The brief glimpse of warmer weather and blue skies have served as a good reminder to unplug and get outside in RVA. So we turned to outdoor enthusiast and guest editor Shep Roeper for a lil' boost. Not long ago, Shep co-founded a Richmond based nonprofit known as Beyond Boundaries with the goal of making outdoor experiences and adventure easily accessible and available to everyone -- no matter physical, cognitive or economic situation. Shep discovered his love for nature, sport, and helping others at an early age. Today, you can find Shep and his crew at any point of the year guiding people with disabilities down the rapids of the James, rocking climbing at the Manchester Wall, or fishing at some of the best hidden spots around. Whatever the adventure of choice for the day, Shep and Beyond Boundaries always find ways to bring exciting outdoor experiences to people who would otherwise not have the opportunity. Here are Shep's recommendations for getting outside to explore and celebrate this place we love to call home. Take it away, Shep ...
Explore Huguenot
Flatwater
In my opinion, the most special thing that Richmond has to offer is the James River. I tell people all the time that it’s one of the only rivers in the country that you can go white water rafting in the morning on class III and IV rapids and be home having a beer (or coffee) on your couch by noon. Huguenot Flatwater is one of the greatest access points on the river, as it opens itself up to paddlers, anglers, tubers, hikers, and wildlife viewers. With flat calm water at the put-in, you can adventure upstream for a calm and fun trip or head downstream where you will enter the beginning of the river rapids known as the ‘The Falls of The James.’ We aren’t quite there yet, but I’m really stoked about the efforts being made by James River Outdoor Coalition, Friends of the James River Park, City of Richmond, and so many other organizations. And to make this access point even more accessible, there's a universal access ramp currently underway which will create opportunities for so many more individuals to enjoy the river as we work together to move Richmond in an even more inclusive direction.
Vitals:
Huguenot Flatwater / Huguenot Flatwater Park is located directly underneath the Huguenot Bridge and is bordered to the east by Rattlesnake Creek and to the west by Old Southampton Road / Parking: 8600 Riverside Drive
Support Local
at Northside Grille
For my wife and me, Northside Grille has been one of our constant go-to spots to grab good food and drink for almost a decade. It all began for us on a snow day when we discovered their chicken parm sandwich, lumpia, bourbon, and local beer selection. Over the years, their staff and great bartenders have also become a huge part of the draw. Since that time, it has served as an important part of our engagement story and one of the first places we went back to when restaurants started to open again during the COVID pandemic. With a laundry list of restaurants and breweries in Richmond, competition is fierce, and options are endless. Everyone has a place they call home, and NSG is that spot for me.
With so many things to see and do in Richmond, I'm often asked by others how to take it all in at once. The answer is, you can’t. But if you could, taking in the city from the vantage point of various spots in Church Hill would be where I would start. Taylor's Hill, Jefferson Park, Libby Hill, and Chimborazo are all good places to appreciate RVA and to gain a little perspective. Each offers beautiful views on a clear day, and are romantically spooky when it’s foggy. Here you can enjoy a direct sightline of our amazing city and the James River, all while being tucked into one of the most beautiful and historic neighborhoods in Richmond. The next time you're looking for something to do, pack a snack, explore Church Hill, and take some time to park and enjoy these views, you won’t be disappointed.
Vitals:
Church Hill Overlook: 2112-2198 E Grace St. / Libby Hill Park: 2801 E Franklin St. /Jefferson Park: Corner of North 21st Street and East Marshall St. / Chimborazo Park: 3201 East Broad St. / Taylor's Hill Park: 2117 E Franklin St.
Disability Etiquette Training
Participate in Beyond Boundaries Certificate Program: Join the Beyond Boundaries team of outdoor recreation professionals to step outside of the traditional training atmosphere and dive deep into a conversation about disabilities. By sharing, discussing, and learning from their experiences (and your own experiences), you'll leave this program with a better understanding of how to be more inclusive at work and in your community.
