We are heading from NYC to a wedding in Richmond for the weekend of August 6-7. A few questions - what hotel would be central to St. Paul's Episcopal Church (ceremony) and Willow Oaks Country Club (reception)? We are willing to spend up to $250/night maximum. To drive would be 7+ hours so we are considering flying...how far is the airport from these locations? I assume we would need to rent a car to get around...also, can anyone suggest a place to go on Friday night (or an area of Richmond) that has fun bars/restaurants for a group to meet at? Thanks -

The church is in downtown Richmond, and there are a number of hotels in the area. If you are looking for some neighborhood charm, I'd suggest one of the hotels in Shockoe Slip -- Berkeley Hotel or Omni Richmond (4*). They are about a half mile from the church. Similar distance from the church in the other direction are the Jefferson Hotel (5*) and Linden Row Inn, which are both very well regarded, although the neighborhood is a bit less interesting. Willow Oaks is not far from downtown -- probably less than 10 minutes, and an easy drive. If you do stay in Shockoe Slip, there are lots of restaurants within easy walking distance.

Oops -- could have answered some of your other questions. The airport is about 15 minutes from downtown. If you're confident that you can get rides to the church, to the reception, etc, then you could get by without a car. If you can get a decent fare, flying is much easier -- there are many direct flights to Richmond from LGA and Newark, and it's a lot less stressful than going up and down I95.

Thanks so much for the quick reply

Airtran also often has cheap flights from LGA to NewportNews/Williamsburg. It's a little over 50 mi to Richmond (near the airport) -- you would need a car. There's lots to see in downtown Richmond - one of the visitor centers will be happy to give suggestions. I believe the largest statue of George Washington sits in the Capitol.

Check out Shockhoe Bottom for Friday nightlife...