Things To Do
T Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge
Our #1 recommendation in the city. This is Lonica and Ryan's favorite walking spots and a must-see of Richmond! You can't leave Richmond without seeing the river and the city and here you get both! From here you can also see the downtown buildings that Ryan (Dominion Energy building) and Lonica (Silgan Dispensing Systems - Troutman Pepper Locke building on Brown's Island) work at. Parking can be tricky, especially if there is a concert happening at the amphitheater, but there is nearby street parking and the belle isle parking lot (both free).
Hollywood Cemetery
Hollywood Cemetery was designed in 1847 as a “rural” style garden cemetery. It is a beautiful place to wander around, especially during fall foliage. There are great views of the river and the city with some benches to sit and enjoy. Located on the banks of the James River, the cemetery spans 135 acres of valleys, hills, and stately trees. This is one of three places in the United States that contain the remains of two U.S. Presidents: President James Monroe and President John Tyler (both studied at William & Mary, where Ryan and Lonica met). Admission to the grounds is free.
American Civil War Museum- Historic Tredegar
Part of Richmond's deep American history is its time serving as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War era. The American Civil War Museum offers two floors of exhibits will take you on a journey from the very beginning of the Civil War to Reconstruction and beyond. Located in downtown Richmond on the James River, the museum sits on the site of the Tredegar Iron Works. Cannons made at Tredegar fired the first shots of the Civil War at Fort Sumter. The thick armor plating that protected the ironclad CSS Virginia (Merrimack) during its fight with the Monitor was rolled at Tredegar. More than half of the cannons used by the Confederate army were cast here. Visitors will experience the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War through dynamic exhibits featuring an unparalleled collection of artifacts. Admission price also includes a film experience. About $19 for adults. Open daily 10-5. Go to website for parking information.
Carytown
Nestled in the heart of Richmond, Carytown is a unique shopping, dining, and entertainment district. With a focus on small, locally-owned businesses, Carytown is home to the historic Byrd Theater as well as several unique dining and boutique shopping destinations. Lonica loves to walk down Carytown and visit vintage, thrift, and boutique shops! Easy come and go if you're looking for a spot to visit and don't have much time. Free street parking and paid parking garages.
Scott's Addition Historic District
This historical district is an exploding craft beverage hub packed with independent breweries, cideries, and restaurants. Our welcome party is in Scott's Addition and the Marriott hotel block (found on the Travel page) is also close to Scott's Addition. We planned this so that guests could easily enjoy the fun and food that Scott's Addition has to offer. The dining and beverage recommendations on this page are located in this area. Parking is mostly street parking and can be hard to find. Ride share is a common choice, especially at peak times.
Fat Dragon Chinese Kitchen and Bar
Lonica's favorite restaurant!! Her family's go-to spot any time they were visiting her at VCU. Her favorite cidery is also right behind the restaurant so its a perfect spot to have a refreshment while waiting for your table.
Buskey Cider
Lonica's favorite cidery. Lots of tables and board games available, usually a food truck in the back as well. Note, they do not offer beer or wine, just cider.
The Veil Brewing Co. / Remedy Burger - Scott's Addition
One of the McKenna Family's favorite breweries in Scott's Addition! They have another location on Forest Hill Avenue.
Väsen Brewing Co. - Scott's Addition
Another one of the McKenna Family's favorite breweries in Scott's Addition! They also have another location on Forest Hill Avenue.
Maymont
Maymont is a 100-acre green space in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. Open to the public since 1926, Maymont is a cherished local landmark, ranking high in local surveys for family fun, photo shoots, first dates and weddings. People love to explore the curated gardens, grand arboretum, Gilded Age mansion (built in 1893), immersive nature center, interactive farm and Virginia Wildlife Trail. Admission to the grounds is free.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
With something for all ages and interests, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a place to learn about plants, to marvel at nature, to relax in a beautiful setting, to take gardening classes, or to have a wedding or a business meeting. A wide variety of experiences are offered through its diverse gardens and facilities. No wonder Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is consistently one of the most-visited attractions in the Richmond, Va., area. Various hours of operation so please look up the schedule.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The VMFA is one of the most popular local must-sees. VMFA Arts is a top comprehensive US art museum with more than 5,000 years of art from around the world. Endless rooms of art and history to get lost in. The VMFA is open 365 days a year and general admission is always free 10-5.
Many other places to visit!
There are many other great spots of interest in Richmond that we didn't include in our list including, Edgar Allan Poe Museum, Science Museum of Virginia, Virginia Capitol building, Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, any park in the James River Park System (Forest Hill Park and Pony Pasture), Virginia Commonwealth University (where Lonica studied undergrad), Short Pump Mall for outdoor shopping, and Hardywood Craft Brewery (both locations are great).