If you have extra time while in town, check out some of the attractions Virginia has to offer:
1. Carytown: A collection of hundreds of unique restaurants and locally owned stores whose highlights include: antique shops, Ten Thousand Villages, Byrd Historic Movie Theatre (Cheap 2nd Run Movies in a Lovely 1930s Theater located in Carytown), Nacho Mamas, For the Love of Chocolate, Plan 9 Music, and more. Located just minutes from the Boulevard museums, Carytown is a safe, great place to spend time walking around.
2. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: A “mini Met” with collections that span over 5000 years of humankind’s creative achievements.
3. Riverside Outfitters: Go out on a limb and try recreational tree climbing. Wander off the beaten path on a guided white-water rafting trip. Tube, kayak, canoe and mountain-bike rentals are also available.
4. Canal Walk or Cruise: A gentle glide down the canal, the path presents four centuries of Richmond’s history interpreted through medallions, monuments and exhibits. Meandering 1.25 miles, the walk is easily accessible, pleasant, and kids friendly. Or join Richmond Canal Cruises for an informative, 40-minute, historically-narrated tour.
5.Virginia Beach: A tourist’s favorite, a three-mile boardwalk is only part of what makes the Resort Area a major attraction. From Croatan Beach to the south up to the North End beaches, this is where Virginia Beach reveals its outgoing nature, local restaurants, unique shops and all-around beach vibe, all wrapped up in a park-like atmosphere that goes on for miles. (2 hour drive)
6. Historical Finds: Take a step back in time and visit the James River Plantations. Learn about our nation’s past at the Museum of the Confederacy (The White House of the Confederacy from the Civil War era), or the American Civil War Center at the Historic Tredegar Iron Works. Watch a re-enactment of Patrick Henry giving his famous speech; “Give me liberty or give me death” at the St. John’s Episcopal Church, a special recommendation by the bride’s family.
7. Richmond on a Segway: Tired of walking around? Putting a twist on sight-seeing, choosing a segway tour offers a new way to cover more ground. Each tour includes a 15 minute lesson to make sure you’re safe and comfortable gliding around town.
8. Kings Dominion: Boasting 200 rides, a 19-acre water park, and costumed characters such as Scooby Doo and SpongeBob, Kings Dominion provides entertainment for the whole family. (45 minute drive)
9. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: A place to marvel at nature, to relax in a beautiful setting, or to take gardening classes. A wide variety of experiences are offered through its diverse gardens and facilities. More than a dozen themed gardens include a Healing Garden, Asian Valley, Rose Garden, a wetland garden, and a Children’s Garden.
10. Colonial Williamsburg: The world’s largest living history museum. A 301-acre Historic Area, home to hundreds of restored, reconstructed, and historically furnished buildings. Costumed interpreters tell the stories of the men and women of the 18th-century city and the challenges they faced. (1 hour drive)