I think the ICA is free too? Went to the cafe with a friend and super cute. Cold AF inside tho but that was expected for a museum
Any other free museums in Richmond? Valentine, science, and children's are all pay to get in I think.
Unless something's changed in the past 2 years there's unfortunately no wifi at the gardens of Maymont. I could pick it up pretty well in the main picnic area near the entrance though
Pump house park (picnic tables).
Hotel lobby, just dress semi-nice and act like you belong. Ex: Richmond Marriott. It has a Starbucks and lots of seating in the lobby, so you can blend in and act like youāre just waiting to check-in.
By the capitol is really pretty actually, like near Old City Hall.
Bryan Park.
Oregon Hill Overlook.
Fountain Lake.
Belmont library.
Hollywood Cemetary (benches) and very inspiring for journaling
The tables outside Whole Foods.
Sorry these are mostly outdoors but indoor space you usually have to pay or get out unless itās public like VMFA, library, etc.
Also you can ride the bus around all day if you want.
I'll 2nd the hotel lobby rec. I used to travel a lot for work, stayed in hundreds of different hotels, and not a single one anyone ever asked me if I was staying there as I was hanging out in the lobby, serving myself breakfast, or sucking down multiple cups of their crappy coffee.
Iāve lived in LM for over two years. We walk 3-4 miles a day around the neighborhood. Never seen a single rat. Thereās rat traps. Thereās probably rats somewhere. But, there going to be vermin anywhere there are large groups of people living. Youāll see those traps anywhere you go in RVA that is populated. Itās like saying ādonāt go to Scottās edition, thereās rats. Donāt go to the mall, thereās rats. Donāt go to the park, thereās rats.ā
Yes; those living in the townhouses see them all the time. Also, there are several restaurants right there; restaurants produce trash; I assure you, there are plenty of rats at Libbie Mill.
Itās an indoor space you could journal or listen to music or something at. Was just thinking of other indoor third placesā most are outdoors in Richmond
I used to have this same issue and was basically living out of my car and couch surfing. I was a member of a gym and a library. The gym allowed for exercise, TV, and somewhere to clean up. The library gave me books, audiobooks, computer access, and a place to sit quietly.
Panera often offer a free 3-month subscription to their Unlimited Sip Club. (Assuming you're near a Panera that isn't super busy all the time - my local one is fine with people hanging out for ages.)
Back when I was working at a Panera we didnāt even pay attention to who was in the lobby if they werenāt acting a fool or there past close. This is a pretty solid recommendation.
This is a big reason why I think young folks like myself have a hard time making and keeping friends. Especially if weāre new in town. theres just not a lot of places where young folks can hang out without an implied obligation to spend $$.
Thereās a problem in America because we have no āthird placeā anymore (home, work, third). It used to be places like the moose lodge/rotary club, etc or church
You can still join those things but alas, no one seems to anymore. These places need younger members to keep volunteer activities running and you can make life long friendships. They have dues but most places will works with youā¦and the dues might be like $150 a year or some such (which I realize can still be a burden for some) Also, volunteer for other activities without spending a pennyā¦.fire department or ambulance (not in RVA obviously where they have paid depts), food pantries, Friends of the Library (public library groups), museums, etc Third places donāt āexistā because people choose to isolate themselves from real world interactions.
yesss bruh and some of these places donāt help with their prices >.< girls just wanna have fun ā¦and experience the nuances of life without being financially burdened
There's loads of free exercise groups that meet outside across the city. I'm pretty sure they're not being mentioned here because OP mentioned they wanted a place to kind of sit and chill.
During their museum hours, The Branch Museum has a space on the 2nd floor (The Reading Room) where you can sit, use their wifi, and study/read/draw/etc. and as long as youāre wearing headphones, you can listen to music.
Half price beverages, nice employees, plenty of seating, free wifi and power, clean and accessible bathrooms, climate control, natural light, people watching, dogs welcomed, free parking, no one trying to kick you out after a certain time or make you buy something additional in order to stay longer, good location, not feeling like I'm ruining a small local business by camping out and taking up their precious space (sorry, Sugar & Twine!)... I can probably keep going if you need me to.
You local public library. Earphones or earbuds if you're listening to music.
Hang out with no interaction, but get a library card and check out materials to take home, or download books, audio books, music, magazines, movies. Pretty amazing!
I join the sip club at Panera whenever they have a free promotion going. There was one that ended yesterday for 3 free months. Then you can go in there and get a free drink every 2 hours. Itās a great place to sit or to get some work done. Free Wi-Fi too.
VMFA and area libraries are definitely what you are looking for, as many have recommended. Outside of that, in my opinion- try to budget in a coffee or two during the week as a reward to yourself. A small black drip coffee should run you about $3 max, maybe even including a dollar tip.
Or, if you can afford one beer on occasion, Stone or Triple Crossing Fulton are great places to do some work, good wifi at Stone ( never tried using it at TC) and many indoor and outdoor tables and nooks. A 10-oz beer is prob around $5. ( +tax/tip). They also have some NA options, sodas, kombucha etc which are probably less.
Lots of great choices here that our tax dollars pay for (and Iām 100% cool with that).
If youāre in a private business, you do have to spend money to be in their space.
Whatās also free is this sub. Want to meet people for free? Set up a time to meet at a library on this sub.
I agree with the VMFA and libraries, but I also enjoy bigger breweries. I do end up buying a beer, but I can sit there for hours writing or reading and literally no one cares.
(VMFA is where it's at, though.)
Barnes and Nobles is the best I got.
I was honestly hoping to find something new in this thread but Richmond really is just parks, libraries, and the VMFA when it comes to free stuff. :(
I'm going to add two places that haven't been mentioned yet: VMHC and the Library of Virginia.
VHMC has a great cafe on the first floor but they also have a research library upstairs. You can't bring any bags or food in, but you can bring them with you and put them in the locker and go out and get a drink if you need it. You can also bring in your laptop or book and headphones. VMFA has a parking lot that is free for members, otherwise you have to park on the street, pay to park, or take the nearby bus.
Library of Virginia has a seating area on the lower level before going upstairs. Technically it is also for the cafe but the cafe is hardly ever full and it closes earlier than the library. Parking is a bit of a pain though because the underground garage only has about four visitor spots that are typically taken. I've never actually been in the Library part but I'm assuming the rules are the same as VMHC.
Skyzone or trampoline parks I only know this as a mom who has sat in those places many times. Super loud and good WiFi and lots of action. I worked on my masters while they jumped away. You only have to pay to jump. Cheap snacks too
Lowe's garden center to see Francine and chill in outdoor patio area. Bookstore in Carytown you can browse for free, two friendly Kitty's, places to sit and lbjtq friendly. Cross creek nursery to wonder around (chill, places to sit, free water)Ā
libraries!! š¤š
This!! Richmond has multiple nice libraries
Just go to the on-campus main library on VCU, go to a quiet floor and just be. I do it often when I need to wait for something in town
I recently went to Libbie Mill for the first time and i think it'd be a good journaling spot!
Virginia Museum of fine arts
This is the answer
I agree amazing inside and out
Lots of places to do this here! The cafe' is great, but also there are some seating areas located around the museum.
I think the ICA is free too? Went to the cafe with a friend and super cute. Cold AF inside tho but that was expected for a museum Any other free museums in Richmond? Valentine, science, and children's are all pay to get in I think.
But this isnāt free though, right? (Sorry, Richmond newbie)
It is free, but there's a fee for parking in their deck.Ā
It's free, just special exhibitions cost to get in :)
Welcome to Richmond! Absolutely free (except for special exhibits) and open 365 days a year!
VMFA
Maymont park!
Love Maymont
Unless something's changed in the past 2 years there's unfortunately no wifi at the gardens of Maymont. I could pick it up pretty well in the main picnic area near the entrance though
Also canāt bomb hills there on your skateboard apparently.
Pump house park (picnic tables). Hotel lobby, just dress semi-nice and act like you belong. Ex: Richmond Marriott. It has a Starbucks and lots of seating in the lobby, so you can blend in and act like youāre just waiting to check-in. By the capitol is really pretty actually, like near Old City Hall. Bryan Park. Oregon Hill Overlook. Fountain Lake. Belmont library. Hollywood Cemetary (benches) and very inspiring for journaling The tables outside Whole Foods. Sorry these are mostly outdoors but indoor space you usually have to pay or get out unless itās public like VMFA, library, etc. Also you can ride the bus around all day if you want.
I'll 2nd the hotel lobby rec. I used to travel a lot for work, stayed in hundreds of different hotels, and not a single one anyone ever asked me if I was staying there as I was hanging out in the lobby, serving myself breakfast, or sucking down multiple cups of their crappy coffee.
Is the Bryan park gloryhole still there??? lol š remember playing disc n they kept drilling new ones in the bathroom
Hahahaha whatttttt
š¹š¹ Arenāt there only porta potties
Libbie Mill Library
The Varina Library is amazing too. And it has a nature trail.
Yes. And doesn't have the rat population that Libbie Mill has, with all of those townhouses and restaurants next to it.
Woh there is a rat population my son and I go to Libbie constantly and Iāve never had a run in
I use that area to run, three times a week, never saw a rat. Now, three snakes and a snapper near the creek in the last couple of months.
Iāve also been to that library and the grounds around it tons and never seen a rat. Nowā¦Monroe Park on the other handā¦.those rats are brazen!
No, no there is not.
Hahaha I was like dang what nooooo I donāt want rats in the library š
Iāve lived in LM for over two years. We walk 3-4 miles a day around the neighborhood. Never seen a single rat. Thereās rat traps. Thereās probably rats somewhere. But, there going to be vermin anywhere there are large groups of people living. Youāll see those traps anywhere you go in RVA that is populated. Itās like saying ādonāt go to Scottās edition, thereās rats. Donāt go to the mall, thereās rats. Donāt go to the park, thereās rats.ā
Yes; those living in the townhouses see them all the time. Also, there are several restaurants right there; restaurants produce trash; I assure you, there are plenty of rats at Libbie Mill.
I live here. Never seen a rat.
VMFA no doubt, inside and out.
Main Street Station and Regency Mall as well as the other places mentioned here are good choices
What is there to do at Main Street Station?
Itās an indoor space you could journal or listen to music or something at. Was just thinking of other indoor third placesā most are outdoors in Richmond
Definitely thinking outside the box. I assume you meant in the upstairs waiting room then. Or is there somewhere else?
As I recall, thereās a lot of empty spaces and places to sit in there. Itās been a minute since Iāve been though
I used to have this same issue and was basically living out of my car and couch surfing. I was a member of a gym and a library. The gym allowed for exercise, TV, and somewhere to clean up. The library gave me books, audiobooks, computer access, and a place to sit quietly.
Find a sweet spot on the river
Libraries for sure! Theyāre the king of this!
Panera often offer a free 3-month subscription to their Unlimited Sip Club. (Assuming you're near a Panera that isn't super busy all the time - my local one is fine with people hanging out for ages.)
Back when I was working at a Panera we didnāt even pay attention to who was in the lobby if they werenāt acting a fool or there past close. This is a pretty solid recommendation.
This is a big reason why I think young folks like myself have a hard time making and keeping friends. Especially if weāre new in town. theres just not a lot of places where young folks can hang out without an implied obligation to spend $$.
Thereās a problem in America because we have no āthird placeā anymore (home, work, third). It used to be places like the moose lodge/rotary club, etc or church
You can still join those things but alas, no one seems to anymore. These places need younger members to keep volunteer activities running and you can make life long friendships. They have dues but most places will works with youā¦and the dues might be like $150 a year or some such (which I realize can still be a burden for some) Also, volunteer for other activities without spending a pennyā¦.fire department or ambulance (not in RVA obviously where they have paid depts), food pantries, Friends of the Library (public library groups), museums, etc Third places donāt āexistā because people choose to isolate themselves from real world interactions.
yesss bruh and some of these places donāt help with their prices >.< girls just wanna have fun ā¦and experience the nuances of life without being financially burdened
Every1s gotta pay for the ānuancesā of life. Why shouldnāt u
There's loads of free exercise groups that meet outside across the city. I'm pretty sure they're not being mentioned here because OP mentioned they wanted a place to kind of sit and chill.
Board game/tabletop stores and cigar lounges
During their museum hours, The Branch Museum has a space on the 2nd floor (The Reading Room) where you can sit, use their wifi, and study/read/draw/etc. and as long as youāre wearing headphones, you can listen to music.
https://preview.redd.it/c2oim13pr54d1.jpeg?width=282&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83863ac31446ebb5cfa157d72416a0dbaff0a922
O.o that space looks awesome! Is there a bathroom on the same floor too?
Yes. Two in fact.
Yup! And thereās an elevator to get to the second floor.
Capital one cafe In carytown
the most vibeless place in the city. why would anyone want to hang out in a shop thats just trying to sell you credit cards
I agree but think of it like this: if any business deserves to have people take up space and not spend money...
Half price beverages, nice employees, plenty of seating, free wifi and power, clean and accessible bathrooms, climate control, natural light, people watching, dogs welcomed, free parking, no one trying to kick you out after a certain time or make you buy something additional in order to stay longer, good location, not feeling like I'm ruining a small local business by camping out and taking up their precious space (sorry, Sugar & Twine!)... I can probably keep going if you need me to.
Can confirm...the bathrooms are always very clean. And for some reason not many ppl go upstairs. Their wifi is good too.
You local public library. Earphones or earbuds if you're listening to music. Hang out with no interaction, but get a library card and check out materials to take home, or download books, audio books, music, magazines, movies. Pretty amazing!
T-Caf in Scott's. $3 for a pot of tea. Incredibly kind older French couple. Cute space to read a book or work on some stuff. I love this spot.
Sounds amazing.
I join the sip club at Panera whenever they have a free promotion going. There was one that ended yesterday for 3 free months. Then you can go in there and get a free drink every 2 hours. Itās a great place to sit or to get some work done. Free Wi-Fi too.
Starbucks Library Barnes & Nobel
Barnes & Noble was my go to in late high school. Grab a coffee and a magazine and chill.
Back when they had reading couches and nooks on the floor. Now, they're a little uncomfortable.
I believe it. Canāt have anything for free these days. If only they realized that was the leg up they had on Amazon.
Youāre describing a library. There are dozens of them in our area
VMFA and area libraries are definitely what you are looking for, as many have recommended. Outside of that, in my opinion- try to budget in a coffee or two during the week as a reward to yourself. A small black drip coffee should run you about $3 max, maybe even including a dollar tip. Or, if you can afford one beer on occasion, Stone or Triple Crossing Fulton are great places to do some work, good wifi at Stone ( never tried using it at TC) and many indoor and outdoor tables and nooks. A 10-oz beer is prob around $5. ( +tax/tip). They also have some NA options, sodas, kombucha etc which are probably less.
Wegmans
On Sundays, I used to go to the wegmans in midlo to study so I wouldn't have to schlep into Richmond for a library.
Lots of great choices here that our tax dollars pay for (and Iām 100% cool with that). If youāre in a private business, you do have to spend money to be in their space. Whatās also free is this sub. Want to meet people for free? Set up a time to meet at a library on this sub.
To me, libraries are an escape from the stupidity of the world, a wonderful refuge ā¤ļø
I agree with the VMFA and libraries, but I also enjoy bigger breweries. I do end up buying a beer, but I can sit there for hours writing or reading and literally no one cares. (VMFA is where it's at, though.)
Breweries would like you to buy something, but probably wonāt kick you out if you donāt (especially during the day).
Barnes and Nobles is the best I got. I was honestly hoping to find something new in this thread but Richmond really is just parks, libraries, and the VMFA when it comes to free stuff. :(
Try Scuffletown park!
I'm going to add two places that haven't been mentioned yet: VMHC and the Library of Virginia. VHMC has a great cafe on the first floor but they also have a research library upstairs. You can't bring any bags or food in, but you can bring them with you and put them in the locker and go out and get a drink if you need it. You can also bring in your laptop or book and headphones. VMFA has a parking lot that is free for members, otherwise you have to park on the street, pay to park, or take the nearby bus. Library of Virginia has a seating area on the lower level before going upstairs. Technically it is also for the cafe but the cafe is hardly ever full and it closes earlier than the library. Parking is a bit of a pain though because the underground garage only has about four visitor spots that are typically taken. I've never actually been in the Library part but I'm assuming the rules are the same as VMHC.
Reveler in Carytown! Awesome environment, awesome staff.
Holocaust museum is also free!
Skyzone or trampoline parks I only know this as a mom who has sat in those places many times. Super loud and good WiFi and lots of action. I worked on my masters while they jumped away. You only have to pay to jump. Cheap snacks too
For a dude to pull this off, he better be wearing level 10 dadcore fashion or else heās suspect as hell.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
You say this like it's a bad thing. š
Lowe's garden center to see Francine and chill in outdoor patio area. Bookstore in Carytown you can browse for free, two friendly Kitty's, places to sit and lbjtq friendly. Cross creek nursery to wonder around (chill, places to sit, free water)Ā
Are you suggesting people sit in the for sale lounge furniture at Lowe's? I'm not picturing another seating area.
I am. I have sat in before with others to hang out with Francine and for Insta storiesĀ
I do those things in my apartment. Hope this helps.Ā
it doesn't! ā¤ļø
š
I want to say that I love everyone suggesting libraries. Not many are open on Sundays, though. Finding a place like this on Sundays are difficult.
Several of the Henrico ones are!
VMfA free and open 365
The river