Richmond has made the list of Outside Magazine’s top 10 river towns.
But now, Outside, in conjunction with
American Rivers, the nation’s leading river nonprofit, is turning the voting
over to their readers to determine which of the 10 cities is the best of the
best.
“This award really puts Richmond on
the map as an outdoor destination,” said Jackie Holt, the communications
manager at Richmond Sports Backers. “If [people] know they can come here for an
action-packed weekend, that’s going to be be a huge attraction.”
Voting started on June 12 and goes
until July 9. To vote for Richmond, simply “like” Outside Magazine’s Facebook page, which provides the contest link
and directions for how to vote. The winning city will be featured on the cover
of Outside’s 35th anniversary issue,
which hits newsstands this October.
Other nominated cities include
Ithaca, N.Y.; Milwaulkee; Nashville, Tenn., Asheville, N.C.; Hood River, Ore.;
Missoula, Mont.; Boise, Idaho.; Nevada City, Calif.; and Durango, Colo.
Even in the face of stiff
competition, Richmond residents certainly seem to be the most vocal about their
hometown pride. Richmond is currently in the lead by almost 1,500 votes—almost
300 more than the other nine cities combined.
“The best thing about this is the community
coming together,” Holt said. If Richmond wins, it will be “a huge award for the
city, and something we can brag about.”
In addition to the number of votes,
Outside Magazine also takes into
account the creativity of user-submitted content: that is, pictures and
comments on Outside’s Facebook page.
Residents can leave comments about why they love Richmond, provide favorite
local cuisine and attractions, and of course, suggest outdoor activities such
as bike trails and river spots.
Everyone from local radio station
103.7 The River to Governor Bob McDonnell commented to show their support and
do a little bragging on their hometown.
One of the commenters, David
Saunders, summed Richmond up pretty nicely: “Tattoos, fan bars, hipsters, the
Rivah, bowties, ham biscuits, cobblestones and more monuments than you can
shake a stick at. #RVA Rocks.”
Jon Lugbill, executive director at
Sports Backers, also made it pretty simple: “Richmond’s urban off-road trail
system is amazing—best in the country. Richmond’s downtown whitewater on the
James River—best in the country. Richmond’s Dominion Riverrock Outdoor
lifestyle festival—best in the country.”
VOTE NOW (and vote everyday):http://www.facebook.com/outsidemagazine?sk=app_394161093969483
