Virginia Museum of Fine Arts contains comprehensive collections of works from ancient times to the present. Permanent exhibits include pieces from ancient Greece, a tapestry hall, a medieval chapel and the largest collection of Faberge eggs outside of Russia. A regular schedule of temporary exhibits rounds out this comprehensive art museum. A peaceful sculpture garden provides a place for a quiet rest beside the rushing fountains. Admission is free, although USD5 donations are suggested.
Founded in 1847, Hollywood is one of the oldest cemeteries in Richmond. Confederate President Jefferson Davis, General J.E.B. Stuart, Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, novelists James Branch Cabel and Ellen Glasgow, and 18,000 Confederate soldiers, 11,000 of the unknown, are a few examples of the historical figures buried here. Hollywood has the city's best view of the James River. When the cemetery was first established, neighbors declared that the rushing of the falls would, literally, wake the dead. Guided tours are available on the last Sunday of each month through October.
Built-in 1893, this beautiful home on the James River is a classic example of Victorian architecture and landscaping. Maymont Mansion is filled with period furniture including a magnificent swan bed. Trees and plants from all over the world were cultivated here by the owners. The English, Japanese and Italian gardens are romantic spots for strolling and picnicking. A carriage collection, children's farm, and small zoo are other favorite attractions.
Spanning an impressive 7950 acres (3217.25-hectares), Pocahontas State Park is a breathtaking forested expanse. The park is named after the legendary Native American figure and offers thrilling outdoor pursuits within its dramatic landscapes. More than 58 miles of trails entice hikers and mountain bikers of all abilities, while fishing opportunities abound in the abundant waters of the park's two lakes. Swift Creek Lake, the larger of the two, is also available seasonally for kayaking, paddling and canoeing. Other points of interest within the park include the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and the Aqua Center, a fun family destination, with pools, water-slides and a wet deck.
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.
North Anna Battlefield Park is the 172-acre site of the May 1864 Battle of North Anna, which has now transformed into a place with walking trails, a picnic place, and historic interpretive signs that point out trenches and rifle pits from the past. Bring your family and friends to soak in some sunshine and indulge in American history. Some trails, such as the Blue Trail, may include steep hills and require strenuous activity.
Westover Episcopal Church is a time-honored Episcopal place of worship found between Williamsburg and Richmond in Virginia. Constructed in the year 1731, it has witnessed a rough past. During the American Revolution, it faced complete neglect and was subsequently shunned in the year 1803. Put in use as a horse shed by the war troops of American Civil War, it has been remodeled and serves as an active house of worship. Noted personalities who have visited the church include former presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson, among others.
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.
This 54-acre (21-hectare) island of the James River has undergone several avatars in its time. What once started as a home to a granite quarry, served the nation during the American Civil War by housing a prisoner-of-war camp. Today, the Belle Isle has shed that avatar as well to become a city park. A great destination for people fond of the great outdoors, Belle Isle gives visitors an opportunity for walking, biking, swimming, rock jumping, sunbathing, bird watching, kayaking and even boulder top picnicking. A natural habitat for wildlife, don’t be alarmed if you come across a raccoon or duck while you’re here. Belle Isle is accessible through pedestrian and bicycle traffic via McArthur Bridge.
Openings on the first Friday of each month bring new artists to the Chasen Galleries. Featuring a larger grouping of artists, numerous mediums are represented here including paintings, sculpture and pottery. Also featured are works of 3D art, ceramic tile pieces and glazed tile paintings. Chasen has a fine collection of estate art and fine art books as well.
Founded in 1847, Hollywood is one of the oldest cemeteries in Richmond. Confederate President Jefferson Davis, General J.E.B. Stuart, Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, novelists James Branch Cabel and Ellen Glasgow, and 18,000 Confederate soldiers, 11,000 of the unknown, are a few examples of the historical figures buried here. Hollywood has the city's best view of the James River. When the cemetery was first established, neighbors declared that the rushing of the falls would, literally, wake the dead. Guided tours are available on the last Sunday of each month through October.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts contains comprehensive collections of works from ancient times to the present. Permanent exhibits include pieces from ancient Greece, a tapestry hall, a medieval chapel and the largest collection of Faberge eggs outside of Russia. A regular schedule of temporary exhibits rounds out this comprehensive art museum. A peaceful sculpture garden provides a place for a quiet rest beside the rushing fountains. Admission is free, although USD5 donations are suggested.