Name: Williams Island
Address: 7424 Riverside Drive, Richmond, VA, 23225

The relatively flat and heavily vegetated Williams Island is in the middle of the James River, across from the 2-acre park, Riverside Meadow Greenspace. There are two distinctly different channels to the north and south of the island and both are blocked by dams, built to help divert water into the city’s purification plant. The island has always been a popular fishing spot and there are worn foot paths through the wild underbrush all around the island, most likely “maintained” and shared by a combination of fisherman and wildlife. Williams Island has been home to black bears and, at one time, an albino deer. Other animals include raccoons, muskrat, skunk and wild turkey. The general public is allowed to visit the island and when water levels of the James are low, people can often reach the island more easily by rock hopping.

Williams Island

We’re a community of runners, hikers, bikers and ballplayers. We’re an outdoor playground, designed by Mother Nature, with class III and IV rapids running right through our downtown. A 52-mile bike trail runs along the James. The Richmond Marathon and Ukrop’s 10k are huge celebrations, and the whole region comes out to cheer on our local teams. In fact, we’re so sports-minded that the Washington Redskins have their training camp right in the center of the city. Add to that awesome hotels, beautiful venues, attractions, art, craft beer, more than 900 restaurants and a convenient location, and you’ve got a top choice for your next sports event. Welcome to RVA!

From indoor to outdoor facilities, the Richmond region has the fields, pitches, diamonds, venues and the dedicated staff to ensure your event is a huge success. 



Sports Richmond, VA

There is a 2-acre grassy parcel about a half-mile west of Pony Pasture on Riverside Drive called Riverside Meadow Greenspace. It’s a small but attractive part of the James River Park. It’s common to see outdoors groups like Riverside Outfitters and True Timber Tree Service launching rafts and climbing trees there. Richmond Fire Department units practice rescues from the meadow. It’s a great setting for instruction in an area where public real estate is tough to come by. It’s also common to see people set up chairs, blankets and even grills and settle in for the day here. The area is well-attended by walkers, joggers, bikers, bird-watchers, fisherman and especially paddlers. Since the Z-Dam is connected to Riverside Meadow and Williams Island across the river, one can often find kayakers surfing in the powerful notch in the dam. The view of the James and Pony Pasture Rapids from the meadow is beautiful and a big draw for the little park. The patient wildlife watcher will find bald eagles, otters, osprey and great blue herons in this area. The mix of calm water to the left, rapids to the right and tall trees along both sides shorelines creates a rich mix of habitats, according to park signage at the Z-Dam.

Riverside Meadows

Richmond's finest preserved Colonial plantation estate! Built for the Randolph family in 1753, Wilton has survived two wars, the ownership of six families, and a complete relocation in the 1930s. Stop by for a tour of the home and experience our brand-new virtual reality exhibit, or simply enjoy our beautiful terraced grounds overlooking the James River.

Wilton House Museum

Pony Pasture Rapids Park has become an urban paradise for many — a cheap way to make the best of one’s day for those that can’t afford a trip to the beach or don’t have the time to leave the city for a vacation. Pony Pasture is one of the most popular spots in the James River Park System. Most people swim and play in the rapids or bask in the sun on the many granite boulders in the river next to the scenic park, but there is so much more to do in this outdoor gem. The scenery alone is a big draw for visitors, with huge boulders with plenty of unique potholes and nooks shaped by years of erosion from the rapids. Children can explore, swim and play for hours in the shallow waters along the shoreline. It is recommended that they wear footwear and a life jacket. When the water levels are under five feet, there are many places to slide and play in the rapids. When the park is crowded in the hot summer months, watch for other swimmers and water craft (canoes and kayaks). Playing hookey, photography, painting, people-watching, having an adventure or just getting out to nature are all good excuses to go to Pony Pasture. Many people walk, run or bike along the shoulder of Riverside Drive, which is designated as a Scenic Virginia Byway. Drive slowly along this road as a courtesy to those not traveling by car — you’ll be happy to take your time and check out the scenery. In the spring, watch nature wake from its winter slumber. In the summer months, snorkel, watch the wind blow the grass and trees and people-watch. In the fall, watch the many types of hardwood trees in the area turn colors before they drop their leaves. In winter, watch the true park-lovers retake their scenic, treasured park. The rapids at Pony Pasture are considered Class II, and the park has a busy takeout. Many kayak, canoe, raft and inner tube trips are launched from this park. The access was built by park volunteers and funded by aluminum recycling in the park system. Most paddle trips launched from this point are headed to Reedy Creek or the big rapids of Hollywood (at Belle Isle) and Pipeline Rapids in downtown Richmond. There is more than a mile of trails in the park, many of which offer views of the river, inland meadows and a wide-variety of trees. The main trails are gravel and are good for biking. The park also connects to The Wetlands park, located just to the east of Pony Pasture and a good place to spend time in nature as well. The uninhabited 100-acre Williams Island is across the river from Pony Pasture and can be reached by paddling, swimming or rock-hopping. It is not officially part of the JRPS, but is city property and people are allowed on the island. The gravel and asphalt parking lot — which is the largest in the park system – has 80 parking spaces but can be expanded with creative management to 110 spaces. In the peak hours of the weekends in the summer, it can be a difficult place to find a parking spot. Be prepared to wait in line or find an alternative method to travel to the park (bike, walk, carpool, be dropped off).

Pony Pasture Rapids

Real Richmond Food Tours offers year-round food tours of Richmond's distinct neighborhoods, including Church Hill, Scott's Addition, downtown and Shockoe Slip and Bottom. Our walking tours run most Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m. and are 2.5 hours long with stops in local restaurants and gourmet food purveyors for samples and insider info from chefs and owners. We season our tours with Richmond's lively, multi-faceted history, its impressive architecture and natural features, and expert guides give plenty of tips to help folks enjoy RVA's vibrance now. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.realrichmondva.com and are $60, including ticketing fee. Private tours for groups are available by request.

Real Richmond Food Tours

Based in Richmond, VA we plan personalized, self-guided, self-supported bike tours featuring the Virginia Capital Trail, Great Allegheny Passage, Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway and more! Each day of your tour is personalized with your needs in mind so that you don't have to worry about the logistics. We also offer the first and only comprehensive guide to the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile paved multi-use trail stretching from Richmond to Williamsburg, VA. Enjoy and explore the Virginia Capital Trail between Richmond and Williamsburg with confidence! "Bicycling the Virginia Capital Trail" includes more than 50 scenic and historical trail rides, 70+ points of interest, maps, mileages and elevations, where to stay, dine and park, plus more. Explore the Virginia Capital Trail and roads in the surrounding countryside between Richmond and Williamsburg. "Cycling Adventures along the Virginia Capital Trail” includes more than 25 maps with turn-by-turn directions, 70+ points of interest from historic sites to wineries and breweries, plus links to local weather, bike shops, and more! Most of the rides are in the 13- to 27-mile range, and you can easily link them together with the Virginia Capital Trail to make a longer ride. Please visit our website for details or email info@RoadTestedBikeTours.com

Road-Tested Bike Tours, LLC

Bald Eagles of the James Tour 2 and 3 hour tours available: Prices vary Enjoy the majesty of resident bald eagles, bring your camera, or watch through binoculars. Venture into into an ecosystem that is considered the area with the best comeback of the bald eagle in the entire nation. This inspirational 2-hour pontoon boat tour on the James River leaves from Deep Bottom Park or the Richmond Yacht Basin, both located about 15 minutes from Downtown Richmond. Private tours available.

Discover the James

Women's Accessories, Home Goods, Gifts. Near or far, we've got you covered.

Gild and Ash

Flourish Spaces is a retail shop that provides clients with a "place to create your space". Our vision, always, is to inspire, empower, and enable shoppers to personalize your home by offering access to a full array of the customizable design elements that make a layered and lovely home: wallpaper, paint, textiles, rugs, furniture, window treatments, art and antiques, and necessary layering luxuries. Our job is to help you transcend trends and confidently combine furniture and decor that will bring you joy for years to come.

Flourish Spaces

Creative sushi in a sleek setting. The “business lunch box” specials are a must for a middle-of-the-day pick-me-up.

Osaka Sushi

Juice Laundry

Serving lunch and dinner daily as well as Sunday brunch. Full bar with local beer, craft cocktail & wine list. Beautiful patio dining available for the al fresco experience. Since 1996, our mission has been to effectively nourish body and soul while preserving the highest level of quality and value. The open kitchen & upscale atmosphere of eclectic, modern American cuisine is designed to provide tasteful fare in a casual, full service environment.

Williams Island

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