Route 5 runs parallel to the Virginia Capital Trail all the way to Williamsburg. | Photo by RICtoday
We’re in the midst of the peak of our area’s fall foliage. Taking a drive can be one of the best ways to take it all in.
The next time you’ve got a hankering to hit the road, we’ve got three suggestions for you.
Riverside Drive
If you’re in the mood for, well, a riverside drive, we have an aptly named road for you. Just south of the James, Riverside Drive starts around the Huguenot Flatwater area and winds its way for over a dozen miles of beautiful views before ending in Manchester.
Along the way you’ll find picturesque overlooks and beautiful architecture. The shortest road on this list, you can knock out a leisurely cruise of Riverside Drive in less than half an hour.
City Editor David here: This is just my opinion, but I’m not sure Richmond gets any prettier than Riverside Drive in late October.
Route 5
Starting around Rocketts Landing and then heading east via New Market Road, Route 5 will take you all the way to Williamsburg if you let it. The state highway runs parallel to the Virginia Capital Trail for almost the entire way.
Along the way you’ll encounter beautiful scenery, river crossings, and towns so rustic that they’ve earned the name to prove it.
State Route 6 starts in the Museum District, but can take you all the way to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Photo by Famartin
Route 6
If you want to go the other way, Route 6 — aka River Road West — runs through some of Goochland’s most picturesque neighborhoods.
From where it starts — heading west on Patterson from Arthur Ashe Boulevard — to where it eventually merges with the James Madison Highway near Fork Union, Route 6 covers nearly 50 miles of Central VA scenery. If you’re really in it for the long haul, it diverges again after a few miles and runs another 50 to Afton, where you can hop onto Skyline Drive.
Did we miss one of your favorites? Point us in the right direction.
Deer Tick | Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry | $30 | The Rhode Island rockers will play with Justin & The Cosmics.
“The Blair Witch Project” | Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $9 | See this landmark found footage film on the big screen.
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Rozwell Kid | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 7 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall | $17 | The indie rockers will perform with Rodeo Boys, The Dreaded Laramie, and Downhaul.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Comedy Happy Hour Open Mic | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 5 p.m. | The Camel | Free entry | Steve Jones hosts this evening of comedy — get there early to sign up for a slot or just enjoy the show.
Creature Feature Halloween UnHappy Hour | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 6-9 p.m. | The Poe Museum | $10+ | Come in costume and get ready for music from The Embalmers, a costume contest, and scary-food refreshments from Triple Crossing and TBT El Gallo.
Friday, Oct. 25
People’s Battle of Richmond Tournament | Friday, Oct. 25-Sunday, Oct. 27 | Times vary | Greater Richmond Convention Center | $15+ | Get ready for the ultimate showdown with roller derby teams from around the country competing in fierce battles on wheels.
Saturday, Oct. 26
Fall Rummage Sale | Saturday, Oct. 26-Sunday, Oct. 27 | Times vary | Halcyon Vintage | Free entry | Shop the sidewalk for vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories at bargain prices.
Though the completion date has been pushed back, progress is still being made on Henrico’s GreenCity development. County leaders say the size and scope of the project has made it complicated, but that they are working on deals to keep the timeline moving. (VPM)
Cause
Feed More has finished moving to its new headquarters in Henrico. The local nonprofit broke ground on the facility near St. Joseph’s Villa last October. (Richmond BizSense)
Environment
Amazon and Dominion Energy have announced a partnership to build a small modular nuclear reactor Louisa County. Such reactors can produce ~300 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to power ~300,000 homes. (Virginia Mercury)
Real Estate
Neighbors are expressing frustration after a plot intended for luxury townhomes is still sitting vacant in the Museum District. A 1917 row house at the corner of Park and Tilden was knocked down to make room for the project, which has stalled due to interest rates. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Richmonder
A VCU grad is making her Broadway debut next month, fulfilling a childhood dream. Starting in November, Alysha Morgan will appear in “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical,” alongside fellow Ram Kim Exum. (VCU News)
Travel
If you’re planning a romantic getaway with your significant other, consider Fredericksburg (just an hour’s drive from downtown). Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, art enthusiast, foodie, or avid shopper, this charming town has something to offer everyone.*
Finance
It’s time to take a break from your high-interest debt. For one of the longest no-interest periods on a balance transfer card experts have seen in a while,check this out.*
Travel
For a limited time, save up to 50% on a AAA Membership — and add an additional driver for free or at a discounted rate. Members access AAA Roadside Assistance 24/7/365, plus savings on flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and more with AAA Travel. Join AAA before this deal ends.*
What’s the most fun you can have with $100 around Richmond? | Image by RICtoday
If you were standing on the street in Richmond and we appeared, handed you $100, and told you to spend it on some local fun, what would you do?
Would you go on a local shopping spree? Make a reservation at your favorite restaurant? We want to hear your ideas.
City Editor David, for example, would blow at least $50 at Deep Groove Records, then stop by Garnett’s for the date night deal and pick up two tickets at the Byrd.
Do you have a C-note scheme you’re excited to share? Let us know below.
Asked
Asked
If you were given a $100 bill and told to spend it having fun around Richmond, what would you do?
This 4-in-1 car charger. It plugs into your car’s auxiliary power outlet and includes retractable USB-C and Lightning cables as well as USB-C and USB-A ports so you can charge up to four devices at once.
