Richmond Virginia, a smaller urban area becoming more well known and more visited every single year. You either love this city or you hate it, and my intention is to make you fall in love with this hectic, beautiful, absolutely insane place, just like I did three years ago. Summers spent in Richmond are basically what you make of them and here are just a few of the many wonderful things you should cross of your bucket list this summer if you happen to stumble across this magnificent city.
1. Visit Brown's Island (and/or Belle Isle). The James River is such a fun and relaxing place to be. There are always so many people who want to just kick back and relax by the water on a nice sunny day. Brown's Island is great for the music festivals and other similar events.
2. Shockoe Slip. Come to the crazy downtown Richmond. Experience great music, delicious food and drinks, live entertainment and tons of fun! Anything from local bars to five star restaurants, you name it, Richmond's got it.
3. The National. So many amazing bands and musicians have played at this indoor venue located on East Broad Street. From J Cole to Billy Joel, to the White Stripes and Dierks Bentley, there is a wide variety played here to fit any music lover's taste.
4. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Come see the beautiful Botanical Gardens at Lewis Ginter right here in Richmond. Amazing rare exotic plants and trees, some you can even buy! It is truly amazing and a plant lover's dream come true.
5. Carytown Rva. All these adorable local thrift shops, more bars and five star restaurants. Bring your kids and even your dogs to enjoy walking around Carytown with such a lovely upbeat atmosphere.
6. Virginia Fine Arts Museum. For all those aspiring artists, the Virginia Fine Arts Museum is one of Virginia's most famous museums. It has thousands of different collections and certain exhibits that change every so often as well. It is open 365 days a year!
7. The Historical Canal Walk. Approximately 1.25 miles through downtown Richmond so you can enjoy historical Richmond and get some exercise as well. They offer boat tours as well, also open 365 days a year!
8. Hollywood Cemetery. Open to the public daily, come see one of the most beautiful garden cemeteries in American. With tons of history and stunning views, plants and trees, there is so much to admire and learn.
9. Metro Richmond Zoo. Take a walk on the wild side here at the Richmond Zoo. Experience all different species ranging from alligators to elephants. Visit Kumbali and Kago the cheetah and yellow lab mix who have been best friends since birth, and feed the giraffes out of your hand! Cuteness overload.
10. Maymont Park. An American Estate, a beautiful park, great for planning parities and even weddings, come the beauty of all the different plants and animals, just an overall great relaxing place to bring the family and appreciate the little things.
These are just a few of the many things to take part in while staying in Richmond Virginia. While I can completely agree that sometimes city life is not for everyone, you should at least visit and experience all the beautiful things Richmond has to offer. If you are planning on making a trip out of it, cross some of these wonderful things off of your bucket list this summer. Enjoy!
