Make some history this weekend.
For a week or a weekend, a trip to the Richmond area means great food, shopping, and entertainment. On your next trip, add a little history with a visit to one of the area’s breathtaking battlefields.
More than monuments, they’re a chance to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with friends and family, and immerse yourself in history. Best of all, from almost anywhere in the area, you’re surprisingly close to a battlefield. So, it’s easy to enjoy a hike before taking in a show at The National, or just walk off Sunday brunch! To add some history to your next holiday, start with an itinerary below.
From retrospect to re-enactments, this day plan is built for those who want to jump right into history.
- Get the day started with a traditional southern breakfast at the Riverbound Cafe in Mechanicsville, just outside of Richmond.
- Head over to Richmond National Battlefield Park’s Cold Harbor battlefield, the site of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s final victory during the Overland Campaign.
- Stop by the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, the home of the noted civil rights activist and suffragist who was the first African American woman to charter a bank in the United States.
- Visit the American Civil War Museum’s two locations in Richmond: The American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar and the White House of the Confederacy.
- Take a tour of the Virginia State Capitol, the seat of the oldest legislative body in the United States.
- Finish your day with a hike as the sun sets at Malvern Hill Battlefield, the best-preserved Civil War battlefield in central or southern Virginia and part of Richmond National Battlefield Park.
- Start the next morning with a tour of Petersburg National Battlefield, site of a nine-month siege, the longest military event of the Civil War.
- Enjoy a brunch of southern classics at the Dixie Restaurant in Petersburg.
- End your trip at Pamplin Historical Park and experience life as a Civil War soldier with the Civil War Adventure Camp and living history exhibits.
Whether you’re into science, nature, or even roller coasters, enhance your historical experience with fun and family-friendly activities all weekend long!
- Make time for at least one meal at local favorite Millie’s Diner.
- Sneak in some education with a trip to Chimborazo Medical Museum, part of Richmond National Battlefield Park.
Keep the kids entertained with a visit to the following:
- Learn some science at the Science Museum of Virginia, with exhibits including the Dome Planetarium, steam engines, the first aluminum submarine and an SR-71 Blackbird — the fastest manned non-experimental plane in the world.
- See native Virginian wildlife at Three Lakes Nature Center and Aquarium, an outdoor park featuring three in-ground aquarium lakes and miles of trails.
- Take the toddlers to the Children’s Museum of Richmond for a hands-on social learning experience.
- Enjoy the thrill of riding the rollercoasters and other rides at Kings Dominion, or the water slides at Cobblestones Splash Park.
- Stop off for ice cream at Bev’s Homemade with unique rotating flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Ease into the evening with a delicious helping of comfort food from Mama J’s Kitchen.
- Interested in more fun? Drive down to Petersburg to see these sights:
- A fan of cars, trucks or tractors? Visit the Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum and enjoy the vintage vehicles celebrating the last century of car culture and Virginia agricultural heritage. Stop by retro Keystone Grill on the way out.
- Drag racers! Stop by the Virginia Motorsport Park to catch races on the quarter mile, and dirt events including tractor pulls and motocross.
- Explore the local art scene at the Petersburg Area Art League with weekly programming, exhibits and classes for all ages.
Shopping and shows? Sights and nightlife? We’ve pulled together a plan for historical fun and lasting memories.
- Enjoy some boutique retail therapy at:
- Pick up a new ring, necklace or pair of earrings, carefully and fairly made at Nine Rose Jewelers, by appointment only on Mayos Island.
- Addicted to vintage thrifting? Stop by Bygones Vintage Clothing in Carytown and pick up something to wear tomorrow.
- Craving something sweet? Buy some European and locally sourced chocolates or nostalgic candy at For the Love of Chocolate in Carytown.
- For the book lovers, stop by Fountain Bookstore in Downtown or Shelf Life Books in Carytown and pick up something new to read.
- Have a green thumb or are a big exterior decorator? Pick up everything you need with seasonal goods at the Petersburg Trading Outlet.
- Love looking for antique furniture, stop by Penniston’s Alley Antiques or the Oak Antique Mall in Petersburg.
- Start the evening with cocktails and dinner at Kabana Rooftop with iconic views of the Richmond skyline or check out the Richmond Beer Trail of 30 distinct breweries to sample across the city.
- Clear your head with a hike through Cold Harbor battlefield, Malvern Hill battlefield, or Petersburg National Battlefield Park on over 13 miles of trails.
Virginia is for lovers, so it’s no surprise that Richmond is for romance. Enjoy a getaway that mixes history, dining, and activities perfect for connecting with your better half.
- Visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, one of the highest rated public gardens in the U.S., with events happening all year long. A beautiful sight for a daytime stroll or romantic photoshoot.
- Check the show schedule for your favorite performers at the National theater or the Homefront Players at Beaty Theater with shows of all genres every night.
- Fall into fresh foodie paradise at the South of James Farmers Market with local produce, handmade goods and more! Open year-round Sundays.
- Enjoy a scenic bike ride or boat cruise along the historic Riverfront Canal Walk, a 1.25 mile stretch of art, shops and restaurants.
- Dive into endless sushi with dinner at Level Restaurant and Bar.
- Finish off the perfect weekend with Sunday Champagne Brunch at the historic Jefferson Hotel.
Before you go
We’ve got some tips and advice for prepping for a visit to Richmond’s historic battlefields and surrounding areas, including hours, weather, accommodations, and directions -- everything you need to make your visit a comfortable and memorable one!
- Watch the Peninsula Campaign Animated Map.
- Download the Malvern Hill Battle App for more details and touring assistance.
- Download the Richmond Battle App for more details and touring assistance.
- Download the Petersburg Battle App for more details and touring assistance.
- Uncover the little-known stories of the Civil War-era Black Experience by downloading the Virginia Road to Freedom App.
- Check the weather at Richmond and Petersburg so you know how to pack and what to wear.
- Find a place to stay that makes it easy to see as much as possible with this list of Richmond region hotels.