Activity

Locals and visitors alike are aware that Richmond is really a popular destination for American history enthusiasts. Racing fans flock for the area twice a year draw in big events at the Richmond International Speedway, and other summer concerts and festivals keep everybody entertained. For hobbyists interested in letterboxing, Richmond is rich with several possibilities to add timeless souvenirs for your collection, and memories to treasure.

A Brief Letterboxing Primer

For the advantages of readers new to this centuries-old practice of “treasure hunting,” letterboxing is comparable towards the “geocaching” trend gathering popularity among GPS users. Letterboxing have their origins inside mid 19th century in England, where secret boxes storing letters and other communications were happened upon or hunted. Visitors would leave something in turn. In recent years, enthusiasts will hide letterboxes (often a plastic, sealed container) containing imprints as well as a guestbook in various places outdoors, and hunters will use the stamp for own notebooks, while stamping the letterbox book to allow the master realize it has been discovered. An Internet search for popular letterbox sites Letterboxing and Atlasquest will yield numerous such boxes hidden around the globe.

Letterboxing in Richmond

One can discover several letterboxes inside the metropolitan Richmond area, in urban and rural locales. Traditionally, a hunter will check Internet sites for clues on where to locate the boxes – some may give precise directions, while others may present a puzzle to decode so as achieve the goal. For an thought of what to anticipate in Richmond letterboxes, below are a few select ones readily available for search:

An Irish Lass in Hollywood – hidden within the Hollywood Cemetery

The Siren’s Song – hidden around the campus with the University of Richmond

Deep Run School – hidden near Short Pump Park

The Carillon – hidden near a war monument

Slippery Rock – hidden in Deep Run Park

Rules of Letterboxing

Some things to remember when a weight letterboxing expedition:

Make sure you’ve directions at hand. You won’t have to have a compass unless trying to find a challenging box, however it is good to print the directions from the letterboxing websites which means you do not get lost.

Be discreet if you discover a letterbox. Some letterboxes hidden in parks and landmarks may be removed by staff or stolen, when you locate a box be mindful by using it and be sure it’s hidden that you found it, so others will get it later.

Plan your route. There may be a variety of letterboxes hidden in just a few miles of each other. Do your research and you’ll produce a whole day in the search.

Have fun! Letterboxing together with your kids is a great approach to encourage their orienteering skills.