From whitewater rafting to dinner at your new favorite restaurant, there’s an action-packed weekend awaiting you in Richmond.
By Shelby Robinson
Saturday Morning
Test your strength on one of Richmond’s many rapids.
River Side Outfitters – You can get everything from rental gear to a guide to a rapid in one place. Consult the RSO website to check hours and make reservations. 804-560-0068/ 6836 Old Westham Road Richmond, 23225.
RSO offers everything from guided trips to rentals to recreational tree climbing, guided kayaking, and paddle boarding. Richmond is the only city in the U.S. that has two Class 4 rapids going through the center of it. After the completion of your whitewater rafting trip you are rewarded with a free craft beer from Once Upon a Vine.
Saturday Afternoon
Once you’ve proved your strength on the rapids, decompress by grabbing some lunch and hittin’ the (beer) trail.
For a quick, tasty rafting recovery-sub, we recommend New York Deli located at 2920 W. Cary St.
However, if you’re feeling slightly more adventurous, try some Cuban food at Kuba Kuba, located at 1601 Park Ave. Regardless of what you get, no post-whitewater meal is complete without some fried plantains.
Whether you want to go on a pre-arranged brewery tour or make one up as you go, Richmond won’t let you down.
Richmond Brewing Tours provides a lesson on beer tasting followed by transportation to three breweries. The tour starts at 4:15 p.m. at Richmond’s Capital Ale House, downtown at 623 E. Main St. (Alternative pick up locations are available for a fee.)
For a fun sports bar to keep your energy high, check out Home Team Grill at 1630 W Main St. At this bar, you can get the classic sports bar food and feel at home, regardless of who you’re rooting for.
P.S. Into beer? Pick up the April print issue of Northern Virginia Magazine to find more beer stops from Northern Virginia to Richmond.
Saturday Night
After a long day, decompress by catching dinner in Carytown followed by an indie flick at the Byrd Theatre.
As far as restaurants go, check out:
Don’t Look Back – If after your beer tour you’re craving some Mexican food and a margarita, stop by 2929 W Cary St. Don’t Look Back is open until 2 a.m. on Saturday nights so you could always go after the movie if you’re not quite ready to eat.
The Daily Kitchen & Bar – However, if you haven’t quite recovered from the spice of Kuba Kuba, or just want something a little healthier, stop by The Daily, at 2934 W. Cary Street, an organic, environmentally friendly restaurant with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free menu items for the picky eater in your relationship.
After you’ve had your fill, hop over to the Byrd Theatre at 2908 W Cary St. for a $2 movie. At this antique theater, tickets can be purchased from the box office half of an hour before a show. There are no preview trailers, so make sure you get there on time. The schedule of show times and information about parking and the theater can be found online.
Sunday Morning
For your Sunday Brunch be sure to go to the Sidewalk Cafe. The menu includes traditional brunch staples, like omelets, pancakes and French toast; as well as some soon-to-be favorites like their famous Cajun Hash & Eggs; which combines blackened potatoes, shrimp, sausage, onions and peppers and two eggs baked over easy with Fontina cheese.
Sunday Afternoon
Before you hop in the car for the two-hour ride back North, consider taking a nice walk to stretch your legs and keep the brunch from sending you back to sleep.
The Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge and James River Trail is a great walk, or light hike, to get your blood flowing before heading back to Northern Virginia. With it’s many scenic overlooks and beautiful views of the city of Richmond, it will make you question leaving at all. For information, maps, and entrances, check the James River Park information website.
