The brief glimpse of warmer weather and blue skies have served as a good reminder to unplug and get outside in RVA. So we turned to outdoor enthusiast and guest editor Shep Roeper for a lil' boost. Not long ago, Shep co-founded a Richmond based nonprofit known as Beyond Boundaries with the goal of making outdoor experiences and adventure easily accessible and available to everyone -- no matter physical, cognitive or economic situation. Shep discovered his love for nature, sport, and helping others at an early age. Today, you can find Shep and his crew at any point of the year guiding people with disabilities down the rapids of the James, rocking climbing at the Manchester Wall, or fishing at some of the best hidden spots around. Whatever the adventure of choice for the day, Shep and Beyond Boundaries always find ways to bring exciting outdoor experiences to people who would otherwise not have the opportunity. Here are Shep's recommendations for getting outside to explore and celebrate this place we love to call home. Take it away, Shep ...
Explore Huguenot
Flatwater
In my opinion, the most special thing that Richmond has to offer is the James River. I tell people all the time that it’s one of the only rivers in the country that you can go white water rafting in the morning on class III and IV rapids and be home having a beer (or coffee) on your couch by noon. Huguenot Flatwater is one of the greatest access points on the river, as it opens itself up to paddlers, anglers, tubers, hikers, and wildlife viewers. With flat calm water at the put-in, you can adventure upstream for a calm and fun trip or head downstream where you will enter the beginning of the river rapids known as the ‘The Falls of The James.’ We aren’t quite there yet, but I’m really stoked about the efforts being made by James River Outdoor Coalition, Friends of the James River Park, City of Richmond, and so many other organizations. And to make this access point even more accessible, there's a universal access ramp currently underway which will create opportunities for so many more individuals to enjoy the river as we work together to move Richmond in an even more inclusive direction.
Vitals:
Huguenot Flatwater / Huguenot Flatwater Park is located directly underneath the Huguenot Bridge and is bordered to the east by Rattlesnake Creek and to the west by Old Southampton Road / Parking: 8600 Riverside Drive
Support Local
at Northside Grille
For my wife and me, Northside Grille has been one of our constant go-to spots to grab good food and drink for almost a decade. It all began for us on a snow day when we discovered their chicken parm sandwich, lumpia, bourbon, and local beer selection. Over the years, their staff and great bartenders have also become a huge part of the draw. Since that time, it has served as an important part of our engagement story and one of the first places we went back to when restaurants started to open again during the COVID pandemic. With a laundry list of restaurants and breweries in Richmond, competition is fierce, and options are endless. Everyone has a place they call home, and NSG is that spot for me.
With so many things to see and do in Richmond, I'm often asked by others how to take it all in at once. The answer is, you can’t. But if you could, taking in the city from the vantage point of various spots in Church Hill would be where I would start. Taylor's Hill, Jefferson Park, Libby Hill, and Chimborazo are all good places to appreciate RVA and to gain a little perspective. Each offers beautiful views on a clear day, and are romantically spooky when it’s foggy. Here you can enjoy a direct sightline of our amazing city and the James River, all while being tucked into one of the most beautiful and historic neighborhoods in Richmond. The next time you're looking for something to do, pack a snack, explore Church Hill, and take some time to park and enjoy these views, you won’t be disappointed.
Vitals:
Church Hill Overlook: 2112-2198 E Grace St. / Libby Hill Park: 2801 E Franklin St. /Jefferson Park: Corner of North 21st Street and East Marshall St. / Chimborazo Park: 3201 East Broad St. / Taylor's Hill Park: 2117 E Franklin St.
Disability Etiquette Training
Participate in Beyond Boundaries Certificate Program: Join the Beyond Boundaries team of outdoor recreation professionals to step outside of the traditional training atmosphere and dive deep into a conversation about disabilities. By sharing, discussing, and learning from their experiences (and your own experiences), you'll leave this program with a better understanding of how to be more inclusive at work and in your community.
Meet Jennifer Arnold, this week's guest editor! Jennifer joined the Richmond Symphony as Director of Artistic Planning and Orchestral Operations in the fall of 2019 to further her work in increasing BIPOC representation on orchestral stages and promoting the symphony as a community resource all people can enjoy. She relocated to RVA from PDX (Portland, OR) after 15 seasons performing as a violist in the Oregon Symphony. As a transplant to Richmond just prior to COVID, she hasn’t visited as many places as she would have liked, but is thrilled to be living in the Arts District, which has so much to offer in terms of walkability, public transportation, food, and entertainment. Here are Jennifer's tips to play where you stay.
Support Local
Coffee Shops
You can’t live in the pacific northwest without falling in love with coffee, so one of the first things I did upon my move to Richmond was find my local coffee spot. I start my mornings with a cup at Urban Hang Suite nested in the Arts District and Jackson Ward. The vibe is perfect if you like 90’s RnB (who doesn’t?), browse local art, and love coffee in all its forms. Plus, they have a fantastic wine collection, perfect for gifts or a virtual happy hour post-work. Looking for other local coffee shops, restaurants, and markets? Check out Venture Richmond's list and support our downtown business owners.
Walkability is important to me as I plan to live car-free for the remainder of my days. Every day on my walk to and from work I’m surrounded by the images of the incredible Mending Walls project. Last summer, I met Hamilton Glass in a virtual panel where I learned about the Mending Walls initiative, “to use public art as a tool to bring empathy and connect at a time when we need it the most.” Some days I stop, look, and use the time to reflect. Most days I just smile at the beautiful colors and faces as I start my day. It is truly a gift.
I’m a plant lady. I love to watch them grow. Nothing beats going to a place where you can learn about all different species of plants, enjoy the outdoors, and take a walk. A colleague introduced me to Lewis Ginter after a particularly busy replanning period as a way to walk away from work for a day and take in a new space in Richmond. It was just what I needed. Make sure to check out the garden's half-price admission days through Feb. 28, 2021. You can also enjoy virtual story time with educator Tarneshia Evans on Fridays at 10 a.m. on Facebook Live.
Founded in 1957, the Richmond Symphony performs, teaches, and champions music to inspire and unite our communities. Led by Music Director Valentina Peleggi, the Symphony incorporates classical, contemporary, and popular music, making symphonic music interesting and accessible to everyone. The League of American Orchestras recognized the Symphony as a leader of innovation in the orchestral field and awarded the Symphony the Catalyst Grant, to help implement effective practices to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion. In response to COVID-19, the Symphony now offers digital livestreamed or on-demand concerts and launched an online music school for learners of all ages. PERK OFFER: Here readers can use code “here2020” for a 20% discount to any livestream concert from the Spring Masterworks series.
Meet Bree Dodd, this week's guest editor! She is an advocate of embracing a multi-hyphenate lifestyle and likes to answer the question "So, what do you do?" with many "ands..." Currently, Bree can be found as a change agent with Open Eye (watch out for their RVA launch later this month), teaching yoga (sign up for weekly zero-cost classes straight to your inbox), working at a brewery (say hi to her on Saturdays at The Veil), and launching a new business (stay tuned for details in Q2, wink-wink). Her passion for community, inclusivity, wellness, entrepreneurship, and small businesses, helps Bree cultivate space for people to connect, to live by their definition of well, and to feel seen and heard. You can link up with her by following @bree.dodd, where you may or may not get talked into a coffee date, as it's no secret that this is her favorite pastime. Here are Bree's tips for exploring and celebrating this place that we all love to call home.
Take it away, Bree ...
RVA Community
Fridges
One of the many reasons I fell in love with Richmond is because we're a city of do-gooders. Richmonders actively seek out ways to get involved, to roll up their sleeves, and to find places to make a lasting impact. One such place is RVA Community Fridges, a small group of BIPOC community organizers promoting equal access to healthy food options by giving it away for free. You can get involved by donating, dropping off food, and helping scout new locations. Richmond's first community fridge can be found at Pomona Plants in Union Hill, where you can pop in some fresh fruits and veggies. Afterward, hang around for a bit to celebrate an amazing local, small business and scoop up something green for your home before you leave. And while you're at it, don't forget to pre-order an Open Sign Calendar celebrating Black-owned restaurants in Richmond -- each calendar month features a different entrepreneur and 100% of the profits go to RVA Community Fridges!
On the hunt to furnish a new apartment I stumbled into the cutest lil' vintage shop on Main Street at the old Baja Bean location. You can shop Boho To Go online or in-store for decor and furnishings from the past, for the now. Bonus: I think the owner, Jen, is quite possibly the sweetest person I've ever met. Jen, who is a registered nurse, will tell you that she grew up thrifting and garage sale-ing for her grandparents' antique business in upstate NY so the thrill of the hunt is in her blood. She loves breathing new life into forgotten inanimate objects of yesterday, so you'll always leave with a good conversation and a unique piece to show off.
For my first two years in Richmond I lived and owned a business in Shockoe Bottom and could not be convinced that I would ever leave. I now cannot be convinced that I will ever leave Forest Hill and think my new neighborhood deserves some much-deserved attention. On a sunny day, grab yourself a coffee from Blanchard's Forest Hill Cafe or The Westover Kitchen & Provisions and head down to Reddy Creek for a long trail walk. Give me a shout when you see me hopping rocks with a latte in one hand and the leash of my Bernese Mountain Dog in the other! When you're ready for some more fun, hit up my favorite tropical diner, Little Nickel. You can enjoy delicious food and funky cocktails to-go or dine-in, inside or on the patio (and no, you don't need an extra order of the nachos, one is enough).
A celebration of Black-owned restaurants in Richmond. Each calendar month, from March 2021 to February 2022, features a different entrepreneur. 100% of calendar profits support RVA Community Fridge.
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