Richmond, Virginia Photography Prints

Black and White Wall Art

Traveling to new cities is one of my favorite things to do, especially when I know very little about the place. That unknown factor creates a lot of stimulation and surprise. Driving by Richmond, Virginia on the 95 gives you just enough of a taste to know the place has big potential. Which is a lot more than you can say for other cities of similar size.

A few weekends ago Emily and I went camping in Virginia with no plan whatsoever. For two days and nights we just found fun things to do and places to camp, knowing that the third night would be spent at a hotel in Richmond. That balance is really nice because I prefer open spaces and country roads, but I can’t say enough great things about the state capital of Virginia. In fact, it’s been a long time since we enjoyed a city as much as Richmond. For starters, it’s a very clean and walkable city - an ideal place for people that like to explore on foot. There is almost a feeling like Brooklyn or Queens in places because of the way elevated train tracks snake their way through the buildings.

Our hotel was in Shockoe Bottom - a neighborhood with cobblestone streets, bars, restaurants, plenty of shopping, and a short walk to the James River. We started our day at the Edgar Allen Poe Museum - $10. It’s a small but informative experience and well worth 45 minutes for any Poe fans. From there we walked up and around the Capital Building. Being there, seeing all the statues, and reading the plaques makes you firmly aware of the states history with the Civil War and the pride local people have about where they came from.

As the miles added up we enjoyed the city more and more. It seemed like things would change (in a good way) every couple blocks. It never felt like you were in the same place. Each neighborhood had a unique vibe with bars, restaurants, and shops, that kept you wanting to see what the next one was like.

There is a pathway that runs along much of the James River and two different 200 ft long foot bridges that cross the river itself, connecting pedestrians to a whole other section of that, that we unfortunately did not have time to see. The bridges themselves are interesting because they are littered with quotes from famous people like Abraham Lincoln about what happened in that very place.

It seemed like Richmond’s brewery scene was very strong, but we didn’t have much time for that either. But knowing that Stone Brewery opened a place there will tell you all you need to know. I’m excited to get back there to do some more exploring.

Contact me directly if you’d like prints of these Richmond, Virginia photographs - rob@robhammerphotography.com