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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.
VCU’s Outdoor Adventure Program
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 VCU offers
the perfect 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.
To learn more about these exciting opportunities, visit www.students.vcu.edu/recsports/oap.html.
Quiet Strolls
If a relaxing day enjoying Richmond’s beautiful scenery is
more your style, you can take advantage of the many varieties of
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 plush gardens and 200 exotic species of trees and plants. To
learn more about Maymont Park, visit www.maymont.org.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is made up of 30 acres of plush 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. To learn more
about Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, visit www.lewisginter.org.
Traveling Through Time
If embarking on a journey of the past is of more interest to you,
then the lush 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, resides in Windsor
Farms. To learn more about Agecroft Hall, visit www.agecrofthall.com.
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 tourist from all over, who
want to view the amazing architecture and the final destinations
of important historic figures, such as U.S. presidents James Monroe
and John Tyler. To learn more about Hollywood Cemetery, visit www.hollywoodcemetery.org.
James River and Kanawha Canal Walk
Twisting 1.25 miles along historic downtown’s restaurants,
shops and hotels, the revitalized riverfront features pedestrian
walkways, canal cruises, scenic mural and the Civil War Visitor
Center. Here you can walk 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
www.richmondriverfront.com.
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 pasts of these
beautiful buildings are enough to delight anyone. To learn more
about VCU’s historical buildings, visit www.vcu.edu/maps/historic/hist4.htm.
Sports
Richmond provides a wide variety of sporting events, from baseball
and hockey to arena football and NASCAR.
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 www.rbraves.com.
Head downtown to the Richmond Coliseum to watch Richmond’s
ECHL hockey team, the RiverDogs. To learn more about the Richmond
RiverDogs, visit www.riverdogshockey.com.
Cheer on the Richmond Kickers at one of their many soccer games.
To learn more about the Richmond Kickers, visit www.richmondkickers.com.
Join in the fun at the Richmond International Raceway for some NASCAR
action. To learn more about the Richmond International Raceway,
visit www.rir.com.
If the excitement of college sports appeals to you, VCU is the
place to be for basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis and more.
To learn more about VCU’s athletic programs, visit http://vcurams.vcu.edu/.
Museums
With over 50 galleries and museums, staying indoors can be a great
cultural experience. Below are a few of the places 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. To
learn more about the Black History Museum, visit www.blackhistorymuseum.org/index.htm.
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. To learn more about the Edgar Allan Poe Museum,
visit www.poemuseum.org.
Science Museum of Virginia & IMAX Theater
Formerly known as 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. To learn
more about the Science Museum of Virginia and the IMAX Theater, visit www.smv.org.
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. To learn more about the Virginia Historical Society and Museum,
visit www.vahistorical.org.
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. To learn more
about the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, visit http://www.vmfa.state.va.us.
Restaurants
around VCU
Whether you are in the mood for a burger and fries or something
more international, the restaurants around VCU provide a variety
of delicious entrees in casual to formal settings.
Baja Bean Company
A Mexican restaurant with a casual feel, Baja Been Company offers
good food at a great price. When the weather is nice, their large
balcony is filled with diners enjoying the evening and the cuisine.
Café Mandolin
Providing a unique mix of international and vegetarian flavors,
Café Mandolin is a comfortable, fine dining experience.
Jamaica House
The Jamaica House, located directly across from the VCU Stuart
C. Siegel Center complex, brings authentic Jamaican cuisine to
the heart of Richmond.
Kuba Kuba
Bringing the atmosphere and delicious taste of Cuba to campus, Kuba
Kuba provides delicious sandwiches, tantalizing entrees and a side
grocery store.
Village Café
Offering a perfect diner atmosphere with the food to accompany it,
the Village Café is a unique and fun eating experience.
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not responsible for the privacy practices or content of such
Web sites.
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