Richmond, the capital of Virginia, is one of the most historic cities in the country. Throughout four centuries, Richmond has been home to some important leaders and events throughout American history. It was the site of the Second Virginia Convention, where Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech on the eve of the American Revolution, and it was the Confederate army capital during the Civil War. Today's Richmond still keeps the past alive in its historic architecture, preserved sites and many museums, but it also boosts a wealth of attractions and modern city features, including great restaurants, entertainment, shopping and outdoor recreation.
If you plan on visiting Richmond for more than a few days, set out on a few day trips. Richmond's location in central Virginia makes it in easily accessible distance to many popular and varied tourist destinations, depending on your taste. Head west to Charlottesville and Shenandoah National Park, right near Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's former home, for some history and hiking. Head east to Virginia Beach and the tidewater area of the Eastern Shore for a day on the water. Northern Virginia favorites, Fredricksburg and Alexandria, right outside of Washington D.C., are also less than 2 hours away.
Learn the history of the city at the Valentine Richmond History Center, on East Clay St., opened since 1898 and the oldest surviving museum in Richmond. The museum is open for public collection viewing, in addition to offering tours, events and programs chronicling Richmond's more than 400 years of history. The Valentine also hosts a variety of tours that go throughout the city to point out well-known city landmarks. Choose from walking and bus public tours, as well as options for schools and large groups. The museum also offers a Hollywood Cemetery specific tour, which takes tourists through the grounds of the famous cemetery, the resting place of two former presidents and many Confederate soldiers.
Stroll, bike or relax at Belle Isle, a 54-acre island on the banks of the James River. The island, which was once home to a Civil War prison camp for Union soldiers as well a factory and power plant, is now a city park and part of the James River Park System. Find several trails for biking and walking, including a 1-mile scenic loop with nice views of the Richmond skyline. Belle Isle also offers a wealth of spots for picnicking and sunbathing and a great place for launching a kayak to catch some Class IV rapids. The island is accessible from a suspension walkway bridge, under the Lee Bridge, off Tredegar Street.
Walk or jog down Monument Avenue, which runs through Richmond's historic Fan District. In addition to being ranked as one of the most beautiful avenues in the United States, Monument is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the only such avenue in the country. The avenue, with wide sidewalks and grassy medians, houses statues of Virginia Civil War soldiers as well as tennis legend Arthur Ashe, and features many historic homes and turn-of-the-century mansions. Each spring, thousands of runners flock to the avenue for an annual 10K road race.
Have a drink at Capital Alehouse on E Main and 6th St., in walking distance of historic downtown Richmond. The Alehouse, which takes up half a block, has 46 beers on draft and more than 200 bottled selections, with substantial space for indoor and outdoor seating. Capital Alehouse is open 7 days per week, with late hours on the weekends, and also offers a lunch and dinner menu. While the East Main location is the original, there are now several others within the city perimeter.
Dine, drink and dance in the historic and lively Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom, two adjacent neighborhoods east of downtown along the James River, and hubs for restaurants, nightlife and entertainment, particularly on the weekends. For fine dining, head over to the famous Tobacco Company restaurant on the Slip, housed in a former tobacco warehouse for several decades and offering upscale American fare, a full bar and entertainment for lunch, dinner, late night and Sunday Brunch. For more casual dining, stop into Bottoms Up on Dock Street in the Bottom, which serves many signature, and very popular, pizzas, as well as the option to create your own. At Havana '59, on 17th St., find not only authentic Cuban food but an ambiance that strives to bring guests back to "the glory days of 1950s Havana."
