Spring into Manchester

Formerly its own city for 36 years, Manchester merged with Richmond in 1910, becoming the beautiful riverside neighborhood we know and love today. Its position on the James River allowed it to rival Richmond’s trading and import markets, but with their consolidation officially established, this tale of two cities came to an end. A free bridge was built to connect Manchester with downtown, replaced in 1972 by the current Manchester Bridge, providing citizens greater access to the city’s new addition. And the rest is history.

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But despite its great location, culture, and community, people often overlook Manchester. So we’re getting the word out with Manchester Spotlight: a yearlong campaign showcasing Manchester’s amazing variety of shopping, food, drink, and entertainment. With a different theme each month, we’ll feature the best spots to explore and one-on-one interviews with community members to give you firsthand accounts of what makes this neighborhood one of a kind. So here is a list of 5 things people love about Manchester, including a few activities perfect for kicking off this spring season.

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The Great Outdoors

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At the tip of Manchester, just off Commerce Road, stands the famous Manchester climbing wall. Its open-air beauty and proximity to hangouts like Legend Brewing and Basic City Beer Co. make it the ideal spot for Richmond climbers to spend an afternoon. But if you’re interested in learning more about Richmond’s history, The Richmond Slave Trail is a 5-mile self-guided tour that starts at Ancarrow’s Landing and stretches all the way downtown. You can also get your whole body moving on the scenic Floodwall Walk, but we’ll dive deeper later on.

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Legend Brewing Company

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This Manchester monument has been quenching Richmond’s thirst for over 30 years. Beyond their amazing daily deals, Legend has a mouthwatering menu and a picture-perfect outdoor dining area. This gorgeous view of downtown Richmond across the James River will make you put down your burger and pick up your camera. Their growth over the last three decades is a testament to their timeless quality and passion for the craft. Legend Brewing Company, or Legends as it’s aptly known, is the perfect place to take a load off and just be in the moment. Because why would you want to be anywhere else?

Local Events

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There are so many weekly and monthly events all around Manchester that you are sure to find something that excites you. Enjoy weekly bar trivia at Benchtop Brewing every Wednesday, or get your creative juice flowing at one of Studio Two Three’s crafting workshops. Among the events on their packed calendar, Gold Lion Community Cafe hosts a queer book club, yoga classes, and Ru Paul’s Drag Race watch parties. You can also support local artists at Basic City Beer Co’s monthly Maker's Market. So find your next go-to activity right here in Manchester. There’s plenty to choose from. Event calendars are available on each venue’s website, along with more details about individual events.

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The Flood Wall

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Bordering the north edge of Manchester is the magnificent James River and its flood wall. Not only is the flood wall an important piece of infrastructure for our city’s safety, but it also provides some of the prettiest views of Richmond you’ll ever see. Once you’re on top, you can walk for miles along the river, seeing the city in a brand-new and unforgettable way. With parking just south of the Mayo Bridge and the flood wall’s entrance a stroll away, you’ll want to make this a regular weekend adventure. But if you want to take things up a notch, water sports like kayaking or rafting are an exhilarating way to get active and enjoy the river. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you go with the flow and take lots of pictures.

The Community

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Manchester has become a hub of growth, seeing a rising number of residents in recent years due to its easy accessibility to downtown, but that’s not the only reason. It’s a neighborhood rich with community. What’s better than walking from downtown to Manchester on the flood wall and crossing paths with the neighborhood’s friendly faces? And who wouldn’t want to stop into Café Zata, grab a coffee, and say hello to the owner, Joanna? Southside Contemporary Art Gallery features beautiful, thought-provoking work by local artists 5 days a week. Coming to Manchester has never been easier or more enticing. The people you meet here are proud to call this place home and welcome you to be a part of it. It’s the same reason that trivia hosts, stand-ups, poets, and pop-up vendors all gravitate to Manchester. These community members’ hearts and doors are open, eager to invite you in. So take the trail, take the bus, or take your car, and come say hi. The people and places that make up Manchester are truly unique. Your next favorite meal could be waiting at Pig and Brew or your next favorite cocktail. Forge your own path on one of our beautiful trails and breathe the fresh air. Weekend or weekday, Manchester is packed with fun, and just a walk away.

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Photos by Tj Ponds