Discover Richmond: 12 Surprising and Entertaining Fun Facts About Virginia's Vibrant Capital City

1. James River Park's Triple Threat

Who needs Netflix when you've got the best reality show in town: In Richmond, Virginia, the James River Park Pipeline Walkway is home to a thriving Great Blue Heron rookery, a scenic stretch of Class III whitewater, and a picturesque beach -- all while serving as a crucial piece of the city's stormwater management system.
Source => atlasobscura.com

2. Street Cars Fueled by Water

In a timeline far, far away, Richmond's street cars zipped citizens along with the power of a thousand torrents: Richmond, Virginia was the first American city to run a commercial electric street car line, using hydroelectric power from Belle Isle's plant to fuel trolley commutes across the river, long before buses and cars took over the scene.
Source => hmdb.org

Did you know Virginia's famous Smithfield hams come from razorback hogs that feast on peanuts and peaches while listening to jazz tunes? Discover the secret behind this smoky delight!

=> Fun Facts about Virginia

3. Church Hill's Historic Hotspots

If Chimborazo Park and St. John's Episcopal Church were on Tinder, their profile would probably say "Just two historic landmarks, living the dream in one neighborhood – swipe right for revolutionary speeches and Civil War hospitals": Nestled in the scenic Church Hill district of Richmond, Virginia, Chimborazo Park once housed the largest American Civil War hospital, while St. John's Episcopal Church is the very spot where Patrick Henry fervently demanded "Give me liberty or give me death." Get ready to make that whistle stop tour through Virginia's rich history and embrace some tantalizing conversation starters.
Source => heirloomrealtyva.com

4. Disneyland for Departed Souls

If cemeteries had playgrounds for the dead, Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia would be the Disneyland of the dearly departed: This 135-acre wonderland of hills, valleys, and arboreal beauty serves as the final resting place for a veritable who's who of historical figures, including six governors, two Supreme Court justices, and an assortment of authors and suffragists who'd jump at the chance to spook up the joint if they could!
Source => hollywoodcemetery.org

5. Insuring Smiles at VCU

Who needs an insurance policy for their funny bone when you can enroll in Virginia Commonwealth University's risk management and insurance program: Ranked among the nation's top insurance education providers, it offers students scholarships, internships, and even a prestigious award named after the late Davis Ratcliffe, the industry executive who created the program in 1969.
Source => business.vcu.edu

6. Hilarious Richmond Remedies

Where laughter is the best medicine, prescriptions are filled by jesters: Richmond, Virginia's Funny Bone Comedy Club has been host to a myriad of talented local and famous comedians, presenting diverse performances that cater to audiences from all walks of life, complete with celebrity meet and greets and souvenir keepsakes for a truly unforgettable experience.
Source => tripadvisor.com

7. Poe's Eerily Captivating Buzz

Once upon a midnight dreary, the city of Richmond wondered, "What's the buzz in this town, oh so eerie?": The Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia celebrated its centennial in 2022, hosting a myriad of events and programs, including a poetry contest for local literary enthusiasts. The museum showcases Edgar Allan Poe's spooky life and works as you traverse exhibits and artifacts, turning some pages of your own in the late poet's home base. Before you're buried in tales of terror, scrounge up the Poe Museum Blog and subscribe to the nevermore newsletter - but be prepared for some alarming updates!
Source => poemuseum.org

8. A Miniature Marathon Masterpiece

Run like you're being chased by hungry ghosts and the ice cream truck of your childhood dreams: The CarMax Richmond Half Marathon offers a scenic sprint through historic Richmond and along the breathtaking James River, compacting all the excitement of a full marathon into a bite-sized, 13.1-mile delight perfect for seasoned speedsters and newbie Forrest Gumps alike.
Source => richmondmarathon.org

9. Richmond's Revved-up Raceway

Where the engines rev and the tires screech, where black gold is baptized in a holy smokescreen, and where Ricky Bobby may have found his true Talladega soulmate: Richmond International Raceway holds a place in NASCAR history, providing stadium seating for nearly 100,000 spectators within the Richmond Raceway Complex, and hosts over 190 events ranging from trade shows to outdoor festivals yearly.
Source => racingcircuits.info

10. Main Street Station: Gateway to Adventure

Next stop, the Swankiest Station of Them All! Choo-choo-choose to begin your Richmond adventure at a welcome center that rivals the elegance of the Taj Mahal Express: Nestled within the historic Main Street Station, the Virginia Welcome Center quenches the thirst of curious visitors with heaps of priceless info about Shockoe Bottom, Shockoe Slip, and more, all while promising direct access to the Capital Bike Trail's 50+ miles of outdoor wonder via an entrance in the very same building – so grab your helmets and golden tickets, and prepare to explore Richmond like never before!
Source => mainstreetstationrichmond.com

11. World-Class Beer-lovers' Paradise

Richmond, Virginia isn't just for lovers; it's also for buzz-seeking, cider-sipping, ale-adventuring aficionados with a penchant for hops and happenings: VinePair crowned the city the number one beer destination in the world in 2018, thanks to over 40 breweries, cideries, and distilleries along their esteemed Beer Trail, featuring swanky spots like The Veil, Blue Bee, and the Answer Brewpub.
Source => dc.eater.com

12. RVA Street Art Spectacular

Hold on to your paint rollers and get ready to splatter some grins on those silos: Richmond's RVA Street Art Festival has turned the city into a living canvas, featuring colossal murals by globally recognized artists and attracting thousands of visitors since its debut in 2012!
Source => rvastreetart.com