Guest Blog, from Richmond.com
Whenever I see an asset list for Richmond, Va., our proximity to everything around us is always touted at the top.
Richmond is a great place to live because we’re two hours from everything, is the general line. We’re two hours from D.C., two hours from the mountains and two hours from the beach – what more could you want?
Well what I want is two hours less of driving time, which is exactly what I love about Richmond, Va.
Sure, we’re a short drive from beaches, mountains and the capitol, but we’re right in the heart of so much more.
Want water access without the sand and commute? The James River runs though the middle of town, with plenty of “beaches” and access points along the way. Our river gives locals a place to cool off, fish, kayak, tube, and more – all in the middle of the city.
Our city parks, from Maymont and Byrd Park to Forest Hill on the Southside, mean Richmonders have a wide variety of outdoor options if they’re looking for a break from the river.
If we’re in the mood for culture, we’ve got world-class museums right in our own backyard. The new VMFA, the Valentine Richmond History Center, Science Museum of Virginia, Children’s Museum of Richmond, Virginia Historical Society – I can’t even list them all (though luckily Richmond.com can).
First Fridays Artwalk is just one of our fabulous annual events and it seems like almost every month there’s at least one fantastic, delicious food festival.
You can find great live music in town almost any night of the week, plus summer concerts, theater and performing arts and artist exhibitions.
We’ve got a brand new baseball team, some of the coolest races and marathons around, local shopping destinations, and great nightclubs in Shockoe Bottom.
And then there’s the food. Richmond’s dining scene offers everything from affordable and simple diner grub, to upscale French and New American cuisine. We’ve got vegan options, ethnic, American, Italian, Ethiopian and, we unofficially believe, more Thai per capita than in any other city in the nation. It doesn’t matter what you’re in the mood for, or what your price range is, you can find it in the River City.
So in case it’s not clear, I love my city. We might be close-by to a lot of cool places, but we’re right in the thick of everything that matters.
Karri Peifer is the editor of Richmond.com, a local city site. She is a native, and clearly passionate, Richmonder.