Anyone driving through the city of Richmond has probably noticed the imposing clock tower and distinctive red roof of Main Street Station. One of the most recognizable and important landmarks in the city, Main Street Station is still a working Amtrak station in addition to being a great architectural achievement and a popular wedding venue.
Public Parking and Transportation to Main Street Station
Perhaps the most obvious way to visit Main Street Station is to arrive by train. The clock tower and roof extend above the raised Interstate 95 bridge, so the brilliant architecture is visible simply by driving by on the interstate, and the GRTC buses that serve Richmond are available to travelers at Main Street Station. Parking is available on site and charges according to the amount of time spent in the lot. Remember that train service is active, and while the recently renovated building is well worth a look, be respectful to travelers that are commuting within.
Best and Worst Times to Visit Main Street Station
While this isn't entirely relevant if you're passing through Main Street Station as a commuter, tourists should consider that rush hour is probably not the wisest time for sightseeing. In general, visits to Richmond are best in late spring when the cherry blossoms are blooming, the temperature is comfortable, and mosquitoes are not yet at their worst.
Admission to Main Street Station
There are no admission fees to visit Main Street Station, unless you happen to have purchased a train ticket and plan to arrive via Amtrak. Facility rentals are available for a fee, and as the historic building is a picturesque backdrop for stylish weddings, this is common.
Must See and Do at Main Street Station
Visitors are always impressed walking through the beautifully restored transportation hub. Be sure to admire the iconic clock tower and enjoy feeling like an old-fashioned movie star in the outstanding lobby.
Other Places to Visit Near Main Street Station
As should be expected of a transportation hub, Main Street Station is conveniently located downtown with easy access to most of the city of Richmond. The 17th Street Farmer's Market is just minutes away, as is the trendy boutique neighborhood of Carytown, where locals love to dine and shop. Don't miss a trip to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoy a plate of Richmond tradition at Buz and Ned's Real Barbecue.
Insider Tip for Visitors to Main Street Station
There are a lot of excellent opportunities for photography at Main Street Station, but be aware that even though it is a historic location with great aesthetic appeal, active transportation hubs are still monitored closely by the authorities. Be mindful not to give the wrong impression, and perhaps speak to someone in the Richmond Metropolitan Authority to let them know that you're a tourist.
Author's bio: Kitty Lusby is an author and self proclaimed adventurer from the Richmond, Virginia area. She believes that travel is a necessity and does it as often as possible.
Named one of the 10 Great Streets in the USA by the American Planning Association, and the only street in America listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Monument Avenue is a beautiful street to drive or walk during a visit to Richmond. You'll enjoy the breathtaking, larger-than-life monuments to some of Virginia's great influential people while you take a trip through one of the great upper-class neighborhoods of historic Richmond.
Parking and Public Transportation at Monument Avenue
Parking availability will vary depending on whether or not there is an event occurring at Monument Avenue, such as the Monument Avenue 10K Race. On most days, parking is available in the private lots of local businesses or in city owned lots, which are marked and easy to find. Parking is not strictly necessary to see Monument Avenue, since visitors may drive down this street and see the sights from their cars, but for those who want to spend more time and get a closer look at the tremendous monuments, parking in any of the lots along Monument Avenue is not difficult. GRTC buses are available and there are stops directly on Monument Avenue, though most visitors prefer to drive.
Best and Worst Times to Visit Monument Avenue
Before planning a visit to Monument Avenue, check to see if there are any events that might block access to this historic street. Bicycle and foot races through Richmond generally use Monument Avenue as part of their route, and while this is exciting to watch, spectators will not be allowed to roam at will and explore the various statues and historical markers. Other events occur periodically, especially during springtime, that do not block access to the monuments, but may make parking challenging to find. Warm, sunny afternoons in spring are the ideal conditions for a visit.
Must See and Do at Monument Avenue
The monuments along Monument Avenue honor General Robert E. Lee, J.E.B. Stuart, Jefferson Davis, Stonewall Jackson, Matthew Fontaine Maury, and Arthur Ashe. Take special note of the beautiful old mansions in the 3100 block, as these are historic buildings notable for their architecture and for their representation of posh Richmond life in the 1800s. The Virginia Center for Architecture is located on Monument Avenue in a Tudor Revival mansion that was designed by the same architect who designed the Jefferson Memorial, John Russell Pope.
Other Places to Visit Near Monument Avenue
For a stroll through another picturesque outdoor location with ties to Civil War history, a visit to Hollywood Cemetery is only a few minutes drive from Monument Avenue. Historic Carytown is within walking distance of Monument Avenue and boasts a plethora of dining options ranging from inexpensive comfort food to chic, elegant experiences. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a great option to stroll indoors on hot or rainy days with no admission fees required.
Insider Tip for Visitors to Monument Avenue
Do a little bit of research on the figures depicted in the monuments before your visit. Not only will you be pleasantly surprised at what you find, but you'll enjoy your visit more with a little bit of context as to why these men were chosen and what they mean to Richmond. Bring your camera, too. A picture of a loved one at the base of one of the monuments shows the magnitude of the sculptures and makes an impressive addition to a photo album.
Author's bio: Kitty Lusby is an author and self proclaimed adventurer from the Richmond, Virginia area. She believes that travel is a necessity and does it as often as possible.
Hollywood Cemetery, named for the abundance of holly trees on the property, is a huge and often visited national cemetery located in Richmond City. Locals frequently walk or jog the paved paths for exercise and sightseeing, and history buffs come to visit the famous grave sites of presidents and noteworthy Americans. The cemetery is also the center of several urban legends such as the Richmond vampire and the black dog, and thrill seekers visit these spooky spots from time to time. Parking is available at the church at the top of the hill, which is generally considered the 'address' for Hollywood Cemetery, and some information about the cemetery is available there for visitors.
Parking and Public Transportation at Hollywood Cemetery
There is some parking available at the cemetery entrance on Cherry St. in the church lot. Cars are allowed inside the cemetery as well, so you may opt for a self guided driving tour instead. If you plan to participate in a walking, segway, or trolley tour, check the website ahead of time to find out where the tour will start and plan accordingly.
Must See and Do at Hollywood Cemetery
Hollywood Cemetery is home to the final resting places of President James Monroe, President John Tyler, and President of the Confederacy Jefferson Davis. A huge stone pyramid stands as a monument to dead Confederate soldiers. In addition to two US and one Confederate president, Hollywood Cemetery hosts the remains of six former Virginia governors, twenty two Confederate generals, two Supreme Court justices, thousands of Confederate soldiers, and a smattering of others important in specific fields of interest. The tomb of W. W. Poole is associated with the legend of The Richmond Vampire, and even the cemetery's website lists The Iron Dog as one of their landmarks, though they do not include the urban legend associated with it. It's advisable to download the map from their website before your visit.
Best and Worst Times to Go to Hollywood Cemetery
Since Hollywood Cemetery is huge, it's rare that you'll find yourself fighting a crowd. However, some areas are not fully shaded, so hot sunny days can be brutal if you choose to take a walk through the headstones. The best and most beautiful visits can be had on sunny mornings just after 8 a.m. in early summer before the heat becomes too intense. Hollywood Cemetery also offers guided tours and events, including Segway and Trolley Tours for those that aren't up to walking the distance amidst the rolling hills.
Admission to Hollywood Cemetery
There are no admission charges to Hollywood Cemetery, but you are welcome to make a donation towards preservation and restoration if you choose.
Other Places to Visit Near Hollywood Cemetery
The North Bank Trail runs past Hollywood Cemetery. It is a walking, jogging, and biking path that parallels the James River and is part of the James River Park System. A four minute drive will take you in range of a wide variety of restaurants and attractions including La Parisienne Bistro and Cafe, which offers contemporary French and Belgian cuisine.
Insider Tip for Visitors to Hollywood Cemetery
Download the map first, and find your way to the Palmer Chapel Mausoleum for a breathtaking view of the James River. Immediately to your right as you stand on the Mausoleum balcony, you'll be able to see a gently twisting train track that runs alongside the river and makes for a picturesque photo backdrop, or even just a nice place to sit and contemplate life for a while. The James River can also be viewed quite well from several other points in the cemetery, and a nice cool breeze comes up from the water in summertime, which is refreshing after the long walk to get there from the church on Cherry Street.
Author's bio: Kitty Lusby is an author and self proclaimed adventurer from the Richmond, Virginia area. She believes that travel is a necessity and does it as often as possible.
