RICHMOND, VIRGINIA: RICH IN HISTORY AND ENTERTAINMENT

Richmond, Virginia is a wonderful place to visit if you love history and Southern charm. I recently visited Richmond and liked what I saw.  We stayed at the beautiful Omni Hotel. By joining their free loyalty program, we were given complimentary Wi-Fi access and hot coffee delivered to our room each day.

Omni Richmond Hotel
Richmond, Virginia

This hotel was a good choice because it is in the trendy Shockoe Slip portion of town. There are food choices for every budget—from City Dogs to Morton Steak House. 

For dinner one night we dined at the elegant Bistro Bobette on East Cary Street. We enjoyed an early-bird special and had steak dinners at an affordable price.

Bistro Bobette
Richmond, Virginia

One evening we ate at the casual and fun Sinē Irish Pub & Restaurant (http://www.sineirishpub.com/richmond_home). 

For breakfast one morning, we skipped the hotel’s buffet, and strolled along  East Cary Street until we came to the Urban Farmhouse, a market and cafe.  Our open-air table looked out at the cobblestone street. We drank giant cups of delicious coffee and ate oatmeal with bananas and strawberries.  It really pays to venture out into the city.

Street view from Urban Farmhouse
Richmond, Virginia

East Cary Street also has a variety of stores, including a bookstore and yoga center.

Fountain Bookstore
Richmond, Virginia

We stopped at the quaint Fountain Bookstore and enjoyed browsing the many displays and, in particular, a table filled with mystery books written by local authors.

Shockoe Yoga
Richmond, Virginia

I know some people love yoga so much that they work out on their vacations. If so, give Shockoe Slip Yoga a call.

There is plenty to do in Richmond. One day we went on a canal cruise. The knowledgeable boat captains narrate stories about Richmond’s history as you float along the James River and Kanawha Canal. I liked looking at the ducks, turtles and old boxcars.

You can also tour Richmond’s Monument Avenue, a beautiful tree-lined boulevard with a variety of homes with different architecture and monuments of famous Virginians (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monument_Avenue).

The Robert E. Lee Monument
Richmond, Virginia

We also visited the historic Virginia State Capitol (http://www.virginiacapitol.gov). Unfortunately, our tour was too short to fully appreciate the numerous paintings, marble busts of presidents, statues and amazing architecture. 

House of Representatives Chamber
Virginia State Capitol
Richmond, Virginia

Washington Statue
at
Virginia State Capitol

For more information on visiting the Virginia State Capitol see http://hodcap.state.va.us/publications/Capitol_Visitor_Guide.pdf.

As you can see, Richmond is an fabulous city. Put it on your list of must-see designations.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, an 18^th century living history museum. I loved looking at the historic buildings, people dressed in period costumes and horses clomping down the street.

Here are some of the places I especially enjoyed visiting:

Printing Office

The printing office (http://www.history.org/almanack/life/trades/tradepri.cfm) was one of my first visits. The printer gave us a wonderful demonstration of the ways newspapers were created many years ago. Did you know that the letter W came from UU? The painstaking typesetting process was tedious and expensive.  Paper was costly during the 18^th century, so the rich citizens were often the ones who wrote articles to be published in the papers.  

The Apothecary

I really enjoyed visiting the Pasteur & Galt Apothecary Shop (http://www.history.org/Almanack/life/trades/tradeapo.cfm). There I learned about the medicine our ancestors took for their ailments and the types of medical equipment that was used for broken bones. There was also a discussion of dental practices. To learn about Thomas Jefferson’s toothbrush see http://www.history.org/history/teaching/enewsletter/may03/iotm.cfm. I’m really glad I didn’t live in the 18^th century.

The Cooper

Have you ever wondered how barrels are made? If so, stop by the cooper's barn (http://www.history.org/almanack/life/trades/tradecoo.cfm).  I asked the cooper (he was a real cooper) how they ensured that the barrels did not leak—did they seal them?  He said that a good cooper will know how to cut the wood just right so that it does not leak. He also said that coopers were usually employed by others and not usually self-employed.  

The Wig Shop

I found the visit to the wigmaker (http://www.history.org/almanack/life/trades/tradewig.cfm) especially interesting. Did you know that to fit a wig properly, you have to have your head shaved bald? Wealthy persons in the 18^th century often wore wigs.  A wig was very costly, as much as an average person’s yearly salary.  Did you know that the term “blockhead” comes from the wooden form used to make wigs? See Puttin’ on the Dog (http://www.history.org/Foundation/journal/Summer02/puttin_on_the_dog.cfm).

Bruton Parish Episcopal Church

If you go to Williamsburg, be sure to visit the exquisite Bruton Parish Episcopal Church (http://www.history.org/almanack/places/hb/hbbruch.cfm).

Inside, you will be delighted by the beauty and history. Men who attended this church included George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry.  Note George Washington’s name on the pew in the photograph below:

Public Gaol (Jail)

After a visit to the Public Gaol (http://www.history.org/almanack/places/hb/hbgaol.cfm), you will wonder why people ever disobeyed the law. I learned that people who were found to have committed theft would have the letter “T” branded onto their hand.  And that was one of the lesser punishments.

The Capitol (http://www.history.org/almanack/places/hb/hbcap.cfm). This is a good stop if you want to learn about the government in colonial Virginia. 

The brick makers (http://www.history.org/almanack/life/trades/tradebri.cfm. I had no idea how bricks were made until I stopped here.

Chowning’s Tavern

I love the relaxed atmosphere of taverns. Chowning's (http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/do/restaurants/historic-dining-taverns/chownings) is one of a number of taverns in Colonial Williamsburg.  I had lunch to the tunes of a mandolin.

The Magazine

The Magazine is a a brick house that was built to store weapons (http://www.history.org/almanack/places/hb/hbmag.cfm). I have never seen so much ammunition.

Williamsburg is a top-notch vacation spot for adults and children. The grounds are clean with beautiful gardens and architecture. The employees are well-educated and professional.  Summer is almost here, so put Williamsburg on your list of places to see.