Near-80 temps bring spring vibes to Richmond
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This could be you this weekend. Photo: Courtesy of Richmond Region Tourism
If you haven't peeped the forecast yet, you're in for a treat: High temperatures are expected to hover near 80 degrees all weekend and through much of next week.
Why it matters: We survived the longest, harshest winter in recent memory. Or at least since last winter, which was also the worst.
State of play: In Richmond, warm weather means spring, regardless of what the calendar says.
- And after our long, terrible winter stuck indoors, it's time to get outside and enjoy the city — especially in this short pre-mosquitos and pollen window.
- Sure, we might lose an hour this weekend due to daylight saving time, but we're gaining more than 30 degrees compared to the start of the week. And that's a tradeoff we'll take any day.
Here's a guide to some ways to make the most of this glorious weather weekend in Richmond.
🌸 Stroll through Maymont
The park's multimillion-dollar improvement project won't finish until the end of the month, but there's still plenty to enjoy, like the farm animals, bison, nature center or just picnicking on the grounds.
- "Some of the flowering trees and wildflowers are already coming into bloom, and the wild birds are very active, according to a local birding club," Maymont spokesperson Melissa Abernathy tells Axios.
🛶 Get thee to the river
Whether you want to hike near it, kayak on it, watch your dog splash through it or just sit next to it, you can and should.
- Some great spots include: 42nd and 22nd Streets, Pony Pasture and Huguenot Flatwater.
⛵️ Rent a boat
Kingfish Boat Rentals in Eastern Henrico (the one by the Lily Pad) is taking online bookings for the weekend, per its website.
- You can rent a pontoon boat starting at around $325 for two hours or a skiff for around $300.
🏝️ Spend a day on the isle
Brown's Island may be closed for renovations, but Belle Isle and its trails and river rocks are wide open (as is T. Pott).
🌆 Take in the warm air from rooftop bars
New York Deli, Juan's Rooftop & Cantina and Starr Hill will be open this weekend, per their Instas. Harry's Rooftop opens next weekend.
- Quirk and Solaire won't open until April and The Graduate will announce its spring schedule soon.
😎 Post up on a patio
Don't fret about the lack of rooftops, though. Richmond restaurants and breweries have you covered — or in this case, not — with a full contingency of open garage doors and patios.
- We love Jardin, Brambly Park, Vasen Forest Hill, Lolita's and Blue Atlas.
Go deeper: What to do in Richmond this half-marathon weekend