Every city has its list — you know, the stuff you gotta do and gotta see before you can truly call yourself a local. And yet it’s amazing how many of those things don’t get done and don’t get seen in the busy rush of our everyday lives. (Our own mayor had never been to Maymont until recently. Don’t believe us? Check out our profile of him.) The 75 items on our list run the gamut, from frivolous fun to thought-provoking events — but all of them are uniquely Richmond. So hop to it and start checking things off.

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1

Get dressed up for a good cause.
There are a wealth of events around town that allow you to put on the dog (sometimes literally; check out the picture at left from the Richmond SPCA’s Fur Ball) in order to support below worthy cause or cultural institution (often both). Theatre IV’s Fairy Tale Ball, the Richmond Heart Ball, the International Hospital for Children’s Treasures in Paradise Fashion Show and Auction, the list goes on and on. richmondspca.org; theatreiv.com; richmondvaheartball.org; healachild.org

2

Bodysurf the James.
Just when you thought you’d explored our mighty river to its fullest, some nutjob straps on fins and bodyboards straight through town, reminding us that the James River will always continue to surprise us. Riverboarding is an emerging sport that involves navigating the rapids with little more than a small floatation device and protective gear (helmet, shinguards and elbow pads). Riverside Outfitters offers four-hour rentals ($35) for an extreme whitewater experience. 560-0068 or riversideoutfitters.net

3

See the city at race pace.
It’s possible to train for a race on the treadmill, but you can learn more about your town by running with a group. One notable day with the Marathon Training Team involved a route through the Dabney Road industrial district — not most people’s regular stomping grounds. Various YMCAs hold Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K training programs, and Sports Backers has MTT and a half-marathon training group. sportsbackers.org; ymcarichmond.org.

4

Find the honey holes.
Ask one of Richmond’s fishing guides to show you the local honey holes. Mike Ostrander of James River Fishing School (938-2350) and Tee Clarkson (687-1869) of Virginia Fishing Adventures both offer guided excursions that plop lucky anglers down in the best hidden spots for smallmouth bass and flathead catfish, some more than 25 pounds. Another resource is Fly Fishers of Virginia (flyfishersofvirginia.org), a 150-member club devoted to the pursuit.

5

Experience train overload.
Start off at the Science Museum of Virginia’s photographic history of the building’s past as Broad Street Station and view actual trains out back. Then head to Ashland, and consider lunch at the Iron Horse Restaurant, where locomotives go by about every half-hour. And don’t miss Train Town Toy & Hobby. ironhorserestaurant.com; smv.org; traintowntoyandhobby.com

6

Learn from Ralph White.
If you want to learn a little something about the rare jewel that is the James River, there’s no better way to do so than by listening to James River Park manager Ralph White. His Frog’s Eye Tour ($5), held in July and August, offers a chance to explore the shoreline in life jackets while checking out shady pools, islands and otter slides. 646-8911.

7

Ride a bike at Southside Speedway.
The speedway’s not just for cars — Carytown Bicycle Company hosts the Go Fast, Turn Left races for track cyclists from beginners to advanced riders. This year’s activities took place Tuesday nights March through May, and the same is expected for 2010, although the dates are still being finalized. Bike-store staff say that anyone can come out; you just need a racing license (one-day or annual) and some wheels. Check the store’s Web site around the first of the year for details. carytownbicyclecompany.com.

8

Try three kinds of Sunday brunch.
The fancy brunch: The Jefferson can’t be beat, and neither can that huge platter of chilled shrimp waiting for you in the rotunda. The perpetually popular brunch: Go to Millie’s, wait in line. Your patience will be rewarded with great food. The drag brunch: Hit Godfrey’s, not necessarily for the food but for the show! You will need a reservation, doll. jeffersonhotel.com; milliesdinner.com; godfreysva.com.