If you happen to be headed to
Virginia this summer and want to experience the capitol, here are a few ideas
on places to see. My husband and I have 7 children, home educate, and love to
take advantage of all of the wonderful and historical sites in the city. There
is so much to do in the whole state, but I will share some of the top places to
visit in Richmond.
THE HOLLYWOOD
CEMETERY
No, it’s got
nothing to do with Los Angeles. The name comes from the types of trees on the
hilly terrain that sits above the James River. The Hollywood Cemetery is the
resting place of many historical figures. Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, Confederate President
Jefferson Davis, General J.E.B. Stuart, a Prince Wolkonsky (?) and many
Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers are buried here. We all can spend a few hours there
walking and reading. Only during the day, of course!
The markers and
statues are interesting to read and observe. Most of the famous (the past
Presidents and the generals) have elaborate graves with intricate iron works,
gardens, statuary and engravings that educate us on their roles in history. The
gardens and old trees are just beautiful in and of themselves. All those brave
and righteous forefathers and mothers of our nation who are resting there
forever, have a scenic view of the James River below and Belle Isle on the
horizon (not that I really believe that ; )!
BELLE ISLE
Across the James River from the Hollywood Cemetery, is a pedestrian bridge that takes you to Belle Isle. It a popular place to visit for many city dwellers who want a break from the busy city. We only go during the day, as you may run into some shifty characters at times. Our kids love the walk bridge (although I get nervous with the heights). The view is spectacular of the downtown city skyline and of the island itself. Many visitors in the summer spend time on the numerous large flat rocks and swim and kayak in the rapids there. We have not done that yet, just jump around the rocks and watch the river roar. It is a short hike around the Isle and it too has significant history. Belle Isle was once a no-walled Civil War Prison, a Powhattan Native American fishing village and an iron works manufacturing plant (for the war artillery, nails and horseshoes). We hike around and read the plaques set at many of the ruins on the island. Mostly, the kids want to play near the rapids. Many city folks jog and ride their bikes, so we need to take heed of them speeding by us.
THE JEFFERSON
HOTEL, CAPITOL BUILDING AND GOVERNORS MANSION
These are all
close by to each other, also in downtown Richmond. The Jefferson Hotel is quite
famous and dates back to 1895. This luxury hotel has such beautiful
architecture and numerous oil painting, elaborate period furniture and
historical artifacts. We walk around to admire the interior and exterior, but
mostly, the kids try and search for alligators. For a very odd reason,
alligators used to live in the hotel. They actually swam in the fountain pool under
the statue of Thomas Jefferson in the Palm Court and some were known to be found
sleeping on the fine furniture! The story goes, as guests were passing through
Richmond on their return trips from Florida, they realized that they really
could not take home the souvenir baby alligators they bought. So the owners of
the Jefferson let them stay there. The last one (Old Pompey) died there in
1948. There are brass figures of alligators decorated throughout the hotel. The
challenge is to see how many you can find. There are 2 restaurants at the
Jefferson that are known to be of good cuisine. We hope to have a meal there
soon (my 3 girls and I, for a ladies luncheon treat).
The Richmond Capitol Building dates back to 1788. It’s the second oldest working capitol
building in the United States! We love this beautiful building that was designed
by Thomas Jefferson. The recent film “Lincoln” by Steven Spielberg was
partially filmed here. Government sessions still go on in this building. We
have attended meetings of the General Assembly here. Down the large staircase
and having the entrance underground, is the recent museum of the capitol. It is
free and very well done.
Near the
Capitol Building is the Governors Executive Mansion. Dating back to 1813, all
of the Virginia Governors and their families lived here. Currently we are
helping with the campaign of Ken Cuccinelli, whom we hope and pray will win as
Governor! Touring the mansion is free, but it has limited days and hours when
it is open. I don’t think I would appreciate tourists walking around my house
all day long!
THE VIRGINIA
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The name says
it all; it is a museum of much of Virginia’s history from the beginnings to
modern times. We go there frequently and most all of it is perfect for kids of
every age. There are many hands on exhibits that make history more real. Each
time we go, we see something new. There are many traveling displays and
exhibits also. A large library is open for those who want to do research on
Virginia and see some very old books. When we bring our kids, we just follow
them around and let them look at what they want at their own pace. Because we
can go on a weekday everyone is at work or in school, we practically have the
place to ourselves. Next door is the Virginia Fine Arts Museum. We usually tour
there the same day and recently went to see the Dale Chihuly glass art exhibit! These museums are mid-town and have
beautiful landscaped grounds that we typically have a picnic lunch on.
MAYMONT PARK
This popular park in the city is a favorite for most Richmonders. Our kids love going here
more than anyplace in the city. Maymont Park is situated on 100 acres near the
James River. The property was originally owned by James and Sallie Dooley who
had a Victorian mansion built there in 1893. They had beautiful Italian and Japanese
gardens to enjoy and now due to their generous donation of the property to the
public, we can all enjoy it ourselves for free. In the park there are many
fields for picnics or impromptu soccer and Frisbee games, horse drawn carriage
rides, garden tours, house tours, a nature science center on the education
about the James River, a zoo, and a barnyard with livestock. We meet up with
friends there frequently and do lots of hiking and exploring. On a hot summer day, you can splash
around in the large waterfall in the Japanese gardens.
There are many
more fun and interesting things to do and see in Richmond. These are just a few
that I wanted to share. Our family lives in the country side of Virginia, just
about a 45 minute drive north of all of the above locations. We have an organic
farm, home educate, try to live
within our means and be good stewards of what we’ve got, love to travel and
learn all we can from life’s experiences!
We are also just 90 miles from Washington DC. Please read
about our five favorite places to visit in Washington DC on my blog. And you can
find us also on facebook.
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