Coffee & Treats in Richmond

Outside of swimming laps in chocolate syrup, smoothies at Smoothie King are the tastiest way to improve your health. Smoothie King smoothies combine fresh fruit, natural juices, and special nutritional enhancers into more than 90 flavors (you can customize, add, and subtract the extras), all of which focus on achieving one of seven nutritional goals. Try an antioxidant-rich Pomegranate Punch with pomegranate, bananas, blueberries, apple juice, soy protein, and Turbinado sweetener to stay healthy. Weight-conscious en-smuthiasts can trim down and float away with the Celestial Cherry High, packed with bananas, black cherry, papaya, Turbinado, and honey, and unpacked with fat. You can also customize any smoothie by adding enhancers or “make it skinny” by cutting out the honey and Turbinado.

Carytown Cupcakes' team of bakers, affectionately known as "Team Buttercream," handcrafts the shop's preservative-free treats from scratch daily. Proprietor Dawn Schick harnessed the epicurean skills she gained as a personal chef and caterer to open her own cupcake shop in 2009 and has been baking alongside her expert team ever since. Her permanent menu of classic cupcakes woos sweet teeth with the familiar, comforting flavors of red velvet, vanilla, and baby blanket. Meanwhile, her seasonal menus rotate weekly to include vegan and gluten-free selections that fit into themes ranging from wine country to candy bars.

Cheesecake Heaven Richmond’s head chef Jane Eckels first began baking her cheesecakes for local restaurants in 1994, and has since enticed the palates of such prestigious clients as Samuel L. Jackson. Today, she hands out selections by the slice or whole cake from an ever-changing menu with flavors ranging from traditional New York–style cheesecake to innovative espresso chocolate chip or raspberry lemonade. To satisfy as many patrons as possible, the pastry chef can create gluten-free alternatives of her creations upon request. In addition to the main bakery location, two brick drive-thrus allow customers to enjoy cheesecake without leaving the comforts of their car or Pope-mobile.

Beriberry Premium Frozen Yogurt believes in DIY desserts. From the 14-flavor self-serve station to the 60-plus topping options, guests take the reins on their frozen creations. Rotating flavors run the gamut from red velvet and sugar-free vanilla to cookies 'n' cream, and customers can cloak yogurt swirls with traditional cherries and hot fudge, as well as with less conventional sprinklings of fresh bananas, crushed Twix bars, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. The inside seating area boasts a large chalkboard to field the frenzied doodles and searing political cartoons of children, and covered outdoor seating lets guests enjoy their masterpieces al fresco.