We're launching a new series of reader-submitted neighborhood guides! If you're interested in sharing the best of your neighborhood with our community, check out this submission form.

Name: Catherine
Neighborhood: Carytown
City: Richmond, Virginia
My Home: 3-bedroom freestanding row house

A little over a year ago, my husband and I moved from our soulless apartment in an uninspiring area north of Richmond, VA into the heart of the city. Through Craigslist we found a charming house in Carytown, a neighborhood brimming with personality and privately owned shops and restaurants.

Catherine's Guide to Carytown

On the outskirts you'll find a McDonalds, a Starbucks, and a couple chain grocery stores, but other than that, it's all about the local guys. We've got the pedestrian feel of a bigger city, but without the rush and the sky-high price tags.

1. Favorite Neighborhood Home Store

    RUTH & OLLIE: 3445 W. Cary Street
    Pretty and sophisticated furniture and home goods.

2. Go-to Shop for Gifts

    MONGREL: 2924 W. Cary Street
    Cool cards and gifts.

3. Best Vintage Shop, Thrift Store, or Flea Market

    CLEMENTINE: 3118 W. Cary Street
    For women's clothes — really cool finds, but with fair prices (i.e., no steals).



4. Favorite Bookstore


5. Favorite Coffee Shop, Café, or Restaurant

    JEAN JACQUES: 3138 W. Cary Street
    There are so many good coffee shops, but Jean Jacques has an unpretentious storefront, delicious bakery and scrumptious cafe.

6. Best Hardware/Paint Store

    Have to leave the neighborhood since Sunny's closed.

7. Best Place to Pick Up Groceries

    ELWOOD THOMPSON'S: 4 N. Thompson Street
    Independent grocery with focus on local and organic produce; excellent hot bar.

8. Best Place to Buy Flowers

    TOM FRENCH FLOWERS: 217 N. Belmont Ave.
    For everyday needs, Elwood Thompson's; For special occasions, Tom French Flowers (a short walk into the neighboring Museum District).

9. Best Neighborhood Park

    BYRD PARK
    A 5 min walk from Carytown, it has a lake (w/ paddle boats), an exercise loop, tennis courts, a dog park, and just beyond is the incredible Maymont Park, but it would be a stretch for Carytowners to claim that.

10. Best Spot to Take Visitors

    BYRD THEATER: 2908 W. Cary Street
    $1.99 second-run movies in a beautiful, historic theater.

Thanks, Catherine!

Photos: Catherine Welborn

Interested in sharing your neighborhood with Apartment Therapy? Contact the editors through our Neighborhood Guide Submission Form.

You might also like