The James River is one of Richmond’s most iconic natural landmarks, but it also offers endless ways to spend an afternoon. | Photo by RICtoday
Richmond is for paddlers, bikers, runners, walkers, and hikers, but it’s also for birders, climbers, anglers, and other explorers. Whether you’ve only seen the James while driving over bridges or you’re a certified river rat, here are some outdoor activities to try this summer:
Geocaching
Secure a GPS unit and get ready to comb the banks of the James. Choose your treasure hunt online and start exploring.
Birding
We’ve written about what a wonderful city Richmond is for bird lovers. Download an aviary app, start a journal, or simply keep a mental tab of all your sightings, from herons, owls, and ducks to elusive bald eagles.
Birds of prey like raptors, hawks, and osprey can be found along the James River.| Photo via Virginia State Parks
Climbing
Rock climbing isn’t just for gyms. Though it’s not something you should try without proper training — safety first — there’s a wealth of high-quality bouldering, sport climbing, and even trad climbing on both sides of the river.
Practice your climbing skills — with the proper safety regulations — off the Buttermilk Trail.
VMFA Shop Tent Sale | Friday, June 13-Saturday, June 14 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts | Price of purchase | Shop discounts on merchandise from the museum’s gift shop, including books, decor, jewelry, and exhibition-inspired products.
Friday Cheers | 6 p.m. | Brown’s Island | $10+ | Head to the riverside for this fan-favorite concert series — this week, it’s La Lom with Afro-Zen Allstars.
Richmond Flying Squirrels: Pride Night 6:35 p.m.| The Diamond | $13+ | The first 1,000 fans will receive a special Pride Night giveaway item + everyone can feel like a winner during happy hour, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 14
Multicultural Fest | 1 p.m. | Dogwood Dell Amphitheater | Free | Get there early for a seat at the amphitheater or bring a blanket + find a prime spot on the grass.
River City Roller Derby | 5-9 p.m. | Greater Richmond Convention Center | $12 | Head to the flat track as RCRD goes helmet-to-helmet with Nashville’s derby team.
Sunday, June 15
Father’s Day Feast | 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Hanover Tavern | $40, $15 for children 3-10 | You can count on savory ribs and live music by The Blayz Family Band at this holiday celebration.
Monday, June 16
Bullet Journaling for Beginners | 6-7:30 p.m. | Broad Rock Public Library | Free | This crafting workshop is perfect for list-makers, organizers, diarists, and doodlers — both teens and adults are welcome.
KASE Sushi x Blue Bee Cider: Pairing Tasting Menu | 6:30 p.m. | Blue Bee Cider | $60 | If you like the paired concept of scallop ceviche and Hopsap Shandy, you’re the target audience for this tasting event set at shared, community-style tables.
Brady Heck, Rebecca Porter, Mead The Deer | 7 p.m. | The Camel | $10 | Head to this Broad Street venue for another evening of homegrown music, split up with three acts.
Richmond City Council is considering whether to place speed cameras at high-risk intersections, following a new state law permitting them. Read more about this back-and-forth topic as city officials prepare for the next council meeting on Monday, June 23. (The Richmonder)
Outdoors
Visit one of the Virginia State Parks this weekend to celebrate the park system’s 89th anniversary with History and Culture Day. Each location will host events for the occasion, ranging from kayaking tours to scavenger hunts and beyond. (Alexandria Living)
Try This
Don’t forget to stop by Richmond’s newest bookstore, Brian’s Books, for the grand opening tomorrow, June 14 + Sunday, June 15. Hours will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Before you stop by, get a first-hand look at what’s in store (both literally and figuratively).
Answered
Tuckahoe Public Library on Starling Drive. That’s the answer to yesterday’s mystery library photo. Virtual kudos to RICtoday reader Kristyn L. for booking the first correct guess. An added sentiment: “I just recently got my library card there about a month ago, and it’s a lovely library!”
Award
Deborah Parker has been awarded the Art in Literature Award for her book, “Becoming Bella de Cota Greene: A Visionary Librarian Through Her Letters.” This annual award is distributed by the Library of Virginia and the VMFA for an outstanding work written in response to the world of art.
Mailbag
“Love to see the shout out to Richmond Ivy!” RICtoday reader, Kelsy B. offered some great tips for folks heading to City Stadium for a soccer match: “There is bike parking [at the stadium] and the GRTC Route 20 stops there as well!” This eco-friendly info is great to keep in mind for tomorrow’s Pride game.
Number
300+. That’s how many small businesses, manufacturers, and local companies have posted jobs on the RICtoday Job Board. Try it for yourself. Post unlimited job listings for free + get connected with top local talent.
Celebrate Pride Night with the Richmond Kickers as they take on Spokane Velocity FC on Saturday, June 21. Starting at 6 p.m., enjoy happy hour specials, food trucks, and a night of inclusion for all under the lights at City Stadium. Reserve tickets.*
Health
Is your active lifestyle, demanding job, or condition causing you chronic pain? Nápreva is a proprietary formula that offers relief without the harmful side effects. Try it risk-free.*
Post of the Day
The Richmond Night Market is back tomorrow, June 14, from 5 to 9 p.m. See the full post for a list of live performers, market vendors, and family-friendly activities.
🌸 Instantly update outfits for dinners out with friends when you add this flower purse for under $30.
🐚 Beach nights can’t handle this shell beaded bag with handstitched natural shell sequins.
💎 Choose your favorite color of Anthropologie’s Fiona beaded bag and watch the compliments flood in.
🥝 Madewell’s best-selling handwoven mini tote comes in bright summer colors like kiwi, apricot, and festival red.
👀 If you’re searching for something simple instead, this crochet tote bag is under $30 and will look adorable for walks, beach days, or running errands.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I’m not certain what all the VMFA will showcase at this weekend’s popular Tent Sale. However, I am certain that I have not been able to stop thinking about these handmade mugs, which stopped me in my tracks while visiting the gift shop earlier this month.
Even if these iconic clay creations aren’t available at the tent sale, it gives you a sneak peek at the the eclectic and fun items the VMFA keeps in stock.
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