Things To Do

Edgar Allen Poe Museum

Kings Dominion Theme Park

One of Rachel's favorite theme parks as a kid and a short 40 minutes away from Chester.

Pocahontas State Park

Pocahontas Park is where Thornton and Rachel first met for a friend's wedding rehearsal. Beautiful trails and absolutely gorgeous in the Autumn.

Historic Byrd Theater

Right in the middle of downtown Richmond, this historic theater (circa 1928) was designed in the theme of a French Opera house, and features an 18 ft crystal chandelier, providing a beautiful vintage cinema experience. Thornton and Rachel visited the theater for the showing of "Cinderella" and it remains one of their favorite date night memories.

Maymont Park

Completed in 1893, Maymont was the Victorian country estate built by multimillionaire couple James Henry and Sallie May Dooley. Bequeathed to the city of Richmond after their deaths, Maymont Park offers carriage rides, tours of their lavish mansion, beautiful walks through their manicured Italian and Japanese gardens, and even wildlife exhibits including black bears, bald eagles and river otters. Rachel and Thornton can attest to how lovely it is to walk hand in hand through the park on a nice day.

Can Can Brasserie

Absolutely delicious food and a favorite of Thornton's in the area. Also just a short walk from Byrd Theatre to round out a downtown date night.

Colonial Williamsburg

About a hour away from Chester, the Revolutionary City houses the House of Burgesses, the first legislative assembly of elected representatives in North America, and is cheek-to-jaw with the College of William and Mary where Rachel and Thornton had their first date and decided to spend the rest of their lives together. See if you can find the bridge where Thornton popped the question and is ranked as one of the most romantic college places.

Busch Gardens

Virginia Historical Society

A short drive from Chester, the Virginia Historical Society is a great way to spend the afternoon touring exhibits and hands-on learning experiences. Of note, an exciting exhibit of "Toys from the 50's, 60's, and 70's" is available through December 31st and looked very very fun at Thornton and Rachel's last visit.