Richmond: Travel Tips from Christine Young of Young Frankk

I'm delighted to present part 2 of our interview with Richmond-based jewelry designer Christine Young of Young Frankk. As one of America's oldest cities, Richmond boasts a wonderful combination of history, creative energy and natural beauty. From her favorite food places, local haunts and beloved design community, Christine gives us a peek of this beautiful historic town she now calls home.

Young Frankk's Richmond Studio

Vuela X Young Frankk Necklace

You are currently based in Richmond, Virginia. What is your favorite thing about living in Richmond? How has your city influence your designs?

Richmond is such a cool city to live in. There's always something to do, the cost of living is cheap, the people are so friendly and fun and it has a great art and design community. I have so many talented friends here who also have their own businesses and seeing their work is definitely inspiring and motivating. 

What are "must see" things or "must do" for those visiting your hometown?

Probably the first place people will say to check out is Belle Isle or the James River. You can hike along it, swim or there's even a natural rock climbing wall to climb. Carytown is a cute little shopping area with boutiques, restaurants and bars that is all very walkable. The Byrd Theatre is also in Carytown and I like to go there because they play $2 movies every night in a very historical grand theatre. VMFA is a great art museum in the Fan district with great special exhibitions that come thru with fun wine nights on Thursday and Friday nights. And I would also recommend driving down Monument Avenue to see beautiful and historic homes and statues. 

 

Virgina Museum of Fine Arts image via

What are off the beaten path local hangouts? Favorite neighborhoods, parks, etc.? 

Maymont Park is a huge beautiful park to check out with a wildlife rehabilitation center, a children's farm and different themed gardens. But my personal favorite park is Libby Hill Park in the Church Hill neighborhood, its not expansive but you can get a really great view overlooking Richmond and the James River so it's really serene to sit and enjoy the view. Richmond also has a huge music scene, so theres shows happening all the time either at local venues or house shows. 

Favorite places to shop: boutiques or outdoor markets:

I love to check out what my friend Kate has in store at her shop Na Nin, she carries the most beautiful handmade clothing, objects and apothecary made by independent designers. And of course there is Need Supply, which has a huge following and a constant flow of great selections. I am so grateful to have both awesome shops in Richmond carry Young Frankk! Another great boutique is Verdalina, which has a great curation of my favorite designers. Other than clothing, I also love checking out the vintage and thrift stores around town for home stuff, my favorite one is probably Verve which is a huge warehouse filled with awesome vintage home furnishings. Once in a while there'll be the Well Worn Markets which showcases local makers and designers plus vintage finds so it's fun to go and see what everyone is creating and doing around town.

Na Nin

 

Need Supply Co.

Favorite places to eat or type of food: 

There's so many great new restaurant and bars constantly popping up in Richmond, some of my recent favorites are: Dog and Pig Show, Saison, Proper Pie, Sabai, Sub Rosa Bakery and Pasture. Then there are old favorites such as 8 1/2, Helen's, Mamma Zu, Lamplighter, The Magpie and Can Can and so many more!

 

 

Metzger / Stella's / Sub Rosa Bakery / VMFA Cafe / The Dog and Pig Show

Best mode of transportation to get around the city:

Richmond is definitely known for its bike community, people love to bike here. But other than that, driving is great because you can pretty much get anywhere you need to go within 10 minutes.

Easy day trips from Richmond-cool places to see right outside the city: 

Skyline Drive is a great scenic route to take to see beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, I like to go there to do some hiking and joyriding. Charlottesville is the next city over where I like to go for some good food and a change of scenery, its a really cute and beautiful town surrounded by historical buildings and vineyards. Then only 2 hours away is DC, where of course is great food, shopping, museums and shows. 

Thomas Jeffereson's home: Monticello in Charlottesville image via

Favorite local designers or makers: 

Favorite local designers and makers in Richmond are Na Nin, GiantLION, Emimade Ceramics, Colo Palo and Campfire & Co. 

Lookbook Photo from Giant Lion Jewelry

Lookbook Photo from Calo Palo

For the wanderlust in all of us, what are some of your favorite places to visit? Where would you like to travel next?

I love to visit Korea and on my bucket list to travel to is: Greece, India, Africa and Iceland! 

Shop Young Frankk Jewelry Collection
Personal photos courtesy of Young Frankk

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Thanks so much Christine for giving us a glimpse of the wonderful city of Richmond! I'm so happy to share this travel guide to one of our historic cities in the US. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your favorite places and these lovely images. Thank you!