Underage students awash in wholesome possibilities

Students often complain of having nothing to do in Richmond.

The list of options seems even shorter for students under the age of 21. This, however, is hardly the case.

Richmond is a bustling city that not only holds on to its historic roots, but also continues to grow and evolve. Whether your interests lie in the arts, outdoor activities, fashion or history, this city offers something for everyone.

Richmond is known for its diverse music scene. No matter what your tastes, you can support local or popular bands at Shockoe Bottom’s Alley Katz and the Canal Club, or the Fan’s Nanci Raygun. Most of the time, these venues welcome all age groups.

If you are more interested in outdoor activities, Richmond also has numerous nature parks, skate parks, bike paths and hiking trails.

Maymont Park, a 100-acre wonder, is an experience in itself.

The property boasts a restored 33-room mansion that elaborately reflects the high-style tastes of the early 20th century, a state-of-the-art nature and visitors center with a selection of aquariums that house river otters, turtles and fish of all shapes and sizes. There are also interactive galleries, an array of Italian and Japanese gardens, as well as herb, butterfly and other specialty gardens, plus a carriage collection and a 40-acre wildlife park, which includes a petting zoo.

If you’re looking for parks with historical significance, National Battlefield Park and Chimborazo Park may be of interest to you.

If you’re interested in Richmond’s past try the Haunts of Richmond. They offer walking ghost tours of downtown Richmond and bring to life local ghost stories, legends and dark tales using actors and special effects.

For those of you interested in art, look no further. Richmond is the quintessential location for everything relating to art and its history. Located at Boulevard and Grove is the acclaimed Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This is a terrific resource for those of you trying to cut back on spending, because although donations are welcome, admission is free. There is also a popular local event known as First Fridays, which is held in assorted downtown art galleries on the first Friday evening of each month.

If shopping is your hobby of choice, then you are in the right place. Short Pump Town Center is a mall that was recently opened just 20 minutes away from the downtown area. Short Pump Town Center houses popular stores such as Nordstrom, Guess, Bath & Body Works, Arden B., Express, Hollister and H&M.

Stony Point Fashion Park is Richmond’s newest shopping destination. This 690,000 square-foot outdoor shopping mall features upscale stores such as Louis Vuitton, Betsey Johnson, Saks Fifth Avenue, Anthropologie, and MAC, as well as about 90 other stores that may be within your budget.

Both of these malls also have movie theaters, where you can catch the latest flicks. Carytown is another popular destination for shoppers. In a quaint display of colorful buildings, Carytown not only offers upscale stores such as PINK, Need Supply Co., and St. Tropez, but also a variety of thrift stores, such as Clementine’s, The Clothes Rack and Bygones. Also located in this charming neighborhood of historic buildings is the illustrious Byrd Theatre, a popular hang out known for its midnight movies.

No matter what your tastes, Richmond has innumerable activities to offer.