Active Woman Traveler

Richmond, Virginia is one of ten U.S. towns in the running as Outside Magazine's "Best Town Ever!" With remarkable outdoor features and an active community, the town is a natural for the award.

With the beautiful James River running smack dab through town, water recreation is at the door step. Wide, easy stretches of the river provide spots for leisurely paddling, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and motorized water sports. The position on the fall line creates rapids that provide thrills even for avid kayakers. The river is flanked by the James River Park System, offering residents and visitors chances to sunbathe on boulders, hike the trails, or traverse the challenging mountain bike trails. Other nearby parks offer more chances to soak up the fresh air.

Our active fitness community, especially with the events and training teams hosted year-round by Richmond Sports Backers, is another huge plus. Outdoor enthusiasts can participate with nearly 40,000 other runners and walkers in the annual Monument Ave. 10k, soak up action and history in Stride Through Time or Henricus Dauber Dash, experience more extreme events at Dominion Riverrock, rise to the challenge of the annual marathon, and more.

Supporters can vote on Outside's Facebook page every day through July 9, 2012. The winning town will receive the official honor and will be featured on the October 2012 magazine cover.