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Taking things one day trip at a time
The rural Americana pit-stop in Natural Bridge pays homage to Elvis Presley’s iconic pink Cadillac. | Photo by Kipp Teague, via Flickr
There’s nowhere we’d rather live than Richmond, but sometimes we feel the itch to get out of town.
Here are eight driveable destinations to check out the next time you want a low-investment, short-notice getaway. Plus, stay tuned for more suggestions coming soon.
Woodlawn + Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House | These architectural spectacles are backed with a deep history. After you’ve played critic for a bit, stroll along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which runs right through the property.
Eccentric finds
Pink Cadillac Diner | You’re on a stretch of open road, when all of a sudden, you land on the Pink Cadillac Diner. It’s a pit stop you’d see in a movie, and it’s a 5-minute drive from the remarkable Natural Bridge State Park.
📍 Which of these day trips interests you the most?
Plus, let us know if you have any other suggestions.
A. Frank Lloyd Wright house B. Great Dismal Swamp C. Norfolk art museums D. Pink Cadillac Diner E. Smithfield (to see the world’s oldest ham, of course)
How many restaurants are participating in Richmond Black Restaurant Experience (RBRE) this week? For now, 29, and you can keep track of which ones you’ve already visited with the 2026 RBRE passport. We suggest taking a screenshot or pinning a copy to your fridge for everyday inspo.
Holiday
Black Lodge is going green for St. Patrick’s Day. The Scott’s Addition bar will serve up Irish pub staples like Cottage Pie, Calcannon Croquettes, Irish Hot Dogs, and of course, Guinness on tap. Green Lodge is in full swing today through the end of March.
Finance
High grocery prices in Richmond are being compared to those of high-income cities like Boston and New York. After conducting a local grocery shopping experiment, 12 On Your Side found the average cost of a dozen basic items to be ~$50. (12 On Your Side)
Volunteer
Did you notice the Great Sweetgum Sweep in today’s event listings? Allow us to explain. Heading into spring, hordes of spiky, round fruits fall from sweetgum trees, and rolled ankles inherently follow. Battery Park is a particular hotspot, which calls for some helping hands to clear the spikeys on Saturday, March 14. See the two volunteer times.
Transit
Richmond’s 2025 traffic reports showed a significant increase in rush-hour congestion. In 2025, the average Richmonder spent 53 hours in rush-hour traffic — 12 hours and 20 minutes more than the 2024 average. Next time you’re stuck on the interstate, you might find these podcast suggestions useful. (WRIC)
Development
Hanover County will host a groundbreaking ceremony for a new elementary school this week, although Washington-Henry Elementary is already a familiar name. The new building will replace the former elementary school, which dates back to 1938. Find more ceremony details. (WTVR)
Civic
Whether you’re driving or walking, road safety starts with eliminating distractions. Drivers should always stop for pedestrians, and pedestrians should stay alert and use crosswalks. A little extra attention can go a long way in preventing accidents.*
Shop
Skip the regret, bloating, and hangovers when you shop this clean, women-owned cannabis brand, which offers bestsellers like THC pineapple gummies + mini THCA pre-rolls. This March, get 20% off sitewide and a free sample pack of Buzzed Gummies with code POTOFGREEN.†*
Tech
AI has completely changed the cybersecurity game. Scams are smarter, malware is faster, and phishing emails look shockingly real. Protect your devices, privacy, and identity with a leading digital protection plan from Webroot. Save 60% and get protected today.*
The Buy
A science-backed supplement that supports healthy aging, cognitive function, and muscle growth + recovery. Momentous creatine is developed by leading human performance experts and trusted by professional athletes and longevity seekers alike. Try it now and save 35% with code WELLPUT at checkout.
Today, we rounded up some day trip options in Virginia, but stay tuned for part two. We have quite a few bonus suggestions for overnight stays and weekend road trips. Of course, we’re always open to more suggestions.
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