Families begin arriving early in the morning to secure prime viewing spots as the parade kicks off. This event offers an affordable glimpse into the city’s festive holiday atmosphere. Richmond is famous for its fall colors. You shouldn’t overlook two must-visit events: the Richmond VegFest, featuring plant-based cuisine and live performances in Byrd Park, and the Powhatan Festival of the Grape, where you can sample wines and admire local crafts.

The DC Commuter package comes with a $25 food and beverage credit (free parking), and a room upgrade upon check-in. Plus, it’s a central location location that delivers on value—room rates start as low as $189 per night, and there’s even a special geared toward Washingtonians. Quirk is currently upping its game with safety protocols including remote check-in and check-out. River City is home to gorgeous parks (some tasty restaurants), street art, as well as some comfortable digs where you can sleep-in and order up coffee from the lobby. Maymont Park sounds like the perfect spot for a picnic and a leisurely stroll through the gardens.

Learn About Virginia’s History at The Virginia Museum of History & Culture

The city’s new Allianz Amphitheater also hosts big concerts all season, with acts like DISPATCH, Boyz II Men, and Dwight Yoakam. There’s also live music (food trucks), and a fun, valorbet casino active crowd. There are also supportive swings (a creative playhouse), and an athletic court for older kids and adults. For hot days, the water misting stations are a lifesaver. This 2.4-acre park has three playgrounds for different ages, all with recycled rubber safety surfaces. The cruises are a fun way to hear stories about Richmond’s riverfront and see the city from the water.

The island sits in the middle of the James River and features bike and walking trails, a rock climbing cliff, places for fishing, picnic areas, plus popular sunbathing spots in the warmer summer months. You’ll find numerous artifacts, letters, photographs, and much more on display to enhance your experience. Including the best rooftop restaurants, the best breakfast spots, the best ice cream, the best burgers, the best shopping, and the best hiking trails! Tons of bars — restaurants, and shops in the area also participate in First Fridays to celebrate and support the local arts community. Explore the Historic Tredegar site (and you’ll spot the remains of Tredegar Ironworks), multiple permanent and rotating exhibits, and 500 fascinating artifacts. After the sun sets (it’s well worth hanging around to dine in one of Church Hill’s excellent restaurants), groove to live music at Union Market, or sip cocktails in one of the many buzzing bars.

Curious about top attractions in downtown Richmond, Virginia?

It’s held at the Meadow Event Park, which happens to be the birthplace of a pretty famous equine named Secretariat. If you’d like to get out and explore Richmond on your own, check out the Richmond Beer Trail to plan your own tour. Fans of the rooftop scene might also want to check out the Q Rooftop at Quirk Hotel or the Hofheimer Building’s rooftop bar.

Amazing restaurants, public art, and beautiful scenery abound.

Float in style on a 32-foot boat topped with a canopy for weather protection. I had an awesome experience seeing an Andre 3000 show a few years ago! Richmond loves music, and there’s no lack of music venues to satiate even the most hardcore fans. The Byrd Theater offers second repertory films, along with film festivals and storytime events for children throughout the year. Watch a film in the heart of Carytown in this nearly century-old movie theater. Explore the Capitol of Virginia and its well-manicured grounds.

Want to explore where *Ted Lasso* was filmed in Richmond?

Richmonders are lucky to have a state park right in their backyard and Pocahontas State Park is one of the best nature spots in the capital city. While this could be a post in itself (check out this one that gives details about some of the most popular murals in Richmond), where to find them, and the brilliant artists behind them! You will find it from the city’s most popular neighborhoods to the most unassuming of corners. Instead of exploring the cemetery on your own, take a guided tour and learn more about those buried at this historic site. The hilly landscape features lush grounds with elaborate tombstones (manicured gardens), and amazing views of both the James River and the city of Richmond.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Historically, Richmond has been a place of royal significance, with its namesake palace once serving as a favoured residence for Tudor monarchs and its park being used as royal hunting grounds. Tucked away along the river in southwest London (Richmond Upon Thames is a beloved neighbourhood where history and nature collide), providing the capital with one of its favourite days out. The Hampton Inn & Suites location was perfect for all of our exploring, and the comfy quiet room let us recharge for the next day’s wanderings.