What to do in Richmond, Virginia many people look for the most relaxing and rejuvenating activities. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia State Capitol, Maymont, and Hollywood Cemetery are all top places to visit, but there are even more that are well worth a visit. In this article, we’ll cover a few of the best Richmond attractions. If you’re unsure where to start, read on to learn about our favorite spots in Richmond.
If you’re traveling in Richmond, Virginia, you’ll probably want to stop by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This multi-million dollar museum houses a diverse collection of works that span more than 5000 years of mankind. On exhibit are works by Picasso, Degas, and Braque, as well as a collection of African, Indian, and Tibetan art. It also hosts many temporary exhibitions, including the world’s largest collection of Faberge Easter eggs outside of Paris.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is free to enter for general admission, although special exhibits may require a fee. It is open Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 5:00 PM. There are also two restaurants at the museum, the Amuse Restaurant and Best Cafe, both of which feature a view of the sculpture garden and reflecting pool. You’ll definitely want to spend several hours here. And don’t forget to make time to dine at the museum’s on-site Amuse Restaurant, which is sometimes voted the best restaurant in Richmond.
There’s also the White House of the Confederacy, a historic landmark that offers guided tours and is a must-see for anyone who loves American history. Visitors can also check out the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, which covers Virginia’s history from the colonial period to the present. You can also view personal items from legendary confederate leaders Stonewall Jackson and Robert E Lee.
The museum’s permanent collection of works is free to view. Temporary exhibitions are usually chargeable. There’s also a superb gift shop and cafe, and parking is $5 for one day. It’s easy to get around the city and park at the museum’s parking garage. It’s also located near the historic Maymont estate, which is one of the top tourist destinations in Richmond.
The museum’s South Wing addition was designed by Baskervill & Son Architects. Completing it in 1970, the addition featured four permanent galleries, a large gallery for loan exhibitions, and a new library. It also included a photography lab, art storage rooms, and staff offices. Among its donors were Sydney and Frances Lewis of Richmond, who provided funds for the creation of the museum’s Art Nouveau objects.
As one of the top tourist attractions in Richmond, Virginia, you must pay a visit to the state capitol, the oldest continuously operating legislature in the western hemisphere. Thomas Jefferson designed the state capitol, which is now a National Historic Landmark. There are free guided tours for visitors on weekdays from 10am to 4pm and one at 1pm on Sundays. Self-guided tours are also available. Near the visitor entrance, you will find temporary exhibits.
For history buffs, there is an American Civil War Museum, which houses exhibits about Richmond’s role in the Civil War. If you love outdoor activities, try visiting Brown’s Island for an afternoon of sailing, fishing, or paddle boarding. During the spring and summer seasons, you can enjoy the Fridays Cheers Concert series on Brown’s Island. Another top Richmond destination is the historic Belle Isle. Richmond has numerous performing arts venues, including the Carpenter Theatre, which hosts the Richmond Ballet Group.
While you’re in Richmond, make sure you take the time to explore the Science Museum of Virginia. This museum is chock full of interactive exhibits, from memory games to tightrope walking. There’s even a movie screen inside the museum, the largest in Virginia. If you’re into science, don’t miss the Grand Kugel, a 29-ton granite ball that spins on water when touched.
After your tour of the State Capital, you might want to try a craft beer at a local brewery. There are plenty of craft breweries in Richmond, and the American Civil War Museum is a must-see for any history buff. And for those who like to celebrate the Civil War, don’t miss the Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. While the city has many great tourist attractions, the Virginia State Capitol is definitely worth the visit.
For those who love music, Richmond also has a number of great entertainment options. Short Pump Town Center is a lively and energetic place to catch a show. There are several restaurants and bars along the riverfront, and you can spend the day at one of the many museums. Whether you want to get a bite to eat or enjoy a romantic evening with your partner, the Richmond area has something for everyone.
A free day trip from the city can be a day at Maymont, a 100-acre estate in Richmond, Virginia. It is full of wildlife, peaceful gardens, and plenty of things to see and do. You can take your family or solo traveler out for a romantic stroll through the grounds. The park offers a range of educational programs for the whole family, and you can feed the goats if you’d like. In addition to the gardens and wildlife habitats, you can also visit the Robins Nature Center and explore the mansion.
The Maymont estate was once home to a wealthy couple who built the property in the late 1800s. The name combines the name of the woman’s maiden surname, Sallie Dooley, with the word “mont,” which means hill in French. The wealthy couple left the estate to the city, and now it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Richmond. The Maymont estate is not only home to Japanese gardens, but also a petting zoo, an arboretum, and a carriage collection. Visiting this property is sure to make your day.
If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to check out the Science Museum of Virginia. This museum features interactive exhibits that children of all ages will enjoy. The Richmond area has plenty of places to take the family. There is something for everyone! There are even a few places in Richmond for adults, too. You can go on a boat tour, and see some amazing views of the city.
The Virginia State Capitol is another great place to spend a day. This historical landmark has undergone a renovation and expansion, so there is a new gift shop and food court for visitors to enjoy. You can also take a tour of Maymont, a Victorian-era mansion that was donated to the city by Major & Mrs. Dooley. It’s a 33-room museum that’s home to several rare domesticated animals.
The Richmond Botanical Garden is another popular destination in Richmond. This park is ranked #4 among public gardens by USA Today. It includes an exhibit of butterflies, a cafeteria, and a cool fountain. You can even visit on a free day! And, when you visit Richmond, be sure to take advantage of the free admission day! If you’re planning to take your family to the Richmond Zoo, make sure to include this in your itinerary.
When planning a trip to Richmond, Virginia, consider spending some time at the historic Hollywood Cemetery. Located near the James River, this 135-acre cemetery is home to the bodies of several notable people, including presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, six Virginia governors, and over 18,000 Confederate soldiers. Designed in 1847, the cemetery is a quiet, tranquil place to visit and offers an opportunity to learn about the history of the region. The cemetery is also registered as an arboretum, and over 2,000 trees are planted here.
There are several interesting facts about the grave markers, including the fact that they accept coins. According to ancient Greek mythology, coins were needed by the dead to cross the River Styx, the boundary between Earth and the realm of Hades. During the Victorian Rusticity movement, the cemetery was transformed into a more positive setting. It also houses several unique markers such as Treestones, carved from tree stumps.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is another noteworthy attraction in Richmond. It features over 33,000 works of art, spanning history and the world. There are educational programs, studio classes, and traveling exhibitions. Admission to the museum is free year-round. Located in historic Maymont, the museum was once a home to a wealthy couple, James and Sallie Dooley. After their deaths, they donated their estate to the city.
The surrounding area includes the Fan District, a beautiful residential district. This historic district is filled with stately mansions and historic row houses. The gardens are immaculately kept. You can stroll through the historic area, admire the beautiful Victorian homes, and sample local cuisine. The Jefferson Hotel also hosts a restaurant, Lemaire, which features Southern dishes and local ingredients. The popular Jefferson Hotel location also features a gluten-free menu and vegan dishes.
Maymont Estate is another notable attraction in Richmond. A railroad tycoon once lived on the Maymont Estate. Today, it is a free public park and museum. It contains historic manor houses, manicured gardens, and a children’s farm. You can visit the museum and enjoy the park’s history while visiting this historic landmark. You can also visit the National Battlefield Park and learn more about the war that raged for four years.