Go! Discover Richmond

It’s amazing what you can get done in less than two and a half hours in the City of Richmond. On a chilly Saturday morning last weekend, I saw the tomb of President James Monroe at Hollywood Cemetery, admired a Tiffany window at Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, sipped on basil-infused tea at The Jefferson Hotel and listened to Virginia Union University marching band members, all while participating in a 10K. Go! Discover Richmond wasn’t a race, though (thank goodness!). It was more like a walking tour, at your own pace, highlighting the amazing diversity of Richmond neighborhoods, attractions and businesses. I’m not sure if other cities do this, but they should. It’s an active, time-efficient way to explore city highlights whether you’ve lived in the area all your life or you’re just passing through for the weekend.

The event started and ended at the Virginia War Memorial, a graceful tribute to Virginia veterans. From there, we walked along a charming Oregon Hill street to Hollywood Cemetery, the picturesque resting place of presidents, governors and other significant historical figures. I could easily spend two hours or more just studying the monuments and mausoleums at the cemetery, but that will have to come another day. Our path led onward to magnificent churches – places I’d driven by a million times with barely a glance – where I stood in awe at the luminous stained glass windows, giant organ pipes, and soaring, artistically crafted ceilings. The course also took us past vibrant theaters and to historic sites in Jackson Ward, once called the “Black Wall Street of America” and “Harlem of the South.”

One of my favorite stops was the National Donor Memorial at UNOS, the United Network for Organ Sharing, a place I’d never think to visit on my own. This thoughtfully planned garden is full of meaning for organ donor family members and recipients, and it is also a peaceful and beautiful surprise amidst the concrete jungle of the city.

Along the Go! Discover Richmond course, we were greeted by costumed characters at the theaters and various attractions, and just like any other 10K, there were plenty of water stations to keep us hydrated. Friendly greeters at various locations gave out candy, kazoos and other goodies, including delicious chocolate chip cookies at the DoubleTree hotel’s Two Trees Café. I came home with a stack of tour brochures and performance schedules to inspire more Richmond outings with family and friends. And even though I didn’t break a sweat, I felt a sense of accomplishment from walking six miles and discovering and re-discovering some of the great treasures in my hometown.

Times Dispatch Go! Discover Richmond
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Carla Murray is a Richmond Region native who enjoys outings in RVA with her husband and daughters, lunches with friends at new restaurants, and promoting Maymont via social media. Her obsessions include turtles, Cirque du Soleil, Costa Rica, books and wine.