Richmond summers

FAMILIAR AND LESS FAMILIAR

Teddy Gregson Photo Courtney Mannion

While recently going through clothing, I stumbled upon a well-worn pair of frayed jean cut-offs. I hesitated slightly and then came to my five senses with a full-blown hit of fresh Belle Isle around me. I was suddenly back in the summer months in Richmond; when the air hugs you with a blanket of warmth and the sun glistens off your skin with a slight glowing effect. Those new to Richmond and veterans concur on the same nature parks in the area. These are just a few of my favorite spots in the area to bask in the sun.

BELLE ISLE

Many Richmonders will agree that wasting away at Belle Isle is a great way to spend a summer day. If you have yet to visit Belle Isle, it is a 54-acre island with plenty of trails, beaches, and best of all, boulders to climb and explore. Besides beautiful scenery and hiking opportunities, there is the James River, great for swimming, rafting or kayaking. The animals and people live in tandem and on a good day a blue heron may be visible on the beach. For history buffs, the island has an interesting past. John Smith originally explored the Isle in the 17th century, the site housed a nail factory in the 18th century, and later a village with a general store and school. It was also home to a Civil War prison camp for captured Union soldiers. A visit can be a pleasurable experience for ghost enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

TEXAS BEACH

Richmond also offers the North Bank Park at the edge South Randolph. Better known as Texas Beach, though barely enough beach to consider it that, the trails follow the train tracks behind the beautiful Maymont Park and leads into Riverview Cemetery. This park is known for great mountain biking as well as hiking trails. Warning: the trails are long and it will wear you out by the end. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes with some traction because most of the trails are uneven and rocky.

HOLLYWOOD CEMETERY

This is one of my all-time favorite spots in Richmond. Nothing else as serene and beautiful exists in all of the city. This cemetery, located just off of Cherry St. a few blocks from campus in Oregon Hill, is surprisingly never crowded like other locations such as Bell Isle or North Bank Park. This cemetery is known specifically for its gothic landscape and graves. A gO-foot pyramid made of granite to commemorate fallen Confederate soldiers stands erect within the depths of the cemetery. Also, while exploring the different paths, be sure to see the mysterious statue of a black dog watching over a young girl's grave.

FAMILIAR AND LESS FAMILIAR

Teddy Gregson Photo Courtney Mannion

While recently going through clothing, I stumbled upon a well-worn pair of frayed jean cut-offs. I hesitated slightly and then came to my five senses with a full-blown hit of fresh Belle Isle around me. I was suddenly back in the summer months in Richmond; when the air hugs you with a blanket of warmth and the sun glistens off your skin with a slight glowing effect. Those new to Richmond and veterans concur on the same nature parks in the area. These are just a few of my favorite spots in the area to bask in the sun.

BELLE ISLE

Many Richmonders will agree that wasting away at Belle Isle is a great way to spend a summer day. If you have yet to visit Belle Isle, it is a 54-acre island with plenty of trails, beaches, and best of all, boulders to climb and explore. Besides beautiful scenery and hiking opportunities, there is the James River, great for swimming, rafting or kayaking. The animals and people live in tandem and on a good day a blue heron may be visible on the beach. For history buffs, the island has an interesting past. John Smith originally explored the Isle in the 17th century, the site housed a nail factory in the 18th century, and later a village with a general store and school. It was also home to a Civil War prison camp for captured Union soldiers. A visit can be a pleasurable experience for ghost enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

TEXAS BEACH

Richmond also offers the North Bank Park at the edge South Randolph. Better known as Texas Beach, though barely enough beach to consider it that, the trails follow the train tracks behind the beautiful Maymont Park and leads into Riverview Cemetery. This park is known for great mountain biking as well as hiking trails. Warning: the trails are long and it will wear you out by the end. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes with some traction because most of the trails are uneven and rocky.

HOLLYWOOD CEMETERY

This is one of my all-time favorite spots in Richmond. Nothing else as serene and beautiful exists in all of the city. This cemetery, located just off of Cherry St. a few blocks from campus in Oregon Hill, is surprisingly never crowded like other locations such as Bell Isle or North Bank Park. This cemetery is known specifically for its gothic landscape and graves. A 90-foot pyramid made of granite to commemorate fallen Confederate soldiers stands erect within the depths of the cemetery. Also, while exploring the different paths, be sure to see the mysterious statue of a black dog watching over a young girl's grave.

MAYMONT

Maymont is overflowing with outdoor opportunities. Located at the edge of Byrd Park, this was the 100-acre Victorian country estate of James Henry Dooley. A petting zoo, Japanese gardens, a nature center and hay rides are a few of the many benefits of such a well-preserved Richmond city property. Increase the enjoyment of future Maymont trips by visiting the Romanesque mansion, built by the Dooleys. Three decades were spent filling the interior with art and goods from around the world. There are tours offered from 1 p.m. -5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

PONY PASTURE RAPIDS

Just lO minutes out of the city, there are great alternatives for the beach over the summer. Pony Pasture Rapids might rival any other bathing locations on the river because of the rushing water that creates small pockets similar to jet streams from a Jacuzzi. If you enjoy bird watching, this is also a great spot to hide behind a pair of binoculars. Visitors occasionally get a glimpse of a Bald Eagle perched amidst the scenery. Rafting, kayaking and fishing are just some activities you may consider while traversing the rapids.

MEADOW FARM MUSEUM

If you're a real go-getter, there are great spots for outdoor exploration in Henrico County and Glenn Allen. One of my favorites growing up was the Meadow Farm Museum and Crump Park including an historic farmhouse and museum that facilitates many exhibits and activities throughout the year. Volunteer opportunities are available in the organized Agricultural Guild, and meet weekly to tend to the gardens and crops abounding in the park.

THREE LAKES

400 Sausiluta Drive Henrico, VA 23227 Three Lakes is a great aquarium and nature center that claims to combine the "worlds of air, water and land" with a variety of exhibits demonstrating the plant and animal life in the area as well as a 50,000 gallon aquarium.