Now we’re talking history. This 18th-century neighborhood is where Richmond got its name, thanks to William Byrd II, who stood at what is now Libby Hill Park, looked out over the James and was reminded of Richmond upon Thames in England. Not a creative man, but the name stuck. “Church Hill” is equally straightforward—it refers to St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry did his “Gimme liberty” thing and men in wigs lost their minds. Outside of its enormous amount of history, Church Hill has tree-lined streets, beautiful houses, great city views and lots of people in stretchy pants walking dogs.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Incredible eating, courtesy of nationally renowned restaurants like Metzger’s and neighborhood stalwarts like The Hill Café. Whether or not you end up living here, you have to get a New Zealand-style hand pie or a slice of salted caramel pumpkin from Proper Pie. Then there’s Sub Rosa Bakery, which food critics and regular people stampede for its buttery croissants and heirloom grain breads.

WHAT’S UNEXPECTED

An 8-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty—one of 200 sold by the Boy Scouts of America in 1950 to celebrate its 40th anniversary. To make this story even weirder, the poor Richmond Boy Scouts had to collect 40 tons of scrap paper to pay for it. It now sits in Chimborazo Park, which features a playground, community garden, dog park—and liberty for all, obvs.

CHECK IT OUT

See Church Hill through the eyes of different Richmonders as they show off their favorite spots.