Ideas: What to Do/See in One Day (Richmond, Williamsburg: house, neighborhoods)

[normie]

My friends will be in Richmond for work, and they want to spend an extra day to "see the town." They are in their late '40s. They like gardens, scientific things, museums, interesting shops, kayaking, unique experiences. They don't really want to go into "the dangerous parts of town" (not quite sure what they mean by that, but probably not the Fan).

I don't know much about Richmond. My only suggestion was to go to the Williamsburg Pottery Factory. Any suggestions for things they'll want to do or see?

BTW, they have no interest in going to Williamsburg. Apparently they've been there a few times--they want to see things in Richmond on this trip.

[richmondpics]

The Fan is not a dangerous part of town...

Anyways, tell your friends to check out:

For gardens, try Maymont, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, maybe Virginia House and Agecroft Hall.

For historical things/museums, try the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, Virginia Holocaust Museum, Richmond History Center (Valentine Museum), American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, Virginia Historical Society, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (undergoing major expansion and renovation so gallery offerings may be a bit limited), Science Museum of Virginia, Virginia Center for Architecture, etc etc

For interesting shops, try Carytown, Shockoe Slip, Shops at Libbie and Grove, etc

Kayaking... if they bring their Kayaks they can tackle the James River's Class I-IV rapids... or perhaps they can go on a white water rafting tour. Welcome to Riverside Outfitters

If they like beer, they'll love Capital Ale House which is downtown on Main between 6th and 7th. Legend Brewing has killer city views from their outdoor patio.

[Hokieed]

Go to family owned Deluca Gelato for some delicious Ice-cream in the evening. Celebrate their second year with them!! So very tasty... Mmmm

DeLuca Gelato

Click on "Pictures"

[normie]

Originally Posted by richmondpics

The Fan is not a dangerous part of town...
.

If they want to try going to the Fan, what's cool to do there?

[richmondpics]

A drive down Monument Avenue (named one of America's most beautiful streets) would work. Some of the things to do which I've already mentioned are in or adjacent to the Fan. There are tons of good restaurants and nightspots throughout the Fan which they may like to try. There's also a collection of art galleries in the Uptown District of the Fan.

The Fan isn't necessarily chocked full of tourist attractions, but it is a great urban neighborhood with beautiful Victorian era architecture.

For reference, the Fan is generally West of Belvidere Street, north of Cary Street, South of Broad, and east of the Boulevard.

[lordinateur]

If you visit the Fan, you could also try walking instead of driving. I think it's one of the country's best walking neighborhoods. Other than that, I'll second richmondpics post. Maymont is a neat place...see the bears.