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Whether it’s rock climbing on a warm spring day, taking a
peaceful stroll through a blossoming garden or observing architecture
from centuries past, Richmond provides a variety of fun and engaging
activities. A sample of things that are available is listed below.
Adventure
If canoeing through the rapids of the James River, hiking
along one of the many nature trails, or skiing at one of the surrounding
resorts sounds like just the adventure for you, then Virginia Commonwealth
University offers the perfect program.
VCU’s
Outdoor Adventure Program
VCU students find participating in the university’s Outdoor
Adventure Program provides them with the opportunity to participate
in fun, inexpensive excursions, such as whitewater rafting, kayaking,
rock climbing, canoeing, caving, hiking, backpacking and skiing.
Quiet strolls
If a relaxing day enjoying Richmond’s beautiful scenery
is more your style, you can take advantage of the many parks and
gardens Richmond has to offer. Below are just a few ideas.
Maymont Park
The Maymont House, dating back to 1893, is the center point
of Maymont Park. Boasting 12,000 square feet and 33 rooms, the house
is surrounded by lush gardens and 200 exotic species of trees and
plants. To learn more about Maymont Park, visit their Web
site.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden consists of 30 acres of gardens.
Enjoy the rare and exotic plants featured in the gardens as well
as in the new conservatory, which allows visitors to view these
beautiful creations even during the winter months. Visit the Web
site to learn more about Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
Richmond History Lives
If embarking on a journey of the past is of more interest
to you, then the storied history of Richmond will certainly intrigue
you. A few of the options are listed below.
Agecroft Hall
Built in England in the 15th century, Agecroft Hall is
not only a brilliant example of Tudor architecture; it also has
a interesting history. In 1925, after years of neglect, Richmonder
Thomas C. Williams Jr. purchased the home, had it carefully dismantled
and shipped to Richmond, Va. After years of painstaking and cautious
efforts, the house was successfully reassembled to its former glory.
Agecroft Hall, accompanied by its Elizabethan Knot Garden, can be
visited in Windsor Farms. To learn more about Agecroft Hall, visit
their Web
site.
Hollywood Cemetery
Located in historic Oregon Hill, Hollywood Cemetery’s
1847 design is one of calming beauty, with winding roads, grassy
hills and trees. The cemetery has attracted tourists from all over,
who come to view the amazing architecture and the final destinations
of important historic figures, such as U.S. presidents James Monroe
and John Tyler. Visit the cemetery Web
site to learn more about Hollywood Cemetery.
James River and Kanawha Canal Walk
Twisting 1.25 miles among historic downtown’s restaurants,
shops and hotels, the revitalized riverfront features pedestrian
walkways, canal cruises, a scenic mural, and the Civil War Visitor
Center. Here you can stroll along the winding James River Canal
Walk or look at the many Civil War artifacts on display at the center.
To learn more about the James River and Kanawha Canal Walk, visit
their Web
site.
Virginia Commonwealth University
VCU has around 40 buildings that were built before 1900.
From the Egyptian Building, one of the greatest example of neo-Egyptian
architecture in the U.S., to Ginter House, formerly the home and
business of Major Lewis Ginter, the diverse architecture and history
of these beautiful buildings are enough to delight anyone. To learn
more about VCU’s
historical buildings, visit online.
Sports
Richmond provides a wide variety of sporting events, from
baseball and hockey to NASCAR racing.
Catch a baseball game at the Diamond, where the AAA affiliate of
the Atlanta Braves, the Richmond Braves, play. To learn more about
the Richmond Braves, visit their Web
site.
Head downtown to the Richmond Coliseum to watch Richmond’s
United Hockey League team, the Renegades. Visit the Web
site to learn more about the Renegades.
Join in the fun at the Richmond International Raceway for some
NASCAR action. To learn more about the RIR, visit their Web
site.
If the excitement of college sports appeals to you, VCU is the
place to be for basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis and more. Learn
more about VCU’s
athletic programs online.
Museums
With over 50 galleries and museums, even staying indoors
can be a great cultural experience. Below are a few samples of what
Richmond has to offer.
Black
History Museum
Located in Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward district, the
Black History Museum has a plethora of visual, oral and written
information on the history of African Americans in Virginia.
Edgar
Allan Poe Museum
Housing one of the largest collections of Edgar Allan Poe memorabilia
in the world, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum sits just a few blocks
from where he resided while in Richmond. The quaint stone building,
nestled in historic downtown Richmond, contains pictures, relics
and literary works.
Science
Museum of Virginia
Housed in the former Broad Street Station, a train station completed
in 1919, the Science Museum of Virginia is now home to hundreds
of hands-on exhibits showcasing such scientific elements as aerospace,
chemistry, crystals, electricity, life sciences and more.
Virginia
Historical Society and Museum
The Virginia Historical Society was founded in 1831 for the purpose
of acquiring important historical documents. The Virginia Historical
Society and Museum, now located on the Boulevard, houses several
permanent collections, such as “The Story of Virginia, an
American Experience” and “Solving History’s Mysteries:
The History Discovery Lab.”
Virginia
Museum of Fine Arts
Opened in 1936, the VMFA has become a central part in Virginia’s
visual arts and education. From Byzantine and Medieval works to
nineteenth and twentieth century decorative arts, the VMFA has a
host of exhibits to peak anyone’s interest.
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