 Anyone wanting to lean into the gray weather instead of fighting it — couples, solo adventurers, friends looking for a mellow day

Start your rainy journey tucked into one of Richmond’s coziest coffee spots. Afterglow has a warm, welcoming vibe, big windows perfect for watching the drizzle, and a focus on community. Order something you wouldn’t usually go for — maybe a lavender latte or a dirty chai — and let yourself settle in. The hum of espresso machines plus rain tapping on the glass is the perfect mood-setter.

 Place your mug on the windowsill, with rain-streaked glass blurring the Fan street outside. Try for a moody, soft-focus shot that matches the vibe.

Step 2: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)

Head over to the VMFA — the crown jewel for rainy-day exploring in Richmond. The museum’s wide halls and vaulted ceilings make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Take your time in the Fabergé Egg Gallery (a Richmond classic) or wander the contemporary wing for bold colors to offset the gray weather. Rainy days mean thinner crowds, so you can actually stand in front of a piece as long as you want.

 Capture the reflection of lights on the glossy marble floor, or frame yourself in front of a massive painting. If you catch a nearly empty gallery, that’s the ultimate rainy-day shot.

When the rain’s coming down steady, nothing beats tucking into a bookstore. Chop Suey feels like you’ve stepped into a friend’s living room stacked floor-to-ceiling with stories. The creaky wooden floors, the jumble of used and new titles, and the occasional “shop cat sighting” make it one of Richmond’s quirkiest gems. Take your time wandering the upstairs art book section, or flip through zines and local authors near the front desk. It’s the kind of place where you’ll stumble across a book you didn’t know you needed until you’re halfway through the first page.

capture your finds stacked on a windowsill with raindrops running down the glass, or catch the winding staircase with books spilling down the steps.

Step 4: Bow Tie Movieland on Leigh Street

Rainy nights and movie theaters just belong together, and Bow Tie makes it feel special. The old train station setting gives the place a sense of history, like you’re part of a story bigger than just the film you came to see. You grab your popcorn, settle into the cushy seats, and hear the rain faintly against the roof while the previews roll. There’s a kind of magic in knowing the storm is happening outside while you’re completely tucked away, caught up in the glow of the screen. Walking back out afterward, the marquee lights bouncing off wet pavement feels like Richmond staged its own curtain call just for you.

Rainy RVA Day

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Byrd Park Chill

"Secret" Staircase: Oregon Hill

Daily Grind: Tuesday