City Pulse: The Only Guide to Richmond, Va. You Need

Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 9:00 PM ET, Tue May 12, 2015

We Say:

Situated along the James River in the heart of Virginia, the capital and independent city of Richmond boasts a decorated history, evidenced by its array of world-class museums and monuments. Whether you're strolling the Boulevard or walking along Monument Avenue, it won't take long to immerse yourself in Richmond's more than 400-year-old history.

But even today, the former Capital of the South still plays an important role. Home to half a dozen Fortune 500 companies, the Greater Richmond area was named among the top three cities for business by MarketWatch as recently as 2007.

So whether you decide to plan a trip, or are just passing through on I-95, you're unlikely to run out of things to see and do in Richmond.

They Say:

"Discover history, adventure, and an easily accessible location in the Historic Richmond Region. Here, more than 400 years of American history live on through magnificent architecture, monument-lined cobblestone streets, and world-class museums - for an experience that's anything but textbook. But the area makes history in other ways, too. Brave the gorgeous yet intense James River, which distinguishes the Richmond Region as the only urban setting with Class IV rapids. It's just one form of outdoor recreation for thrill seekers. Event planners will love the Greater Richmond Convention Center, a prime destination for meetings and groups. See how the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is expanding its world-class offerings. And with more than 900 restaurants, diverse shopping and enticing events, the Region is ideal for weekend getaways and vacations." -Richmond CVB

Weather:

Current Traffic:Google Traffic

Airport:Richmond International Airport

Public Transit: Greater Richmond Transit Company

Bikeshare: Richmond Bikeshare expected some time in 2015

Walkability: 49 at Walk Score

Parking Options/Expense: Park Me, Best Parking

Best Accommodations: (Expedia.com Highest Guest Rated w/ at least 50 Reviews)

Boutique: The Berkeley Hotel

High End: The Westin Richmond

Mid Range: HYATT house Richmond-West

Bargain: Hampton Inn Richmond West

Foods to seek out:

Soul Food: Be sure to start off with the catfish nuggets at Mama J's

Comfort Food: Southern and Cajun cuisine collide at The Black Sheep

Edo's Squid: The pasta is fantastic but if the season is right, consider the soft-shell crab

Known For:

History: Virginia Capitol Building, St. John's Episcopal Church, The Museum of the Confederacy, Virginia Historical Society

Business: Dominion Resources, MeadWestvaco, CarMax, Genworth Financial, Altria Group

Arts & Museum: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Virginia Holocaust Museum, Science Museum of Virginia

Sports Teams:

NCAA: Richmond Spiders

NCAA: VCU Rams

Double-A Baseball: Richmond Flying Squirrels

Professional Indoor Football: Richmond Raiders

United Soccer League: Richmond Kickers

Cool Attractions:

Single

1. Check out a variety of old and modern artwork at the Virginia Musuem of Fine Arts

2. Learn how to shoot safely and correctly at the Colonial Shooting Academy

3. Take a walking, segway or trolley tour of Hollywood Cemetery

Couple

1. Spend the day biking, canoeing, rock climbing, and more along the James River

2. Take a relaxing stroll through the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

3. Experience the heart of Richmond with a journey down Monument Avenue

Family

1. History, animals, and more await at Maymont

2. Take the kids to G-Force Karts for a day of go-carts, lasertag, and/or paintball.

3. After warming up on the go-carts, take the family to see how the pros do it at Richmond International Raceway

Nightlife

1. Beer/Wine: Toast has up to eight wines and 17 different beers on tap, while Hardywood Park Craft Brewery boasts its own vast selection of local brews

2. Cigar Lounge: Enjoy some late-night food, drinks, and/or cigars at Havana 59

3. Music Venue: Jam out to your favorite artists at The National

Richmond is:


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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