Richmond is home to unique businesses, numerous interesting events, a great community, and so much more. Locals pride themselves on knowing the ins-and-outs of the area but no matter how much time you have spent getting to know the city, you can never know Richmond well enough. Here are 7 little-known facts and attractions in Richmond, Virginia.
1. Rat Basketball
When you think of basketball in Richmond, VCU probably comes to mind. Despite being in a city that bleeds black and yellow, there are some very underrated athletes in the most unexpected places. The Science Museum of Virginia offers a new experience for the sports junkies of Richmond. On a miniature court, rats battle it out until the final moments on the clock. Next time you find yourself looking for some excitement, go check out these little rat-letes!
Image Credit: http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/finnish-ra...
2. Ghost Tours
Everyone knows about the famous Hollywood Cemetery in the heart of Richmond, but many don’t know the eerie secrets behind it. Being the home of the Richmond Vampire, the haunted confederate pyramid, and an iron dog statue that supposedly moves on its own, this cemetery is full of life. Ghost tours are offered regularly on site for those who want to experience a new side of this popular attraction. If you ever need Halloween plans, this is a great experience for the not-so-faint-hearted.
Image Credit: http://www.thevalentine.org/calendar/hollywood-cem...
3. Street Art
No matter where you walk or drive in Richmond, you are bound to catch a glimpse of some of the most unique and interesting street art you’ve ever seen. Being the art-friendly city that it is, it isn’t surprising that Richmond earned a spot on Buzzfeed’s list of Best Street Art in the World in 2013. Not only does it make the commute to school or work more interesting, but it makes the city of Richmond a brighter place.
Image Credit: http://www.streetartnews.net/2013/08/ever-new-mura...
4. Christmas Lights
Richmond is notorious for their tacky light tours. That being said, you don’t have to take a tour to find amazing light displays. Much like the murals in Richmond, you are bound to see extravagant lights and decorations if you go anywhere in the city during the holidays. Unsurprisingly, USA Today named Richmond one of the top 10 places to see Christmas lights in 2012. Many individual displays have earned national recognition as well. If you ever need a good place explore during the holidays, Richmond is a must!
Image Credit: http://historicmankinmansion.com/mankin-blog/2010/...
5. The James River
The James is an excellent place to explore for those who are outdoorsy. Places like Pony Pasture are great for hiking, swimming, or just relaxing! For those looking for more of an adventure, Richmond is the only city in the U.S. with class lV rapids within city limits. No matter what kind of adventure you are looking for, the James is a place for everybody.
6. Bike Sharing
The city of Richmond has signed a deal with a Canadian vendor to launch a bike sharing program. The final agreement included 22 docking stations and 220 bikes. Unlike other bike rental experiences, this program is fairly inexpensive. The Richmond City Council has approved the prices of $1.75 for a one-way trip and $6 for a 24-hour pass. With the expectation that it will be well received by the public, additional plans for expansion have begun for early 2017. What a great way to explore the city!
7. Travel Hot Spot
Not many Richmonders know that Travel and Leisure declared Richmond one of the best places to travel in 2016. Not only is the Richmond area a special place to its citizens, but a great place for anybody to visit. The welcoming community, the numerous local events, and the overwhelming history just make up a few reasons to visit our awesome city.
Whether you’ve lived here for years or just are visiting for the first time, there are always new and exciting things to do in Richmond. Next time you need something to do, explore this beautiful city; you are guaranteed to find a new appreciation for it.
