If you’re looking for something to do, there is never a shortage in the Richmond area. Whether it's a hunger for the outdoors, sports, or history, Richmond's attractions, recereation and parks will satisfy any appetite.
The city's largest park, Lake Reba, has a little something for everyone. The 600-acre complex features baseball fields, soccer fields, a horseshoe complex, a walking trail, shelters, playground areas, and a 75-acre fishing lake with a fish cleaning station. Also on site is an 18-hole championship golf course at Gibson Bay that offers a driving and putting range, as well as a par 3 course. If you're not ready for the championship challenge, Adventure Falls miniature golf with a batting cage complex is right around the corner.
The newest Lake Reba attraction opened Memorial Day, 2008. Paradise Cove, a Richmond family aquatic center features 49,260 square feet of beach and deck areas, 8,100 square feet of shade structures, and a 1,500 square foot spray ground. The $5.38 million complex also has an eight-lane competition pool, a slide area, a splash area for kids, and areas that are handicapped accessible. In addition to Lake Reba, Richmond is home to several other parks, including Irvine-McDowell, Dillingham Heights, and E. C. Million Parks.
Attractions
Rich with history, Richmond has several eye-opening attractions. The Battle of Richmond Re-enactment takes place every year on the last weekend of August at Richmond's historic Battlefield Park. This re-enactment chronicles the most decisive victory for the Confederacy during the Civil War and is an intricate part of Richmond's history.
White Hall Historic Site, the home of fiery emancipationist and politician Cassius Marcellus Clay, is located on White Hall Shrine Road in Richmond. Guides costumed in 1860s apparel will lead you through the home April 1 ' Oct. 31 and during special events.
If you'd like to stay overnight in a historic home, The Bennett House offers a 19th-century bed and breakfast. Located on Main Street, the home features several rooms with private areas, including baths, dens, and office space. Rooms are available starting at $85 a night and special packages can be reserved for romantic getaways or a golfer's retreat.
If you're looking for something spectacular, visit the Hummel Space Theater's Space Voyager Planetarium. The largest planetarium in the United States, the Hummel Theater is located on the Eastern Kentucky University campus. One of only four of its kind in the world, the system simulates the sky as it would be seen from any point in space within 100 astronomical units of Earth.
Events
Throughout the year, Richmond offers a variety of family friendly events. Free summer concerts are conducted each Tuesday night in June and July, beginning at 7 p.m. in Irvine-McDowell Park, or at the Richmond Area Arts Council in case of rain. Many types of family friendly music are offered, including bluegrass, jazz and country genres.
Also in July, the city puts on a Fourth of July Spectacular, complete with fireworks, music and fun.
The Starlight Mile is conducted in conjunction with the Richmond Pottery Festival on the Friday after Labor Day at Lake Reba. The one mile, nighttime run is fun for all ages. Kids Fest also is in conjunction with the Labor Day Pottery Festival and is a fun-filled weekend dedicated to kids. Attractions include inflatable's, a petting zoo, clowns, magicians, and more..
As the ghosts and goblins emerge for Halloween, four blocks of Main Street are blocked off for a Halloween Hoedown. A Boo Bash program for younger children is conducted along with a pumpkin carving contest, pie bake-off, dog costume contest, pet photos and hay rides along with craft and food vendors. Children can get dressed up for a trick-or-treat costume parade in the early evening.
For more details about upcoming fun, visit Richmond Parks and Recreation's web site at http://parks.richmond.ky.us. |
