Happy summer, Richmond! It’s finally here, and it’s getting HOT outside. Summer is the ideal time to relax and let yourself be carefree like you were when you were a kid. We are lucky to live in a city where we have access to so many fun things, all so close to us. From baseball games, to plenty of options for patio dining, to river rafting, we have a great variety of activities to keep us busy this summer.
COOL OFF NEAR THE JAMES RIVER
We are lucky to live in a city with a river flowing right through! Many Richmonders love to take advantage of this in the summer. Take a visit to Belle Isle or Texas Beach and lay out next to the water, or if you prefer something a little more action-packed, try kayaking, tubing or rafting down the river!
Be sure to check out Waterfront RVA, Tandem Adventures RVA, Riverside Outfitters and RVA Paddlesports for rentals and excursions.
Photo courtesy of Belle Isle Moonshine
PICNIC AT ONE OF RICHMOND’S MANY SCENIC OVERLOOKS
Richmond is a beautiful city with plenty of scenic overlooks to take it all in. Pack a lunch or grab takeout from your favorite restaurant in the city (if you can choose just one!) and head over to one of the many overlooks to enjoy a nice afternoon or evening. Perfect for a date, hanging out with friends, or spending quality alone time by yourself to decompress, these views will have you in awe.
ATTEND SOME OF THE MANY SUMMER FESTIVAL AND CONCERTS
It’s no secret that in Richmond, we love to have a good time and celebrate art and local culture. We have iconic summer festivals and concerts to attend all summer long – from concerts on Brown’s Island (Friday Cheers and Live Loud), to First Fridays, and plenty of other events to look forward to!
Photo courtesy of Dave Parrish Photography
GRAB A DRINK AT ONE OF THE BREWERIES IN TOWN OR HIT THE RICHMOND BEER TRAIL
The Richmond Region is home to more than 30 craft breweries, distilleries and cideries. Vinepair even named Richmond the #1 craft beer destination in the world! Whether you choose to visit one for an afternoon or evening, or hit the trail, the craft beer in this city will not leave you disappointed. They’re spread throughout the region, however, Scott’s Addition is home to 10 of them, with great outdoor spaces to relax. If you’re looking to explore all of them, hit the Richmond Beer Trail. If you visit five craft breweries and get your beer trail map stamped, you’ll get free Richmond beer swag.
Photo courtesy of Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
VISIT LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDENS
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden sits on a historic property with more than 50 acres and promises a well-spent summer afternoon full of spectacular gardens, dining, and shopping. They have more than a dozen themed gardens, including a Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Asian Valley and Cherry Tree Walk. Additionally, in the summer they offer Butterflies LIVE, where you’ll get to experience the wonderful world of butterflies, without a barrier between you. Unlike a zoo exhibit, you are able to be in the same room as the butterflies. One may even land on you! This is an activity the entire family can enjoy.
Image courtesy of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
ATTEND A RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS BASEBALL GAME
The Richmond Flying Squirrels play games almost every day, all summer. There’s just something about attending a baseball game that just feels nostalgic. Whether you are a huge fan of baseball, or you’re just there to support the team, you are sure to have a blast. Grab a hot dog, a beer, and sit back and enjoy the game! You might even catch some fireworks – Squirrels home games often feature some of Richmond’s best firework displays! What says summer more than that?
Image courtesy of Richmond Flying Squirrels
ENJOY SOME OF THE LOCAL FOOD ON AN OUTDOOR PATIO
Richmond is known for its many amazing restaurants. What’s a better way to enjoy summer than soaking up the sun on a restaurant patio while enjoying a local beer and delicious food? With lots of outdoor patio seating to choose from, you’ll never get bored of the views that come with them.
Image courtesy of Bottoms Up Pizza
About the Author: Aislinn Kane is a public relations major and marketing minor at VCU where she serves as the President of @prssaatvcu. Outside of school, Aislinn is interning at The Hodges Partnership, and also works at @stickyricerva and as a Communications Assistant at @upseminary