Five years ago I came to Richmond to start my journey here at VCU. Originally from Haymarket, VA, moving to the city was quite a change. At first, I didn't know what to expect besides the fact that I was going to get lost in the city. It took a few months to get fully adjusted to my surroundings, but it wasn’t until about two years in that I realized how much I truly love Richmond.

One of my favorite things to do is to take strolls around Richmond. I love wandering around because there’s always something new to see and a different path to take. There are never-ending possibilities. Richmond is a busy city, but you can escape it all and uncover some really beautiful spots with a great vantage points.

My love for photography is almost the same as my love for Richmond, which is a lot if you didn’t know. People ask why I always am taking pictures of everything and anything. It's because I love being able to share moments like the ones I've captured while I've lived here to express my gratitude to Richmond. Here are just a few times that Richmond has stolen my heart.

Take some time and venture down to Brown's Island, adjacent to Belle Isle. It's a great place for a run with an awesome view of the city downtown area.

One of my favorite sunset pictures I took while aimlessly walking through the fan one summer evening. There are some unreal sunsets in this city!

Hollywood Cemetery is made up of 135 acres of winding paths, valleys, and beautiful shrubbery and trees. Basically, your outdoor museum with a lot of stories to tell. It is not your average cemetery.

Richmond is known for its murals. You'll see them while driving all over the city on major streets and some tucked behind on side streets. Don't be surprised if you see a new one popping up somewhere!

I love Main St. because of its colorful buildings like these. It adds so much charm and vibrancy to the city.

The Pipeline is a cute scenic area that allows you to walk along the pipeline walkway just above the water level of the James River. If you walk far enough, you'll come across a nice swimming hole with a sandy beach.

Don't forget to make some time and visit these overlooks hidden around RVA!

Richmond is filled with cute little coffee shops and hole-in-the-wall places to eat. It might take you all four years to try them all!

Maymont has everything from Japanese Gardens, a Koi pond, a waterfall, and nature centers to the historic mansion where you can take a tour through. It's a great way to spend the afternoon with family or friends.

Taken by the Manchester Bridge on Floodwall Park which is part of the James River Park System!

Belle Isle is one of the most popular attractions in Richmond. Whether you are a student, lived here for years, or a tourist, you've been to Belle Isle. It is one of my favorite places to hike and explore while also being able to soak up the sun on the rocks by the river.

One of my favorite pictures I took on Floyd Ave. I love how each house is a different color; some of my favorite houses are in the Fan.

Views from the top while sitting at Libby Hill Park in Church Hill. An incredible view of downtown and the river!

From the outside looking in, Richmond can seem a little rough around the edges but when you take the time to explore, you’ll learn to love it. It is a very lively, quirky, and charming city. I hope these years that you spend in Richmond make you feel at home. These are just a few places that I absolutely adore, but let's be honest, I could write a whole book on all the different places that make Richmond unique and special to me. I love exploring and uncovering new places whenever I can. I'm proud to call my Richmond my home for a little while longer.