Cited right on Capitol Square, the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial is a testament to Barbara Rose Johns' bravery. Not widely known but still an extremely important figure in the civil rights movement, Barbara is fondly referred to as "Virginia's Rosa Parks." The then 16-year-old led a strike for equal education at Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia. Her suit was used in the historic 1954 U.S. Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education, in which the court ruled against "separate but equal," ending segregation in American public schools. The Civil Rights Memorial celebrates the spirit of Barbara Johns, Moton High School, community leaders and civil rights attorneys.
Shockoe Slip is the city's oldest mercantile district and was once the site of the State Capitol building. This area has been a bustling hub since the 17th century. Though the earliest buildings here were destroyed during the Civil War, original cobblestones and structures dating from 1868-1888 make this beautiful and historic area a perfect place for sightseeing. Shockoe also offers shopping - there are antique and book stores and a variety of clothing boutiques - and a ton of dining options, such as a Japanese steak and sushi restaurant and Morton's Steakhouse.
By boat or by foot the Richmond Canal Walk is a beautiful and educational experience. Take a guided tour or learn about the site on your own. Trek through wooden steps, cobbled streets, and dirt trails - you certainly won't be bored with all of the pathways this walk offers. Brass disks embedded in the sidewalk, maps, photos and artifacts note historical events and people associated with the canals and locks.
The Fan District is full of richly detailed turn-of-the-century townhomes. Each is unusual with architectural features including spellbinding stained glass, grimacing gargoyles and intricately carved columns. Most are surrounded by fragrant flowers, carefully tended by the buildings' owners. The area is named for its fan-shaped layout, designed during Richmond's streetcar era. The Strawberry Street Cafe is just one of many favorite Richmond restaurants that nestle along the Fan's folds.
Carytown is a treasure trove of specialty stores and restaurants. Stroll down the sidewalks and explore antique stores, salons, vintage clothing stores, coffee places, bookshops and more. On and off-street parking is plentiful. The eateries represent many different kinds of food, from Mexican at Nacho Mamma's to French-Asian at Indochine or Indian at Farouk's. The shops include Premiere Costumes, The Compleat Gourmet and Leo Burke Furniture. These and other stores have sidewalk sales in the spring and fall and open houses on December Sundays. In August, the street comes to life with the Watermelon Festival.