Annie Tobey’s “Secret Richmond” maps the region’s odd corners, with a Book People signing Oct. 24

Richmond writer Annie Tobey has a new guidebook out on the parts of the region most people drive past. “Secret Richmond: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure” was published in September by Reedy Press, and Tobey will sign copies at Book People in Henrico on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The 192-page paperback is aimed at longtime residents, newcomers and visitors alike. It covers local history, art, science, food, people, recreation and what the publisher calls “otherworldly happenings,” tracing what has drawn people to the Richmond region since the early colonists and before.

What’s inside

According to Reedy Press, the entries include a house marked with subtle hex signs meant to keep evil spirits away and a statue Salvador Dalí nearly made for Monument Avenue. Others cover a wine grape developed in historic Richmond, a single-lane bridge over the James River with no guardrails, a well-known neon sign made in Richmond and a Nickelodeon character with local roots.

The book also profiles an early 20th-century architect and artist who did that work as a Black woman, and points to signs of death that Richmonders pass every day without noticing.

The publisher’s description opens with a line that sums up the pitch: “With little fanfare, Richmond got cool, layering contemporary gems atop the region’s historic highlights.”

About the author

Tobey has written hundreds of articles on craft beverages, travel and Richmond topics. Her earlier books include “100 Things to Do in Richmond Before You Die.” She is a native Richmonder, a mother of three grown kids and a runner who logs hundreds of miles on the region’s roads and trails.

Meet Annie Tobey

The Oct. 24 signing is at Book People, 10464 Ridgefield Parkway in the Gleneagles Shopping Center. Tobey held her first signing for the book at Crossroads Art Center in September.

“Secret Richmond” sells for $27 and is available from Reedy Press. Details on the signing are at bookpeoplerichmond.com.