If you’re planning a vacation in Richmond, there are a variety of things to do. These things include the Maymont Mansion, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, the Poe Museum, and La Grotta. You can also find things to do in Richmond on a budget.
Maymont Mansion
The Maymont Mansion is a spectacular 100-acre estate in Richmond, Virginia. The original home of James and Sallie Dooley, it is now a beautiful public park and a top Richmond attraction. It has several things to do for visitors, including the Japanese garden, a petting zoo, and an arboretum. The 12,000 square-foot mansion is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture, and the interior is lavishly decorated. One of the bedrooms even has a bed shaped like a swan.
The Maymont Mansion and gardens were built between 1893 and 1925 by railroad magnate James Dooley and his wife, Sallie. They lived in the mansion until it was donated to the city of Richmond in 1925. The mansion was named after Sallie’s maiden name, May. Today, visitors can tour the mansion and grounds, but only on guided tours. Tours are given every 15 minutes, and last 45 minutes.
The gardens are full of things to do at Maymont, including the Maymont Wildlife Experience, where visitors will be accompanied by thousands of butterflies. Visitors can also explore the Carriage Collection and the children’s farm. The mansion is also home to many special events and volunteer opportunities.
The grounds of the Maymont Mansion are free, but you will have to pay for the attractions inside. The tram ride and carriage ride will cost you around USD 3 per person, while the mansion and children’s farm will cost you around USD 5. The entrance to the Children’s Farm and Raptor Valley are wheelchair-accessible.
If you like walking, Maymont is full of trails and a beautiful Japanese garden. There’s also a waterfall and stepping stones across a pond. The Maymont property also has a grotto, a beautiful herb garden, and a vegetable garden.
La Grotta
La Grotta is one of the best dining options in downtown Richmond. This Italian restaurant opened in 1994 and is owned by chef Antonio Capece. The restaurant is known for its authentic Italian fare and award-winning wines. It is also available for private dining. The restaurant is large enough to accommodate parties up to 100 guests. There are two private dining rooms available: the Wine Room and the City View Room. For larger parties, you can rent the entire restaurant.
La Grotta is a local institution that serves traditional Italian food and a variety of Italian drinks. Previously located in Shockoe Slip, the restaurant moved to its current location last year. It is now located in the former Miller & Rhoads building on Broad Street, which provides it with more space to expand.
La Grotta in Richmond is the best Italian restaurant in the city. Other notable Italian restaurants in Richmond include Azzurro, Bottoms Up Pizza, Tarrant’s West, and Casa Italiana. Other fine dining options in the city include Edo’s Squid and Dinamo.
Poe Museum
The Edgar Allan Poe Museum is located in Richmond, Virginia. Poe was adopted as a child by John and Frances Valentine Allan. He grew up in Richmond, where he lived until his early death. The museum is divided into three buildings, and contains his writing and memorabilia.
The museum is housed in an historic building, and is home to the largest collection of Poe artifacts in the world. Highlights include a silk vest from the author, his walking stick inscribed with his name, and his childhood bed. The museum features a live docent and audio tour, and is a wonderful place to learn about Poe’s life and work.
The Poe Museum is located at 1914 E Main Street, Richmond, Virginia. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. There is a parking lot on the property for visitors. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $3 for children six years and younger.
If you’re a fan of Poe, you should visit the Poe Museum in Richmond. The museum features a vast collection of Poe artifacts, including many of his original manuscripts and letters. You’ll also have a chance to see some of the famous author’s hair and socks.
The Poe Museum in Richmond is one of the most popular places to visit in Richmond. It has a great collection of memorabilia, including an old trunk. The museum’s North Building is filled with fascinating displays. There’s even a postulate about the practice of cooping that occurred in the 19th century.
James River Park
The James River Park System is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in Richmond. It is home to more than 500 acres of beautiful parkland along the banks of the James River. The park features opportunities for hiking, boating, rock-climbing, and swimming, among other activities. The park’s eighty miles of trails offer plenty of opportunities for exercise and recreation. There are also picnic areas and horseback riding.
James River Park is also home to the world-famous Pony Pasture Rapids Park. The park features a unique beach-like atmosphere. If the tide is high, visitors can cool off in the river and slide down the rapids. Guests can also explore more than a mile of trails and multi-use paths. The park is a popular spot for locals and visitors who enjoy exploring nature, and is a great place to take the family.
Another great place to visit in Richmond is the Virginia State Capitol. The building is the state’s official seat and houses the General Assembly, which is the oldest continuously operating legislature in the Western Hemisphere. Thomas Jefferson designed the building, and it was completed in 1788. It is also a National Historic Landmark. You can also take guided tours of the building.
If you love music, there are many venues for performing art in Richmond. The Richmond Symphony Orchestra has three performance venues. You can also catch a show at the Richmond Theater, which seats 1,500 people. If you’re a fan of the LGBTQ community, you’ll enjoy Babes in Carytown, which offers a variety of LGBTQ-friendly activities. The area also features a volleyball court, which is great during the summer months.
Visitors to Richmond can also enjoy the city’s many museums. The Edgar Allan Poe Museum is the largest collection of Poe artifacts in the area. It’s located in the oldest building in the city and contains many items from the writer’s childhood home. The museum also displays early prints by Poe.