As someone who is about to say goodbye to RVA next semester, I try my best to find new places to explore and visit every weekend near campus before leaving. It was unfortunate that the COVID-19 pandemic took away nearly two years of my in-person college experience, so my friends and I try to make up for it by visiting and supporting small businesses near campus ranging from clothing stores to restaurants!
- Carytown Burgers and fries
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My friends and I went here to celebrate the beginning of senior year, and the atmosphere plus the food was amazing! I ordered their South Burger with a side of onion rings, and it was the perfect amount of spice and flavor. They also had a variety of vegetarian options and a kid’s menu for families. Carytown Burgers & Fries is open in two locations in Richmond—one in Carytown and the other in Lakeside.
- Bon Air soap company
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I got a few bath bombs from this store for a friend’s birthday, and she absolutely loved them! They had a variety of scents made out of essential oils and natural ingredients that left our skin feeling smooth and clean. The owner, Leslie Arthur, told us that a lot of her sales were lost due to the pandemic and closure of farmer markets, so she was glad to find a store in Bon Air to be able to work on her business and display her products.
- Got dumplings
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I recently visited this restaurant with my friend during our afternoon study session, and we enjoyed the dumplings so much! We both got the chicken curry dumplings, and the price was incredibly reasonable. The restaurant was first introduced in Charlottesville by UVA’s campus, but they opened one near VCU’s campus as well this year.
- brewer’s cafe
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This is a local cafe in the heart of downtown Richmond. I have actually never been here before, but it is on my bucket list! I am a huge caffeine fanatic, so I am excited to try their cafe au lait with a warm chocolate croissant. The fall weather is also perfect for a nice study session at the cafe.
- Mommiana’s dough
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My roommates and I planned a surprise birthday dinner for one of our friends at Mommiana’s Dough. We ordered Taco Pizza and Bacon Cheeseburger pizza, and it was delicious. The toppings and flavors of the pizza were also very unique! Two pizzas were also very filling for a group of five. I definitely recommend this place as a dining experience with friends and family!
I am sad to be saying goodbye to RVA in the upcoming year so I am hoping to support and visit as many small businesses in the area as I can. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have lost profit and a huge amount of their clientele so I thought exploring new small stores and restaurants in the area would be a perfect way for me to spend time with my friends and to have a memorable senior year experience.