Richmond - two days only
Sep 9th, 2001, 07:46 AM
#1
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Richmond - two days only
Plan to be in Washington, DC for a few days in October and would then like to go to Richmond for a couple of days.... Neven been - like to make the most of the two days --- 4 adults - early 50's ....suggetions needed on nice motel, sightseeing, etc.
Sep 9th, 2001, 07:54 AM
#2
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What kind of things do you want to see? I know more about the Civil War sites there than anything else. One day you could visit the Confederate White House museum and tour the Richmond Battlefield Park, and the next you could drive the short distance to Petersburg and see the battlefield there. Alternatively, you could stay in Richmond and see the state capitol building, Hollywood Cemetery and other sights.
Sep 9th, 2001, 12:50 PM
#3
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Williamsburg is one hour from Richmond you could do a day trip to there. Historic Rt. 5 is a pretty drive from Richmond to Williamsburg. There are several plantations along it that are open for visitors. There is a nice restaurant in an old farm house called Indian Fields along the route.
Sep 9th, 2001, 02:37 PM
#4
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JoJo: what days of the week, and what part of October? I've lived here in Richmond for almost 19 years, my husband about 10,(and we're same age range you list) and we love this city! There's actually an extensive list of things to see/do:
if you're here on a Sunday, at 2pm there is always a walking tour by the historical society - often Hollywood Cemetery (which is fascinating - tombs of ex-presidents, glorious angels on the Victorian era tombs, lots more), or another of the older areas.
I know everyone thinks Civil War History, and it's certainly here: the Confederate White House is awfully interesting/surprising, Monument Avenue ties in with that era too, but there's also lots more.
As you probably know, Richmond was founded before 1610!
You've just missed the re-creation of Patrick Henry's famous "give me liberty" speech - you can sit in original pews in the same church that George, Tom, Mr. Henry et al used for their meeting when they'd been chased out of Williamsburg. (sounds hokey, but we've been probably 7 times, and get choked up each time.)
You can still tour that spot - St. John's Church and its graveyard - on your own, even though the re-enactment finishes each year at Labor Day. That area (Church Hill) is lovely for walking around.
More colonial era history is available in Shockoe Slip - the streets are cobbled with the ballast stones from the ships that came over when Shockoe Creek filled that area. It's now an area of old warehouses, newer office buildings, and good restaurants and shops. From there, you can follow the new Canal Walk - now that the James River has been contained by a flood wall, they're emphasizing the canals laid out by George Washington (in his pre-president days). This walk wanders through downtown, then brings you out along the river for a great walk - thru an old mill area, where the river really thunders through a confined space, past various historical sites & remnants, then onto the white water area of the river, where you can walk out on the rocks. Belle Isle is reached via a pedestrian bridge suspended from an auto bridge, and holds remnants of old industry, and was the site of one of the civil war prisons.
We are just back from a weekend bike ride a bit further south & I am a trifle brain dead (and achy!) - I'll give it some more thought - but you can definitely fill 2 days here. I would personally avoid Wmsburg in October - although if you haven't seen Monticello (Jefferson's home), that would be something to consider. (You could even veer that way from D.C., visit Monticello, be in Richmond that evening, then see traces of Jefferson in our capitol building - he designed it.)
Re: motels: we have all of the popular chains here - let me know if you have a favorite, or if you are considering a certain one, we can let you know if the location is good. Also, altho it's not the greatest restaurant city (you'll find more variety in bigger cities, of course), it's really improved over the last decade. Let me know what type of foods you like and we can probably give some recommendations on that also.
I know you'll love this city!
if you're here on a Sunday, at 2pm there is always a walking tour by the historical society - often Hollywood Cemetery (which is fascinating - tombs of ex-presidents, glorious angels on the Victorian era tombs, lots more), or another of the older areas.
I know everyone thinks Civil War History, and it's certainly here: the Confederate White House is awfully interesting/surprising, Monument Avenue ties in with that era too, but there's also lots more.
As you probably know, Richmond was founded before 1610!
You've just missed the re-creation of Patrick Henry's famous "give me liberty" speech - you can sit in original pews in the same church that George, Tom, Mr. Henry et al used for their meeting when they'd been chased out of Williamsburg. (sounds hokey, but we've been probably 7 times, and get choked up each time.)
You can still tour that spot - St. John's Church and its graveyard - on your own, even though the re-enactment finishes each year at Labor Day. That area (Church Hill) is lovely for walking around.
More colonial era history is available in Shockoe Slip - the streets are cobbled with the ballast stones from the ships that came over when Shockoe Creek filled that area. It's now an area of old warehouses, newer office buildings, and good restaurants and shops. From there, you can follow the new Canal Walk - now that the James River has been contained by a flood wall, they're emphasizing the canals laid out by George Washington (in his pre-president days). This walk wanders through downtown, then brings you out along the river for a great walk - thru an old mill area, where the river really thunders through a confined space, past various historical sites & remnants, then onto the white water area of the river, where you can walk out on the rocks. Belle Isle is reached via a pedestrian bridge suspended from an auto bridge, and holds remnants of old industry, and was the site of one of the civil war prisons.
We are just back from a weekend bike ride a bit further south & I am a trifle brain dead (and achy!) - I'll give it some more thought - but you can definitely fill 2 days here. I would personally avoid Wmsburg in October - although if you haven't seen Monticello (Jefferson's home), that would be something to consider. (You could even veer that way from D.C., visit Monticello, be in Richmond that evening, then see traces of Jefferson in our capitol building - he designed it.)
Re: motels: we have all of the popular chains here - let me know if you have a favorite, or if you are considering a certain one, we can let you know if the location is good. Also, altho it's not the greatest restaurant city (you'll find more variety in bigger cities, of course), it's really improved over the last decade. Let me know what type of foods you like and we can probably give some recommendations on that also.
I know you'll love this city!
Sep 9th, 2001, 04:55 PM
#5
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Joann - thanks for all the tips - actually not quite sure what two days in Oct we will be there -- somewhere in the middle -- Have been to Monticello 4 times (bringing different people with us) and absolutely love it!!! Been to Williamsburg many times, too - but never Richmond -- and really haven't looked into it too much - just always wanted to see it -- We belong to Hilton Honors so we usually try Hampton Inn, Hilton, Embassy Suites, etc... Would appreciate a recommendation on a nice location. Thanks for all your help....
Sep 10th, 2001, 01:27 PM
#6
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Hello, again - I also tend to try for a certain "line" of hotels (have lots of hilton points myself). That makes it quite easy - the only one of the Hilton line with a great location is the Embassy Suites which is one of our favorite spots for on the road (my husband always thinks we'll make it back to the free happy hour, but we rarely do). The Embassy Suites on Broad Street is a bit out of downtown & most historical spots - but Richmond is so well laid out that you could be at any of those spots in 10 minutes, 15 at the outset! I would definitely go with that one - it's also quite easy to reach from D.C. - straight down I-95, west on I-64 towards Charlottesville, exit about 5 minutes later onto Broad Street (probably westerly direction), then about 4 blocks later: left turn into the entrance.
let me know if you have any further questions as it gets closer - have fun!
let me know if you have any further questions as it gets closer - have fun!
Sep 12th, 2001, 07:12 PM
#8
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Here's a second vote for the Embassy Suite at Broad and Glenside. It's a one minute drive to route 64 which would wisk you anywhere you'd like to go. A typically lovely Embassy Suites, set a bit back off the road in a lightly wooded area. The only downside to this hotel is that it's definitely in the suburb/shopping area. So if you want ambiance in the immediate locale, this is not your hotel. To do: don't miss exploring Belle Isle (take that pedestrian bridge across the James River and you can look down and see where the fish are!) and the Va. Museum of Fine Art on Boulevard is wonderful. Have fun!
Sep 13th, 2001, 06:00 AM
#9
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Richmond is a lot of fun! I lived there for 5 years and continue to go back to visit all the time. the other posters have focused on the historical aspect of richmond (of which there is a lot) but for shopping and eating there are lots of options. Carytown is a lovely little section that has really flourished in the last few years, lots of fun gift shops especially Mongrel and World of Mirth, both great for christmas shopping! For dining there are several restaurants of note in the Fan district; Southern Culture and Stella's come to mind. The Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom areas offer more upscale dining opportunities, especially Havana 59 and the Frog and the Redneck, and the Tobacco Company. Richbrau is a great micro brewery.
For old southern charm, you might try staying at The Jefferson Hotel, it is a renovated hotel of grand style.
Overall, richmond is a grand southern dame, a little worn about the edges, but laid back and charming as well.
Have Fun!
For old southern charm, you might try staying at The Jefferson Hotel, it is a renovated hotel of grand style.
Overall, richmond is a grand southern dame, a little worn about the edges, but laid back and charming as well.
Have Fun!
Oct 3rd, 2001, 09:40 AM
#12
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I second the vote for the Jefferson. The rooms are small, but it's the only five star hotel in the area and is spectacular. Even if you don't want to stay there, stop by for coctails. The myth is that the stairs at the Jefferson served as a model for the ones in Gone with the Wind. You can also eat at Le Maire, the restaurant located in the Jefferson. It's a great place to eat, and their peanut soup is second to none.
Carytown is also worth your while. If you have a chance, catch the Saturday night show at the Byrd Theater. It's an historic theater that's been renovated to show second run films. Before the movie comes on, a man rises out of the stage and plays a Strativarious (SP?) organ.
The Canal walk also opened recently. I haven't been there yet since I moved to DC, but I've heard wonderful things about it. You can also visit the Museum of the Confederacy and the Valentine Museum, both full of historical information about Richmond and the surrounding region. Have a great time!
Carytown is also worth your while. If you have a chance, catch the Saturday night show at the Byrd Theater. It's an historic theater that's been renovated to show second run films. Before the movie comes on, a man rises out of the stage and plays a Strativarious (SP?) organ.
The Canal walk also opened recently. I haven't been there yet since I moved to DC, but I've heard wonderful things about it. You can also visit the Museum of the Confederacy and the Valentine Museum, both full of historical information about Richmond and the surrounding region. Have a great time!
Oct 3rd, 2001, 06:25 PM
#13
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To Joann - We were away in Maine when the tragedy occurred and to tell you the truth sort of put our plans on hold until we could concentrate -- we are upstate New York but was planning on being in the City on 9/22 for the San Gennaro Feast --- can't seem to get over this and not sure we feel like going to Washington, DC yet --- we're still thinking about it -- thanks for your concern - God Bless
