Learn More About Richmond
Richmond is the state capital of the Virginia, and located along the James River. The city is located in the Piedmont region of Virginia, at the highest navigable point of the James. The city itself has a population of about 200,000 while the Richmond Metropolitan Area has a population of about 1.3 million.
Richmond is located in central Virginia, about 100 miles south of Washington, D.C. The Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, the Chesapeake Bay, and Virginia Beach are within only a few hours drive.
The James River in Richmond is renowned as one of the best in the country for urban white-water rafting/canoeing/kayaking. Several rafting companies offer complete services. There are also several easily accessed riverside areas within the city limits for rock-hopping, swimming, and picnicking. James River Park offers bike trails, hiking and nature trails, and many scenic overlooks along the river's route through the city. The trails are used as part of the Xterra East Championship course for both the running and mountain biking portions of the off-road triathlon.
Richmond has a significant arts community and hosts the annual Richmond Folk Festival, which attracted over 200,000 this past year.
The Richmond area has many major institutions of higher education, including VCU, University of Richmond, Virginia Union University, Virginia State University and Virginia College.
