Downtown Richmond Living Brings Access to Annual Events

As the trends in real estate turn more toward downtown living, one might find a great advantage in leasing an urban condo. Better access to annual events and festivals in your town in certainly a plus, especially if you decide to rent a condo in Richmond. This jewel of a southern city is constantly alive with music and arts, culinary celebrations and other social gatherings. If you’re looking for something to do in Richmond you’ll definitely have a full calendar with these popular attractions:

Virginia Wine Expo – This annual gathering of Virginia wine lovers happens in Richmond every February. Nearly 300 wines grown and bottled in the state (aptly nicknamed “Napa East”) are swirled, sampled, and savored, along with delicious eats from local chefs. Get your tickets early, because some seminars and luncheons do sell out quickly.

Richmond Chili-Off – Sometimes you experience a nip in the air in late April. That’s why we have the big annual Chili Cook-Off to warm us up! Each year a local rock radio station puts on the event with live music, games for the kids, and of course the spiciest chili this side of Texas! The location varies, so be sure to have 102.1 FM – The X on your dial in the early spring to find out more.

Richmond Folk Festival – a popular event held at Richmond’s downtown riverfront, the folk festival brings together artists from all over the world specializing in traditional and ethnic folk music, from Cajun and Appalachian to exotic African rhythms. Explore the world of homespun art and culinary delights, just steps from your door.

Richmond Vegetarian Festival – There’s no better time to think green, and eat green! The Annual Vegetarian Festival in Bryant Park is a great event if you’re interested in going meatless, and learning how a vegetarian diet can help your health as well as the environment.

Convenience to downtown and an enthusiasm for trying new things makes living in downtown Richmond an appealing prospect. If you lived here, you’d not only be home by now but you could be at any number of the city’s annual festivals in minutes without the hassle of parking! Come see what the city has to offer.

Kathryn Lively

Richmond, Virginia: a Capital Destinion

If you are contemplating a trip to Virginia this summer, no doubt you have a certain destination in mind. Beach enthusiasts may be attracted to Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, while outdoor lovers may wish to go west and enjoy the Shenandoah Valley and the many opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring. History buffs will find the northern area of the state a great place to visit, as the proximity to Washington, DC provides a wealth of attractions and interest.

But where, in all of this, does Richmond figure into a vacation. Not only is Richmond the capital of the commonwealth, but it provides visitors a good central point on the map. Crossed by two interstates, Richmond offers visitors historical and cultural interest to enjoy for anyone traveling north, south, east or west through the state.

Founded in 1607 by Christopher Newport, Richmond is just slightly younger than the first permanent colony of Jamestown, and has remained equally important in the formation of the United States. It was named capital of the commonwealth after the Revolutionary War, and served as capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. It is the birthplace of tennis great Arthur Ashe, and former home of Edgar Allan Poe. It was here, in St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry proclaimed, "Give me liberty or give me death," and it is here where thousands of stock car racing fans can watch their favorite NASCAR drivers compete.

Other local landmarks visitors may wish to see while in Richmond include:

The Diamond: Home of the Richmond Braves, the AAA farm team for Atlanta. Baseball fans will want to make a point of stopping for a home game.

Carytown: High-end shopping and antiquing abounds in this trendy Richmond neighborhood.

Hollywood Cemetery This is the final resting place of three US Presidents, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, among other noted Civil War figures.

Belle Isle: This beautiful spot on the James River was used a film location for blockbusters like Cold Mountain and Hannibal.

If Virginia is your destination this summer, consider a stop in Richmond as part of your itinerary. Historical and cultural attractions, coupled with upscale shopping and cuisine, can truly enhance your trip.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance travel writer specializing in articles on Richmond condos for rent and Virginia Beach website design.