Are you thinking of a weekend getaway but are unsure of where to go? How about taking a trip to Richmond, VA? Richmond is rich with history, culture, great food and drink, spectacular gardens, and an array of museums and attractions. Here are a few highlights to add to your agenda.

Food Tours

Explore Richmond’s culinary geniuses and amazing architecture on one of their guided food tours. Follow your guide to multiple eateries and sample the top items from their menus, meet the chefs and owners, and discuss the methods behind their culinary madness. You’ll also learn as you go about the history and architecture of Richmond. Tours are typically two and a half hours every Saturday afternoon. Some tours available include the Carytown/Museum District, Butchers, Bakers and Beyond, Both Sides of Broad, Scott’s Addition: Makers Mark, and UR Here: Eating on the Avenues. Private and custom tours can also be arranged.

Have a Drink

Richmond and its surrounding areas are littered with wineries and vineyards for you to enjoy if you’re in the mood for a wine tour. Are you more of a craft beer connoisseur? Not a problem, as you can take a tour of the Richmond Beer Trail, which is comprised of over thirty craft breweries. In addition to the wineries and beer trail, the Virginia Wine Expo is held annually in March and is a multi-day craft beverage and culinary event not to be missed. Virginia’s distillers, wine makers, cider makers, and craft brewers come together along with some of the best culinary minds in the region to allow you to sample their creations.

Explore Ruins

Belle Isle is more than just a pretty city park with great views of the Richmond skyline – this small island is contains hundreds of years of history. Originally a Native American settlement site, a nail factory in the 1800’s, and a Confederate Prison Camp during the Civil War, this 540 acre island is a treasure trove of ruins. In addition, you’ll see the remains of an old oil and explosive storehouse, as well as an abandoned hydroelectric plant. Make sure to take in the view of the rapids of the James River and the dams across the waterway.

Enjoy the Museums

If you’re a fan of fine art, make sure to spend some time at Richmond’s most popular, not to mention free, museum, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Boasting over 33,000 works from around the globe in their permanent collection as well as monthly rotating collections, the VMFA is an art lover’s dream. If science is your thing, stop in to The Science Museum of Virginia for interactive and experiential exhibits and displays. If you’re a fan of all things dark and mysterious, take a visit to Edgar Allen Poe’s home. Inside the old cobblestone house, you’ll find Poe’s manuscripts, letters, and possessions. Lastly, if you’re flying into the airport, take some time to explore the Aviation Museum, which showcases the history of flight and is home to an amazing display of vintage aircrafts.

Get Back to Nature

While it may be chilly at this time of year, the grounds of Maymont is a stunning site to see.  This 100 acre park allows you to stroll through the Japanese and Italian gardens, hike across the hilly grounds, tour the expansive mansion, visit the Nature Center, or visit the animals at the children’s farm. If gardens are of interest, also check out the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens which span more than fifty acres and offers striking botanical wonders. Wander through the themed gardens including the Cochrane Rose Garden and Cherry Tree Walk. Tour the classic conservatory and then enjoy lunch at one of the two gourmet restaurants.

 

 

Richmond has something for everyone. History, architecture, culture, a thriving restaurant and bar scene, as well as the natural beauty of the parks and gardens make Richmond a must for a weekend trip. What’s your favorite thing to do in Richmond?