With family members coming in over the next couple of months for the holidays, you may be looking for places to visit that are not in Northern Virginia. Richmond, the state’s capital, is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive, which leaves plenty of time for a full day to explore. Here are some ideas for how to spend your time:
Poe Museum
Nestled in the Old Stone House, the oldest residential building still standing in Richmond, is a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Edgar Allan Poe. It holds an eccentric collection of memorabilia, including old manuscripts and letters, his childhood bed, and even a lock of his hair. Keep an eye out for Edgar and Pluto, two black cats that reside at the museum. Public tours are typically offered at 11 a.m. daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. 1914 E. Main St., Richmond, $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and military, $5 for kids 7–17
Maymont
This historic estate and park span 100 acres. You can stroll the gardens and arboretum, interact with wildlife and farm animals, and tour the 17th century mansion. Its website describes the mansion as “a well-preserved document of Gilded Age design and the taste of well-educated, cosmopolitan millionaires.” Until November 12, the grounds will be lit up in glowing lights for Garden Glow, complete with fire pits and food trucks. No ticket required ($5 recommended admission), mansion and garden tours $8 each, Garden Glow $16
Go Shopping in Carytown
Explore the stretch of stores known as Richmond’s “mile of style.” You’ll find plenty of quirky shops and boutiques, like Bygones Vintage Clothing, Shelf Life Books, and Merrymaker Fine Paper. There are several bakeries that offer sweet treats and coffee for a pick-me-up. West Cary Street, Richmond
Byrd Theatre
This is not your average movie theater. The Byrd is a historic landmark that dates back to 1928, and visitors can still see the intricate architectural details of the time throughout the space. Even nearly 100 years later, it’s still showing movies. Pop in for a showing of old family favorites like Jurassic Park (November 12), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (November 18, 24–25), or more recent films like Oppenheimer (November 2–3). 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond, starting at $5
Food and a Brew in Scott’s Addition
Richmond is home to many craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries, and many of them are concentrated in this trendy neighborhood. Try cider at Blue Bee Cider, mead at Black Heath Meadery, or craft beer at Väsen Brewing Co. or The Veil Brewing Co. For a satisfying meal, try ZZQ for Texas-inspired barbecue. Or sit down for a fine-dining dinner at Longoven or Brenner Pass before you head north again. Various locations
More Restaurants in Richmond
- Edo’s Squid for fresh, seafood-forward Italian food
- Perly’s for a modern take on a traditional Jewish deli
- Proper Pie Co. for an array of savory or sweet pies
- Stella’s for authentic Greek food
Feature image of Poe Museum courtesy Richmond Region Tourism
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