Summerhill exits into the Bon Air area of Chesterfield County although it is actually situated just over the line in Richmond City.
Originally developed as a resort, a central portion of Bon Air has been designated as a National Historic District with many structures of Victorian design from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its name means “good air,” reflecting its role as a resort getaway that wealthy Richmonders enjoyed for its fresh air as opposed to the dirty air of Richmond’s industrial downtown of the late 19th century.
(Photo: Old Bon Air Hotel)
Bon Air is now largely a residential bedroom community surrounded by suburban shopping centers. In some cases, these shopping centers house independent businesses (butchers, coffee shops, restaurants) that are spinoffs from downtown Richmond’s thriving independent business and restaurant scene. Many settle in the inner suburb of Bon Air with 10-minute access to the city or the West End via the Powhite Parkway and/ or Chippenham Parkway. We are about 20 miles from the Richmond Airport.
(Photo: Bon Air Shopping Center)
Amenities
Shops and restaurants
Stony Point Shopping Center is less than a quarter mile away and contains a new, large Trader Joe’s for groceries, as well as a Good Food Store for natural and whole foods. The center also has other shops and restaurants, such as Frank’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, Southbound, a McDonald’s, Einstein Bros Bagels and a Hair Cuttery. A new Planet Fitness gym has just opened here on February, 2023. There’s a Chinese Restaurant also, Ting’s Chinese. Not to be confused with Stony Point Fashion Park, two or three miles away, off Chippenham Parkway. Latitude Seafood Company is a restaurant to be found in Stony Point Fashion Park, along with Nino’s Italian Delight Subs and Pizza, and P.F. Chang’s.
NEW! Bon Air is set to get a new restaurant, courtesy of a seasoned local restaurant group. The Granite is a new concept from Big Kitchen, which also owns and operates the area’s three Tazza Kitchen restaurants and Conejo in the West End. “When we became aware of this (Bon Air) space being available, we thought a classic American grill and bar concept that we had been thinking about would be a good fit for the neighborhood.” Possible February or March 2025 opening.
Across the Huguenot Road, in the center of Bon Air just over half a mile away, is CVS pharmacy and also the Buford Road Pharmacy, as well as the Bon Air Veterinary Hospital. A well-known local restaurant there is Joe’s Inn, and there is a Pizza Hut on the opposite corner of Buford Rd.
About two miles away, off Forest Hill Avenue, Walmart and Lowes anchor a shopping area in Sheila Lane, and a little farther along Forest Hill Ave is a Publix. A large Kroger can be found in the Shoppes at Belgrade, about two and a half miles west on Huguenot Rd. Most major national shop chains can be found in and around Chesterfield Town Center, about three miles away.
Places of Worship
There are a number of places of worship within two or three miles of Summerhill. This list is not the total. Check out their websites.
Libraries
Bon Air Library, Chesterfield County
The Library of Virginia, in the City of Richmond
Lifelong Learning Opportunities
ElderPep Day Club and Spa
Elder Pep Day Club & Spa is a friendly and safe private day club where seniors can connect with caring staff and others interested in socializing, life-long learning, activities, and optional amenities. Located in the Bon Air Shopping Center.
Lifelong Learning Institute
Lifelong Learning Institute in Chesterfield provides lifelong learning opportunities for midlife and older adults. Located at 13801 Westfield Road, Midlothian.
The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond
Use it or lose it, right? TSCOR’s lifelong learning programs are for anyone who wants to keep learning – or keep teaching! Various locations used.
Parks and Recreation
Larus Park – about half a mile away
Larus Park is 106 acres of wooded solitude bounded by Huguenot Road, Chippenham Parkway and Stony Point Fashion Park. There’s a network of single-track trails in Larus park – maybe some steep inclines. A biker or runner could probably get in 3-4 miles here, but would have to backtrack in places to see all the trail.
Huguenot Park – about 3.5 miles away
Huguenot Park is a 53-acre park that is generally flat and heavily wooded with pine and hardwood, providing excellent cover for songbirds and other small animals. Park includes an azalea garden, fitness trail, picnic shelters, play equipment, restrooms, tennis, basketball courts and fields for soccer and football.
Forest Hill Park – about 6 miles
The park consists of the historic Stone House, once the park manager’s home that can now be rented for small meetings or events, a lake, which has been restored in recent years, tennis courts, picnic shelters, a children’s playground, and many paths and trails are popular for walking and jogging. A partial wetland, much wildlife can be viewed in the park, and there are also sloping hills for passive recreation. It is well known as a popular sledding site anytime it snows in Richmond, and during the summer months Sunday concerts are hosted in the park. In recent years, the park has been home to the South of the James Market, a farmer’s market held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., typically from May through November or sometimes into December.
Robious Landing Park – about 7 miles away
Robious Landing Park provides easy access to the James River for kayaking, canoeing, rowing and fishing. The 102-acre site also houses 3.4 miles of trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters and sand volleyball. James River High School is located adjacent to the park and provides additional facility access. The park is on the Virginia DWR Bird and Wildlife Trail.
Midlothian Mines Park – 7.5 miles away
One of the first major industrial sites in the United States became a 44-acre preserve when Mid-Lothian Mines Park opened in 2004. Now dedicated to the citizens of Chesterfield County, past and present, the cut stone ruins of the mines surrounded by the beautiful woodland testifies to the courage, innovation and sacrifice of those who started the U.S. industrial revolution.
Maymont – around 8 miles
Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park, located in Richmond, Virginia, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy. Some steep inclines. Stroll through the gardens and arboretum, see native wildlife habitats, feed friendly goats, explore The Robins Nature Center and visit the Mansion.
Fitness Centers with swimming pools
ACAC Wellness and Fitness Center, Midlothian – about 3.5 miles
acac locations boast high-quality equipment, a comprehensive schedule of group exercise classes, and a full spectrum of programs and services for all ages and fitness levels. Flagship sites include on-site physical therapy clinics, expansive indoor and outdoor aquatics facilities, and spas offering both therapeutic and aesthetic treatments. We’re confident that our amenities provide everything you need to get moving.
Gold’s Gym, Richmond (Arboretum) – about 10 miles
From our beginning as a small bodybuilding gym in 1965 to today, Gold’s Gym delivers a dynamic fitness experience focused on strength and performance. With a wide range of offerings all delivered in a supportive, motivating environment; become the strongest version of yourself at Gold’s Gym
