there’s parking right in front of it, which makes it the perfect spot for a quick and easy photoshoot.

Pretty Pink Wall at Broad Street Vet

3320 W Broad Street
What kind of blogger would I be if I didn’t include this iconic pink wall in Richmond? Crazy enough, it’s the outside of a veterinary clinic, but it’s just so cute. I suggest visiting on a cloudy day, because otherwise the sun pours down right on the building, making it tricky to shoot.

Sefton Coffee Co

24 N 8th Street
I couldn’t end this post without sharing the coffee shop that I take a photo in front of at the beginning of every year. Of course, I visit way more often than once a year, because in addition to their cute shop, they make the yummiest chai lattes!

If you’ve visited or you’re a native, let me know your favorite Insta-worthy spots in RVA.


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Comments

  1. Sarah says

    Aaaaaaaah this is by far one of my favorite posts from you!!! I just wish I lived in RVA πŸ™ Next time I visit we have to shoot at all these locations!!! <3

    Reply

  5. Caitlin says

    Okay I actually need this because my aunt lives in Baltimore but is going to be heading to Richmond for a few months for work! This makes me want to visit her even more πŸ˜‰

    Reply

  47. Vicky says

    I love this post! My husband and I moved to RVA from South Africa in 2018 and I always discover cute new places on your page

    Reply

  50. Carolyn says

    Oh wow, these are all really great spots! That first one that looks like a fairy tale place is so cute. You’re great at finding these insta-worthy spots! Thanks for sharing these!

    Reply

  52. Delia Atenea says

    Wow Stephanie this city is so beautiful! I need to make my way up there at least for a photo session! So cool!

    Reply

  53. Carolyn says

    Oh wow, these are all really great spots! That first one that looks like a fairy tale place is so cute. You’re great at finding these insta-worthy spots! Thanks for sharing these!

    Reply

  56. Indya | The Small Adventurer says

    My goodness, you really know how to track down a gorgeous background! I wish their was a worldwide online guide to the most Instagrammable places so whenever you went somewhere new, you’d know exactly where to go to get good photos 😂 🙌

    Reply

  59. Caylee Connelly says

    Oh my gosh these shots are so cute! I am obsessed with that pink wall. My husband and I are only about 3 hours from there so we’ll definitely have to make a day trip out of this and check out some of these spots!

    Reply

  60. Indya | The Small Adventurer says

    My goodness, you really know how to track down a gorgeous background! I wish their was a worldwide online guide to the most Instagrammable places so whenever you went somewhere new, you’d know exactly where to go to get good photos πŸ˜‚ πŸ™Œ

    Reply

  63. Caylee Connelly says

    Oh my gosh these shots are so cute! I am obsessed with that pink wall. My husband and I are only about 3 hours from there so we’ll definitely have to make a day trip out of this and check out some of these spots!

    Reply

  76. Beth says

    My daughter went to grad school in Richmond, and it is such a pretty city. It was fun to recognize a few of the places from my visit with her. The Lewis Ginther Botanical Garden is another great place for photos in Richmond.

    Reply

  77. Kiara Carniewski says

    I might be heading to that area soon because my best friend recently moved a little south of there. You have found ALL the best spots for IG, girl. And can I just say that all of your photos are so stunning. You’re beyond photogenic, and I love your vibes. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply

  84. Taylor Aube says

    This is such a great roundup of locations! i’m always looking for good spots for the gram so guides like these are always super helpful! I know someone in RVA is eyeing it now!

    Reply

  90. Taylor Aube says

    This is such a great roundup of locations! i’m always looking for good spots for the gram so guides like these are always super helpful! I know someone in RVA is eyeing it now!

    Reply

  91. Laura says

    This was such a fun post! I’m definitely pinning for later so that whenever I visit RVA I’ll know all the spots to go!

    xo, Laura

    Reply

  101. Caitlin says

    Okay I actually need this because my aunt lives in Baltimore but is going to be heading to Richmond for a few months for work! This makes me want to visit her even more πŸ˜‰

    Reply

  103. Sarah says

    Aaaaaaaah this is by far one of my favorite posts from you!!! I just wish I lived in RVA πŸ™ Next time I visit we have to shoot at all these locations!!! <3

    Reply

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