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Thursday, March 11, 2010

Belle Isle (exploring Richmond, part II)

*This is the second post of our weekend exploring Richmond*

The next place the GPS took us was a place called Moore Park. It was lame. It was located in the middle of VCU's campus, and was just a patch of grass with some people playing a fantasy game similar to the game played by the guys in Role Models. We didn't even stop, we just picked a new destination and kept driving!

The next place we stopped, I picked because of its name. Belle Isle. It just sounds like an awesome place to explore. This place was by far my favorite of the day. We could only stay for a couple hours because it was already afternoon, but I can't wait to go back and explore more when we have time! Belle Isle is on the James River - and while the history of the small island is a little morbid (prisoner of war camp where soldiers died during the Civil War), it's an awesome place to visit on a nice day.

The island is only accessible via a suspension bridge that you have to walk or bike across.

But as you walk across the bridge, you get a great view of the Richmond skyline.

On the island there are a bunch of historical markers placed by various interested parties letting you know where burial sites are, what the purpose of abandoned buildings were, and trail markers.

And if you follow a certain trail around, you come across the southern rocks - which looks like an awesome place to stick your feet in the James, or picnic in the summer.

I tried to get some pictures of the river because it was such a beautiful day, but the sun was really bright so I didn't have a lot of luck. I got a couple though!

We had a great day exploring Richmond and after all your comments on Maymont, we've definitely decided to go back!

3 comments:

maggie said...

I ALSO love belle isle! We went there this past summer and people were tubing and playing in the river. But that bridge totally sways in the wind and freaks me out. Sounds like you had an awesome day!

jennie said...

that place looks awesome! wow richmond has so much to offer!

Dorothy said...

I would definitely like to see that place. I love the way you have to get there!