I'm playing at a jazz festival in Virginia next week and I'll be staying in Richmond. I'm thinking about taking a day or two to explore the area since I don't really know much about it. Wondering what sites I should see, what to do, etc. Anyone know anything about it?
Been there? Born there! Richmond is a hot bed of history. The city also has a booming arts and culture scene.
If you can, stay at the The Jefferson Hotel and try to get there for high tea. The Omni Richmond Hotel is very conveniently located in downtown Richmond.
One of my favorite places to go is Colonial Williamsburg even though it's a little out of the way. I'll admit it, our family used to go for their special cookies (which they no longer sell) and so my father could buy a new hat every year but here's nothing like traveling back in history in Colonial Williamsburg, with or without the cookies. It's living history at its best.
Check out Hollywood Cemetery. I know it doesn't sound like a tourist attraction, but the Hollywood Cemetery is just downright cool. Lots of history. Lots of "art" by way of gravestones. Check out a guided tour.
Since you're a performer, you might like to see the Byrd Theatre. It's a great vintage theatre with a famed organ and old movies to catch.
The Maymont Foundation is an excellent way to spend the day. Gorgeous gardens. A romantic mansion for touring. Animals just waiting to smile for the camera. Picnic territory!
The Science Museum of Virginia is phenomenal. Used to work there post-college. Where does a journalist get their first job post-college? This one did at the Science Museum of Virginia. Catch an IMAX movie along with the exhibits.
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is incredible if you like gardens.
Canal Walk is another favorite. There are medallions all along the walk that tell you about the history of Richmond.
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You should take a trip to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts it is great to walk around. If you are foodie try out Belmont Food Shop, Heritage or Saison. Also don't miss out on The Jefferson Hotel it is a beautiful old hotel - a Richmond must see!
Richmond has a lot of amazing restaurants, it is hard to be disappointed both with the food and the price.
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Hey! I am born and raised in Richmond. I would for sure go to Carytown, which is almost to downtown Richmond, which would be awesome to check out too. Depending on where you are staying it could be really close or like a 20 minute drive. There are also two really great malls, Short Pump Town Center and Stony Point Fashion Park. If you want to do some exploring, there is a great isle in City Dogs (really good restaurant) downtown Richmond called Belle Isle which is great to walk around and that is right on the James River which is awesome to go by as well!
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A big spot in Richmond is Carytown Just a road of shops and diners. The surrounding area has a few small galleries and tattoo shops, lots of culture. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is famous internationally and sits in Richmond. A few historic spots are around being the state of confederacy and all but with Washington, DC a couple hours away thats boring.
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Debbie
Lauren
