As the capital city of State of Virginia, Richmond is the home to thrilling adventures, rich history and magnificent architecture. The city is centered within the Richmond Metropolitan area that is composed of both Chesterfield and Henrico Counties. Known as the River City, it is also home to the infamous James River. Residents and visitors will find world class amenities, including plenty of things to do, famous restaurants and some of the most thrilling outdoor adventures possible within an urban setting. As the third largest area within the Greater Virginia Area, Richmond provides an enticing residential and vacation destination.
History Richmond, Virginia
In 1780 Richmond was elected as the capital of the Dominion and Colony of Virginia. However, the area known today was officially settled in 1742, but played a significant role as a village for the tribe and confederacy of Powhatan Indians. The area also underwent a brief settlement between 1609 and 1611 by Jamestown English Colonists. It was originally named after the London England queen, Elizabeth I, by William Byrd II. Henricus, one of the settled areas near the James River, was the home of the famous Pocahontas and it also served as the location for the first North American hospital. Settlements were destroyed during the Powhatan uprising of 1622 and 1644, but the area was central to the Patrick Henry’s, “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death,” speech. British troops burned down Richmond in the early 1780’s, but after the area was rebuilt, the city also served as a central the Slave Trade and was the Civil War headquarters for the Confederates. Later, the area spearheaded the first successful system for trolley transportation, and came out of the Great Depression because of the areas successful tobacco production. Today, Richmond boasts a trendy waterfront corridor and the Richmond Civil War Visitor Center.
Parks and Recreation
Local residents enjoy the Richmond area because of its thriving metropolitan park system that includes plenty of recreational activities and community centers. Parks within the area offer playgrounds and picnic shelters, swimming pools and tot lots and walking trails and sports fields. However, the area is also home to specialty activities, including white water rafting, rock climbing and golfing. Boating, biking and other sports activities are also popular within the area. Computer labs, theater performances and cultural arts activities are also active parts of the community centers within Richmond.
Activities and Attractions
Richmond, Virginia offers residents and visitors a large spectrum of things to do, including sightseeing, local tours and activities at local museums and local sports events. For instance, many enjoy the Colonial Downs horse racetrack in New Kent County or drag racing at the Richmond Dragway. The Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, the Richmond International Raceway and sports events at Richmond Macon College are also popular within the area. The Kings Dominion, the Children’s Museum of Richmond-Central and Ashland Berry Farm are just a few of the family friendly events within the city. However, the Science Museum of Virginia, the Metro Richmond Zoo and Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens provide great options for activities and attractions in the River City. Many also explore the famous Maymont Mansion, or walk down Monument Avenue or discover some of Virginia’s best vineyards and wineries. Downtown restaurants offer everything from stylish pubs, international cuisine and Southern favorites.
Events in Richmond, Virginia
Art exhibits are wildly popular events within Richmond and are often held within the downtown area. Exhibits can feature anything from eclectic collections to fine art drawings. However, events such as the GardenFest of Lights, the Capital City Kwanzaa Festival and New Year’s Eve celebrations have many attendees each year. The area also holds several culturally specific events throughout the year, including the Que Pasa Festival, the Armenia Food Festival and the Festival of India. Residents also attend the Meadow Highland Games and Celtic Festival, the Second Street Festival and the Harvest Festival. NASCAR racing events and the Virginia Wine Expo draw huge crowds each year as well. If these events are not enough, then residents can choose to attend the Annual Midlothian Mega Blast Soccer Tournament, a Ginter Park Show or the Annual Authors Literary Festival in Richmond. Arts in Park, the Virginia PrideFest and French Film Festival also attract local residents.
