Heart & Soul, Your Guide to Black Virginia
Your Guide To

Black Richmond Can't-Miss Experiences

Jackson Ward

Once known as the Harlem of the South, this neighborhood is a hub for Black culture, small businesses, and history.

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Brown's Island

Rock out at this one-of-a-kind outdoor venue on the James River, where you can take in nature just steps from downtown.

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Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

The towering "Rumors of War" by Kehinde Wiley welcomes you to this free art museum with over 50,000 works.

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Richmond brings history, art, and culture together in a way that feels fresh, soulful, and always evolving. Starting in Jackson Ward, one of the most storied Black neighborhoods in the country, walk in the steps of legends like Maggie L. Walker and visit Penny’s, a wine shop paying homage to the entrepreneurial spirit of the neighborhood. While you’re there you have to grab a bite to eat at Mama J’s, a soul food staple.

Just a few blocks away, Brown’s Island turns up the volume with festivals and concerts set against the backdrop of the James River and city skyline. It’s the perfect spot to catch live music, get your steps in with groups like Black Girls Hike RVA, or just vibe by the water. You can’t miss the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, where Kehinde Wiley’s Rumors of War greets you before you even step inside. The museum is free, packed with global art, and always spotlighting new voices and perspectives. From murals splashed across city walls to restaurants serving Southern flavors, Richmond is creating a new reputation for the capital city. It’s a place where Black culture isn’t just created, it’s celebrated

Richmond Heart & Soul Itinerary

Virginia's capital city is rich with art, history, and a food scene that'll impress no matter what neighborhood you're exploring.
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521 Biscuits & Waffles

We are a family-owned, dedicated gluten-free breakfast restaurant. Our mission is to serve quality food that encourages everyone to rise and…

Addis Ethiopian

Ethiopian restaurant serving meat and vegetarian dishes. Evening lounge with bar food daily.

Altria Theater

Richmond’s Altria Theater is located to the west of downtown Richmond, across from historic Monroe Park. The City of Richmond-owned theater…

Barky's

Barky’s Spiritual Stores is one of the oldest African American owned religious supply stores in the United States of America. Richmond…

Black History Museum + Cultural Center

The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia presents the complex experiences of peoples of Africa and the African Diaspora, with…

Brown's Island
Curator's Top Pick

Brown’s Island is an amazing, six-acre riverfront park. Brown’s Island is located south of Tredegar Street between 5th Street and 12th…

Buttermilk Trail

Hike or bike along this scenic trail with steep climbs and twisty, fast descents.

Buttermilk and Honey
Curator's Top Pick

Chef driven menu. We offer gluten free and vegan fried chicken options, so no one is left out of the chicken party! We refuse to compromise…

Carytown

This local shopping district has something for everyone, from antique shops and bookstores to luxury furniture stores and all kinds of…

Charlotte's Southern Deli

Charlotte's Southern Deli and Tapas is located in the heart of Downtown Richmond in the high rises. This quaint restaurant is owned and…

Cheddar Jackson

A grilled cheese panini shop, in Historic Jackson Ward, with many vegetarian and vegan options, soups and sides.

Chilaylay

Chilalay serves as an outlet of creative expression through several different mediums; style, art, and culture.

Children's Museum of Richmond

For visitors with young children, stop by the Children's Museum of Richmond so they can learn through playing with interactive exhibits…

Croaker's Spot

Richmond's premier location for southern cuisine! We serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, and drinks!

Devil's Half Acre & Lumpkin's Jail

Lumpkin's Jail, also known as "the Devil's half acre", was a holding facility, or slave jail, located just three blocks from the state…

Dinamo
Curator's Top Pick

The menu eschews the trendy Southern inspired flavors for the garlic and olive oil-laden flavors of the Mediterranean.

Elegba Folklore Society

Delight in annual, major cultural festivals in various community locations -- Juneteenth, A Freedom Celebration, Down Home Family Reunion, A…

Emancipation & Freedom Monument

While enjoying the natural splendor of Brown's Island and the James River, stop by the Emancipation & Freedom Monument, two 12-foot…

Forest Hill Park

Features trails, tennis courts and a historic park house.

Institute for Contemporay Art

Art is intended to prompt interaction and discussion, to evoke emotion and drive experiences. As a non-collecting institution, we will…

JewFro

JewFro fuses traditional Jewish foods and combines them with the bold flavors of Africa to create a celebration for both your palette and…

Lillie Pearl
Curator's Top Pick

Lillie Pearl is a full service restaurant serving New American cuisine with southern ingredients and global influences. We pride ourselves on…

Maggie Walker Statue

The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site commemorates the life of a progressive and talented African American woman. Despite many…

Mama J's
Curator's Top Pick

Mama J’s is a neighborhood restaurant based on the family tradition of going to grandma’s for Sunday dinner. Our goal is to combine great…

Penny's Wine Shop

Penny’s Wine Shop is a brick and mortar concept of natural wine, small plates, and seasonal menu offerings brought to you by two native…

Philly Vegan

We are family-owned and operated business based out of Richmond, Virginia that offers freshly prepared plant-based cuisine. With over twenty…

Pig & Brew

Pig and Brew offers tasty barbecue and a full bar. Classic North Carolina style barbeque with lots of other great southern options such as…

Pony Pasture Trails

Pony Pasture is one of the most popular spots in the James River Park System. Most people swim and play in the rapids or bask in the sun on…

Potterfield Bridge

Known as the T. Pott Bridge, this pedestrian bridge will take you across the James River and has access points on both the north and south…

Quirk Hotel

Born from one of the city’s most exciting art galleries Quirk Hotel brings together different worlds to create a multi-layered, enriching…

Richmond Night Market
Curator's Top Pick

Monthly open-air night market in the heart of the arts and culture scene of Richmond, VA, held at the 17th Street Farmer’s Market.

Rotate
Curator's Top Pick

Homegrown local business, that was made to give you the option of getting brand name clothes and much more at an affordable price.

Science Museum of Virginia

The character and history at the Science Museum of Virginia are unparalleled. From the majestic Broad Street Station Rotunda and marble…

Shakoor's Merchandise

Shakoor's Merchandise has been very successful in the selling of ethnic and cultural garments, along with artifacts from around the world. We…

Sun & Selene

Jewelry for the modern goddess, handcrafted with an ancient feel. influenced by mythology, human history, the cosmos and our natural…

The Beet Box

Get ready for refreshment when you order a juice, smoothie bowl, or invigorating shot from this healthy food cafe.

The Valentine
Curator's Top Pick

Located in the heart of historic downtown Richmond known as the Court End neighborhood, the Valentine collects, preserves and interprets…

The Well Collective
Curator's Top Pick

Good coffee is more than just a drink. It is a moment. Sometimes, it's a moment of escape from the chaotic demands of the day. Other times…

Urban Hang Suite

A collective café and lounge geared toward "creatives" and community-oriented people. The front half of the Urban Hang Suite space is home…

Vagabond

Located next to The National in downtown Richmond. Plan your event with us. Happy Hour from 4-7 Monday through Friday.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Virginia, is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. VMFA, which…

Virginia Museum of History & Culture

Explore VIrginia history at this expansive museum with long term and traveling exhibitions. You'll discover "The Story of Virginia" and the…

Walking the Ward Tours with Gary Flowers

Get a new perspective on the Jackson Ward neighborhood on a walking tour with an expert. Gary Flowers will lead you on a 20-stop walking tour…

Unlock the River City with BLK RVA

This Richmond Region Tourism program celebrates all things Black culture in Virginia’s capital city.

BLK RVA

This Richmond Region Tourism program celebrates all things Black culture in Virginia's capital city.

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Upcoming Events

July 17-20, 2025

Black Pride RVA

Join a powerful weekend of love, unity, and celebration at Black Pride RVA. This multi-day event uplifts BIPOC LGBTQ+ voices through parties, panels, performances, and healing spaces. Come for the joy, stay for the community—it’s all about empowerment, connection, and unapologetic pride.

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meet the curators behind heart & soul

Mike

Richmond

“Spurweezy” knows how to throw down in the kitchen, but even the best home chef wants to let someone else do the cooking sometimes. Mike Spurlock is an event professional and content creator who’s built a loyal, food-loving following on TikTok with his authentic and relatable approach to food and cooking. While grateful for his virality on the platform and the opportunities that have come along with it, Mike is most passionate about creating content that truly connects with his audience and wants to create a more inclusive space for all creators and viewers alike.

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