Soak Up the Sun in Manchester

Richmond’s downtown neighborhood of Manchester was in the market for a farmers market, and Marie D’Angelo has answered the call. Marie is a former digital strategist of 15 years, founder of Richmond Makers Market, co-owner of By Any Beans Necessary, and a nine-year Manchester resident. The brand new Richmond Grower’s Market, co-founded by D’Angelo and her business partner Mo Karnage, is a weekly farmers market that starts on the first Saturday of May and runs until October, right in front of Legend Brewing Co. Stop by anytime between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. to peruse a variety of vendors selling more than just fresh produce.

“We have a guy who’s going to be sharpening knives,” D’Angelo tells us. Never a dull moment at the Richmond Grower’s Market.

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Besides the 20-30 vendors they’ll have each week selling a mouthwatering selection of freshly grown fruits and vegetables, this market promises to be a safe space for locals to commune with one another.

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“At the core of it, it's going to be about the connections.”

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The Grower’s Market will host morning yoga on the patio and even feature a kids zone in the brewery’s gated garden area. While you’re picking out the ripest ingredients for your dinner party, the little ones can get creative with some arts and crafts. Above all, the market is an opportunity to share face time with the people who make up our wonderful city. So come out to the Richmond Grower’s Market this Saturday for a wholly fulfilling grocery experience.

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“I'm here to feed myself and my neighbors. I need to serve this community because this is my family. These are my people.”

Manchester presents many fun and sunny activities for families to do this summer. We chatted with the owner of Riverside Outfitters, Matt Perry, and the superintendent of the James River Park System, Giles Garrison, about Manchester’s gorgeous outdoor spaces. As a neighborhood perfectly positioned on the James, what’s not to love?

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“We’re told by Richmond tourism that upwards of 90% of Richmond tourists come to Richmond due to the James River Park system,” reports Garrison. “There’s roughly 2 million visitors a year.” And after an adventure-packed day on the JRPS, there’s no better place to wind down than at one of Manchester’s many great restaurants or bars.

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She also mentions their efforts to refresh Manchester’s parks with plants that promote healthy and sustainable growth. “We're going to be doing more invasive removal this year and replanting that hillside with different pollinators and grasses and just trying to restore what we have there.”

This beautiful park system is meant to be loved many lifetimes over, and because of workers like Giles, it will continue to thrive. The people and businesses who share a passion for the outdoors truly are the heart of the JRPS. By encouraging city-lovers to get out of their comfort zones on trails or in the river, Giles and Perry take pride in giving everyone a chance to be adventurous.

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The goal of Riverside Outfitters, as Matt puts it, is to “offer people old-fashioned fun on the river and along its banks in a way that fosters connections and a break from the daily grind.” He encourages you to “Leave your car at home. Walk or ride a bike to so many cool, off-the-beaten-track spots,” in Manchester.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a thrill seeker or a chill seeker, Manchester has outdoor activities for people of all ages, interests, and experience levels. The neighborhood’s unique location on the James River makes it a prime spot for water sports, walking trails, bird watching, and more, so follow along for some hot tips.

Haul your own equipment to Ancarrow’s Landing and shove off from the boat ramp, or book a tour with Riverside Outfitters for the perfect flatwater paddling experience. There is no wrong way to enjoy a day on the James. Sit on the water for hours as you paddle the loop from 21st Street to Rockett’s Landing, seeing fish, birds, and turtles along the way; the sights alone are worth the trip. This is a must-do for all local adventurers looking to take advantage of the river city.

Calling all climbers! The Manchester Climbing Wall, formerly a trestle for the Richmond & Petersburg Railroad, was built nearly 200 years ago and still stands today as one of the hottest spots for Richmond climbers. Positioned south of the river, between Manchester Bridge and T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Walkway, you can find great parking on Semmes Avenue, just a short walk from the wall. With over 40 climbing routes, anyone from beginners to rock-climbing regulars can get in on the fun.

The Buttermilk Trail is full of steep climbs, rocky terrain, and “tight, twisty, fast descents,” making it an exciting challenge for mountain bikers in search of their next ride. Also great for hiking and bird watching, the Buttermilk Trail spans about 3 miles along the southern bank of the river. To hop on the trail in Manchester, park at the 22nd Street trailhead and get on the Buttermilk East trail that runs to Railroad Avenue. From there, follow Railroad Avenue east to the trail marker pointing left toward the Potterfield Bridge and Floodwall Walk. Your legs will be sore and your water will be emptied, but this trail is an accomplishment for anyone who decides to explore it.

If you’ve never been to Belle Isle, you need to move it to the top of your summer to-do list. This gorgeous island has made a name for itself as Richmond’s hub for good-weather gatherings. Push your bike or walk along the footbridge underneath the Lee Bridge for a scenic welcome, as you listen to the rushing water below. You can also use the wooden bridge on 22nd Street or leap across the rocks from the south shore. Swimming, biking, walking, picnicking; Belle Isle is the ideal setting for catching sunrays or cooling off from a long day at work. And for a sweet treat, you can hunt the delicious pawpaw fruit that grows along the river in the late summer.

Flood Wall Park can be found across the street from the Richmond Railroad Museum and Riverside Cycling. Start your morning jog from atop the flood wall and take in stunning views of the James, or bait a hook and cast a line from the shore for a one-of-a-kind fishing experience. Connecting many other trails in the area, you can traverse the city’s prettiest locales without even stopping to look at a map. Now 30 years old, the flood wall is not just a safety measure; it has become a Richmond staple.

Sometimes walking just doesn’t cut it; you want to feel the wind on your face and rocks under your tires. Luckily, Riverside Cycling is your one-stop shop for bike rentals, repairs, and sales. Sister company to Riverside Outfitters, these folks know a thing or two about extreme sports, and they would love nothing more than to share it with you. They offer coaching to mountain bikers and beginner cyclists, so anyone can hop behind the handlebars and try something new.

Established in 1998, this trail walks you through parts of our city’s history, providing an interactive experience that loosely traces the route thousands of enslaved Africans had to take following their arrival. By understanding Richmond’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, we can better realize how it has impacted us as a city today. The trail stretches from Manchester to Broad Street, with parking in the Current Parking Garage on E 5th Street, you can walk to Ancarrow’s Landing to begin the trail.

Starting May 3rd, this new farmer’s market will run spring, summer, and fall until October 25th. Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, right by Legends Brewing Co., you’ll be surrounded by “locally grown produce, plants, grains, meat and dairy. As well as baked goods, prepared foods, sweets, and food trucks!” This market has it all, including classes and workshops. It’s a community affair, and all are welcome to it. See you there!

Across the T. Pott Bridge from Manchester is the ever-popular Brown’s Island, a picturesque park nestled between the river and canal. It also acts as a music venue for traveling and local artists. You can catch a variety of shows over the summer at this year’s Friday Cheers concert series. When it’s not rocking out, Brown’s Island is open to all visitors. Walk among the trees, bridges, and sculptures before settling down for a picnic with a perfect view of the passing trains. Check out their upcoming events or go on a whim; Brown’s Island never disappoints.

Rent a bike at Riverside Cycling, pick up some tasty snacks at Stella’s Grocery, and pedal to any one of the amazing picnic spots around Manchester. If you’re in the mood for a nice walk and the cutest waterfront lunch, Belle Isle or Brown’s Island is the place to be. Whether you bring your partner, your dog, or you’re enjoying some “me time,” it’s important to soak up the season of sun, because it doesn’t last forever.

Visit each business’ website for details about their working hours, but all of these parks are free for all and open from sunrise to sunset. If you and your pup are getting some exercise together, remember to keep them on a leash and put on plenty of sunscreen for yourself. There’s boatloads of fun to be had this season, but be safe, be present, and be kind. The outdoors belongs to all of us, so go explore!

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Looking for more outdoor activities in Richmond? Check out our full list.

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*Photos by Tj Ponds