We’re continuing our city neighborhood series with a side of town which has been part of Richmond for just over 100 years — Manchester.
This southside spot used to be a separate city
from Richmond, operating independently with ferries + toll bridges for locals to travel to and from each neighborhood. A free bridge was built after the cities agreed to merge in 1910.
So what makes Manchester stand out in the River City?
Part of the 1910 Richmond-Manchester Bridge still remains. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons, Duane Daiker
Public parking lots
- Riverfront Plaza, 951 E. Byrd St.
- Park 14th Lot, 325 S. 14th St.
- CityParking Lot 31, 1586 Dock St.
Make lunch plans
Manchester’s Table , 201 W. 7th St.
- 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Tues.-Sun.
- Try this: The Italian Flag panini, with mozzarella, tomato pesto + prosciutto on toasted focaccia bread.
Philly Vegan , 1126 Hull St.
- 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri., 12-8 p.m. Sat.
- Try this: Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, made with gluten-free, soy-based ground beef substitute.
Legend Brewing , 321 W. 7th St.
- 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun.
- Try this: Pair the classic Brown Ale with Beer Mussels.
- Must do: Manchester Alliance is hosting a Community Cleanup event this Saturday at 11 a.m.
Belle Isle is open from sunrise to sunset. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons, olekinderhook
Must-visit attractions
Richmond Railroad Museum , 102 Hull St.
- Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids over 5 years old.
- Must do: The Santa Express is back this season on Dec. 4, 11 + 18 — tickets are $25.
Belle Isle , find the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge near 300 Tredegar St.
- Try out the wooded paths for hiking + biking, or hang out on the rocks by the river.
- Check out the remains of multiple historic sites . The island was host to an old Confederate prison, a nail factory + even a hydroelectric plant over the years.
Pro tip: To keep up with neighborhood announcements, check out the Manchester Alliance group . They meet every second Tuesday of the month at Legend Brewing.
There’s still much more Richmond to explore. Pop by our Jackson Ward story for a refresher of where we’ve already been, then check out our poll below to tell us which neighborhood we should highlight next.
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