What used to be a “sister city” to RVA is now a neighborhood experiencing huge revitalization. Meet Manchester, a.k.a. “Dogtown,” a warehouse district just across the James with an iconic main drag called Hull Street. Beautiful antebellum buildings are now home to donut shops, coffee joints, breweries, lots of black-owned businesses and a thriving arts scene. Live in one of Manchester’s many industrial lofts and you’ll get the best views of the city skyline and easy access to fried oysters and hot buttered soul wedges.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Plant Zero, an artsy anchor for the neighborhood. It houses affordable artist studios, apartments, shared workspaces and commercial buildings and puts out a lot of creative energy.

WHAT’S UNEXPECTED

Brewer’s Sessions, a concert series at the always-buzzing Brewer’s Café, produced by Ajay Brewer—who’s kind of like the unofficial mayor of Manchester. Performances by groundbreaking local artists like Michael Millions and Zhé Aqueen are recorded for streaming online, but you can always slip in and grab a latte during breaks.

CHECK IT OUT

See Manchester through the eyes of different Richmonders as they show off their favorite spots.