It was here that the Virginia Convention of 1775 met to discuss the question of taking arms against the British. One of the oldest wooden buildings in Virginia, delegates to the Convention - including Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Patrick Henry - had convened in this very spot. And it was here where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech and said the following famous lines: "Give me liberty or give me death!" Visitors can reenact this experience by watching the live performances offered by professional actors and further enrich their knowledge of history by visiting the city's first public cemetery.
In the 1880s, Lewis Ginter, a wealthy businessman, opened a resort on this land just northwest of Richmond. An avid gardener, he planted and cared for much of the foliage that still thrives in the park today. Upon his death, the property passed to his niece who opened a hospice for children in Ginter's home. She also cultivated the gardens and imported several rare plants. The land is now operated by the city as a botanical garden. Explore the Victorian garden, nature trails and the home, and perhaps stop at the Tea House for lunch.
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.
The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar chronicles the savagery of the 19th-century American Civil War through its exhibits and displays. Discussions and analysis of the cause, effect, and legacy of the civil war are held here. Audio-visual content documenting episodes of the war are also available to visitors. The center's fantastic location by the James River in the heart of Richmond makes it one of the most noticeable and visited spots. Rental spaces at the center are much sought after. The scenic riverside backdrop and the elegant interiors make it an ideal venue for weddings and bashes.
Famous for their scream evoking, thrilling roller coasters which seems to have new additions every year, Kings Dominion is an exciting place for families and kids. Roller coasters range from the stand-up and hanging variety to one that shoots you out of a volcano. Test your fear of heights on Intimidator 305 that stands at 305 feet (91.44 meters) and gives steep jerks and drops. Or on other equally exiting coasters like Dominator, Drop Tower, Grizzly, The Crypt and Volcano: The Blast Coaster. If you are feeling very adventurous, then try the Xtreme Skyflyer which is a combination of skydiving and hang gliding. The price is not included in the admission fee for this ride. Or if you love water more, then the water park is the place to be. You can splash in, dive in and slide in different rides. Visit Planet Snoopy, where there are Peanuts-themed rides or enjoy live performances held throughout the parkland. Check out Dinosaurs Live! if you are a big Jurassic Park fan. Get some unique shopping done at any of their on-site gift or retail outlets. You will find cafes and bistros all over the park to whet your appetite. Open seasonally, their hours keep on varying, hence it is advisable to check online or call ahead to know the timings.
Bored and looking for something to do that would delight the kids? Take them to Metro Richmond Zoo, located at Chesterfield County, Virginia. This privately owned zoo is spread over 70 acres and has around 1,400 animals representing over 150 species, including the reticulated giraffe, white rhinoceros, snow leopard, cheetah and Grant's zebra. Almost all of the areas of the zoos are accessible to the public except for the Malayan tapirs and demoiselle cranes enclosures.
Petersburg National Battlefield Park in Virginia was the site of a ten-month siege during the Civil War because of its strategic location to nearby Richmond. One of the most notable events at the battlefield was the Battle of the Crater, where Union soldiers dug tunnels to detonate explosives under Confederate lines, leaving a large crater that can still be seen today. The park also honors the contributions of the United States Colored Troops, who served in the Union army during the Civil War. Visitors can explore the park through guided or self-guided trails to learn more about this significant event in American history.
A protective barrier and part of the city's largest flood-protection system, built to shield the city from flooding up to a height of 32 feet in case of the James River swelling and overflowing, the Richmond Floodwall has been made using 3.2 miles of concrete, steel, earth and rock. The wall is also a popular spot for runners, hikers, bird watchers and kayakers. The area is also a trendy fishing spot, especially during Spring season. Built after the extensive damage caused in Richmond between 1969 to 1987 due to excessive and repeated flooding, the wall also offers scenic views of the river.
It was here that the Virginia Convention of 1775 met to discuss the question of taking arms against the British. One of the oldest wooden buildings in Virginia, delegates to the Convention - including Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Patrick Henry - had convened in this very spot. And it was here where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech and said the following famous lines: "Give me liberty or give me death!" Visitors can reenact this experience by watching the live performances offered by professional actors and further enrich their knowledge of history by visiting the city's first public cemetery.
In the 1880s, Lewis Ginter, a wealthy businessman, opened a resort on this land just northwest of Richmond. An avid gardener, he planted and cared for much of the foliage that still thrives in the park today. Upon his death, the property passed to his niece who opened a hospice for children in Ginter's home. She also cultivated the gardens and imported several rare plants. The land is now operated by the city as a botanical garden. Explore the Victorian garden, nature trails and the home, and perhaps stop at the Tea House for lunch.
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.
Famous for their scream evoking, thrilling roller coasters which seems to have new additions every year, Kings Dominion is an exciting place for families and kids. Roller coasters range from the stand-up and hanging variety to one that shoots you out of a volcano. Test your fear of heights on Intimidator 305 that stands at 305 feet (91.44 meters) and gives steep jerks and drops. Or on other equally exiting coasters like Dominator, Drop Tower, Grizzly, The Crypt and Volcano: The Blast Coaster. If you are feeling very adventurous, then try the Xtreme Skyflyer which is a combination of skydiving and hang gliding. The price is not included in the admission fee for this ride. Or if you love water more, then the water park is the place to be. You can splash in, dive in and slide in different rides. Visit Planet Snoopy, where there are Peanuts-themed rides or enjoy live performances held throughout the parkland. Check out Dinosaurs Live! if you are a big Jurassic Park fan. Get some unique shopping done at any of their on-site gift or retail outlets. You will find cafes and bistros all over the park to whet your appetite. Open seasonally, their hours keep on varying, hence it is advisable to check online or call ahead to know the timings.