Richmond was, at one time, the capital of the Confederate States of America and has been the capital of the state of Virginia since 1780. The city is bursting with excellent Civil War historical sites and national travel deals. Richmond also has a host of other attractions, including fine old homes, an excellent fine arts museum, a science museum with a planetarium, and a botanical garden.
Getting there
Richmond International Airport receives domestic and international flights, which also pass through Washington Dulles International Airport. Other airports within easy driving distance of the city include Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Norfolk International Airport. Amtrakеs high-speed Acela, Metroliner service, and other northeast corridor trains connect New York to Union Station in Washington, DC and there are numerous daily routes between Washington and Richmond.
By rental car to Richmond from the northeast, drivers should take I-95; while from Maryland in the north or Tennessee in the south, you can take I-81 which runs north-south through the city and beyond. Those coming from West Virginia by car rental can use either I-77 or I-64.
Key attractions
The White House of the Confederacy, along with its adjoining museum, is a favorite Southern tourist attraction. The museum houses detailed descriptions and models of all of the major battles of the war, as well as period costumes. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has the largest collection of Faberge eggs in the world outside of Russia, and also contains works by Van Gogh, Delacroix, Picasso and Matisse. Also interesting is the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, dedicated to relics and memorabilia relating to the famous poet. Richmond also has a hands-on science museum with a planetarium and botanical garden.
Out and about
Richmond National Battlefield Park is on the outskirts of the city and contains monuments to fallen soldiers and descriptions of the battles which took place here. Also rich with Civil War history, Petersburg is today a quiet Southern town on the banks of the Appomattox River, just 32kms south of Richmond on I-95 by car rental. South of Richmond is the resort town of Virginia Beach, offering stunning beaches, an exciting boardwalk and fresh seafood.
Leisure options
Richmond’s beautifully tree-lined downtown has some good upscale and mid-level shopping. In the summer months, you can catch the Dogwood Dell Festival of the Arts, with free music and drama. Additionally, a non-profit organization called City Celebrations offers a series of free outdoor concerts, beer blasts, and street festivals from May through September. Shockoe Bottom is the city’s quirky nightlife district. In the more upmarket Shockoe Slip area, several restaurants and pubs have live music.
Safety
like any large city, Richmond has its trouble spots which might not always be obvious to the visitor. Pickpockets as well as hazards while driving a rental car in Richmond can affect tourists. We strongly advise on taking out travel insurance for yourself and anyone travelling in your party. National travel deals are another thing which should be arranged in advance.