I have no idea who/where Venue is, but I went to Dominion skateshop in Carytown for the 5-6 years that I lived in Richmond.
As far as I know, I agree with carbonite that Hippo has been dead for a long ass time. As far as popular spots go:
Suntrust Plaza- "perfect" ledge spot. A 4 or 5 marble benchs that are a bit taller than knee height. Also a few smaller benchs. Also has a few small sets of stairs and has the gap to round ledge/gap spot that Gilbert Crockett recently had that AWS ad where he ollies over the bench and down the stairs. Last time I was in town, people were saying that they recently got new security that was a lot more aggressive than before, so watch out.
Franklin street ledges-Ledge spot that has been around forever. Basic double sided ledge. Concrete ground on one side, brick on the other. The ledges have seen years of skating and BMXing so they are pretty chunky but after living in Richmond for 6yrs, I only got kicked out of this spot about 3 times after periods of skating here every day for months. There are also some ledges across the street that aren't as chunky and haven't seen as much action, but are higher as well as a couple of ollie up ledges and a few gaps right on the corner of Franklin street and Monroe Park.
City Hall-Some type of material that grinds really well on the ledges, as well as the main stair set (10) that everyone goes to to get broke off for their ender.
Richmond Library(s)-The one next to city hall has a decent/weird ledge setup thing and a 9 stair. The one close to VCU's campus used to have legit ledges that were knobbed a few years back, but still have some planters that you can skate, a grate gap, and a decently large double set.
Federal Courthouse-Ledge to street gap over some poles.
DMV-Rails that have been knobbed/denobbed multiple times.
Kanawha Plaza-probably messed up the spelling, but whatevers. Large double set, brick banks next to the double set. During winter, people skate the fountain gaps, one that is an oversized 4 stair, the other an oversized 7 (I think).
Geometry Park-Brick, lopsided ground. Bunch of concrete ledges, shapes. A few gap to ledges.
There are also various spots tucked away in corners downtown/throughout the city, but obviously its impossible for me to tell you about every spot.
Best Bar is Strange Matter so you can get your NBA Jam on while drinking.
Topic: Richmond, VA (Read 1958 times)