I'm interested in this thread because we're bringing 60 choristers to Richmond from Philadelphia over Memorial Day weekend. The boys are a diverse group ranging in age from 11-17. We're looking for something fun or interesting to do that won't cost us a fortune. Any suggestions would be most welcome

Guy Fieri has featured 2 places in Richmond, VA on his Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show.

The Village Cafe and Dott's Back Inn

I stayed in Richmond briefly with my mother some years ago, and while I think we ate at a Shoneys for lack of better restaurant ideas, we saw the state house, which I believe is designed by Jefferson, and also a small museum (the Valentine) I believe, and definitely did not think we had exhausted our options. We found it to be a really pretty city, too.

Sixcases--How about taking your group to see the Richmond Braves play baseball that weekend? They are a AAA team, so the quality of playing is good, yet the ticket prices are quite reasonable. General admission tickets for a group of your size would be $6.00 each for the adults and only $3.50 for the kids 12 and under. And depending on the day you go, there might even be a promotion.
We've been to a lot of Braves games--it's a lot of fun and there's not a bad seat in the house.

Since you are staying at The Jefferson (I'm a Richmond Foodie/Chowhound) I would recommend a meal at Comfort (walking distance from the hotel). Good Southern food with a twist, great wine list, etc. Millie's Diner (milliesdiner.com) is a Richmond tradition and this year's "Restaurant of the Year" and would be nice for brunch on Saturday (10-2) but be prepared to wait (get a Bloddy Mary or Mimosa and enjoy the ride). I would avoid the places on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and would only recommend Bottoms Up if you had kids. Other places you may want to consider for dinner are Sensi (at Tobacco Row) or Lulu's or Millie's (if you don't have brunch there on Sat). If you weren't from NY, I'd definitely recommend Edo's Squid at Grace and Harrison for the best Italian food and seafood hands down in Richmond. But if you don't mind trying some Italian from here <g>, it's a great place.

Venture through Carytown...CanCan is a French place that is a great place for a drink and there are a lot of neat little shops, etc. in the area. Good for walking.

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is only 70 minute west of downtown Richmond via I-64.

I live in Richmond, and second a lot of the suggestions here. Carytown is cute and has several restaurant options as well. Tredegar and the walk over to Belle Isle are nice, and are things I take visitors to do. You can also drive up to Church Hill and visit the church where Patrick Henry gave his "give me liberty or give me death" speech. You can drive down Monument Avenue, which has lovely old mansions. A tour of the Capitol should be interesting -- it's newly renovated and lovely, and has a lot of history, including the only from-life statue of George Washington (I think).
And I personally think a walk around Hollywood Cemetery is fascinating. It's old, it's beautiful, it's big, it's atop a hill overlooking the river, it has a whole section of Civil War graves, and presidents John Tyler and James Monroe are buried there.
http://www.hollywoodcemetery.org/index.html
Food-wise, while I haven't eaten at Comfort I do hear good things about it. Millie's is definitely good, and crowded. I like Strawberry Street Cafe (I'm not a crabcake eater, but theirs look tempting). I have friends who are fans of Havana 59.

Thanks so much for the suggestions. Baseball and boys go together well, and perhaps Patrick Henry's defiant speech would capture their imaginations as well. We're looking forward to a wonderful visit

May is one of the most beautiful months in Central Virginia. Lewis Ginter Botanic Gardens is small compared to larger cities, but there are a variety of sections such as the Japanese gardens, which make you feel like you're completely away from everything ordinary.

The Virginia Museum has closed many of its galleries for new construction, but the Impressionist exhibit might still be there. Plan about 1 1/2 hrs total for the Museum. If you like more modern art try Artworkz on Hull Street in the Manchester district--real live artist studios and it's one of the few places you can visit on Sundays.

Along with the Shockhoe Slip area restaurants (Tobacco Company) you can go a little farther east to Zuppas around 18th street. Not expensive, casual fantastic sandwiches and soups. If you want elegant dining, go to Lemaire at the Jefferson Hotel.

If you have a clear, warm day take a weekday canal boat ride in the main downtown area.

For a grand walking tour, try parking your car near Stuart Circle and walking around the fan and near west end, especially on the grand Monument Ave and the lesser know West Avenue. You'll see beautiful houses and manicured front yards. West Ave is only one or two blocks, near VCU, and it is a treasure.

Hope this helps.

I would not recommend Tobacco Company except for a cocktail (definitely not for dinner) and I find Zuppas 'okay' but overrated. Lemaire is closing for renovations sometime soon...not sure if that has occured yet or not.

Thanks to Janet for the updates. Tobacco Company is nice for the historic feel but lunch is probably a better deal than dinner. I was there 2 mos. ago and the service at lunch was great. Other restaurants to try are "The Track" on W. Cary Street and "Si" on Lombardy Street--both have been recently well rated by a local food critic. Arts in the Park will be held Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4th if you'll be in town. The shuttle from University of Richmond stadium is a breeze and the artists exhibiting are juried artists.

Forgot to say before that Richmond has "First Fridays" and that would time well with your plans. Galleries are open and folks are feeling festive. An artist friend recommended the following galleries, just make sure they're open if you plan to go:

Brazier's (in Carytown)
www.brazierfineart.com/index.shtml

Uptown Gallery at 1305 W. Main

Page Bond Gallery & Glave-Kocen Gallery, both in the 1600 block of W. Main

Anderson Gallery on the VCU campus

The correct name for a studio/gallery I mentioned yesterday is Art Works at Plant Zero, 320 Hull Street.