The stretch between late fall and the holiday season in Richmond, VA hits different. The light gets a little softer, 
markets start popping up everywhere, and calendars start filling faster than the parking lot at Libbie Market on a Saturday morning.
So before the holiday shopping lists, school programs, travel plans, and cookie swaps sweep us into a flurry (hush, Mariah, it’s not time yet) this year, I’m taking a little time to get back to basics. Think: no-scroll mornings, tech-free afternoons, and simple rituals that remind us life doesn’t have to move at the speed of a push notification.
Call it pre-holiday grounding. Call it touching some RVA grass. Call it protecting your peace.
Whatever you want to call it, here are some local analog adventures to help you slow down and savor the season.
Treats & Tiny Rituals
Start with zero obligations and something delicious.
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Croissant & Sidewalk Sunshine at Idle Hands Bakery
Flaky pastry. Hot coffee. Warm sun with a chill in the air. Your only to-do is be here. -
Canelés & Coffee from WPA Bakery – Forest Hill Park
Pick up the caramelized, custardy magic that is a WPA canelé, then head to Forest Hill Park. Sip coffee. Study the leaves. This is meditation, Richmond-style. -
Ukrop’s Rainbow Cookies from Libbie Market
Richmond nostalgia in cookie form. No explanation needed. Go anywhere that feeds your childhood vibes. -
Build-Your-Own Tea Ritual at Apothec
Craft a custom blend, breathe in herbs and warm spices, and let the cozy atmosphere wrap around you like a wool scarf.
Quiet Corners to Read Something (Paper Pages Only)
Richmond has no shortage of indie bookstores—and fall is their season to shine.
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Shelf Life Books (Carytown) — New, used, and always something local. Stop, browse, talk books, or just read.
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Fountain Bookstore (Shockoe Slip) — The handwritten staff notes alone are worth the trip.
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Abi’s Books & Brews (1212 1/2 Cary) — A book nook with coffee, personality, and charm.
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The Richmond Zine Library at Studio Two Three — Micro-press gems and creativity that doesn’t need algorithms to thrive.
Tip: Pick something to read right now. Don’t just stack it on your nightstand. Okay, okay. I’m thinning my TBR pile.
Slow Walks & Nature Breathing
You don’t have to “go on a hike.” Just go. And leave the phone behind—or at least in your pocket in airplane mode.
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Buttermilk Trail (James River Park System)
River views, quiet woods, and enough roots and rocks to keep you literally grounded. -
Fountain Lake at Byrd Park
Sit. Watch ducks or just the water. Let somebody else fight their inbox.
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Agecroft Hall Gardens
Tudor architecture and rolling river breezes mean instant tranquility. Garden wandering encouraged.
Cozy Creative Moments
Reconnect with the joy of making something—anything—just for you.
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Hand-Building Ceramics at Hand/Thrown
Hands in clay > thumbs on glass screens. All day every day. -
Candle Making at Brown House Candle Company
Pour fragrance, not energy into your email. Bonus, you have something that smells great when you get back home. -
Sketching in the VMFA Sculpture Garden
No photos. No filters. Just pencil, paper, and real-time seeing. -
Field-Note Journaling at Libby Hill Park
That skyline view has inspired writers for a century. Add yourself to the list and write about your plans, your gratitudes, or maybe even a short store.
Photo by Mojo Glassworks
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Stained Glass Workshop at Mojo Glassworks
Let the colors and quiet work enchant you.
Creativity is a muscle—and this season is prime time to stretch it and do something just a little different. For you.
Why This Matters (Especially in Richmond)
Richmond is absolutely a city that beautifully blends history and creativity, tradition and innovation, community and individuality. But during the holiday rush, even RVA can start to feel like it’s spinning too fast.
Going analog isn’t about ditching tech forever.
It’s about remembering we lived whole, beautiful lives before text alerts, group chats, and same-day delivery.
It’s about:
Grounding before giving
Recharging so you can show up for others
Finding stillness in a city filled with motion
Savoring small sensory joys—warm bread, crunchy leaves, candlelight, clay, paper, river air
These little pauses make the season richer, and can help center you before you’re being pulled in so many directions.
Ready to Slow Down?
Save this list. Try one thing this week. Then one next week.
Invite a friend. Go solo. Sip, wander, read, make, and notice.
Because the best gift you give yourself before the holidays is presence—
and Richmond gives us the perfect backdrop to practice it.
💡 Want More Richmond Local Guides?
If you’re new here, hi! I’m Cindy. I live and breathe RVA—its neighborhoods, parks, bakeries, indie shops, and yes…its real estate market too.
Follow along for neighborhood spotlights, hidden-gem itineraries, cozy day plans, and a local’s guide to living your very best Richmond life.
