The waterway itself is steeped in history, its construction began in 1785 which makes it one of the United States earliest canals. The permanent collection boasts works by Czanne, Renoir, and an important selection of American, African, Indian and Tibetan art. Plan your visit around Richmonds Biggest Block Party, the Ukrops Monument Avenue 10k. What are you waiting for? Things to Do in Richmond Popular things to do Segway Tours Top Picks History Museums Cultural & Theme Tours Walking Tours Historic Sites Likely to Sell Out Private & Custom Tours Breweries Private Drivers Outdoor Activities Parks Day Trips & Excursions Special Offers Specialty Museums Multi-day Tours Holiday & Seasonal Tours Theaters The wildlife habitats house otters as well as creatures native to the James River and some of North Americas most impressive wildlife such as Bison, Black Bears and Sika Deer. Its the ideal place to go for your shopping fix, with unique stores and a whole host of quirky establishments where you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat. This is a free, must do, Richmond activity. For some of the most interesting and varied contemporary art exhibitions in the city theres only one place you need to go. 15 Best Things to Do in Richmond (VA) - The Crazy Tourist However, a visit to Richmond isnt just about looking back. The site includes the private American Civil War Museum, which has just one artifact from Tredegar, a small armor test plate. John Marshall was an instrumental figure in US history, credited with a crucial role in the establishment of the Supreme Court. The museum includes personal items belonging to Stonewall Jackson and Robert. Wander Through the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden If you're looking for a feast for the senses, don't miss a trip to the beautiful Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. There are also over 20 restaurants and cafes to choose from producing the best of local and globally-inspired flavors. Try out one of the Ninja Warrior-style obstacle courses or play an action-packed round of dodgeball. Construction of this magnificent building took only three years, the cornerstone was laid in 1903 and the church welcomed its first visitors in 1906. Things To Do In Richmond, VA | Trails, Attractions & Activities This is the Richmond region, and were walkable. The museum is located in one of the citys oldest buildings which is thought to have been visited by Poe in his youth. There is free parking on 2nd street too! This is a beautiful place for walking, enjoy the nature, learn about American history. While a cemetery may not seem like a fun place to visit, Hollywood Cemetery is the final resting place to no less than two United States Presidents. Visit a recreation of the Nuremberg Trials and see and touch objects that illustrate the weight of these events. Here, the James River rules, with whitewater kayaking on the nations only urban class IV rapids, along with rafting, swimming, tubing andguided tours. To really get a deep understanding of Richmond and the state of Virginia, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture is an important stop. These eight Black hiking groups are bringing Black Americans to the outdoors. The building used by the Independent Order of St.Luke, known as St. Luke Hall, can also be viewed from the street. Sinister Scares of Shockoe Bottom Tour 3. You can see the room where Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee discussed war strategy. The center houses three performance venues and is a regular home to the Richmond Ballet and Virginia Opera. Visitors to The Valentine can see such diverse items as toys and games, sports artifacts, weapons, furniture and a whole array of costumes that bring the citys history to life. If you want in on the action, check out Rosies Gaming Emporium during your time in Richmond. of the mansion associated with the museum. That said, this a very good way to spend 1 to 2 hours, Layout is easy to follow and there is excellent signage for the exhibits. Guided tours of the exhibits are available but must be requested in advance. Graduate Richmond offers a chic atmosphere in the heart of town, where you can explore the local scenery, then enjoy a dip with a view at the rooftop pool. This is one of the best places to visit in Richmond for history buffs, and theres enough here to keep all visitors entertained for an afternoon. There are Tiffany windows. Free admission unless you visit special exhibitions. Virginia Museum of History and Culture Virginia Museum of History and Culture Visitors will find some great restaurants and bars here as well as sculptures and public artworks. If youre just visiting for the day or planning a longer stay, here are some of the best things to do in Richmond, Virginia. Willow Oaks Country Club and Meadowbrook Country Club are both private courses with excellent facilities. She was an outspoken activist for civil and womens rights as well as a progressive entrepreneur. Nowhere near as extensive as the Museum of Play in Rochester NY. With the largest collection of Art Nouveau objects outside of Paris as well as one of the finest collections of American art, the museum is an amazing resource for visitors. Home to one of the countries oldest professional soccer clubs, the Richmond Kickers, City Stadium has been a staple of the citys sporting scene since 1929. Candlelight concerts take place in scenic venues across the city that dont typically host concerts and events for an unforgettable backdrop to live renditions of your favorite tunes. A trip to the Richmond Railroad Museum is always a fun day out. Haunted Houses. If sports arent your thing, the Virginia Regional First Robotics Competition is also held there where amateur teams must build robots capable of performing specific tasks. Those whove tried indoor karting now just how much fun it is. There are more than a quarter of a million different species in the world. So many exhibits to look at in amazement. These two-wheeled scooters may look hard to ride but after a short introduction youll be speeding around like a pro. The museum features permanent and rotating interactive exhibits like Speed, which invites visitors to feel hurricane-force winds and challenge a robot as they learn about motion and time. Romantic Things to Do in Richmond Virginia for Couples - Lazy Travel blog "It was fun hearing everyone behind my brother and myself scream and laugh, but for a two hour wait I." more. Virginia Capital Trail. These games are great for groups as well as individuals. Biking river-side on the Virginia Capital Trail. So come on over and enjoy some fun here in the capital of Virginia with your loved one. And where Pocahontas, Edgar Allan Poe, Thomas Jefferson and Arthur Ashe called home. Legend has it that William Byrd II stood on this hill in 1737 and was so reminded of his home in Richmond-upon-Thames in England that the name stuck. Keep going, and youll end up in Maryland, where you can explore the underrated city of Baltimore, with its quirky music scene, terrific food, and fascinating literary and athletic heritage. There are many other great courses to choose from including The Federal Club, Royal New Kent Golf Club and Lake Chesdin Golf Club. Both offer a range of routes from beginner to very challenging at their custom built facilities. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. With its communal atmosphere and diverse lineup of shows, this all-ages venue is a must for music fans! Named for the fan shape created by its streets, this residential neighborhood is populated by stately mansions and rowhouses built at the turn of the century. THE 10 BEST Fun Activities & Games in Richmond (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor From bloody Civil War battle sites and memorials to St. Johns Church, where Patrick Henry made his famous Liberty or Death speech theres a lot to see for history buffs. This 100-acre park estate is packed with historic buildings, beautiful gardens and native animals to discover. With handcrafted furniture supplied by local artists, and boasting an unbeatable downtown location, this hotel has everything you need for a relaxing city break. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! I would recommend if you have a cider drinker in the group. Tour guide clearly had done research beyond her scripted tour. Discover the in-depth story of how the Civil War was won and what the troops and civilians endured during these troubled times. When youre ready to get started, head over to Stumpys Hatchet House or the Virginia Axe Company, which both offer a friendly competitive atmosphere and plenty of chances to test your hucking skills! Visitors can take a guided tour of the church as well as the graveyard surrounding it, which was the first public cemetery in Richmond. Things to Do in Richmond, VA with Kids | Kids' Activities in Richmond The Island hosts a variety of events throughout the year such as live music shows, including the eight-week summer concert series Friday Cheers, festivals and art exhibitions. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. With a wealth of interactive and hands-on exhibitions to explore visitors of all ages are sure to be enthralled. They have done an incredible job of maintaining this home with accuracy. June 30 Friday Cheers Brown's Island June 30 Pride Month at the Garden Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden July 04 Ashland July 4th Parade & Celebration Hanover Arts and Activities Center THE 10 BEST Indoor Things to Do in Richmond (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor We have hip hop and alt music and lines of people waiting to get into shows. The James River offers surprising variety when it comes to outdoor adventures, and white-water rafting is one of the best things to do in Virginia if youre a thrill seeker. Is good for groups, families, couples. The institute has no collection of its own but displays works by a diverse range of artists in various media. Theres an excellent caf and teashop too, if you get a little tired on your plant-watching expedition! Solve puzzles and answer trivia in these fun self-guided tours. THE 10 BEST Richmond Rainy-Day Activities, Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Richmond, Only place during Covid could find interesting jigsaw puzzles for family at a reasonable price in, They have a small but truly amazing museum devoted to. Battered by Covid, spooked by a teetering economy, and finally cooling, perhaps, on endless Marvel tentpoles . The house is was designed by the prominent architecture firm of John Russell Pope, who went on to create designs for the Jefferson Memorial and National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. There are also plenty of more sedate rides for younger children as well as the Soak City Waterpark. 50 + Fun Date Ideas in Richmond VA: Romantic things to do for Couples Virginia is steeped in US history, and Richmond is no exception. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. provides and excellent learning experience. The pottery is the best I have seen in a long time and the artists are delightful to visit with. Speciality Museums Architectural Buildings. Learn about the Native Americans and earliest travelers to the region. Lets get you moving. Belle Isle 7. The area is also home to the Treasure Island Community Skatepark and has access points to the river. Only critique is the Best cafe- really high prices for mediocre food. To find out the latest on local protocols, check outourVisit Richmond Safely page. Stuck for ideas? A collection of 300 artifacts brings the story of the Holocaust to life and demonstrates the dangers of intolerance and prejudice in society. Definitely check it out while you are in Richmond. All rights reserved. As the second oldest active statehouse in the country, The Virginia State Capitol has witnessed some momentous and historic events. Carytown's quirky coffee houses and toy stores offer much to discover. RVATukTuk Sightseeing Tour (Editor's Choice) 2. This is a super worthwhile activity that can be done without spending a penny! Travel the city and see what the Richmond craft brewing scene has to offer on these short and sweet tours. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. 31 Best Things to Do in Richmond, VA (for First-Timers) While tuk tuk tours are more often associated with other countries, theyre a great way to enjoy the scenery of this splendid Virginia town! RVA ATTRACTIONS Let the list-making begin. Plenty of parking and admission is so reasonable. Wanderlust Chloe 2015 - 2023 Or try the Virginia Crossings Hotel, which provides some delicious food and excellent facilities for basketball, volleyball, and golf plus a stunning setting filled with Civil War history! The organ pipes are grand. This will surely be one of the most fun things to do in Richmond for race fans. Things To Do In Richmond, VA 1. Its hard to believe that the pastoral 100-acre Maymont Estate is right in the heart of Richmond. Robert E Lee had his own pew. The open-air mall, Short Pump Town Center is the ideal place for those shopping for luxury high street brands. Hotchkiss, Randolph, Blackwell, and Fairmount Richmond Parks & Recreation outdoor pools open from Mid June until September and close after Labor Day. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Richmond - Tripadvisor Visit City Stadium while youre in Richmond and see the home team in action. And at Wingate by Wyndham Richmond Short Pump, you can eat and shop at the nearby Short Pump Town Center, or dive a few miles further to explore the main city of Richmond; and at the end of your trip, you can even catch a free airport shuttle! The museum is located in a significant building which has served as an armory for Black soldiers as well as the Black branch of the public library. Richmond, Virginias capital city, is a place that absolutely drips with history. Richmond has several awesome trampoline parks just waiting to be explored. Yes, this is the place for an active, healthy, fresh air kind of vacation. Locals especially like to boast about having access to the only Class IV white water rapids in an urban setting in the country. Thousand Islands Bioluminescent Kayak Tour with Cocoa Kayaking! There are so many great things to do in Richmond, Virginia let me know what you get up to! Opening hours: Monday: closed, Tuesday and Wednesday 4.00 PM-9.00 PM, Thursday and Friday: 4.00 PM-10:00 PM, Sunday: 12.00 PM-6.00 PM. The museum has done very well to portray the horrors and misery of one of history's worst chapters. South of the James Market 117 Farmers Market $$Forest Hill Park Here's our pick of the best. Explore Richmond National Battlefield Park, Wander Through the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Go White-Water Rafting on the James River. . History 3. Carytown Reviews | U.S. News Travel We were surprised to learn the influence Thomas Jefferson had on the design of this most impressive center of state legislation. Axe throwing could be just what youre looking for. Very interesting tour, presenting both John Marshall's professional career, family, and. Grab a coffee and pastry from nearby critics darling Sub Rosa Bakery to savor while soaking in the views of the river and downtown Richmond. National Battlefield Park contains no less than eight battle sites as well as numerous other places with significant ties to the Civil War. Whether youre in the mood for outdoor adventures, eclectic art or creative cuisine, Virginias capital city of Richmond offers something for every style of explorer. There are a number of nice cycling and walking trails that run throughout the island and some large flat rocks for sunbathing at low tide. The weather in Richmond can be a little unpredictable, but typically, the summers are hot and humid, and the winters can become very cold. There are so many fascinating attractions in the River City. Playing like a champ at the Science Museum of Virginia , Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and any of Richmond's three Children's Museum locations. This multi-site, award-winning museum tells the story of the American Civil War, from the munitions factories at Historic Tredegar, to the impressive White House of the Confederacy. This is a beautiful library. Calling all music fans! The building itself comprises seven homes that date to before the civil war, and are packed with period features and antique finishings. Under the radar USA:Fredericksburg's culinary revolution, The top things to do in Virginia include historical sites, beaches and much more, Richmonds best parks: where to seek out green space in Virginias capital, These Black hiking groups are changing the outdoors. Movie Night! Today, John Marshall House is an important centre for Black history, sharing previously untold stories of slaves who worked in the local plantations and in Marshalls service. In December 1791, the Capitol housed the assembly where the Bill of Rights was ratified to the United States Constitution. If that all sounds a little hectic, you can simply curl up and relax in the state-of-the-art spa facilities. They also presented every one of them with a pin to commemorate their service. Make the most of your time in the USA with Lonely Planets range of travel guides. Built in the Italian Renaissance style, Richmonds Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is one of the finest of its type in the state. Begin your tour in a popular local bar where youll sample different beers. Us Civil War 2. There are various access points to park along the paved trail and it is open all hours of the day and week . If youre on the hunt for fine dining in Richmond, Lemaire is definitely up there with the best. Best things to do in Richmond, Virginia - Lonely Planet Many of the animals that are homed here are endangered species like . RED VEIN Haunted House. The stadium also hosts the Carytown Farmers Market each Sunday. If youre on the hunt for something that will thrill and chill, a Richmond ghost tour might be just the thing. Known as one of Americas premier garden cemeteries, Hollywood Cemetery offers some of the most dramatic scenic overlooks in the city. Home to some of the best games in the city, The Stuart C. Siegel Center is the place to go for basketball action. So pack your bags and get ready for fun because this thriving city is more than ready to welcome you! To find out more, please see our Privacy Policy. The park has some historic buildings including a roundhouse from the early 1900s and a medical museum. Youll also be within walking distance of the Virginia State Capitol, some excellent restaurants, and the best shopping that the city has to offer. Explore the personal stories of those fleeing oppression in 1900s Europe. Richmond is a haven for beer lovers, with more than 30 craft breweries in the city. Review of: White House of the Confederacy, Review of: Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Review of: American Civil War Museum- Historic Tredegar, Review of: Maggie L. 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The museums exhibits breathe life into the struggles that Black people have faced in the state and across the country and covers the eras of emancipation, desegregation, civil rights and more. To the east, there are the sporting venues, decades of naval history, and thriving waterfront of Norfolk, or the military culture, thrilling amusement parks, and coastal cool of Virginia Beach. Try the LED therapies and facials at Scents of Serenity Organic Spa, the lavender salt scrubs and massages at Renewal Day Spa, or the eco-friendly treatments at Perception Organic Spa. See locations below. Or go on aguided bike, Segway or scooter tourof street art and the river. During the Civil War, Richmond was the center of governance for the confederacy and a major manufacturing hub for the war effort. One of Richmonds landmark hotels, The Commonwealth is the perfect stop if youre looking for a little luxury during your stay in Virginia. Well laid out and loads of books and information. Exhibits - Landscapes of Virginia. Riddle Me This Escape Rooms. The theater can accommodate 1,500 people which means the shows are still fairly intimate. 0.0Food Scene. We thoroughly enjoyed this visit and tour. Explore the different neighborhoods and their thriving food scenes including, Church Hill, Carytown, Arts District and Scotts Addition. Website: The Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. While therem youll enjoy a kaleidoscope of colours and fragrant scents from the flowers that populate over 50 acres of gardens. Wherever you are youre sure to have a great view of the stage at this classic Richmond theater. Start by checking out the regions one-of-a-kind outdoor scene. If you find yourself in need of fresh air after museum-hopping, look no further than Belle Isle. Walking through . Host to some of the countrys biggest NASCAR events, Richmond Raceway is known as the premier short track in the country.