Richmond

Around Richmond

Photo: Bdl2001 · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Metro area · Virginia · 1.4M people

Richmond

“RVA”, “River City”

A river city with deep roots and a lively spirit.

VCU GoldSpider Red

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Welcome to Richmond! Get ready to explore the river, the history, and the ever-growing food and beer scene. Whether you're here for a visit or putting down roots, you'll find a city with a lot of heart and a neighborhood that feels like home.

Clubs for Richmond

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The room

One room for everyone around Richmond. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.

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Marketplace

Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Richmond. Sign in to sell something.

Things to do

  • Virginia State Capitol Historic seat of state government designed by Thomas Jefferson
  • Maymont Public park and estate with gardens, wildlife, and a mansion
  • Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Botanical garden with themed gardens and a conservatory
  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Art museum with extensive collections from around the world
  • Belle Isle Island park in the James River with trails, quarry, and views
  • Canal Walk Riverside walkway with historic plaques and scenic views
  • Outdoors Hike the Buttermilk Trail
  • Outdoors Kayak or paddleboard on the James River
  • With kids Science Museum of Virginia
  • With kids Children's Museum of Richmond
  • Evenings Brewery hop in Scott's Addition
  • Evenings Live music at The National
  • Locals love Riverfront parks
  • Locals love Historic neighborhoods

Through the year

  • Dominion Energy Riverrock May Outdoor sports and music festival along the James River
  • Richmond Folk Festival October Free three-day music festival on the riverfront
  • Virginia State Fair September Midway rides, livestock shows, and concerts at the Meadow Event Park
  • Carytown Watermelon Festival August Street festival with food, music, and the famous watermelon eating contest
  • Richmond Marathon November Road race through the city's historic neighborhoods

Richmond has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The best times to be out are spring and fall. Best: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer mild temperatures and low humidity.

Talk like a local

“RVA”
Shorthand for Richmond
“The Fan”
Historic neighborhood with fan-shaped street grid
“Shockoe”
Refers to Shockoe Bottom or Shockoe Slip
“Scott's Addition”
Former industrial district now known for breweries

Getaways

Local flavour

Teams

  • Richmond Flying Squirrels MiLB Double-A
  • Richmond Kickers USL League One
  • VCU Rams NCAA Division I
  • Richmond Spiders NCAA Division I

Also rooting for Washington Commanders (NFL), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Nationals (MLB), Virginia Tech Hokies (NCAA)

Eat and drink

  • Virginia ham biscuits Classic Southern staple, often served at gatherings.
  • Pimento cheese A creamy spread common in Richmond's restaurants and homes.
  • James River oysters Fresh from the nearby river, a local delicacy.
  • Craft beer Richmond has a thriving brewery scene, with many local taprooms.

Where people go

  • Riverfront parks The James River Park System offers trails, rapids, and scenic views.
  • Historic neighborhoods
  • Craft breweries Numerous breweries and taprooms define the local social scene.
  • Farmers markets The South of the James Market and others showcase local produce and goods.
  • Tobacco warehouse lofts Converted industrial spaces in Shockoe Bottom and Manchester.
  • Civil War battlefields Richmond National Battlefield Park preserves the area's history.

Heritage and traditions

Richmond is proud of its layered history — from the American Revolution to the Civil War — and its rebirth as a modern city with a dynamic arts, food, and riverfront culture.

This time of year in Richmond

  • Oyster roasts Fall Fall tradition of roasting James River oysters.
  • Second Street Festival October African American heritage celebration in Jackson Ward.

Say it like a local: “Shockoe” — pronounced SHOCK-oh, a district

Festivals

  • Richmond Greek Festival May Greek food, music, and dance at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
  • Richmond Irish Festival June Celebrates Irish heritage with music, dance, and food.
  • Second Street Festival October African American heritage celebration in Jackson Ward.

Landmarks with a story

  • St. John's Episcopal Church Historic church where Patrick Henry gave his 'Give me liberty' speech.
  • Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Catholic cathedral, a landmark of Richmond's religious diversity.
  • First African Baptist Church One of the oldest African American congregations in the country.
  • Beth Ahabah Synagogue Historic synagogue serving Richmond's Jewish community since 1841.
  • Richmond Slave Trail A walking trail that documents the history of the slave trade in Richmond.
  • Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site Home of the first female bank president in the US.

Food traditions

  • Virginia peanut soup A colonial-era dish made with peanuts, often served at historic restaurants.
  • Brunswick stew A thick stew of meats and vegetables, a Virginia classic often at community gatherings.
  • Vinegar-based BBQ Pulled pork with a tangy vinegar sauce, a Virginia style.
  • Oyster roasts Fall tradition of roasting James River oysters over an open fire.

Music and arts

  • Richmond Symphony Classical music with a long history.
  • Richmond Ballet Professional ballet company.
  • Indie rock scene Thriving alternative music venues in Shockoe and the Fan.
  • Mural art Colorful murals across the city, especially in the arts district.

A little history

  • 1775 Patrick Henry's 'Give me liberty' speech at St. John's Church.
  • 1861-1865 Capital of the Confederacy.
  • 1865 Evacuation Fire destroyed much of the city.
  • 1909 Maggie Walker becomes the first female bank president.
  • 1970s Richmond Renaissance sparked revitalization.

Rivalries

  • VCU Rams vs. Richmond Spiders Crosstown college basketball rivalry
  • Virginia Tech Hokies vs. UVA Cavaliers College football rivalry that splits local loyalties
  • Game day VCU basketball game day
  • Game day Richmond Marathon
  • Outdoors Sunset at Libby Hill Park
  • Outdoors Fishing on the James
  • With kids Metro Richmond Zoo
  • With kids Kings Dominion

Richmonders speak with a Southern accent with some Mid-Atlantic touches. You'll hear 'y'all' and 'fixin' to'. Locals pronounce 'Shockoe' as 'SHOCK-oh' and 'Carytown' as 'CARE-ee-town'.

Only here

  • The James River is the only urban whitewater in the US.
  • The Poe Museum is the only one dedicated to Edgar Allan Poe.
  • Shockoe Bottom is the site of the largest slave auction site in the country.
  • The Canal Walk follows the historic James River and Kanawha Canal.
New here? A few tips
  • Learn to pronounce 'Shockoe' as SHOCK-oh and 'Carytown' as CARE-ee-town.
  • Get ready for hot, humid summers and mild winters.
  • Traffic on I-95 can be heavy; use the Express Lanes if possible.
  • Explore the James River Park System for great outdoor access.
  • Try the local craft beer scene — Richmond has over 30 breweries.

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Richmond, VA. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.

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