Richmond is the capitol of Virginia. Richmond is very rich in historical significance. Patrick Henry declared, “Give me liberty or give me death” at St. Johns Church, which still stands today. Richmond was the capitol of the Confederacy during the Civil War as well. But Richmond is more than just history. Richmond is about life and enjoying life. Learning about history and enjoying nature are part of Richmond’s’ fabric. You can enjoy it for free at some of these amazing places.
Maymont Park
In 1893, philanthropist James H. Dooley and his wife completed an elaborate estate high above the James River. It was their wish that upon their deaths, Maymont would be left to the people of Richmond. Their gift to Richmond is called Maymont Park.
Maymont Park is 100 acres of beautifully landscaped property consisting of the Maymont Mansion, formal gardens, an arboretum, nature center, native wildlife exhibits, and a petting zoo for the kids. Admission is free and you will always have something new to learn or do.
Upon first walking through the main entrance, to the right is a large open field with huge maple and oak trees. Many weddings are held here and at the gardens every year. It is a great spot for a family get together or just laying on a blanket with that special someone.
The Japanese Gardens are a beautiful attraction. The unique garden surrounds a koi pond that has stepping stones to walk across. The kids will love seeing the koi in the water and the view of the garden is breathtaking.
Your walk through Maymont will take you past wildlife exhibits native to the region. You will see deer, fox, wild birds, and even the infamous Maymont bears. The kids will love the petting zoo and the reptile exhibit. There is also a nature center with fun things to do and fun loving otters that just enjoy showing off.
Canal Walk
A walk at Richmond’s Canal Walk is a relaxing walk through four centuries of history. Along the walk there are medallions set in the walkway that have information on historical datelines in Richmond. There are also monuments and exhibits along the Canal Walk that give you more historical information about this great city.
The walk is about two miles and takes you through downtown Richmond on the banks of the Haxall Canal, Kanawha Canal, and the James River. It is very romantic at night when crowds are gone and you can take your time enjoying the evening.
If you want to do some shopping, there are unique shops within walking distance just a few blocks away. While shopping you can stop and have a drink at the Irish Pub or enjoy a great pizza at Bottoms Up.
If you are there during the weekend be sure to stop by the 17th Street Farmers Market. Vendors from around the city have their wares to offer like hand crafted jewelry, homemade jams, candles, clothes, and of course the freshest vegetables.
Pony Pasture
A visit to Richmond would not be complete without a visit to Pony Pasture. Pony pasture is an excellent place to go fishing, bird watching, or enjoy a gentle tube ride along the river. And the river is the most dramatic feature of Pony Pasture.
You can enjoy swimming in the James River, kayaking, tubing, and sunbathing on the ever present boulders that line the river. It is a great place to hike with miles of trails that wind around the river and beautiful fields to enjoy some relaxing time.
These are just a few of the many things you can do in Richmond, Virginia absolutely free. You can also visit the many museums and civil war sites that the city has to offer. Take a drive through Shockoe Bottom and visit some of the fantastic restaurants and boutiques downtown that line this cobblestoned stretch of road. Next time you are in Richmond be sure to check out these free things to do.
