Need to reconnect? Here’s five ways to touch grass in Richmond

Jalynn Johnson, Contributing Writer
Andrew Kerley, Executive Editor

Between watching missing assignments pile up in Canvas, living out of Cabell Library study rooms for weeks on end and generally gasping for air — every student has been there. 

But sometimes, before continuing to trudge through semesters, they should try taking some moments for themselves — photosynthesize a little! The CT put together five outdoor activities in Richmond for stressed students who need to reconnect with the earth.  

Hang out at Scuffletown in the morning, before all the scuffling

While well known amongst Fan-goers, Scuffletown Park is fairly hidden. To find it, students must venture to Strawberry Street, where a wonderful green space is nestled between homes and alleyways. Coordinates: 37°33’21”N   77°28’2”W 

Before it became a park, Scuffletown was a tavern that stood on the same block between 1792 and 1910, according to Richmond Magazine. For over a century, it was a hotspot for drinking, ballad-playing and fighting — hence the name. 

Nowadays, Scuffletown is known for just about the same things, but replace the drunk teamsters with drunk students, the fiddlers with performative Richmond men and the bar brawlers with the Scuffletown Federfechters, a historical fencing group that often holds duels on the lawn. 

It all contributes to a busy, friendly vibe — but sometimes the only thing people need to hear is their own thoughts. Students should try visiting the park in the morning before it fills up with mullets and cigarette smoke, and feel the wind on their faces. Bringing a book might lead them to discover a serenity they may have not known for a long time. 

Sit in Monroe and eat a whole Halal Munchies platter

Halal Munchies became a VCU student staple through its close proximity, late hours and humongous portions. The eatery is on Cary Street, only a block or two away from Monroe Park — making it a grail for freshmen who physically cannot eat another VCU swipe meal. 

Halal Munchies platters — either chicken, lamb, falafel or fish — are known to tower so tall the takeout boxes barely close. Students should occasionally indulge in their gluttony, plant themselves on a nice corner of Monroe Park and gobble up an entire platter in one sitting. The same goes for buckets of tater tots at Sticky Rice. 

Hike Brown’s Island, Belle Isle and the Buttermilk Trail

Students who need a breather from busy Broad Street can venture over to one of the many James River parks that offer a taste of Virginia’s fauna and flora while still offering a view of the city skyline. 

Brown’s Island, Belle Isle and the Buttermilk Trail are open to anyone. There are rocks to ponder on, ponds to skip rocks on and a plethora of scenic, outdoor experiences unique to the river city. 

Students might get chased by geese — which is fun in a gaggle — but they should not touch the water after a recent downpour. 

Stroll through the Fan and see its offerings

One of Richmond’s most famously beautiful neighborhoods, the Fan is covered in cracked paths, permissibly overgrown plants and lots of walkable parks and marts. 

Trying not to trip on roots growing out of the sidewalks while on a strut is an art in itself. Students looking for proof of good in the world should try dilly dallying around the neighborhood to “pspsps” at the many cats sitting in people’s windows.

True adventurers may even try to locate the site where the Gun Hole once existed — an old holy site where Richmonders once left their offerings to, yes, a hole shaped like a gun. It was undeservingly removed by the city earlier this year, but people can still leave an offering, as its legacy is still imprinted in their hearts.

Volunteer and give back

Richmond is a city that gives back what people put in it, and there are certainly many people — and animals — in need. Nonprofit organizations like Groundwork RVA, Southside ReLeaf and RVA Community Fridges help water the roots of underserved communities. Animal-lovers can get their fix at the Richmond SPCA — a progressive, no-kill shelter for dogs, cats and other small animals. A list of over 50 community service opportunities can be found on the RICtoday website.