| Locals and visitors alike know that Richmond is a | | | | while others may present a puzzle to decode in order |
| popular destination for American history enthusiasts. | | | | reach the goal. For an idea of what to expect in |
| Racing fans flock to the area twice a year to take in | | | | Richmond letterboxes, here are a few select ones |
| big events at the Richmond International Speedway, | | | | available for search: |
| and various summer concerts and festivals keep | | | | - An Irish Lass in Hollywood - hidden in the Hollywood |
| everybody entertained. For hobbyists interested in | | | | Cemetery |
| letterboxing, Richmond is rich with several opportunities | | | | - The Siren's Song - hidden on the campus of the |
| to add timeless souvenirs to your collection, and | | | | University of Richmond |
| memories to treasure. | | | | - Deep Run School - hidden near Short Pump Park |
| A Brief Letterboxing Primer | | | | - The Carillon - hidden near a war monument |
| For the benefit of readers new to this centuries-old | | | | - Slippery Rock - hidden in Deep Run Park |
| practice of "treasure hunting," letterboxing is similar to | | | | Rules of Letterboxing |
| the "geocaching" trend gaining popularity among GPS | | | | Some things to remember when going on a |
| users. Letterboxing has its origins in the mid 19th | | | | letterboxing expedition: |
| century in England, where secret boxes storing letters | | | | - Make sure you have directions in hand. You won't |
| and other communications were happened upon or | | | | need a compass unless searching for a challenging |
| hunted. Visitors would leave something in return. In | | | | box, but it's good to print the directions from the |
| recent years, enthusiasts will hide letterboxes (usually a | | | | letterboxing websites so you don't get lost. |
| plastic, sealed container) containing rubber stamps and | | | | - Be discreet when you find a letterbox. Some |
| a guestbook in various places outdoors, and hunters | | | | letterboxes hidden in parks and landmarks may be |
| will use the stamp for their own notebooks, while | | | | removed by staff or stolen, so if you find a box be |
| stamping the letterbox book to let the owner know it | | | | careful with it and make sure it is hidden where you |
| has been found. An Internet search for popular | | | | found it, so others can find it later. |
| letterbox sites Letterboxing and Atlasquest will yield | | | | - Plan your route. There may be a number of different |
| hundreds of such boxes hidden around the world. | | | | letterboxes hidden within a few miles of each other. |
| Letterboxing in Richmond | | | | Do your research and you can make a whole day of |
| One can find several letterboxes in the metropolitan | | | | the search. |
| Richmond area, in urban and rural locales. Traditionally, | | | | - Have fun! Letterboxing with your kids is a great way |
| a hunter will check Internet sites for clues on where to | | | | to encourage their orienteering skills. |
| find the boxes - some may give precise directions, | | | | |