Customer resources
As Lufteknic has grown, our customer base continues to grow outside the boundaries of the Richmond metro area. Due to our location we also have many customers passing through. Richmond is one of America’s oldest cities. It has some amazing sites, historical attractions, restaurants, and a lot of things to see. We have put together some of our favorites places in the area for those who come to visit Richmond, or find themselves passing through. This area of the website will continue to expand and improve significantly, so check back over the next few months as we continue to plug in new info, images and the latest in our favorite spots.
Richmond skyline: Will Fisher
Motorsports / Driving fun
Blue Ridge Parkway A beautiful drive through the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains including the Skyline Drive, from Front Royal, Va to Asheville, NC.
VMP (Virginia Motorsports Park), just south of Richmond and holding a variety of events from ATV, Mud Bog, Motocross, Friday night street wars. Also a stop for the Top Fuel NHRA Drag Racing Championship.
RIR (Richmond International Raceway), is the home of NASCAR in Richmond.
VIR (Virginia International Raceway) is about three hours south of the shop and the ‘home track’ for most Porsche owners in the area. VIR is one of the best tracks in the country and hosts a variety of professional and historic road racing events.
Dominion Raceway is a new road racing, drag and oval track in development and scheduled for opening in 2015. Sandwiched between Richmond and the Washington D.C. / Northern Virginia areas, it promises to be a nice addition to the area for enthusiasts.
Summit Point Raceway is a road racing course for sports cars, motorcycles and karts. One of the classic Mid-Atlantic tracks (Main) with great secondary options (Shenandoah / Jefferson) depending on who is running your event.
G-Force karts. A favorite for our staff is the indoor go-kart track not far from the shop. This track is great fun for the whole family, now including paintball and other action sport options too.
Historical Points of Interest
Richmond has a vast array of outdoor parks, a thriving financial center, distinctive historic neighborhoods in full bloom, and enough history to make a Civil War re-enactor feel at home. Richmond was founded in 1607 by British explorers journeying up the James River from the first settlement in Jamestown, 90 miles to the east. The city’s recent revival has taken full advantage of its heritage, and some of the swankiest apartments on the market are the former tobacco warehouses that are now river view condos over the James.
The Museum of the Confederacy up from the James, near the Thomas Jefferson-designed state Capitol on East Clay Street, houses the world’s largest collection of military, political and domestic artifacts and art about the Civil War.
The Valentine Museum. Just around the corner from the Lüfteknic shop is a hidden gem of Richmond history, the Valentine Museum.
The Altria Theater. One of Richmond’s most interesting buildings is home to the Virginia Opera, concert events, and other live entertainment.
The James River complex. Richmond has truly embraced the outdoors, in the riverside walkways, hiking paths, and rock-climbing facilities, not to mention the kayaking/whitewater fun with class 4 and 5 rapids right in the city. Often hosts some amazing sunsets. Also a great spot for train enthusiasts, as CSX freights are frequent on the overhead tracks at all hours. Richmond boasts some extensive museums.
In no particular order:
The Richmond’s Children Museum has plenty of interactive displays and attractions for the whole family.
Science Museum of Virginia. Located next door to the Children’s Museum of Richmond, with an IMAX theater and located in the glorious Broad Street Train Station.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts ranks among the finest in the country. It has an eclectic collection, from Faberge eggs to modern art.
The Museum of Edgar Allan Poe. An interesting small museum also not too far from the shop.
The Jefferson Hotel. The city’s swankiest accommodations are at the Jefferson Hotel, a magnificent Five Star property with a grand entrance hall, a sumptuous rotunda, and 264 rooms. A truly amazing hotel facility Local millionaire, Lewis Ginter, intent on making it as grand as he could and naming it after his hero, built the hotel in 1892.
Today Richmond also honors Lewis Ginter with the naming of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.
The Virginia Historical Society, located right next door to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, is an excellent resource for those looking to explore the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Best of all it offers free admission and parking. Closed Sundays.
Hotels
- Jefferson Hotel As noted above, one of the best hotels in the country to this day.
- Linden Row Inn
- The Berkeley Hotel
- Omni Richmond Hotel
- IHG Crowne Plaza
- Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel
- Embassy Suites Richmond
- Courtyard Marriott
Richmond Area Shopping Malls
Short Pump Town Center – Nordstrom, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Crate & Barrel, Barnes & Noble, JCrew, Apple, H&M, etc.
Chesterfield Town Center – JCPenney, Old Navy, GAP, Sears.
Stony Point Fashion Park – Saks, Dillards, Banana Republic, GAP, Louis Vuitton, Sur La Table.
Richmond Metro Restaurant Favorites
Cheap eats (around $10 or less):
Chipotle Mexican Grille. The same as everywhere, which means pretty good overall.
Pie Five. “Chipotle but pizza” sums it up best. Solid options and fresh toppings.
Sugar Shack Doughnuts. Multiple locations, but the original is right around the corner from the shop. Dangerously close to say the least and voted one of the best in the country since opening just a couple of years ago.
5 Guys Burgers & Fries. Always a favorite and the best burger chain by far.
Gelati Celesti. Simply the best Ice Cream, in any city!! Local favorite.
Don’t Look Back – Hipster Tacos and a solid option for a take on traditional style tacos.
Galaxy Diner. Try the CB Snacker, a personal favorite. A ‘quirky’ greasy spoon diner, consistent. Great shakes.
Shoryuken Ramen. New (welcome) addition to the Richmond restaurant fold. Best Ramen in RVA, and holds its own with that in great DC and NYC.
Habenero Mexican Grill. A few minutes drive but so far some of the best traditional tacos in Richmond (that we have found). The carnitas and al pastor are excellent as is the go-to carne asada.
Moderate price ($10-25):
Kitchen 64. A few minutes from the shop, and a favorite of ours, a variety of everything, and everything is excellent.
Comfort. As the name implies, easy-going foods like pastas, oysters, and a delicious broiled chicken. Funky atmosphere and hearty portions.
Melito’s. American themed Richmond institution. Casual dining at it’s best.
3 Monkeys. Some traditional Greek favorites mixed with sandwiches, and other great fare. Get the tiramisu.
Millie’s Diner. A converted gas station near the Church Hill neighborhood, Millie’s delivers tasty and eclectic gourmet selections and has a good wine list. There’s usually a line out the door.
Bottoms Up Pizza. For unusual pizzas, late night eats, and fine beer from the local Legend brewery, this is a good bet in Shockoe Bottom.
Mama Cucina. Family style Italian at its best. A hidden Richmond jewel with homemade cheeses, sauces on site. Hard to beat at any price.
Banditos. Mexican fare with tattoed girls serving up the grub. Fresh grub with a bar-like atmosphere.
Thai Diner. Some great Thai food at 2 locations in Richmond. Solid choice.
Buz & Ned’s. BBQ joint that is one of our favorites, and a Richmond Institution. Great Ribs, Beef Brisket, sandwiches, etc. Featured on the Food network.
Fancy Eats ($25-up)
Can-Can. Located in the center of Carytown, on Cary Street is this traditional French brasserie. Unique martinis, and excellent roast chicken.
Bookbinders. Close to the central downtown area, top notch steaks, seafood, and famous crab-cakes. The best chowder in the city.
The Daily. Also in Carytown, with a wide range of dishes and some good vegetarian options. Focus on organic / local / sustainable ingredients.
Other interesting sites around Richmond that can be discovered:
Colonial Williamsburg. The first capital of Virginia, and the most influential, most populated city of the 13 colonies with a restored town center.
Jamestown. Americas first settlement in 1607.
Kings Dominion. Amusement park! Coasters! all that.
Busch Gardens. Amusement park with rides and attractions.
Richmond Coliseum. Concerts, ice hockey, the circus.
Richmond Farmers Market. Fresh food, goods, a fun time with local flavor.
James River Plantations. The historic plantations along the James River and Route 5.
Richmond Fairgrounds. The Virginia State Fair (Fall)
National Battlefield Park. National Park Services Civil War Park
Virginia Beach. The boardwalk, and the ocean waves…
Richmond Marathon. A world class 26 mile marathon, usually in late Fall.
Richmond Folk Festival. The National Folk festival has now morphed into this great once a year event, usually in October.
Travel Help
Lufteknic is located just a few minutes from the airport, train stations, and the bus depot.
Richmond International Airport – Richmond has an ever expanding regional airport, one of the oldest in the US.
VA Aviation Museum. Next to the airport entrance is also a first class aviation museum, including an SR-71 Blackbird, and an F-14 Tomcat on display.
Amtrak serves Richmond at two locations, but the Staples Mill Road station is most often served and most used, located along the North South rail corridor. Service from New England to Miami.
Greyhound-Trailways Bus Lines.The Greyhound terminal is a few minutes from the shop.
Rental Cars
Taxi Services
Richmond International Airport Taxi. Service to and from all major transportation hubs, including Dulles Airport near Washington D.C. and all other local areas.
Uber. Convenient app-based car service.
bioRide. Locally based environmentally conscious “new world” transportation and car service.