Spend an afternoon tasting reds and whites - or out on the green.

There is so much to do while you are here as our guest in lovely central Virginia. Since Richmond has a unique history as the capitol of the Confederacy during the Civil War, there is much to see that's related to this important part of our nation's past. Shirley Plantation, the American Civil War Center and Fort Harrison are three venues that are sure to satisfy. Richmond also has a thriving arts scene so you can go to the ballet, listen to the Richmond Symphony or shop for original works of art in Carytown. There is also great golf at The Crossing Golf Club, or horseracing at Colonial Downs. Consider simply relaxing at a local winery and taste the bounty of what our rich Virginia soil and golden sunlight can produce.

Arts & Cultural

• Richmond Ballet Center for Dance: Richmond Ballet was founded in 1957, and their mission is to awaken and uplift the human spirit. This well-respected company also hosts top national tours.
• Richmond Symphony: The best in live music featuring the world-class Richmond Symphony Orchestra the Pops, and more.
• Virginia Museum of Fine Art: This outstanding museum has works spanning 6,000 years, with a significant permanent collection, touring exhibits, to name a few.

Points of Interest

• The American Civil War Center: Here visitors can learn about the Civil War from the perspective of the Union, the Confederacy, and black people of the time. Housed in a restored gun foundry on the banks of the James River.
• Bryd Theater: Built in 1928 a grand movie palace, it's both a state and national historic landmark. And just as in the early days, you can catch a Saturday night performance of the enormous Mighty Wurlitzer Organ prior to the movie.
• Colonial Williamsburg: The Historic Area is meant to be an interpretation of a Colonial American city, with exhibits including dozens of authentic or accurately recreated colonial houses and relating to American Revolutionary War history. It sits on 301 acres.
• The Fan: The fan-shaped street pattern encompasses historic West Franklin Street, Monument Avenue, Grace Street, and Boulevard Districts. It is the largest intact Victorian community in the United States and covers over 100 city blocks.
• Fort Harrison: It represented the strongest point on the Confederate line of defenses. Robert E. Lee personally organized a major effort to recapture the fort after it was lost.
• James River Cellars Winery: Family owned and operated winery, offering award-winning wines from Virginia grown grapes. Tasting 7days a week.
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Stroll perennial and Victorian gardens, exotic Asian valley, wetland and children's areas, and a study garden. Plus during certain months, see the spectacular live butterfly display.
• Metro Richmond Zoo: More than 600 animals are displayed in spacious, naturalistic exhibits. See giraffe, zebra, gazelles, kangaroos, and more.

• Monument Avenue: Memorials dedicated to Virginian-native Confederate participants of the Civil War. Plus, Arthur Ashe, an international tennis star and Richmond native. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Museum of Confederacy: A fascinating collection of Military, political and domestic artifacts and art associated with the Confederacy.
• Pocahontas State Park: Just 20 miles from downtown Richmond, Pocahontas offers boating, picnicking, camping, hiking and a wide range of environmental education programs.
• Poe Museum: The museum explores the life and career of Edgar Alan Poe by documenting his accomplishments with photographs, relics, and verse. It focuses on his life here in Richmond.
• Richmond National Battlefield Park: Make this your first stop on your tour of Civil War battlefields in the Richmond Area. Maps to more than 30 preserved battlefields and exhibits, plus a film presentation.
• Science Museum of Virginia: This interesting venue features hands-on exhibits, IMAX theater, science demonstrations, live theater all within a historic, renovated train station.
• Shirley Plantation: Long before Miss Scarlett and Tara, there were real-life houses that made gracious living an art. After 11 generations, the family continues to operate this lovely plantation set on the bank of the James River.
• The Valentine Richmond History Center: This urban museum's mission is to engage, educate, and challenge a diverse audience by collecting, preserving and interpreting Richmond's history.

Shopping

• Carytown: Variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and food stores in a nine block shopping area.
• Short Pump Town Center: Shop this two-level, open-air retail center with lots of upscale stores and boutiques to choose from.
• Stony Point Fashion Park: Check out the eclectic mix of merchandise in this intimate, park-like setting. They are about 90 specialty stores and full-service restaurants - many are new to our area.
• Virginia Center Commons: Need a new tie for a meeting or new jeans for a hike? This mall has tons of stores for you to shop.

Sports & Amusement

• Colonial Downs: Have Fun and even win big here at Virginia's famous horse racetrack, conveniently located halfway between Richmond and Williamsburg.
• The Crossings Golf Club: Located in the midst of American Civil War battlefields, it's a Joe Lee designed 18-hole championship course. What's more it's just a brief stroll from the hotel.
• King's Dominion: Recently voted Virginia's most exciting theme park, it's 400 acres of ultimate entertainment for the entire family. It has the most hair-raising rides and the wettest water park around.
• Richmond International Raceway: Nascar and Indy Racing along with the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
• River District Canal Walk & Cruises: Enjoy a stroll along Richmond's Historic Canal Walk. Or a fun 40-minute historically-narrated tour of the James River and Kanawha Canal, in a comfortable covered boat.