Richmond, VA

Answer 1

With its impressive architecture and tree lined streets, the city of Richmond is perhaps the most beautiful city in Virginia. As the former capitol of the Confederacy, Richmond has a long and rich history of southern values and culture. However, Richmond has come to embrace the modern world wholeheartedly in recent years and is currently experiencing an impressive amount of economic growth. Here is what you need to know about the different neighborhoods of Richmond, Virginia.

The Fan District

In many ways, the Fan is the cultural center of Richmond, but it can take some time to learn your way around. The Fan consists of hundreds of Victorian townhouses and homes on narrow streets that fan out toward the west from downtown. The area is home to an eclectic mix of professionals, students, free thinkers and many locally owned businesses.

Carytown

No visit to Richmond is complete without a stroll along Cary Street through Richmond's Carytown neighborhood. Carytown is home to a wide range of cool little shops, bustling coffee houses and award winning restaurants. Be sure to set aside time to catch a cheap movie at the historic Byrd Theater.

Shockoe Bottom and Shockoe Slip

The cobblestone streets of Shockoe Slip are home to some of the trendiest restaurants in Richmond, as well as the most expensive boutique shops. If you take a few short steps past the old orange train station, you will find yourself in Shockoe Bottom, home to many of the bars and nightclubs of the city. Generally speaking, people come in from the suburbs to hang out in Shockoe Bottom, while the city dwellers stick to many little restaurants and bars hidden throughout the Fan.

Downtown Richmond

Downtown Richmond is pretty much all business. There is a huge Federal Reserve building, and the city has a thriving banking industry. The downtown area is pretty much empty at night, but there are a few good watering holes like Penny Lane Pub if you know where to look.

Belle Island

For the locals, James River and Belle Island offer an opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors without needing to leave the city. Belle Island is located in the middle of the James River just about where it snakes past downtown. This historic island was used as a prison facility during the Civil War, but today it is a public park where Richmonders love to walk, run, fish and explore.

Answer 2

General Overview

Richmond, VA is a capital city in which a large amount of the Union’s rich history is still on display for individuals and families to enjoy. Richmond is most famous for being the location of St. John’s church, where the famous revolutionary speech by Patrick Henry (1775) took place, in which he uttered the famous words, “Give me liberty or give me death.

In addition to the many historical monuments and buildings in Richmond, this family-friendly city has a wide variety of attractions to offer the entire family. The thriving art culture in Richmond, VA is a draw for art students and enthusiasts alike. Dining establishments of all sorts can be found in Richmond and whether you are a couple out for a romantic night on the town or a family in search of good eats in casual surrounds, this city has you covered.

Arts and Entertainment

In Richmond, VA, family-friendly activities abound. For starters, every family should stop by the Confederate White House to get a clear picture of how conflicted our Union was during the Civil War (1861). Also, the Richmond Civil War Visitor Center has a large collection of articles of interest from the war and the facility also offers picnic areas for families to use. For art lovers, the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts is necessary see, as it is ranked one of the best schools in the nation. In addition, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has some beautiful pieces you will not want to miss.

Outdoor concerts are always a treat in the mild-weathered Richmond, VA and families or couples alike will likely enjoy watching concerts beneath the stars. For teenagers, Richmond holds no greater attraction than Kings Dominion, where Roller Coasters dominate. If you are an outdoorsy family, you can take a leisurely river cruise or a bumpy ride down the James River in a raft.

Food and Drink

Richmond, VA offers a wide variety of food and drink options that are as family-friendly or chic and sophisticated as you desire. Wine tasting is a favorite pastime in the region and many restaurants in the area host special tastings on the weekends during the summer months. High-end chains such as Morton’s steakhouse are a pleasant standard that can offer couples a romantic evening in a familiar setting.

Family-friendly favorites in the Richmond, VA area are not difficult to find. Take the family out for affordable eats at the local Shoney’s chain or instead opt for the whimsical charm of the Bellytimber Tavern, which looks like it came straight out of the Shire from The Lord of the Rings Films.

Microbreweries abound in Richmond, VA and you will not have difficulty finding a spot to enjoy a good beer with your spouse after putting the kids to bed. The Commercial Taphouse & Grill is a popular spot with locals and travelers alike, offering a cozy setting in dim light that marries the traditional grandeur of Richmond with a modern edge.

Answer 3

The capital of Virginia, Richmond is a city steeped in culture and history. Along with classic antebellum architecture, the city features a thriving art community with galleries and museums galore.

As the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War, Richmond offers visitors the chance to see many historic sites including the Confederate White House and the Museum of the Confederacy. Traveling up to the highest point in the city on Church Hill will allow you to overlook the entire city from the same place that its citizens watched the battle of Richmond take place.

Richmond is host to some wonderful museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Science Museum of Virginia.

With the James River running through downtown and around the city, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, tubing, and whitewater rafting. The James River Park System also offers many well-maintained trails for hiking and horseback riding.