Richmond, VA

Stroll along the restored Haxall and Kanawha Canals downtown, where interpretive signs tell the story of Richmond's industrial past. It leads to Brown's Island, a green space in the river that hosts major festivals and offers stunning views of the city skyline and the James.

Take a self-guided tour of Richmond's incredible collection of street art. The Richmond Mural Project has transformed walls across the city, particularly in the Arts District around Broad Street, into a massive, ever-changing open-air gallery.

Experience Richmond's defining natural feature up close. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to navigate the flatwater, or join a guided trip through the Class II-IV rapids of the downtown stretch. In summer, floating down the river on a tube is a quintessential RVA pastime.

Housed in the historic Leigh Street Armory in Jackson Ward, this vital museum chronicles the lives and achievements of African Americans in Virginia. It's a powerful and necessary counterpart to the city's more traditional historical narratives.

This historic district by the river is now a foodie haven. Start with fresh croissants at Sub Rosa Bakery, grab lunch at the bustling Shockoe Bottom Cafe, and end with inventive small plates and cocktails at one of the many intimate restaurants lining the cobblestone streets.

Embrace pure, affordable fun at The Diamond, home to Richmond's beloved Double-A baseball team, the Flying Squirrels. The games are less about the score and more about the between-inning antics, local craft beer, and classic ballpark atmosphere.

Named for its fan-shaped layout of streets radiating from Monroe Park, this area is famous for its stunning rows of early 20th-century homes, from Victorian to Arts and Crafts. It's a leafy, residential area adjacent to Virginia Commonwealth University, buzzing with coffee shops and casual restaurants.

The city's fastest-growing neighborhood, where old warehouses and factories now house the highest concentration of breweries, cideries, and distilleries on the East Coast. It's a playground for adults, with arcade bars, food halls, and loft apartments defining its industrial-chic vibe.

More a commercial district than a residential neighborhood, Carytown is Richmond's eclectic shopping and entertainment heart. Independent businesses thrive here, from toy stores and bookshops to vegan bakeries and the magnificent, still-operating 1928 Byrd Theatre, which shows second-run films for $4.

Richmond's oldest neighborhood, perched on a hill overlooking the river and downtown. It's home to St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry gave his "Give me liberty or give me death!" speech. Today, it mixes beautifully preserved homes with a tight-knit community feel, great parks like Libby Hill, and acclaimed restaurants.

Once known as the "Harlem of the South," this historically Black neighborhood was a hub for Black commerce, culture, and jazz legends like Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Today, it's experiencing a renaissance, with important institutions like the Black History Museum and vibrant new businesses honoring its legacy while building its future.