Don’t let the heat and humidity get you down this summer. Living in the River City and its surrounding areas lends itself to endless opportunities during these warmer months. Richmonders don’t have to look (or drive) far for enticing activities all summer long. Whether you wish to wind down after a long day at work, enjoy a drink while listening to great live music, or get active in the outdoors, we’ve got your hot spots for summer fun right here!

James River Cellars
Virginia’s cities are well known for their many wineries, and the Richmond area is no exception to this. James River Cellars, located in Glen Allen in Hanover County, features award winning wines and nearly twenty wines available for tasting seven days a week.
Patrons are welcome during winery hours daily and are encouraged to enjoy their beverages on their tranquil patio with appetizers. Winery tours are offered each day, and James River Cellars hosts frequent special events.
“Fridays on the Patio” events feature local musicians, light food and wine tasting. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic and some friends. These events cost $14 per person and are held from 6pm-10pm.
“Sundays in the Shade” are a great way to cool down and wrap up your weekend. Live acoustic music is offered outdoors from 11am-5:00pm. Bring a snack, sample some wine, and relax and enjoy the music for only $5 per person!

Pocahontas State Park
Looking for a place that offers something for everyone? A day (or a weekend) at Pocahontas State Park can please your whole crowd!
Fishing and boating on Swift Creek and Bear Lakes offers a relaxing retreat from the hubbub of our busy days. Canoes, kayaks and row boats are available for rent from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Escape from the sun on one of their many miles of wooded biking, hiking and bridle trails. Mountain biking trails also wrap through the park and are offered for beginners, as well as experienced riders.
Picnic shelters are available for a day trip, and camp sites can be rented for longer stays and include the use of the park’s pool. Guided nature hikes, night hikes, campfire programs, and their Pocahontas Premieres concert series are just a few of the organized offerings through the park. Visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/poc.shtml for fees and schedules and to plan your getaway.

Brandywine Farms Horseback Riding
Looking for a unique escape into nature? Look no further than Brandywine Farms. Located on fifty-four beautiful acres of land in Chesterfield, Brandywine offers guided horseback trail rides to the public. Their one hour option offers riders a trip through the serene rolling hills, wooded trails and fields of the farm. Select the longer two hour ride, and choose the option of your setting – Pocahontas State Park trails or Petersburg Battlefield Park and its Civil War sites.
In addition to guided trail rides, the farm offers riding lessons in a variety of techniques and for all ages. Lessons can be private or held in a group setting. The farm is family owned and operated and encourages patrons to call with any questions about their services. Visit www.brandywinefarmva.com for more information.

Whitewater Rafting or Tubing Trips
For a sun and water filled day connect with River City Rafting and schedule a guided whitewater rafting or tubing trip with friends. River City Rafting offers transportation to and from the river, private parking and four trip options.
“The River Trip” is great for beginners ages 9 and up and takes rafters on a trip down the upper section of the James River through class I and II rapids for a fee of $55. “The City Trip” carries rafter through the lower section of the river with rapids ranging from class I to IV. Thrill seekers ages 12 and up and over 90 pounds can embark on this adventure, also for $55. Combine them and enjoy both scenery and thrills on “The River City Trip.” For $70, this trip includes lunch, sites, and rides through the Hollywood and Pipeline Rapids (also for ages 12 and up and over 90 pounds).
For those looking for a more relaxing way to spend their day, choose a tubing trip and float down the river in a group of six or more for only $30.
Visit www.rivercityraft.com for information on how to book your excursion.

Attend a Concert
Richmond is home to numerous concert series featuring a variety of musical genres throughout the summer months.
Innsbrook After Hours is held in Richmond’s west end. In its 25th year, this concert series keeps growing and brings bigger names each year. Featured artists coming in July and August include Counting Crows, Blake Shelton, Sublime, Blues Traveler, Little Feat, Heart, Eric Church and Luke Bryan. Tickets range in price from $16.50-$35.00. Visit www.innsbrookafterhours.com for a complete listing of all shows.
Downtown you will find Fridays at Sunset held in the City of Richmond’s Kanawha Plaza. This series is host to artists like George Clinton, Parliament Funkedelic, Corinne Bailey Rae, Arrested Development and Erykah Badu. Tickets costs range from $20 - $40 and can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com, the Landmark Theater or at any Ticketmaster location.

Explore the Canal on a walk or a cruise
The Canal Walk stretches from Tredegar Iron Works, located between Fifth Street and the Lee Bridge, to the outdoor picture gallery on the floodwall at 17th Street. Encompassing a 1.25 mile stretch of the city, this area features centuries of Richmond’s history and is illustrated through monuments and exhibits along the walk and on Brown’s Island. This section of our city is perfect for a twilight after-dinner stroll offering beautiful views of the water, in addition to timeless history.
Want to relax more instead of walking? Take a cruise! River District Canal Cruises offers boat cruises seven days a week. These boat rides last about forty minutes and are historically narrated as you float down the James River and Kanawha Canal. Boats hold up to 35 passengers and depart on the hour. Fees are $5 for adults and $4 for seniors and children ages 5 to 12. Under 4 are free. See their website for hours of operation. http://www.venturerichmond.com/experiences/canalcruises.html

Find your local farmer’s market
Living in an agricultural state makes it easy for Richmonders to get their hands on fresh, local and, often, organically grown produce. In addition, many farmers’ markets feature fresh flowers, herbs, and homemade breads, jams, and jellies. Instead of heading to the grocery store for the ingredients for a summer dinner, look to your local farmer’s market to help you create that fresh, special meal. Most markets are open seasonally from May through October and allow patrons to support local food growers.
Richmond farmer’s markets include:
Lakeside – 6110 Lakeside Avenue. Open Wednesdays 8am-12pm and 3pm-7pm. Saturdays 8am-12pm.
Ashland – 101 Thompson St. Open Saturdays 9-12.
17th Street Market – 100 N. 17th Street – Offers a variety of markets Thursday-Sundays.
West End Market – 12450 Gayton Road. Open Wednesdays 3pm-7pm and Saturdays 8am-12pm.
St. Stephen’s Church – 6000 Grove Avenue. Open Saturdays 8am-12pm
Goochland – 2955 River Road West. Open Saturdays 8am-12pm