Help from my Richmond friends

[LostinVA]

Okay, so I don't know the Richmond area well (except for Short Pump shopping!). However, in about two weeks, I want to take a friend on a nature walk/hike... where at close to Richmond is a good place? Belle's Island? It doesn't have to be real strenuous, just decently naturey and nice. Thanks?

[atomic-fly]

1. Belle Island is good. Very scenic and compact.

Be sure to circle the whole island and hike to the top for a nice view of the river (facing west).

[LostinVA]

2. Is it too "cityfied"?

ie... is there actually nature out there, and not so much the feeling that you're in the middle of Richmond?

[atomic-fly]

4. There are a lot of people on nice days, but it's nice.

Not too urban. If you want more nature, then hike the southside of the river. We have lots of bike/hike trails. Very nice. I ride there a few times a week.There is a parking lot (Reedy Creek) where the kayakers park. That is a good place to walk along the river.

[Midlodemocrat]

3. Belle Island is great with the added bonus of great

restaurants downtown.

:bounce:

[underpants]

18. Yeah just be mindful of the severed heads

mindful now THAT was funny.

No seriously folks they pretty much only had that one severed head and that one guy found dead with his @*#*R#* sticking out of his pants. That's all.

[commander bunnypants]

20. Well evryone knows to vacate before dark

ooooo. The nights I had at that place when I was a kid and the place was safe

CB

[underpants]

21. YES! EXACTLY!

Do NOT be in a park after dark.

[commander bunnypants]

5. Belle Island

cant beat it.

CB

Spent many a day there. PM me Maybe the wife and I can meet up with you

[LostinVA]

7. I will when I have everything finalized

I'd like to meet some fellow Central VA DUers!

[LostinVA]

6. OOOh! Thanks -- Belle Island it'll be, then

Esp. with the restaurants near by -- it's for her birthday... and I was planning to take her out to lunch later, too!

[Squatch]

11. May I suggest Legends Brewing?

[commander bunnypants]

12. how bout Bottoms Up Pizza

CB

[Midlodemocrat]

13. They just opened one of those near me.

That place is great.

[commander bunnypants]

14. Weste end?

CB

[Midlodemocrat]

15. Woodlake.

Within walking distance. Right next to Five Guys. A food aholic's paradise.

[commander bunnypants]

16. I only thought they opened up a new bottoms up

in the westend. You live very close to my office mate. I live off Parham and 64.

CB

[commander bunnypants]

17. Where is the Bottoms up near you folks

office mate wants to know

CB

[Midlodemocrat]

22. Right on 360 almost to Amelia.

Just past the entrance to Woodlake when you go over the reservoir. There is a new shopping center on the right with Five Guys, Bottom's Up, a Chinese restaurant, coffee place, ice cream, Dream Dinners.

Things are really hopping out here in Midlothian.

[LostinVA]

23. The pizza place? OOOH -- I love five Guys!!!

[Midlodemocrat]

25. Yup. New shopping center with

Five Guys, Bottom's Up, Chinese Food, coffee shop, ice cream. If they only sold alcohol, I could give up my car.

:bounce:

[underpants]

19. You can do the Canal Walk too

that connects, pretty much, to the Belle Island thing. That might be new since you have been here.

Again watch out for the severed heads.

[LostinVA]

24. I'm half Sicilian -- the severed head thing is okay

[LostinVA]

8. Hey -- I can't find a link online for info, etc.

Does anyone have one?

[mikeytherat]

9. Here's a few

http://www.trailz.org/tr20.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_Isle_%28Virginia%29

http://www.ci.richmond.va.us/departments/parks/hikings.aspx

mikey_the_rat

[LostinVA]

10. Thanks, Mikey