 Local history spotting with a competitive twist.

 About 45 minutes to an hour, perfect for weekday mornings before work.

 Friends, couples, or anyone who loves noticing the little details in old neighborhoods.

Start your walk the right way: with a warm drink in hand. Swing by a café in the Fan or Museum District — places like 

 make great starting points. Not only will your coffee or tea keep you energized, it doubles as the perfect walking companion.

The Fan District is especially ideal for this mission. Many of the historic homes proudly display plaques noting the year they were built, and they’re usually easy to read from the sidewalk. No need to peek onto porches or get too close to private property — just a casual stroll with plenty to see.

Now the hunt begins. As you and your buddy wander down the blocks, take turns calling out the plaques you spot. Each one will tell you a little story — the year a house first stood there, hinting at what Richmond life might have been like at the time.

Here’s the challenge: keep upping the stakes. First one to find something older than 1920. Then older than 1900. Can you get back into the 1800s before the walk’s done? Whoever spots the oldest year on a plaque wins the crown for this round of the Buddy Walk.

Don’t be surprised if it gets competitive fast — some plaques are easy to miss, and others are tucked into corners that only a sharp eye will catch. Part of the fun is slowing down and noticing details you’d normally walk right past.

Wrap things up with a little friendly stakes. Whoever finds the oldest plaque gets the glory for today — and the loser has to cover the drinks on your next day out together. It keeps the game going and gives you both an excuse to plan the next adventure.

Snap a picture of the oldest plaque you find, coffee cup in the frame, with your buddy pointing at it like they just struck gold.

Buddy Walk: Historic House Hunt

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