You could go out of Newport News (PHF) for about $200 less.
And, whether you go out of RIC, PHF or I can't remember the third airport down there....you have to stop no matter what, so if you can find a cheap fare out of WAS/IAD/DCA it may be worth the drive up?
One site I like to use to get historical airfares is farecompare.com - they also have details on how much the difference is to "Y-Up" - basically get a business class/first class seat from your coach ticket....sometimes there are real deals to be had, sometimes not!