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Photo courtesy of Monument Avenue 10K
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Photo courtesy Monument Avenue 10K
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Photo by Jay Paul
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Photo by James Dickinson
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Photo by Isaac Harrell
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Photo courtesy Richmond Folk Festival
Whether you're a native Richmonder or a recent transplant, add these RVA activities to your must-do list this year. Though they run the gamut from a living history encounter to one of the country's top road races, all have one thing in common: Each embodies the unique character of our creative community and can't be experienced anywhere else.
1. Running or walking the Monument Avenue 10K
What started as a little jaunt down Monument Avenue 15 years ago has become a major spring event. The Sports Backers 10K training teams, organized in conjunction with local YMCAs, make it easy for athletes of all abilities to train, whether by walking, jogging or running. Come race day, the enthusiastic support along the racecourse and the fragrance of spring blooms will make you forget the pain of running 6.2 miles. sportsbackers.org
2. Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!
Since 1976, St. John's Church Foundation in Church Hill has presented historical reenactments at the original location of the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775, including Patrick Henry's immortal "Give me liberty or give me death!" speech. Performances are held every Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. from May through September, with a special anniversary reenactment to be held this year on March 16. The reenactments are free, with a $5 suggested donation. 648-5015 or historicstjohnschurch.org
3. Tacky Lights Tour
Originally a bus tour organized by local radio personality Barry Gottleib (aka Mad Dog) in the 1980s, this phenomenon has grown into a bona fide Richmond holiday tradition (and a lucrative business for local limo and bus companies), as thousands of families take to the streets after dark throughout December to check out a growing list of homes decorated in over-the-top, high-wattage excess. A visit to the Phifer home on Asbury Court (near Quioccasin and Gaskins roads), decorated since the early 1970s, is a must-see. richmond.com/events/tacky-lights-tour/
4. Saturday Morning at SOTJ Market
Taste the best of Richmond at the weekly open-air South of the James farmers market in Forest Hill Park, an integral part of the Saturday-morning routine for many Richmonders. Not only can you stock up on fresh, locally grown organic vegetables, fresh pasta, artisan bread and farmstead cheese, but local arts and crafts vendors and a cadre of food trucks provide a reason to linger and people watch. You'll see everyone from neighborhood families to young hipsters to long-lost friends. growrva.com
5. Richmond Folk Festival
This local offshoot inspired by the National Folk Festival attracts more than 100,000 people each year. You should be one of them. With music spanning three days, seven stages and the entire globe, you're guaranteed to discover a new sound (or two). You can't beat the price (free, but donations encouraged) and downtown venue along the James River. And though the music and performances are the main draw, it's the feel-good community spirit that makes this a can't-miss RVA experience. richmondfolkfestival.org
