Maybe hailing from another state gives me a fresh perspective on RVA, because after nearly eighteen years I discover a new nook or cranny every week it seems.

Growing up in small-town Pennsylvania was a picturesque experience, no doubt, but having access to such a perfectly sized city, jam-packed with history at every turn, is like finding a garden forever in bloom.

I remember my first drive down Monument Avenue shortly after moving to Greater Richmond in the mid-nineties. Awestruck by the gallantry and Southern charm, this city wrapped me in its arms and asked me to stay a while.

Thanks for creating a beautiful nest, RVA.

Years have been spent exploring, discovering, and now sharing this amazing space with my three children. If we feel like a big family day at Busch Gardens, a festival on Brown’s Island, or a date night concert at The National, it’s available. Greater Richmond boasts relatively short commutes, the opportunity for diversity at every turn, world-class museums such as Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, and lively events like First Fridays.

One of my favorite authors, Edgar Allen Poe, spent much of his life and blossomed as a literary figure in the River City. Our Poe Museum boasts many of his personal items and reveals his life’s often sad story. It’s a magical place that I was compelled to include in my recent book, the Richmond Rocks Spooky Sequel.

At the end of the day, it’s the intersection of close-knot communities and city lights that draw me even nearer to Richmond. When a logo recently appeared (thanks to Sports Backers) with a heart and a nod to Boston, my heart swelled with pride. Thanks for creating a beautiful nest, RVA.

Poe museum: Hall points to the Poe Museum as another example of the favorite places in the region that her family continues to enjoy rediscovering. The museum boasts a collection of Poe’s manuscripts, letters, memorabilia, and personal belongings. Photo courtesy of Richmond Region Tourism