Richmond tourist attractions

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Richmond, Virginias capital city is an attractive blend of old-world charm and contemporary living. It is rich in history, tradition, and beauty. From gardens to historic sites, Richmond has a variety of tourist attractions for everyone.

Begin your tour of the city with a visit to the museums. There are several outstanding museums including The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. It is the largest art museum in the southeastern United States and it offers an unrivaled art collection that showcases civilizations creative achievements. Another fascinating museum is The Science Museum of Virginia, which displays 250 interactive exhibits including the wonders of flight, illusions, and astronomy. The museum also has an IMAX and a multimedia planetarium show.

The Childrens Museum of Richmond is designed for children between the ages of two and twelve. There are many hands-on exhibits that provide play, learning, and experimentation for kids. The museum has a 40-foot replica of a Virginia limestone cave that provides explorative fun for adults and children. There is also a Play Works area that includes a bank, supermarket, and other real world places for kids. The younger members of the family will also enjoy a visit to The Aviation Museum. It displays the history of aviation and has several activities for children, including a flight simulator.

Richmonds historical sites provide rich learning experiences for visitors. The Executive Mansion is America oldest continuously occupied governors residence. The mansion has been the home of Virginias governors and their families since 1813. Tours of the Executive Mansion are available year-round at no cost to visitors. Another historic site worth visiting is Maymont House & Park which is a 100-acre Victorian estate that features a childrens farm, nature center, gardens, and a restored mansion. It also offers tram and carriage rides.

If you are a civil war history enthusiast, the Richmond National Battlefield Park will be an interesting place to visit. The park offers a tour of sites relevant to the civil war battle years. There are also history programs and many visual presentations. It is open seasonally to tourists. Richmond is also home to the Virginia Historical Society. This consists of seven museum galleries that exhibit rare items such as George Washingtons diary and Pocahontas hat buttons. A library is also available for historical and genealogical research.

A visit to the city of Richmond would be incomplete without taking a sightseeing tour down the famous Monument Avenue. It is a hand-paved boulevard that is lined with trees, restored old houses, and statues honoring Southern Civil War heroes such as Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.

Richmond also has a wide variety of interesting outdoor features to keep visitors occupied. There are several parks including Byrd Park, which houses the Dogwood Dell amphitheater. The park also contains ball fields, tennis courts, three lakes, paddleboats, and picnic areas. Pocahontas State Park is another favorite outdoor site. The park offers boating, biking, hiking around Beaver Lake, wildlife exhibits, and a swimming pool. The Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is another delightful experience. It is a splendid display of natural beauty. Visitors enjoy strolling through the meadow, botanical gardens, teahouse, and garden shop.

Cruising down the James River on The Annabel Lee Riverboat is another exciting tourist attraction. The Annabel Lee Riverboat is a 350-passenger paddle wheeler that offers casual dining, entertainment, and plantation cruises.

Richmond is also home to the Three Lakes Nature Center and Aquarium. It features a 50,000-gallon freshwater aquarium that is exceptional. There are also hands-on exhibits depicting native plants and animals that are unique to Richmond.

The city also abounds with cultural arts. There are many performing centers including the Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts. It has a 2,000-seat auditorium, which offers a wide array of productions and hosts business conventions. You can also attend concerts by The Richmond Symphony or attend a performance of the Virginia Opera at the Carpenter Center.

Another highlight of a visit to Richmond is a tour of its historic cathedrals and churches. St. Johns Church the place where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech in 1775 is a popular tourist site. Tourists also like visiting The Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, which is the northern hemispheres largest mosaic cathedral. Richmond is interspersed with 1800 churches and temples, cultural clubs, and ethnic food markets. There are also Jewish carnivals, Greek and African festivals, Oktoberfest celebrations, and Native American Pow-Wows.

Richmond is a city that is thriving with contrasts, from excitement to tranquility. The city offers attractions that cater to the varied interests of its visitors and there are activities for everyone. A visit to Richmond will be a unique experience as you enjoy its rich colorful history, beautiful architecture, friendly people, and diverse culture.