Richmond’s Fall Fix: Walk, Sip, and Celebrate the Season

Written By Niche Pilates Studio

Fall in Virginia is truly something special. Visitors come from near and far to drive along Skyline Drive and take in the breathtaking colors of the Appalachian Mountains. Across the state, people head to Charlottesville for apple picking or return to their alma maters for lively football weekends. Some even postpone their beach getaways until late September or early October to avoid the crowds and intense summer heat.

But here in Richmond, we know that Fall is when our city truly shines.

There are events and festivals all around the city between September and November (some of which are noted below), but us Richmonders know that the best part of Fall is being able to sit on your front porch and people watch without swatting at mosquitoes, or take a walk to your favorite cafe or brewery without breaking a sweat.  So, we’ve put together a list of the best ways to experience Fall in RVA—on foot.

Outdoors-y walks: One of the best perks of living in Richmond is the proximity to parks, hikes, and natural areas! Some of our favorites are below: 

  • Forest Hill Park: great for walkers, bikers, and dogs! 

  • Belle Isle: perfect for river views. Also great for strollers or little ones that like to shred on their own bikes. 

  • Capital Trail: Paved, which is great for people engaging in all sorts of exercise: biking, roller blading, running, walking (with pets) and pushing strollers. Great for getting in some elevation!

Urban Walks:
If you're one of those people that is only convinced to take a walk when there's a sweet reward at the end (me, I am talking about me), plan an urban stroll through Richmond. You’ll still catch the gorgeous fall colors while exploring the city's most iconic streets—and yes, there are plenty of seasonal treats along the way. Here are some great walk-and-snack pairings that combine fresh air with local flavor:

If you’d rather kick back and take in the view, these scenic overlooks are perfect for catching fall foliage from above. Even better—each one is near (or even connected to) some of Richmond’s favorite restaurants, making them a one-stop shop for great views and good food. Because let’s be honest: I’d never send you out without provisions.

Savor the Season
Fall is one of the best times to enjoy the rich, seasonal flavors grown by local farms and brewed by Richmond’s incredible craft breweries. From crisp produce to cozy pints, there's no shortage of autumn-inspired goodness to explore.

  • Farmers Markets – Wander the stalls for fresh produce, baked goods, and other locally made treats that capture the essence of the season.

    • Bird House Farmers Market is only a few minutes from the studio. Stop in for a class at Niche, and then head on over to the market to grab fresh made bread or a “pumpkin cup” from one of our favorite vendors, “I Kale Life”. Is there a better combination? Truly, we think not. 

    • Farmers Market at St. Stephens will have everything you need (and then a little bit more!). There is a cafe on site, a playground for the littles, and make sure to snag a bouquet from Prospect Hill Farm before you head home (or to Pilates!)

  • Breweries with Seasonal Beers – RVA is a craft beer lover’s dream. Hardywood, Ardent, Starr Hill, and Legend Brewing Co. all roll out delicious fall brews you won't want to miss.

  • Celladora – This local gem features a rotating menu, so you’re always guaranteed something seasonal, inventive, and hyper-local.


Visit a Festival: We would be remiss if we didn’t include some of RVA’s best Fall festivals. 

  • Garden glow at Maymont | October 15th - November 25th: experience Maymont in a completely different way—after dark and lit up in color! Be sure to bring your walking shoes, but you’ll be distracted by the magical light displays to notice that you’ve traversed a large portion of the 100-acre green space in the heart of the city. 

  • In Light | October 17th & 18th: 1708 Gallery hosts this annual nighttime public art event held at a different Richmond location each year, featuring light-based multimedia installations, sculptures, performances, and community-driven projects that transform familiar spaces into immersive artistic experiences. You can even make your own lantern to bring along with you! 

  • Halloween on Hanover: An iconic Richmond tradition, this event is perfect whether you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly trick-or-treating spot or just want to enjoy the festive atmosphere and watch creative costumes parade up and down the street.


No matter how you choose to experience it, Fall in Richmond offers something truly special. So lace up your walking shoes, grab a warm drink, and get ready to explore the season like a true Richmonder. Or, slip on your grippy socks, savor a hot drink from Blanchard’s in the Niche courtyard before class, and embrace the season’s rhythm this Fall. 

Niche Pilates Studio
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