In the morning, the parade kicks off, and early arrivals from families secure prime viewing spots. This offers an excellent opportunity to experience the festive atmosphere of the city without spending a lot. The vibrant fall foliage in Richmond is well-known. Be sure to visit the Richmond VegFest at Byrd Park for plant-based cuisine and live performances, and also consider attending the Powhatan Festival of the Grape for wine tasting and crafts.
The DC Commuter package comes with a $25 food and beverage credit (free parking), and a room upgrade upon check-in. Plus, it’s a central location location that delivers on value—room rates start as low as $189 per night, and there’s even a special geared toward Washingtonians. Quirk is currently upping its game with safety protocols including remote check-in and check-out. River City is home to gorgeous parks, some tasty restaurants, street art, as well as some comfortable digs where you can sleep-in and order up coffee from the lobby. Maymont Park sounds like the perfect spot for a picnic and a leisurely stroll through the gardens.
The city’s new Allianz Amphitheater also hosts big concerts all season (with acts like DISPATCH), Boyz II Men, and Dwight Yoakam. There’s also live music, food trucks, and a fun, active crowd. There are also supportive swings, a creative playhouse, and an valorbet athletic court for older kids and adults. For hot days, the water misting stations are a lifesaver. This 2.4-acre park has three playgrounds for different ages, all with recycled rubber safety surfaces. The cruises are a fun way to hear stories about Richmond’s riverfront and see the city from the water.
The island sits in the middle of the James River and features bike and walking trails (a rock climbing cliff), places for fishing, picnic areas, plus popular sunbathing spots in the warmer summer months. You’ll find numerous artifacts (letters), photographs, and much more on display to enhance your experience. Including the best rooftop restaurants (the best breakfast spots), the best ice cream, the best burgers, the best shopping, and the best hiking trails! Tons of bars (restaurants), and shops in the area also participate in First Fridays to celebrate and support the local arts community. Explore the Historic Tredegar site, and you’ll spot the remains of Tredegar Ironworks, multiple permanent and rotating exhibits, and 500 fascinating artifacts. After the sun sets, it’s well worth hanging around to dine in one of Church Hill’s excellent restaurants, groove to live music at Union Market, or sip cocktails in one of the many buzzing bars.
It’s held at the Meadow Event Park, which happens to be the birthplace of a pretty famous equine named Secretariat. If you’d like to get out and explore Richmond on your own — check out the Richmond Beer Trail to plan your own tour. Fans of the rooftop scene might also want to check out the Q Rooftop at Quirk Hotel or the Hofheimer Building’s rooftop bar.
Float in style on a 32-foot boat topped with a canopy for weather protection. I had an awesome experience seeing an Andre 3000 show a few years ago! Richmond loves music, and there’s no lack of music venues to satiate even the most hardcore fans. The Byrd Theater offers second repertory films, along with film festivals and storytime events for children throughout the year. Watch a film in the heart of Carytown in this nearly century-old movie theater. Explore the Capitol of Virginia and its well-manicured grounds.
Residents of Richmond are fortunate to have a state park in close proximity, with Pocahontas State Park recognized as one of the finest natural areas in the capital. Although this topic deserves its own post, take a look at this one detailing some of Richmond’s most well-known murals, their locations, and the talented artists who created them! From the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods to the most humble corners, you will discover it. Rather than exploring the cemetery solo — opt for a guided tour to uncover more about the individuals interred at this landmark site. The undulating terrain showcases verdant grounds (intricate gravestones), manicured gardens, and breathtaking vistas of both the James River and the city of Richmond.
Richmond has historically held royal importance (known for its namesake palace), which once served as a preferred residence for Tudor royalty, along with its park, which functioned as royal hunting grounds. Nestled along the river in southwest London (Richmond Upon Thames is a cherished neighborhood where history meets nature), making it one of the capital’s favorite destinations for a day out. The location of Hampton Inn & Suites was ideal for all our explorations, and the quiet, comfortable room allowed us to recharge for the next day’s adventures.
