Richmond

Overview

Richmond is surrounded by history within and without this historic gem 100 miles south of Washington, DC on the glistening James River. Speckled with 18th and 19th-century mansions, wide, walkable streets and museums, including the world’s largest collection of Confederate material; Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy and today is the state capital. When the Civil war began in 1861, Richmond was the most developed city and produced everything from flour to cannons, many on display at the American Civil War Centre, the site of an old Gun Foundry. 

Hop on a scenic guided tour to the Appomattox Court House and relive the end of the Civil War which history has proclaimed ended here when General Lee surrendered to General Grant on April 9, 1865. Pay homage to one of America’s great writers, Edgar Allen Poe, who was born in Richmond and a tribute to his life and works is on display at the Edgar Allen Poe museum. Breathe deeply along the paths of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden where stunning gardens, live jazz and wine tastings for adults or water-play and the Sunken Garden for children will delight.

Richmond is the only US city where white water rafting exists within the city limits; James River offers thrills on class III and IV rapids for those with a thirst for adventure. Shopping the nine blocks of Carytown and hunting for antiques in tobacco warehouses in Shockoe Slip brings on a fierce hunger for Southern comfort food like fried catfish and okra which goes down easily with a hearty pour of a local oaky bourbon.