When a city starts bringing significant retail, restaurant, and recreational opportunities to its downtown area, it is primarily to ensure a better quality of life for its residents.
However, at the same time, this development brings with it a secondary benefit – to enhance the city’s tourism appeal. After all, isn’t a key factor in any destination’s ability to attract visitors and interesting variety of retail, restaurant and recreation options?
With a spate of businesses sprouting up along Water Street, Richmond’s revitalization of this corridor is in full swing, and city officials, residents, and tourists couldn’t be happier.
A bustling downtown is a vital part of any visitor’s total destination experience, says Staci Pelfrey, Social Media Manager for Visit Richmond, the city’s tourism arm.
“A vibrant, walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, coffee bars, entertainment, and unique local businesses is a major factor in encouraging tourism,” says Pelfrey.
One of these major draws is The Quarter, a compact space where visitors can mingle with locals in an entertainment venue inspired by New Orleans’ French Quarter. The Quarter is the place to go to satisfy your appetite and quench your thirst. For the latter, you’ll find an outpost of Lexington-based Blue Stallion Tap Room which has 16 beers on tap.
As far as the hunger part goes, you’re covered no matter what you’re in the mood for. Apollo Pizza specializes in craft pizzas; Holler Burger offers classic smash burgers and chicken sandwiches, and the newest establishment, House of ‘Cue BBQ, serves American barbecue favorites, along with nachos and tacos.
With its partially covered outdoor patio complete with firepits and large screen TVs, and indoor games and video arcades, The Quarter has a year-round festival-like atmosphere – even when it’s not hosting actual festivals such as the annual Hops & Vine Festival.
Another downtown space that combines the feel of an outdoor dining spot with that of an urban park is Springhouse Square.
The development is the 21st century version of the village green which served as an open living room for community members to congregate and catch up.
A green oasis that got its name from a pre-Civil War stone springhouse which is located here, the property will be developed in phases.
Springhouse Square is currently home to food trucks, but according to owners Katie and Kris Lewis, future plans call for fire pits, outdoor games, live music, and more tourist-friendly businesses to be housed in the small cottages surrounding the green space.
No city, especially one that according to census statistics, is Kentucky’s fastest growing, can have too much ice cream.
For that reason, Poppy’s promises to be popular with locals and visitors alike. Located on Water Street in a small white cottage with pink and mint green interior, Poppy’s – is independently owned by Elizabeth and Phil Kring.
The name is a tribute to Elizabeth’s father, who is affectionately called Poppy by his granddaughters.
As sweet as the story behind the naming is, the menu is even sweeter. Although staples such as Banana Splits and Root Beer Floats are popular choices, so are Ice Cream Nachos and the fan favorite Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie.
At this time of year, a favorite will undoubtedly be the Snap-O-Lantern, pumpkin ice cream with ginger snap cookies.
With downtown gathering spots such as The Quarter and Springhouse Square along with an old-fashioned ice cream shop such as Poppy’s, Richmond will offer its visitors even more reason to stick around for a while.
