Crew cuts: Richmond

What is Richmond’s most attractive destination?

I love the Canal Walk. It’s a long strip of land that meanders along the James River, Haxall Canal and Kanawha Canal. You can take a stroll anytime from sunrise to sunset—it’s very scenic. Alternatively, Richmond Canal Cruises give boat tours complete with historical narration. Or try a private chartered cruise where they serve you dinner, which is nice and romantic.

Where’s the best place to eat out?

My favorite is a restaurant called Peking on
W. Broad Street. It’s a traditional Chinese place, but with muted lighting, soft music and candles everywhere. The wait staff is extremely attentive. But of course the best part is the food—the shrimp are really good!

Why do history buffs flock to Richmond?

History is everywhere in Richmond—you can learn about the past just by walking down the street. I recommend a visit to Richmond National Battlefield Park. You can find Civil War-era cannons there as well as public screenings of films about Virginia’s history. Monument Avenue, which runs through the Historic District, features statues of famous Virginians like Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee and Arthur Ashe. Then there’s The Jefferson, a five-star hotel that’s over a century old.

How about the best shopping spots?

Richmond recently opened the Stony Point Fashion Park, a large, open-air mall with Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and other high-end retailers. Great for when you want to walk in the sunshine and shop at the same time. For something more offbeat, try Carytown. It’s a nice little place where the roads are all cobblestone and lined with boutiques.

What are your favorite road trips?

If you drive 45 minutes north, you’ll come to Kings Dominion, which is a really big, fun amusement park. They have lots of roller coasters and other rides, plus a huge water park. There’s also a children’s section for the kiddie rides. If you go 30 minutes to the east, you can find Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. Water Country USA is one of the best water parks ever. Every kind of water ride you can imagine is there. My favorite is the inner-tube ride, which takes you all around the park.

Where should visitors take the kids?

Try the Children’s Museum of Richmond and the Science Museum of Virginia, which features a giant IMAX theater. Richmond also has some wonderful parks. Maymont Park is my favorite, because they have five little lakes, so you can take a paddleboat ride there. There’s also a small petting zoo. A bit closer to the airport is Dorey Park, where children can feed the ducks, ride a bicycle or have a picnic.

What makes Richmond unique?

This city offers the perfect mix of city life and suburban relaxation. You can go downtown and spend all night dancing in the clubs or eating at the restaurants. And when you want peace and quiet, you can head to the outskirts, where the pace is more relaxed. No matter where you are, the major attractions are never far away. And people here are so nice and helpful—you can’t find that sort of hospitality anywhere else.

For current career opportunities at AirTran Airways, visit www.airtranjobs.com

Interview by Tracy Walsh