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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 that 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 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.
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 both the gardens and the new conservatory, which allows visitors to view these beautiful creations even during the winter months.
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, but it also has an interesting history. In 1925, after years of neglect, Richmonder Thomas C. Williams Jr. purchased the home, had it carefully dismantled and shipped to Richmond. 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.
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 United States presidents James Monroe and John Tyler.
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.
Virginia Commonwealth University
VCU has about 40 buildings that were built before 1900. From the Egyptian Building, one of the greatest example of neo-Egyptian architecture in the United States, 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.
Sports
Richmond provides a wide variety of sporting events, from baseball to soccer to NASCAR.
Catch a baseball game at the Diamond, where the Flying Squirrels, the AA affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, play.
Cheer on the Richmond Kickers at one of their many soccer games.
Join in the fun at the Richmond International Raceway for some NASCAR action.
If the excitement of college sports appeals to you, VCU is the place to be for basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis and more.
Museums
With more than 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.
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 & 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.
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 19th and 20th century decorative arts, the VMFA has a host of exhibits to pique anyone’s interest.
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 Bean Company offers good food at a great price. When the weather is nice, its large balcony is filled with diners enjoying the evening and the cuisine.
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.
Ipanema Cafe
Ipanema Cafe serves vegan/vegetarian lunch and dinner and a variety of vegan and vegetarian desserts.
Richmond Magazine Food Stuff 8/13/12
“Known for its creative vegetarian fare and basement setting, Ipanema Cafe on West Grace Street is back after a short vacation with a fresh look and new dinner menu."
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