Some would argue that Midlothian is where your mom would be if she lived in RVA. To that we say, your mom ain’t wrong. This super suburb used to be a mining town, but now features established neighborhoods of all price points—from golf course communities to split-level subdivisions from the ’70s. Big box stores make up most of the main thoroughfares of Midlothian Turnpike and Hull Street, but if you’re looking for more outdoorsy stuff, you’ll find it in places like Robious Landing Park and Mid-Lothian Mines Park—which hosts a 10K run every year called Loch Lothian.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Shopping malls, Targets, Chipotles, Krispy Kremes, rollerskating rinks, duckpin bowling alleys, trampoline parks, more Krispy Kremes—you know, all the things that make life worth living.

WHAT’S UNEXPECTED

Water sports. The neighborhoods of Brandermill and Woodlake are full of Swifties—meaning fans of Swift Creek Reservoir. You can fish, sail, kayak, canoe—and yes, even hop aboard the BranderBelle for a sunset pontoon ride. They supply the cheese!

CHECK IT OUT

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