Head south from downtown Richmond on Interstate 95 and, yes, that big concrete office building does look like a pack of cigarettes with a few butts sticking out.
No, that’s not a flying saucer that landed just west of Willow Lawn shopping center. It’s the Markel Building, commissioned in 1962 by the specialty insurer Markel and designed by Richmond architect Haigh Jamgochian.
One of Richmond’s most popular and picturesque spots is Maymont, a Victorian estate set on 100 rolling acres above the James River. Maymont serves as a park, museum, environmental center and more.
Born July 15, 1864, in Richmond, Maggie Lena Walker rose to prominence as a businesswoman and community leader. The first African American woman in the United States to found a bank, Walker provided economic empowerment to women and strengthened Richmond’s emerging Black middle class.
Libby Hill Park is one of three original parks in Richmond, located in Church Hill. The seven-acre park was designed by city engineer Wilfred Cutshaw.
Established in 1993, the Richmond Kickers are the longest continuously run professional soccer club in the country and a cornerstone of RVA’s sports scene.
Before racking up nine All-Star selections, a Rookie of the Year award, three Cy Youngs, two World Series rings, two ERA titles and an MVP, Justin Verlander pitched for Goochland High School.
The historic Jefferson Hotel has welcomed thousands of visitors in its nearly 130 years of operations, including the likes of U.S. presidents, writers and celebrities such as the Rolling Stones, Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley.
At Richmond, Virginia’s backbone waterway passes its final falls and rapids to begin its more stately path to the Chesapeake Bay. You can spot bald eagles and ospreys circling overhead; herons stalk the shore.
For those who want to understand the complex history of Richmond, Jackson Ward is ground zero.
Nestled alongside the rapids of the James River, Hollywood Cemetery is host to the graves of many noteworthy Virginians.
Chimborazo Park is laden with city history and lore while also letting park-goers experience all of Richmond.
When in search of a fun day of shopping, dining and entertainment, Carytown is the hub for indie boutiques, flavorful food spots and more to satisfy a local’s or visitor’s experience.
Professional baseball was played for generations in Richmond before the Flying Squirrels soared into town for the 2010 season. Nothing before was comparable in name, entertainment presentation, or impact.
The 26-story building that houses the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond has towered over the James River and dominated the city’s skyline since 1978.
This story is part of RVA100, our series that highlights the people, places and objects that define the Richmond region. We’re exploring hidden histories and colorful backstories.
This story is part of RVA100, our series that highlights the people, places and objects that define the Richmond region. We’re exploring hidden histories and colorful backstories.
For nearly 50 years, the Richmond Coliseum stood as the city’s premier venue for sports, concerts and political rallies.
This story is part of RVA100, our series that highlights the people, places and objects that define the Richmond region. We’re exploring hidden histories and colorful backstories.
This story is part of RVA100, our series that highlights the people, places and objects that define the Richmond region. We’re exploring hidden histories and colorful backstories.
For those new to Richmond, the Virginia War Memorial Carillon rises like a distant beacon above its leafy Byrd Park neighborhood.
This story is part of RVA100, our series that highlights the people, places and objects that define the Richmond region. We’re exploring hidden histories and colorful backstories.
This story is part of RVA100, our series that highlights the people, places and objects that define the Richmond region. We’re exploring hidden histories and colorful backstories.
This story is part of RVA100, our series that highlights the people, places and objects that define the Richmond region. We’re exploring hidden histories and colorful backstories.
On the south bank of the James River off Riverside Drive and across from Williams Island, Pony Pasture is among the most popular spots in the James River Park System.
With most of its structure built in the early 1880s, Pump House has ceased to host the elaborate dance parties in its ballroom that the granite Victorian Gothic structure was once known for early in its 140-year history.
Richmond Ballet was founded in 1957 by a group of ambitious student dancers.
As the largest performing arts organization in central Virginia, the Richmond Symphony is a harmonious hub that provides a musical treat to viewers and listeners, whether it be through concerts, radio broadcasts or educational outreach programs.
Since its inception in 1979, the Richmond area’s top high school football honor of All-Metro Player of the Year has just two repeat winners — Highland Springs quarterback Khristian Martin (2022, 2023) and Collegiate QB Russell Wilson (2005, 2006).
With stacked hot pastrami, spicy brown mustard, a grilled split knockwurst and melted, gooey Swiss cheese all packed between two toasted, buttery rye slices, the sailor sandwich has been a fan favorite for generations.
A Richmond icon, Sally Bell’s Kitchen turns 100 years old this year.
