Richmond

Richmond is often referred to as the heart of Virginia, and this is an accurate synopsis of a city that is at once old and new, antiquated yet innovative. This city has a colorful historical past, and the 21st century is bringing newfound glory to a city that several years ago seemed to be living a languished existence. The city of Richmond that has developed today is one absolutely worth exploring.

Situated squarely at the crossroads of the Piedmont and the coastal tidewater region, Richmond is the state capital of Virginia. It was also the capital of the confederacy and the area also had its dose of civil war battle action. To learn more about the fall of Richmond and the ghastly battles that took place in the vicinity, head to the Richmond National Battlefield Park Civil War Visitor Center. Richmond nearly burnt completely to the ground in the days before peace was declared between North and South, courtesy of Jefferson Davis lighting fire to the tobacco warehouses lining the riverbank.

Rising out of seemingly nowhere, modern Richmond has towering high rises, a rare scene in Virginia where most buildings go horizontal rather than vertical. Now, this capital city mainly caters to the administrative and government businesses, but several Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in this city too. The residents of Richmond are embracing their history, and the Valentine Richmond History Center is aiming to tie Richmond’s history with that of the nation. This center also offers brilliant tours of the city.

At the White House of the Confederacy, visitors get to see where Jefferson Davis had his temporary reign as President of the Confederate States. The interior is something to behold – we aren’t going to spoil the surprise for you – but it is here where you can learn about the life and times of Jefferson Davis.

Along canal walk, recent and modern shops, restaurants, and bars have sprung to life. You can traverse canal walk via canal boats or by foot, and this place is beautiful and charming, just like most residents of Richmond would sum up their city. At the famous 17th Street Farmers Market, you can get fresh local food, as people have been doing for the past three hundred or so years. The Edgar Allan Poe Museum is also nearby, and this master of the macabre author had a happy childhood in Richmond; there are exhibits in this museum that paint an interesting portrayal of Poe.

Speaking of the macabre, the Hollywood Cemetery is actually quite a wonderful place to visit. In this cemetery, 1 Confederate President, 2 U.S Presidents, 9 Virginia Governors, 21 Confederate Generals, and 18,000 Confederate Soldiers rest their bones in this graveyard. A 90 foot pyramid demarks that visitors are entering the Confederate section of the graveyard.

A popular museum for the kids include the Science Museum of Virginia/Ethyl Corporation IMAX Dome and Planetarium. Most of the exhibits are hands on so that the children can have fun while they (unsuspectingly) learn, and the IMAX shows utilize the most sophisticated technology to date. If you are looking for family fun, see our Paramount’s Kings Dominion article to learn about this fantastic theme park!

This city has hundreds of restaurants and hotels, and we offer many in our “Places to Eat” and “Places to Stay” options on our homepage. For a very comprehensive list of activities and events that take place in Richmond,, see our “Things to Do” category.




Virginia Tourists Guide - Richmond - State Capitol of Virginia