7 Hidden Gems of Richmond

 7 Hidden Gems of Richmond        

Here are our Top 7 Hidden Gems of Richmond. Have you been to all of them? Some of them you may not even know about, especially if you're new to the area. Check them out.....and if you have one that we missed, let us know!

#7. Great Shiplock Park-located at 2803 Dock St, it's at the site of the lowest lock that connected the James River to the Richmond Docks. Built in the early 1850's, the park was renovated in 2013 and is now part of the Virginia Capital Trail.

#6. Edgar Allan Poe Museum-located at 1914 E. Main St, built around 1740 it's the oldest original residential building in Richmond and it's cool to visit just for that reason alone. Although Poe never actually lived in this home, he did spend quite a bit of time here in Richmond and this museum offers plenty of information on his life and even some interesting personal artifact.

#5. Yuengling Caves-located along the docks at Rocketts Landing. You may not even know what you're looking at as it's now just an abandoned hole in the wall. But if you recognize the name, then you can imagine what it was used for. Built around 1868 they were used mostly for storage before refrigeration was a popular thing. They are now part of the National Register of Historic Places.

#4. Manchester Climbing Wall-located under the south end of the Manchester Bridge. You can access it from the Potter Bridge or by parking in the lot at Semmes Ave and 7th St. and following the path. What makes it cool is that it's actually abandoned train trestles that have been equipped with bolts and shutts for climbing. It's a beautiful outdoor spot for honing your skills or if you're like me, just watching your friends as they hone their skills.

#3. Pipeline Tail-located along the river at the south end of 12th St. You will. need to descend a ladder then walk along the metal catwalk that cover the giant pipe. It's a great view of the rapids as well as the heron rookeries that are on the islands in the river directly across from the pipeline. Just be cautious if the river levels are high!

#2. Texas Beach-also known as North Bank Park, located at the end of Texas Ave. This trail along the river is like many in Richmond but has a few extra cool things about it. As you cross the bridge over the train tracks you will see the Texas Beach Murals throughout the stairwell going down to the trail--beautiful use of space painted by local artists. As you wander along the trail you will rind many spots for hanging out, sunning or playin in the river and if you wander far enough you will come across the abandoned site of the Foushee Mill, built in 1819 with some of the old mill stones still laying around.

#1. Manchester Floodwall Walk-located at the south end of the 14th St. bridge. This walking/running trail just happens to be along the top of the James River floodwall. If you enjoy photography or just a great view you will definitely find some beautiful scenery of both the river and the Richmond skyline. If you start at the western end you will wander past the Climbing Wall and the CSX viaduct before dropping down to canal level behind the Southern States building. The trail is not only a great way to see the city but it also connects to the Richmond Slave Trail, the Canal Walk, the Robert E Lee Bridge and the Belle Isle Bridge, giving you a full day of city exploring.