RICHMOND, Va. –
Your flight has been booked, and your bags are packed. In just a few days you’ll be arriving here to attend the Defense Logistics Agency Supply Chain Alliance Symposium and Exhibition, set for June 11–12 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The ideas and connections you'll make are as vital as the logistics you'll be discussing.
I’m writing this to help you better plan your upcoming visit to the Richmond area. Let’s pretend you’re already here.
Congratulations – you’ve checked in. You’ve put on your badge and enjoyed a productive day full of game-changing presentations, breakout sessions and networking opportunities.
And now … you find yourself free after hours. You’re walking toward the parking garage, dreams of dinner dancing in your head, clicking your key fob and listening desperately for the “beep-beep” of your car – only to realize you’ve been on the wrong level for 45 minutes.
Once you finally locate your vehicle (or abandon the search and call your coworker for a rescue, like I did), Richmond is waiting with open arms. Let’s go!
HISTORY AND ART
- Virginia State Capitol
Designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. Honestly, it’s pretty decent architecture for someone who didn’t even have PowerPoint, much less Wi-Fi.
https://virginiacapitol.gov
- Virginia War Memorial
A moving tribute to Virginians who served and sacrificed. Reflect on history, honor the fallen, and contemplate the cost of freedom. And the views of the city are spectacular.
https://vawarmemorial.org
- Virginia Holocaust Museum
Deep. Powerful. Important. You will leave this place more informed, and you probably won’t even have to take notes. It’s best experienced when you can give it the time it deserves.
www.vaholocaust.org
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)
They’ve got art. A LOT of it. Statues. Paintings. Big windows. Free admission. If you make it 10 minutes without checking your phone, you win.
https://vmfa.museum
NATURE
- Maymont
A beautiful and scenic Richmond staple. Stroll through the gardens. Wave at a goat. Feel momentarily like the main character in a Victorian drama. Take some amazing selfies.
https://maymont.org
- James River Park System
Walk by the river. Look at the water. Breathe deeply. Pretend you’re in a travel brochure. Or just watch the park’s live cams and say you did.
https://jamesriverpark.org
- Virginia Capital Trail
A beautifully paved trail that goes all the way to Williamsburg. Not saying you should walk it all. Just … you could. Technically.
www.virginiacapitaltrail.org
FOOD + FUN
Let’s be clear: no one’s telling you where to eat. But Richmond’s culinary scene has quietly earned a national reputation, and neighborhoods like Scott’s Addition, Carytown, Shockoe Slip, and Jackson Ward offer plenty of evening dining and hangout options.
We’re talking about Southern comfort food, seafood spots, rooftop lounges and casual places where your badge doesn’t get you a discount but still starts conversations. Whether you’re in search of a salad or something that requires multiple napkins, there’s something nearby to satisfy your post-conference cravings.
Just remember: personal time, personal dollars, personal calories.
Scott’s Addition – Breweries. Cideries. Places that end in “-ery.” Very trendy. You’ll feel cooler just walking around.
Carytown – Cute. Quirky. Shops and restaurants. The kind of place you go to for lunch and accidentally stay until 7 p.m.
Shockoe Slip – Historic cobblestones and spots to eat that don’t involve buffet trays.
Downtown Dining – Restaurants of every kind within walking distance. Usually open late enough for people who forgot to eat lunch.
Bonus: If none of those appeal to you, there’s always wandering aimlessly through a store 12 miles outside the city. Very therapeutic.
GETTING AROUND
- Bus – The GRTC Pulse goes to all the places you don’t want to walk. Requires schedule-reading. The Pulse runs every 10 minutes on weekdays – and it’s free to ride.
- Ride-share – Classic. Reliable. Sometimes they show up as a compact hybrid when you expected a van.
- Scooters – You’ll find ‘em all over, e-scooter rentals can be found all over Richmond. Just unlock and go using their respective apps. Practical? Maybe. Dignified? Never. Fun? Yes.
- Feet – Free. Flexible. You may still get lost in a parking garage like me. (I didn’t reveal the whole story earlier – I wasn’t just on the wrong level, I was in the entirely wrong garage. We listen, and we don’t judge.)
IMPORTANT: Drop a pin or take a photo of where you parked. Don’t be like me and walk laps in the garage until your smart watch congratulates you for your step count.
THE BIG PICTURE
You’re here for an amazing symposium – and you’ll get a lot out of it. You’ll learn plenty and probably meet at least three people who say packaging is the toughest part of logistics without blinking. But when the sessions end, Richmond is just sitting here being charming.
So, go explore. Play some games. Or don’t. I’ll be the one who wrote this guide and then went straight home to eat leftovers. But you? You could have an adventure.
You’ve earned a walk. A bite to eat. Maybe even a goat sighting. Just don’t forget to take your badge off first. Also – remember where you parked.
Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Defense Logistics Agency, DOD, or U.S. Government.