Shockoe Bottom - Richmond, VA Area Guide

Shockoe Bottom's historical ties run deep, as the port served as a major center for the American slave trade. Throughout the 19th century, Shockoe Bottom functioned as the center of Richmond's commerce. Thanks to its waterfront proximity, boats brought goods into the docks. The community's vitality declined in the 1920s, and a series of devastating floods extensively damaged the area. The tide turned with the completion of the James River Flood Wall and Canal Walk. Residential construction ignited with the rehabilitation of old warehouses and the addition of new dwellings.

Shockoe Bottom includes a stop on the historical Virginia Slave Trail. For literary lovers, the Edgar Allen Poe museum calls the community home. Local artists are celebrated and regularly presented at the Shockoe Bottom Arts Center. Each month, the center features the work of a new artist for the community to enjoy.

An abundance of restaurants and bars enhance the Shockoe Bottom community, making it a perfect destination for entertainment. Millie's Diner attracts the locals with fine dining in a vintage diner environment. An authentic jukebox completes the eccentric decor. The lines that commonly form outside the doors hint at the deliciousness within. Be sure to sample The Devil's Mess, an open face omelette, loaded with spicy sausages, peppers and cheeses. This local favorite helped the diner earn the distinction as Style Magazine's Best Brunch in Richmond.

When dinnertime rolls around, Bookbinders does not disappoint. Locally owned, a read of the menu leaves you yearning for their fresh seafood choices. The Titanic Appetizer Plate combines jumbo shrimp and crab cakes to stop you in your tracks before you even reach the main course. The prosciutto wrapped sea bass ups the enjoyment factor, especially when paired with red bliss mashed potatoes.

Nightlife waits right outside your door in Shockoe Bottom, where bars and nightclubs abound. Virginia Commonwealth University sits right down the street, so college students frequent the area on the weekends. Richmond Police maintain a large presence in the neighborhood, helping to keep the nightlife scene fun but under control.

The Canal Club attracts locals with a mixture of record spinning and live music. The two-story venues features bands of all genres throughout the year. Patrons can grab a drink and dance, or play some pool while snacking on chicken wings.

Residents enjoy walking the sidewalks of Shockoe Bottom. With its concentration of stores and eating establishments, you pass an average of 15 restaurants just by taking a five-minute stroll. The community boasts one of the highest walkability scores in the state of Virginia, so park your car and let your feet get you around. It you need public transportation, pick from a variety of convenient bus stops throughout the community. Accessing the highway takes minimal effort. Shockoe's convenience to downtown makes it convenient to the expressway.

Hailing a cab may take some effort, depending on the time and day of the week. On the weekends, the bustling nightlife brings an abundance of taxis to the area. During the weekdays, you may want to call ahead and schedule a ride to avoid a long wait on the corner. Uber operates in Richmond, providing another transportation option for the Shockoe Bottom resident.

When using your own transportation, give yourself extra time to find parking. Residential communities generally provide it, but area businesses do not. Limited on-street parking exists, but follow the rules. The police constantly monitor the situation, giving out an abundance of tickets and fines. Keep extra money on hand for the paid parking lots.

Bikers commonly ride through the streets of Shockoe Bottom, although the brick yards and unfortunate number of potholes can make for a bumpy ride.

Brown's Island Park connects to Shockoe Bottom's Canal Walk. Overlooking the James River, the park gives visitors a glorious view of the waterway, with a downtown backdrop. You can visit the park for free, and it welcomes your furry friends, except during special events. The 6-acre arena houses 10,000 visitors, so event coordinators call it a favorite venue. The island jumps with live music during the summer months, with Friday Cheers and various other concerts.

Living in Shockoe Bottom requires more money than residing in other areas of Richmond — the cost of living averages about 7 percent higher than the rest of the city. Renting a one-bedroom apartment sets you back an average of $1,085 per month. If you need to take public transportation downtown, plan to spend about $1.50. Filling up your car offers a bit of relief from the cost of living in the Shockoe community. Gas prices that generally run about 20 percent lower than the national average. Use the extra money you save at the pump to buy a beer at the local pub. Expect a pint to set you back $6. Visit that bar during happy hour, and you will likely spend only half that amount.

When it comes to shopping, no specific area of the community prevails. Stores and shops are spread throughout the blocks, adding to the atmosphere of this interesting neighborhood.

If specialty stores make you weak, let Shockoe Bottom test your resolve. The Fountain Bookstore carries everything from New York Times bestsellers to obscure titles about Virginia's history and the Civil War. Attend book signings and release parties while you enjoy the company of other literary lovers.

Dransfield Jewelers gives shoppers a collection of hand crafted treasures. Owned by a master goldsmith, the store carries a collection of pieces to meet every budget.

Several high-end shops make their homes in Shockoe Bottom. Ledbury specializes in luxury menswear made from Italian fabrics, with mother of pearl buttons adorning each of the shirts. At locally owned Shockoe Atelier, customers watch as artisans stitch their jeans from scratch.

Shockoe residents have a choice when it comes to groceries. Both Farm Fresh and Martin's Grocery sit nearby. The 17th Street Farmers Market provides shoppers with fresh fruits, vegetables and local produce each weekend.