{"id":38145,"date":"2013-05-21T16:37:39","date_gmt":"2013-05-21T20:37:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=38145"},"modified":"2025-09-02T02:58:37","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T06:58:37","slug":"outdoor-activities-richmond-va","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/38145\/outdoor-activities-richmond-va\/","title":{"rendered":"Outdoor Activities in Richmond, Virginia"},"content":{"rendered":"

You might think Richmond, Virginia is a destination exclusively for history buffs. While it is steeped in the chronicles of yesteryear, this city is no one-trick pony.<\/p>\n

Stroll down Monument Avenue lined with residential architecture so grand, it suggests a lifestyle that would suit Scarlett O\u2019Hara.\u00a0 But look in another direction and you\u2019ll see traditionalists mingling with serious outdoor enthusiasts and hipsters who wouldn\u2019t look out of place in an episode of Lena Dunham\u2019s \u201cGirls\u201d. If you\u2019re seeking adventure on water or wheels, ride the rails to Richmond. After a day of thirst-inducing activity, you\u2019ll be ready to sample the city\u2019s phenomenal craft beers. Get ready to head south for your next weekend getaway.<\/p>\n

Ride the Rapids Right Downtown<\/h2>\n

Richmond\u2019s geographical position on the banks of the James River<\/strong> is a windfall for travelers who like to engage in aquatic sports without leaving the bright lights of the city behind. The James cuts a seven-mile swath right through the heart of town. It is the only urban setting in the U.S. with Class IV and V rapids. Whether you\u2019re a daredevil looking for your next thrill or a novice seeking a gentle splash, Riverside Outfitters<\/strong> will properly prepare you for a whitewater adventure. Their kiosk is located on leafy Brown\u2019s Island in the center of town and is open from Memorial Day-Labor Day. The seasoned team of guides lead rafting adventures to suit every level of proficiency.\u00a0 If you\u2019re looking for something that requires little technique, try one of the guided tubing tours. Do-it-yourselfers can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.<\/p>\n

Cycle Richmond<\/h2>\n

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Foot Power<\/h2>\n

The James River Park System<\/strong> is a 550+ acre natural oasis smack in the middle of the city. Opportunities abound for hiking, trail-running, rock climbing, fishing and more. It\u2019s a sanctuary for humans and animals, so keep your eyes open and you may spot bald eagles, osprey, blue heron, otters, fox and muskrat.<\/p>\n

On Belle Isle<\/strong>, consider hiking the tranquil trail that skirts the perimeter of the island. To get to the island, you cross a suspension bridge that provides jaw-dropping views.<\/p>\n

The Richmond Canal Walk<\/strong> is an easy 1.25-mile paved trail. It is famed for the graffiti art murals that decorate the floodwalls and seamlessly blend with the striking river vistas.<\/p>\n

Beer<\/h2>\n

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Richmond Brewery Tours<\/strong> offers a guided tasting that hits several of the city\u2019s best drinking destinations. Passengers ride in a comfy 14-person van, with a classic rock soundtrack. You\u2019ll stop at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery<\/strong>, which is generating a regional buzz. They are committed to environmentally sound practices without sacrificing flavor.\u00a0 All tap handles are tree-cycled and the brewery is 99% wind powered. Try the Chocolate Heat, a stout with an infusion of chocolate and fiery habanero peppers. The seasonal Gingerbread Stout is flavored with locally grown ginger root. Hardywood plays host to a popular weekly food truck rotation each Thursday evening. You can feast on goodies from over a dozen of Richmond\u2019s best mobile food carts. On Wednesday afternoon stop by the Farmers\u2019 Market, an excellent place to purchase local produce and picnic provisions to accompany your beer.<\/p>\n

Legend Brewing Company<\/strong> is the oldest still-operating microbrewery in town. Sample their popular Brown Ale, a thirst-quenching session beer, light and refreshing in spite of its caramel hue. It\u2019s not hop-centric, so it may appeal to those who don\u2019t usually gravitate towards beer. The large outdoor deck is packed on weekends.<\/p>\n

Next stop is Blue Bee Cider<\/strong>, one of the only urban cider houses in the U.S.\u00a0 Family-owned, they grow the apples in nearby Nelson County and do the rest on-premise, under the shadow of the skyscrapers. Their Aragon 1904 uses a variety of apples to produce a dry and complex beverage, with good minerality and the right note of acidity on the finish. While you might not want to use it as a replacement for champagne, it would do fine as a stand-in for cava or Prosecco.<\/p>\n

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