My weeklong trip to Richmond was due to a wedding. I arrived on Monday morning and left the following Sunday. We were lucky enough that Hurricane Florence decided to go South instead of hit us, so I took advantage of that and was busy seeing all the “River City” had to offer. Here is my list, in order of my favorites, of best attractions:
- Edgar Allen Poe Museum
Having a Journalism degree, I am embarrassed to say I never read anything of Poe’s work. Not knowing anything about the poet, I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of artifacts and all the information I learned about him. Most peoples fascination about him is because of his creepiness, and I must say, his life was quite interesting & strange…
The small painting of Poe (bottom right) was a re-do of the famous photo of the poet. It was taken 3 days after he attempted suicide
The museum itself is in 3 buildings, which gives you a good idea of what conditions he lived in, including his childhood bed and staircase. Edgar was orphaned after his famous actress mother died, shortly after arriving in Richmond. He was then adopted by a rich family, but did not get along with his new father. Because of this, the adoption was never finalized, however he did take their last name as his middle name: Allen.
Museum Cat, Raven, outside the first home and start of the museum
He was meant to marry his high school sweet-heart, however, her father was not a fan of Poe. He intercepted letters from Edgar to her during his 1st semester at the University of Virginia. When he dropped out and came home, she was already due to marry someone else, as she thought he forgot about her. After that, he moved back to Boston.
Enclosed Garden
A few years later he returned back to Richmond and married his 13 year old cousin. When she died (the only photo of her was taken after her death when she was rigor mortis), he got re-engaged to his first love as she was now a widow.
Bust of Poe in the Garden
Edgar went on a trip to Philadelphia 10 days before the wedding, however, he went missing in Baltimore. He was found 3 days later, in someone else’s clothes, going in and out of conciseness. He died later at a hospital and the cause of his death is still unknown!
Interesting, right?! Learn all of that, and more, when you visit this small, non-busy, yet very informative museum.
- Canal Cruise at Sunset
This area of downtown Richmond is being revitalized. The Canal was planned by George Washington as the “Great American Canal Line,” and he envisioned it running from Virginia to Colorado! It now has new apartment complexes, bars and restaurants.
During the 45 min ride, we saw lots of people running and riding bikes along the new canal walk. We also had a guide give us information about the history of Richmond. For example, RVA had the longest elevated railroad track when it was built! The railroad was also the 1st place in the world where 3 tracks crossed over each other. At a cost of only $6 a person, this sunset ride is the perfect to start an evening downtown 🙂 - Hollywood Cemetery
A Monument from the “Ladies of the Hollywood Memorial Association” to fallen Confederate soldiers
Only one of 2 cemeteries in the country with 2 presidents buried (Monroe & Tyler), Hollywood Cemetery holds a lot of history! It is also one of 2 places in America that is both a National & State Landmark!
Monroe was moved from New York back to his home State
John Tyler’s Grave
Being named after the Hollywood trees that line the 135 acre park turned cemetery, there are over 70,000 people buried here. Opened in 1849 as Harvey Wood Cemetery, the first grave was buried 2 years prior.
Family members would spend Sunday afternoon eating lunch on their loved ones grave. This is an example of a “table-top” grave stone
It is the largest confederate cemetery with 18,000 soilders, and was the first private cemetery in Richmond. If you were a General or solider, you however, were buried for free, as 70% of the Civil War battles were in Virginia.
This steel dog watches over a child’s grave. All but one Richmond church gave its bell during the Civil War to be made for this Newfoundland mold
The term “bite the bullet” came from the Civil War! During battle, when amputations needed to be done, nurses would give soldiers bullets to bite while they sawed off limps.
Hollywood Cemetery overlooks the James River
- VMFA (Virginia Museum of Fine Art)
I could easily have spent 4 hours here! With free entry, this museum covers European, Southeast Asia and American Art over 3 levels.
I really enjoyed the Art Deco and African sections. There was also a Modern Art section and outside sculpture garden.
- Maymont
There are a few options at Maymont; a tour of the home, walking around the 100 acre gardens and or stopping in at the zoo!
Italian Gardens
The tour is by donation, around $5/person. It takes an hour and you get to learn about the family who owned the home, and the people who worked on the property.
The home is true to the Gilded Age in its decorations and themes.
- Valentine Museum
I went to the Valentine because of a special exhibit, “Virginia Women in Fashion.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this exhibit, and walked around the rest of the museum. It has history about Richmond, including a section on Monument Ave.
Side note: Edgar Allen Poe’s adoptive mother was a Valentine. - Capitol Building
Located at Capitol Square, this building has a lot of history. It is still used a a functioning State Capitol, and they offer free tours every hour.
One of the main attractions inside is the statue of George Washington. It is said to be the most accurate depiction of our first President!
Note the seal of Virginia at the top of the photo
Review: I was impressed by the amount of free activities in the city! I also liked the amount of street art. I do understand the history dealing with the Civil War, but I did feel as though tours and residents were living in the past in terms of “Confederacy.” I would definitely visit again, and for sure recommend it for families and small children.
TIP: It was hot and humid, so stay cool during all these tours. Get a phone fan and be comfortable enough to enjoy all the sites and take take in all the history!
What’s your favorite thing to do or see in RVA?