Founded in 1833 by a freed slave, Gum Springs, Virginia is a historic African-American community that was a safe haven for former slaves and runaways, according to Official Tourism Website of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Today, the community of about 2,500 residents and its historical society honor this heritage by regularly hosting exhibits and lectures. Although the small town does not have its own hotel, many accommodation choices await visitors who want to see the city and explore the history.
Located 36 miles south of Gum Spring, this Hampton Inn offers 80 smoking and nonsmoking rooms, each equipped with a refrigerator and microwave. Guests can enjoy a heated indoor pool, an exercise room and a complimentary hot breakfast. The inn permits pets, according to hamptoninn.hilton.com. Business travelers can also use a meeting room that accommodates 50 people.
Hampton Inn Richmond-Mechanicsville
7433 Bell Creek Road
Mechanicsville, VA 23111-3452
1-804-559-0559
hamptoninn.hilton.com
This contemporary designed hotel offers multiple room styles, including a double room, a studio, a corner suite or a one-bed room. The hotel is just 18 miles south of Gum Spring, in Richmond, Virginia. Each room in the dog-free, nonsmoking Hotel Sierra comes with a flat screen television, free Internet access, Starbucks coffee, a plush robe, an iPod docking station and complimentary breakfast, according to hotel-sierra.com. Guests may also take advantage of a lounge and bar, a fitness center and an outdoor terrace with an infinity pool, whirlpool and fire pit.
Hotel Sierra Richmond West
11800 W. Broad St. Ste 1098
Richmond, VA 23233
1-804-360-7021
www.hotel-sierra.com
Boasting eight upscale suites, 234 guest rooms and 7,000 square feet of event space, this Marriott hotel, 20 miles southeast of Gum Spring in Glen Allen, Virginia is equipped to host large groups. While staying in the smoke-free hotel, guests can enjoy an exercise room, a whirlpool and a heated swimming pool, according to Marriott.com. Other on-site amenities include a lounge and Bistro 64, offering fresh, American cuisine. If this isn’t enough, head to the nearby Short Pump Town Center for many dining and shopping options.
Richmond Marriott West
4240 Dominion Blvd.
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060
1-804-965-9500
marriott.com
