It’s official, folks: Richmond is the “Best Town Ever.” That’s according to Outside Magazine in their October 35th anniversary issue. A bit of hyperbole maybe, but they are trying to sell magazines.

You may remember, RVA was one of 10 finalists for the honor earlier in the summer. After a month of voting, commenting and photo uploading on Facebook, Richmond looked like the champ. But we had to wait for the official word.

Check out my Times-Dispatch article for details and quotes you won’t see from any other news outlet. Tomorrow there will be a 2 p.m. press conference on Brown’s Island announcing the honor. Speakers will include Jon Lugbill of the Sports Backers, Jack Berry of the RMC&VB, Bill Street of the JRA and others.

When Outside’s writer Jon Billman was in town scouting Richmond, I, along with friends Chris Hull and Pat Calvert, took him to Pipeline Rapid to fish and snorkel for catfish. He did a great job with the piece and featured our time together in his final two paragraphs.

The Outside website also has a cool feature where you can see the cover shot of Richmond in mosaic form — the same form subscribers will receive. You can zoom in and find the pictures Facebook voters submitted.