Travel Log: Richmond

Richmond is the New South. Home to such events as Patrick Henry's liberty or death speech during the Revolutionary War and once the capital of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, Richmond is now a vibrant city that leans on finance.

But don't be fooled. It hasn't shed its history.

Monuments populate the city in a way of paying respect to the role it had in the past as the States battled over freedom and then fought over whose freedom they had won. They provide a sense of "this is where we came from."

If that's the case, the rest of the city is a sign of "this is where we're going." Vibrant shopping, educational stops and an entire district dedicated to family entertainment fill Richmond. Flowing in the middle of that River District is the James River and the Kanawha Canal -- providing the only metropolitan whitewater river in the country.

Why is Richmond the New South? It honors history while pursing the future, all in a place that has country characteristics on an urban stage.

River District -- Consider the River District a one-stop shop for entertainment of all types when visiting Richmond. There's food, shopping and family attractions to spend all day enjoying. Many of the attractions listed above are in this area of the city. But what appears to be the real winner of selections is the Canal Cruise, a tour of the district along its historical canal system.
• For more information, click here
• Richmond River District

mongo4570 -- Best thing other than the race and the track, tailgating in someone's backyard. Nice people. Made some good friends last year. If you do it, enjoy. You will never forget it.

gogo4188 -- Well, in my opinion the most interesting place in Richmond is the track! I know that doesn't help you none but it's what came to mind. I'll be there and super excited. I'm sure there are plenty of places in Richmond to visit.

RDOF_Posse -- The best free thing is the Capitol Square Guided Tour. If you are into adventure travel there are class 1 through 4 rapids on the falls of the James river that runs through downtown Richmond, one public access site is on Tredegar street west of Fifth street. Speaking of the area near 5th and Tredegar there's the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar Ironworks. The Museum of the Confederacy is most interesting and it too is located downtown. For RDOF Posse's best restaurants, click here

Join the Richmond International Raceway Crew

Thursday: Partly sunny with a high of 74 degrees, low of 56
Friday: Partly sunny with a high of 80 degrees, low of 58
Saturday: Cloudy with a high of 80 degrees, low of 57
Sunday: Mostly sunny with a high of 74 degrees, low of 53
Complete Forecast

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• Let NASCAR.COM help book your last-minute travel.
• Directions and aerial map of Richmond

Oh, sweet Lady. There's something special about Darlington. Where are the local spots you have discovered? Share your personal favorites here.