GWAR, Bruce Springsteen, Aimee Mann, and Tom Robbins spent formative years exploring the residential streets, cobblestoned alleys, hidden parks, and river views that make up the swath of land west of the Capital City's downtown presence. As Virginia Commonwealth University has grown, it's become more and more a part of the surrounding Fan District. The two have housed cultural, gastronomical, and creative forces for years, and their mix of genteel style and gritty energy set the resulting neighborhood apart. Nearby, Hollywood Cemetery brings historic star-power to the area by serving as the resting place of US Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, in addition to offering killer views of Downtown and the James River.
Beautiful co-working done in a beautiful space.
Housed in a former derelict gas station, Lamplighter didn’t just help usher coffee culture to Richmond, it planted a seed of vibrancy in an overlooked corner of the city. The baristas are that winning trifecta of talented, knowledgable, and approachable as they serve up pourovers, lavender lattes, and cold brew by the gallon. The kitchen is just as welcoming, with sandwiches, salads, and sweet stuff for all types of eaters (even those with allergies). Now a fast-growing empire with multiple locations, Lamplighter was one of the first to turn hundreds of Richmonders into coffee connoisseurs.
