It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Richmond, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“They say it takes a village and it truly does. I don’t know how”
“What I loved most about the services provided by Always Best Care is the fact”
“Always Best Care is so awesome! As a Caregiver, I will always recommend them. The”
“I am a current client of this provider We chose Always Best Care of Richmond South”
“Joan is awesome and does everything to make things right for her clients & employees”
“All of the employees at Always Best Care enjoy helping their clients and are so”
“They are a wonderful home care service and all the staff is excellent and so”
“What an amazing company to work and serve for!”
“I am a current client of this provider My father uses Always Best Care of Richmond”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care for their care, compassion and professionalism. They participated in”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. Eva was wonderful with my mom. They always worked”
“ABC works with our schedule and does their best to provide quality care for my”
“The owner Joan is kind, compassionate and does not use unsupervised contractors. Office staff of”
“My first time experience was awesome! Emily Ferguson was very helpful and compassionate to the”
“Always Best Care provided very good care to my aunt while she was in Assisted”
“Awesome staff and great caregivers!”
“The company provided a thorough evaluation of my parents and then worked very hard to”
“Other We have used Always Best for several years They have been friendly and professional. The caretakers”
“I am a past client of this provider I called late Friday afternoon and had a”
“I am a past client of this provider I highly recommend Always Best Care. When my”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When my mom had a stroke last year, Joan”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When my mom had a stroke last year, Joan”
“OMG I swear we have the BEST caregiver ever! Aysia is like a part of”
“Wonderful, caring staff who ensures the patients and their families are happy with services provided.”
“I am a past client of this provider The staff at Always Best Care truly cares”
“Free opportunity to toot our own horn! Always Best Care is all about family and”
“They work with you. I love working for them. They communicate well and they also”
“They work with you. I love working for them. They communicate well and they also”
“Love ABC and all they offer. Great company to work for!”
“I love my job. I don't see it as work. Its more like a 2nd”
“Always best care is the best job to work for!!!!!!!”
“They say it takes a village and it truly does. I don’t know how I would have gotten through many days without you. Thanks for the good care you gave my husband and the visits spent with me. Please keep caring for folks, you make a difference.”
“What I loved most about the services provided by Always Best Care is the fact that the caregivers showed up, freed me up for grocery store or yardwork. The caregivers gave me advice to help me care for my husband. I was new to this and needed any advice, I appreciated that.”
“Always Best Care is so awesome! As a Caregiver, I will always recommend them. The professionalism and care for their caregivers goes above and beyond. They are always there to help if needed, they are always there to answer any questions, and they make you feel proud to be a team member! Thank you ABC!????”
“I am a current client of this provider We chose Always Best Care of Richmond South because they were able to get us, somebody, as quickly as we needed. Right now, they're providing help with bathing, meals, and light housework. They're also keeping an eye on my mom during the day. With regard to billing and scheduling, so far, so good. We're on a second caregiver just because of some issues on our behalf because we had to switch locations, but both caregivers seem okay. This will be our third week now.”
“Joan is awesome and does everything to make things right for her clients & employees”
“All of the employees at Always Best Care enjoy helping their clients and are so wonderful to work with!”
“They are a wonderful home care service and all the staff is excellent and so caring and loving they go out there way for there workers and clients and appreciate there hard working workers”
“What an amazing company to work and serve for!”
“I am a current client of this provider My father uses Always Best Care of Richmond South. They help with bathing, bed making, washing linen, washing clothes, they wipe and keep the floors clean, the bathtub and the bathroom area, fold clothes after they wash them, tidy up his room, and make sure that his meds are in the right place. The caregivers have been good and I'm satisfied. It's easy to contact them and they respond quickly.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care for their care, compassion and professionalism. They participated in the care of my mother as she lived out her life in her own home. The staff was always willing to answer questions, they communicated clearly, and responded to my requests with patience. The staff and caregivers made a significant contribution to my family and a huge difference at a time when I needed it the most.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. Eva was wonderful with my mom. They always worked with my schedule. Great people!”
“ABC works with our schedule and does their best to provide quality care for my elderly mother-in-law. The caregivers are conscientious and take care of her needs.”
“The owner Joan is kind, compassionate and does not use unsupervised contractors. Office staff of Always Best resolve issues quickly and genuinely care. This is a quality organization with great caregivers.”
“My first time experience was awesome! Emily Ferguson was very helpful and compassionate to the needs of my family.”
“Always Best Care provided very good care to my aunt while she was in Assisted Living at The Towers and Memory Care at Elmcroft. CNA assigned to provide personal care was great. She was able to get my aunt to cooperate with assisting in personal hygiene where others were not as successful. NP Ashley was the best. I was concerned about her being receptive to a Chaplin visiting on a regular basis. Chaplin Ed was able to get her respond and was excellent with her. He looked forward to their visits. He always had good reports of each visit. My overall experience with Always Best Care was excellent. I would recommend them to anyone who is in need of additional care for their loved one. Thanks to all the staff at Always Best Care for all you do.”
“Awesome staff and great caregivers!”
“The company provided a thorough evaluation of my parents and then worked very hard to find the right match as a caregiver. The person they found was perfect and became a part of the family.”
“Other We have used Always Best for several years They have been friendly and professional. The caretakers they have sent have always been extremely helpful as well as caring. Our present caretakers is exceptional Highly recommend Always Best Care”
“I am a past client of this provider I called late Friday afternoon and had a caregiver set up for Saturday evening. My mom was in good hands with ABC”
“I am a past client of this provider I highly recommend Always Best Care. When my mom had a stroke last year, Joan Shifflett and her team did an outstanding job helping during her recovery. They were always responsive, understanding, and most importantly, caring, during a very challenging time for me and my family. If you need similar help, contact Always Best Care.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When my mom had a stroke last year, Joan Shifflett and her team did an outstanding job helping during her recovery. They were always responsive, understanding, and most importantly, caring, during a very challenging time for me and my family. If you need similar help, contact Always Best Care.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When my mom had a stroke last year, Joan Shifflett and her team did an outstanding job helping during her recovery. They were always responsive, understanding, and most importantly, caring, during a very challenging time for me and my family. If you need similar help, contact Always Best Care.”
“OMG I swear we have the BEST caregiver ever! Aysia is like a part of the family � Jessica Thomas and Always Best Care Senior Services always provide us with the best and it makes my life so much easier. If you are ever in the need of In home care I highly recommend this group.”
“Wonderful, caring staff who ensures the patients and their families are happy with services provided. They will fight for coverage for their clients from the insurance company, which is something other senior care companies don't seem to have much time to do. This company really cares about their clients, and treat them like family.”
“I am a past client of this provider The staff at Always Best Care truly cares about their clients. They look at them as extended family and do everything possible to meet their needs and wants. They also have someone on call 24/7, which was a huge benefit! I would definitely recommend this company.”
“Free opportunity to toot our own horn! Always Best Care is all about family and spreading compassionate senior care through our outstanding caregivers, staff and community members. Need help with senior care, give us a call. 804-912-5688”
“They work with you. I love working for them. They communicate well and they also are like family. I definitely recommend anyone looking for a job to work here.”
“They work with you. I love working for them. They communicate well and they also are like family. I definitely recommend anyone looking for a job to work here.”
“Love ABC and all they offer. Great company to work for!”
“I love my job. I don't see it as work. Its more like a 2nd home.”
“Always best care is the best job to work for!!!!!!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Richmond, VA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Richmond, VA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Richmond, VA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Doctors say new strain of highly contagious virus is hitting people harder, both young and oldRICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting a sharp increase in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases spreading through schools and daycares across Central Virginia.Health officials say the average number of cases has roughly tripled so far this year.“Just to give you some idea of the data, in past years, we may see between 45 to 60 outbreaks reported per year. This year, in 2025 since...
RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting a sharp increase in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases spreading through schools and daycares across Central Virginia.
Health officials say the average number of cases has roughly tripled so far this year.
“Just to give you some idea of the data, in past years, we may see between 45 to 60 outbreaks reported per year. This year, in 2025 since May, we’ve had over 165 outbreaks of disease reported,” said Dawn Saady, epidemiologist with the Virginia Department of Health.
Dr. Mark Flanzenbaum, founder and co-owner of KidMed Pediatric Urgent Care, said his staff has noticed a surge in cases across the group’s multiple locations.
“All of the staff here have noticed a significant increase. And around the country, they’re seeing it as well. And that’s felt to be because of a new strain. There’s something called the A6 strain that’s out there that seems to be spreading more rapidly,” Flanzenbaum said.
“It tends to be more of a summer and fall virus. It loves the warmth. And we’re having a warmer fall. It loves that. So the warmer weather is keeping it going,” Flanzenbaum added.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports Coxsackievirus A6, one of the HFMD strains, is causing more severe symptoms as well.
The virus presents as sores around the mouth and throat, along with red bumps that turn into blisters on the hands and feet, and sometimes genitals. Patients may also develop a fever.
While the virus is not dangerous for most patients, Flanzenbaum said there are still risks, particularly for teens and parents.
The thought that it only affects children is a myth.
“It’s annoying. It’s uncomfortable. The flip side to it is there can be dangerous things that can occur in adults and teenagers,” he said. “It can cause encephalitis, meningitis, yeah, very infrequently, but it can.”
“In general, it’s miserable,” Flanzenbaum said. “Unfortunately, part of the problem is that there’s no antiviral treatment for it. There’s no vaccine for it.”
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets (sneezing and coughing), fluid from blisters and the stool of infected people.
Patients are contagious before symptoms appear, and symptoms can last for a week or more.
“The general feeling is that once those blisters dry up and they’re scabbed over, that’s not contagious anymore,” Flanzenbaum said.
“There’s this misinformation that the contagious period is only when they have fever, because we say that about a lot of other viruses, so parents keep their kids home until the fever is gone, send them back to school, and now they spread it to everybody,” Flanzenbaum added.
School divisions and health departments across Central Virginia are reporting cases.
“Reporting of outbreaks is required by regulatory code to the Virginia Department of Health,” Saady said. “Usually, we think of an outbreak as three or more cases that are linked, so three children in the same classroom, maybe within a time period of a week or two.”
Even without a fever, patients can spread the virus for days and weeks after symptoms appear.
Health officials emphasize proper hand washing and sanitizing common surfaces as key prevention measures.
“Don’t share drinks. Don’t have your kids face to face with you, good hand washing, surface washing,” Flanzenbaum said.
RICHMOND, Va. — There's a new way to explore Richmond: one man's passion project has transformed the River City into a nostalgic, spooky-season video game.Joseph "Tripp" Cannella has launched Small Town RVA, an online game that renders Richmond in 32-bit, Game Boy–style graphics.As a child, Cannella lost himself in games like Pokémon and dreamed of visiting those virtual places in real life."I always wanted to go to places like Palette Town and, you know, actually visit those locations,&...
RICHMOND, Va. — There's a new way to explore Richmond: one man's passion project has transformed the River City into a nostalgic, spooky-season video game.
Joseph "Tripp" Cannella has launched Small Town RVA, an online game that renders Richmond in 32-bit, Game Boy–style graphics.
As a child, Cannella lost himself in games like Pokémon and dreamed of visiting those virtual places in real life.
"I always wanted to go to places like Palette Town and, you know, actually visit those locations," Cannella said. "I always wondered what it would be like if my own city had this Game Boy version of it."
After five years of work, that idea is now playable.
"It’s meant to be this tiny digital clone of the city in your pocket," he said. "I’m a big fan of the spooky side of Richmond — the haunted history, the folklore that’s buried right under our feet."
The game maps the city so players can wander digital versions of trails, rivers, roads and landmarks.
Cannella is still adding sites where players can interact with historic photos, such as the Monroe Park water fountain and the Church Hill tunnel.
"Small Town RVA is a local game that takes a map of the city and converts it into a little Game Boy-like world where players can wander around and actually see real sights; trails, rivers, roads and even James Monroe’s grave," he said.
Small Town RVA includes vanished landmarks like Pratt's Castle in Oregon Hill and nods to Richmond folklore, including the Richmond Vampire, which also appears in the game’s story mode.
In that mode, players begin at VCU’s Brandt Hall and make their way to some of the city's spookier sites.
"I just wanted to put something together for the city be able to get excited about for, especially for Halloween," Cannella said. "Richmond Vampire is definitely in the game. I mean, he's also connected to the Church Hill tunnel."
The game also offers a GPS feature similar to Pokémon GO so the in-game map can reflect a player's real-world location.
Players can add their own photos, chat with others, and see other players on screen, making the project a social as well as an exploratory experience.
"I think it's just a fun way to get people out there and get them to understand and know the city," Cannella said. "I want it to reflect the people within the city, their stories, their perspectives on Richmond. You can chat with other players, see them on screen, and explore together. It’s a social space as much as it is a game."
Feedback so far has been positive, and Cannella welcomes suggestions to keep the game growing, down to Richmond's little quirks, like chicken wings discarded on city sidewalks.
"Encounter those and there's still some good meat on them. So, maybe it gives you a little bit of a performance boost in the game," Cannella said.
He also hopes to collaborate with art students to create in-game characters and items, expanding the game's local, community-driven feel.
Players can experience this new way to discover Richmond by logging on to SmallTownRVA.com, getting transported to Brandt Hall and starting their exploration.
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Known For: Complimentary Coffee and Small-Batch Sourdough
Bakery, Café, or Coffee Shop? Café
Customer Favorites: Lupita, Lupita Breakfast Sandwich, and Samosa-Wich
Known for: Calm, relaxing atmosphere and vegetarian eats
Bakery, Café or Coffee Shop? Coffee Shop
Customer Favorites: Specialty and Seasonal Drinks and Bagels
Known For: Visitors, Vibes and Coworking
Bakery, Café or Coffee Shop? Coffee Shop and Café
Customer Favorites: Iced Brown Sugar Latte and Spicy Sausage, Egg, & Cheese
Known For: Wings Mural and Secluded, Outdoor Patio
Bakery, Café or Coffee Shop? Cafe + Coffee Shop
Customer Favorites: Applewood Smoked Bacon Egg Sandwich and Assorted Pastries
Known For: Locally-roasted selections from Blanchard's Coffee
Bakery, Café or Coffee Shop? Coffee Shop
Customer Favorites: Ham & Jam Croissant and Honey & Spice Latte
Known For: Fresh Flowers and Fine Wine
Bakery, Café or Coffee Shop? Café
Customer Favorites: Flipper Friendly Tuna Salad and Virginia Ham Cubano
Known For: Indoor/Outdoor Space with a Relaxing Atmosphere
Bakery, Café or Coffee Shop? Café
Customer Favorites: The Colden and Banana Pudding
Known For: Cultural Programming and Community Connections
Bakery, Café or Coffee Shop? Bakery and Café
Customer Favorites: Croissants and Macarons
Known For: Monthly Macaron Memberships and Seasonal Offerings
Hayley Martin is Venture Richmond’s Marketing Assistant. Born and raised in Richmond and a graduate of the University of Virginia, she supports the marketing team through content creation, social media, and communications efforts. Her work helps share the stories, events, and initiatives that highlight the energy and creativity of downtown Richmond.
Brown’s Island is one of the most popular public park spaces in the city. Located on Downtown Richmond's riverfront along the James River, the island features access to the Canal Walk, Manchester, and more. NOTICE: BROWN'S ISLAND WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION FROM NOVEMBER 2025 - OCTOBER 2026. Explore Part of Richmond's History on Brown's IslandBrown’s Island, Richmond’s biggest little island, is six acres of riverfront park ...
Brown’s Island is one of the most popular public park spaces in the city. Located on Downtown Richmond's riverfront along the James River, the island features access to the Canal Walk, Manchester, and more.
NOTICE: BROWN'S ISLAND WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION FROM NOVEMBER 2025 - OCTOBER 2026.
Brown’s Island, Richmond’s biggest little island, is six acres of riverfront park with views of the James River. This beautiful public park offers access to surrounding James River parks, outdoor concerts, walking and biking trails, educational monuments and sculptures, and plenty of urban green space for visitors, residents, and employees of Downtown Richmond.
Originally formed as part of the Haxall Canal in 1789, Brown’s Island is named after its first settler, Elijah Brown, who acquired the land in 1826. During the Civil War, it was home to the Confederate States Laboratory where women and children produced ammunition and other military supplies.
In 1894, the Richmond Union Passenger Railway formed a coal power plant on the island, and in 1899, Dominion Virginia Power operated a hydroelectric plant that ran off the Haxall Canal on the east side of the island, which necessitated the construction of the Brown’s Island Dam. Anchored into the James River are supports to the Chesapeake & Ohio Elevated Rail lines (now controlled by CSX) which are a favorite site for rail enthusiasts, visitors, and event attendees.?
In the late 20th century, the Albemarle Paper Company owned and operated a paper mill on the island, and in 1987, gifted the land to the City of Richmond, which developed Brown’s Island as a public park to both preserve and share the breathtaking river views for all of Richmond to enjoy.?
Today, Brown's Island is managed and maintained by Venture Richmond. In September 2019, Venture Richmond completed the planning phase of the Brown’s Island Improvement Plan, and it received conceptual approval from the City Planning Commission in December 2019. Since then, Venture Richmond has been working hand in hand with the City to design and fundraise for the project. More information about the Brown’s Island Improvement Project can be found on our website.
Downtown Richmond’s riverfront is rich with art and exhibits that allow visitors and residents to experience the James River and the Canal Walk’s treasured history and beauty.?
Some of the most dramatic events in Richmond’s history occurred during three days in April 1865 when the city fell to the Union Army after four years of civil war. As the Union Army marched down Broad Street, the Confederate Army evacuated, while enslaved Richmonders gained their freedom. These events are memorialized on a bridge overlooking the James River. Quotes, images, and views of the remains of Civil War-era bridges bring back the events of the war’s end. A series of markers is incorporated into the James River overlook on the northwest corner of Brown's Island. The exhibit can be reached from Tredegar Street near South 5th Street.?
“The Mill,” a sculpture by Richmond artist Brad Robinson, is located near the entrance to the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge toward the south side of Brown’s Island. Unveiled in 2012, it is intended to reflect the shimmering waters of the James River. It stands 16 feet tall and is made of brushed aluminum with bronze edging. The sculpture has a crescent-shaped bench around it, which creates a nice viewing spot.?
The Headman Statue on Brown’s Island depicts a 19th century boatman — also known as a headman — and commemorates the early contributions of African Americans to commerce in Richmond. Boatmen were essential to Richmond’s canal system, which provided faster transport of raw materials and finished goods around the falls of the James River. The statue is 14 feet high with a 23-foot “sweep,” or oar, and it was designed and created by Paul DiPasquale. The bronze version of the statue was unveiled in November 1993.?
The Virginia Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission dedicated and unveiled a new monument highlighting Virginia’s – and America’s – African American history on September 22, 2021, on Brown’s Island. The newly constructed Emancipation and Freedom Monument, was commissioned and designed by artist and sculptor, Thomas Jay Warren, of Oregon. It features two 12-foot bronze figures – a male and female holding an infant – representing those newly freed from slavery. A pedestal, which elevates the female figure, features images and contributions of ten Virginians whose efforts represent the sacrifices of those eager to gain freedom both before and after Emancipation: Richmonder Mary Elizabeth Bowser, William Harvey Carney, Gabriel, Dred Scott, Nat Turner, Rosa Dixon Bowser, John Mercer Langston, John Mitchell, Jr., Lucy Simms, and Rev. Wyatt Tee Walker.?
The island can be accessed from a variety of points.
For your convenience, there is FREE wi-fi and portable restrooms (seasonally). The park is open from dusk until dawn.
Brown's Island is located in the heart of downtown Richmond, making it an ideal location for some of Richmond’s favorite events. Venture Richmond hosts and manages seasonal events on the island and coordinates Brown’s Island Rentals for others seeking an event space in Richmond.? Today, Brown’s Island has become synonymous with outdoor recreation, concerts, and some of Virginia's most popular festivals, including the Friday Cheers concert series, Dominion Energy Riverrock, and the Richmond Folk Festival. Brown’s Island has also been home to other cultural and community events like the Richmond Marathon, Cinco de Mayo, and Broadberry's Live LOUD concert series.?
?The Canal Walk has been a staple of Richmond for decades, entertaining visitors and residents alike. Located along downtown’s riverfront, the Canal Walk stretches 1.25 miles along the James River and Kanawha and Haxall Canals, and has access points at nearly every block between 5th and 17th Streets. ?The Canal Walk is used for walking and biking by visitors, residents and people enjoying a break from working downtown. Did you know that you can explore the canal by boat, too? Find out more about Riverfront Canal Cruises.?There i...
?The Canal Walk has been a staple of Richmond for decades, entertaining visitors and residents alike. Located along downtown’s riverfront, the Canal Walk stretches 1.25 miles along the James River and Kanawha and Haxall Canals, and has access points at nearly every block between 5th and 17th Streets. ?The Canal Walk is used for walking and biking by visitors, residents and people enjoying a break from working downtown. Did you know that you can explore the canal by boat, too? Find out more about Riverfront Canal Cruises.
?There is so much to learn about Richmond’s history along the Canal Walk. On your walk you’ll see public art, statues and exhibits. ?Visit exceptional restaurants along the Canal Walk, like Southern Railway Taphouse, Casa del Barco and Bottom's Up Pizza.
The Canal Walk in Richmond has access points at nearly every block between 5th and 17th Streets.?
There are handicapped-accessible entrances at 5th, 10th, 12th, 14th and 16th Streets.
Richmond, lying on the fall line of the James River, was destined for a history steeped in canal navigation. George Washington, a staunch proponent of canal transportation, appeared before the Virginia General Assembly in 1784 to support legislation to create a waterway to bypass the falls. By linking the James River with the Kanawha River in western Virginia, which in turn flowed into Ohio, he hoped to improve transportation and trade with the western region. In 1785, the state incorporated the James River Company, with Washington as the honorary president. The James River Company set to work constructing the first towpath canal system in North America. The first section of the canal system to be completed circumvented the seven-mile falls near Richmond.?
By 1800, the Great Basin was situated in the heart of the city. Partially located under the present-day James Center, the basin was a hub of activity surrounded by mills and warehouses. The Tidewater Connection was completed in 1822, and boats could enter the canal below the falls. Wooden locks and the Richmond Dock connected the lower James to the Great Basin via canal to the upper James. The locks, however, would soon decay and be replaced.?
In 1820, the James River Company signed their charter over to the state, which controlled the company until 1835, when the James River and Kanawha Company took over the canal effort.
By 1840, canal construction was completed from Richmond to Lynchburg and by 1851 had reached what would be its final destination — Buchanan in Botetourt County. At this point, the canal system spanned 197 miles. Finally, 1854 brought improvements to the Tidewater Connection: five granite locks (the fourth and fifth still exist near the intersection of 12th and Byrd Streets) and turning basins between 9th and 14th Streets; the Richmond Docks, located between 14th and Pear Streets; and the Great Ship Lock near Dock and Pear Streets.?
These improvements ushered in the heyday of the James River and Kanawha Canal in Richmond. During the 1850s — and peaking in 1860 — canal traffic was at its busiest. As many as 195 boats regularly traversed the waters, bringing goods such as tobacco and wheat from western Virginia to market, and returning home with finished goods from the city.?
Passenger voyages made up a small percentage of boat traffic. Only six passenger boats — called packets — ran on a regular basis during this busy time. Packets could carry 30 to 40 people and took approximately 33 hours to reach Lynchburg via canal. From the packet office in the Great Basin, the boats were poled out to 7th Street where they were hitched up to a horse or mule. The animals pulled the boats along the towpath while a boatman steered from the rear. On nice days, passengers sat on the deck of the boat and enjoyed the leisurely journey.?
All this came to an end as flooding, Civil War damage and competition from the expanding railroads took a huge toll on the Richmond canals. By 1880, the Richmond and Allegheny Railroad was laying tracks along the towpath of the canal. Canal construction never reached the Kanawha River as George Washington envisioned.?
In the late 20th century, the canals were reconstructed as part of a broad vision for downtown Richmond’s riverfront. Design and construction phases lasted from 1991-1999, with the groundbreaking ceremony on October 5, 1995. June 4, 1999 was the grand opening ceremony for the Canal Walk and canal boat christening. Riverfront Canal Cruise public tours started the next day. This existing canal system was constructed in conjunction with the Department of Public Utilities Combined Sewer Overflow project. A pipe measuring 1.3 miles long and up to eight feet in diameter was installed in the bed of the Haxall and Kanawha canals from west of the Lee Bridge eastward to 16th Street. The pipeline collects wastewater and, when the city sewers are overwhelmed, routes it to a 50-million gallon Shockoe retention basin until it can be treated at the wastewater treatment plant.
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