The Top Historic Tours in Richmond, VA
Richmond Canal Cruises are available from April through November, weather permitting. Tours, which are conducted aboard a model of an authentic river boat, take about 35 minutes, and are narrated by the pilot, who points out interesting facts about the history of the James River. The Canal Cruise is one of the top tours in Richmond because at some points along the river, the passengers feel drawn back in time as they float under the railroad trestles, and hear tales of Civil War exploits and the Tredegar Ironworks unfold. It becomes apparent very quickly, as well, that Richmond’s future lies upon the banks of the James. The development of condos, businesses, parks and recreation facilities foretell a future where Richmonders live, work, dine out and shop all within sight of the James River. For information on tour times and costs, or to arrange for a private charter and/or on-board dining visit www.richmondriverfront.com.
Another of the top tours in Richmond is the Museum and White House of the Confederacy located in historic Court End section of Richmond. The Museum is packed with artifacts from the Civil War and recounts many of the battles, as well as providing personal insight to the lives of Richmonders prior to the Civil War, during and immediately following the War. The White House of the Confederacy is a designated National Historic Landmark. It served as the Executive Mansion for the Confederacy and was the official residence of President Jefferson Davis and his family.
The house has been magnificently restored to its appearance during its heyday in the mid nineteenth century. Whether your interest is in the architecture, the authentic period furnishings, or the fascinating history of the house itself, you will not be disappointed. Guided tours of the hours last about 40 minutes and the guides are both knowledgeable and informative.
The Museum and White House of the Confederacy seem oddly out of place, situated among the modern-day skyscrapers of downtown Richmond. When one walks down the street and peers into the Shockoe Valley, though, it is easy to imagine the splendor and grandeur of an earlier time, when the wealthy and powerful of Richmond arrived by carriage, for social gatherings or military meetings.
The Discover Richmond Tour is also one of the top tours in Richmond. The tours are conducted while riding in air conditioned buses with a tour guide at the wheel. The tours cost $25 and are worth every penny! The buses weave through various historic neighborhoods of Richmond’s downtown, now being renovated and revitalized. They continue through the Fan district, and VCU area. Hollywood Cemetery is one of the stops along the tour and could really be considered one of the top tours in Richmond all by itself!
Many famous Civil War heroes, former presidents and other famous individuals are buried in Hollywood Cemetery. As one explores the burial plots and reads the headstones, the history of Richmond itself is told. The Capital Building tour is another opportunity to learn about the political and social climate of the City since Richmond’s earliest years. Tours also include the 17th Street Farmer’s Market, built on the original site of a native American trading village. Seasonal produce can be purchased daily, as well as wares of various vendors selling handmade items, homemade food, jewelry and other items.
Another reason the Discover Bus Tour is one of the top tours in Richmond is because it offers pick ups, beginning at 9:15 a.m., at several area locations including the Jefferson Hotel, Tredegar Civil War Museum, Richmond Omni and the Richmond Visitor’s Center. Tourists may also stop off and spend as much time as desired at each location, catching the next bus that runs through that location. One of the better known historic stops on the bus tour is at St. John’s Church where Patrick Henry made his “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death” speech. For more information regarding the Discover Richmond Bus Tours, go to http://www.jrbl.com/ and click on the Richmond Tours tab.
Richmond is a city chocked full of interesting and unique attractions for tourists of every age and interest. There are multiple tours offered throughout Richmond, and the surrounding area. It is hard to narrow down or limit the category of the top tours in Richmond because of the variety and number of tours available. No matter what time of year you visit Richmond, there is plenty to do and see, and it will be a memorable visit.
