Top 10 Best Attractions in Richmond, Virginia for Couples

1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts was practically empty when we paid a weekday visit, and what a treat. From its ancient Indian art collection to its priceless Fabergé eggs and bijoux to its British sporting paintings to the modern art, sculpture, and photography, the marble-clad museum is first-rate. And if you want to bring home a souvenir of your trip to Richmond, the museum shop has a fine selection of gifts, prints, and books.

2. Richmond Riverfront

The James River cuts through Richmond, and in recent years the riverfront has been revitalized. Today it's a place where couples can stroll the 1.25-mile corridor that's home to shops and restaurants; attend a concert or other event on Brown’s Island and the Turning Basin on the Canal Walk; or ply the waters on a narrated, historic Richmond Canal Cruise. The Richmond Riverfront is also where the Civil War Visitor Center is located.

3. Museum of the Confederacy

Learn more about the Civil War by paying a visit to the Museum of the Confederacy. This three-story Richmond attraction contains the world’s best collection of Confederate artifacts. The White House of the Confederacy, restored to how it looked mid-19th century when the South came close to seceding, is part of the museum and a 40-minute guided tour explains its history,

4. Julep's New Southern Cuisine

Richmond Magazine dubbed Julep's restaurant, located in the historic Shocktoe Bottom district, one of the “top seven sensations of Richmond.” Even if you start your meal with one of the eatery's Southern Delight Mint Juleps, you may be tempted to order from the inspired wine list, which features vintages from Virginia along with other domestic and international choices. Dessert adds to the restaurants attraction: Banana foster cheesecake with caramel topping, anyone?

5. Monument Avenue

Heat got you down? (Richmond can be a bit warm in the summer for those not accustomed to Southern climes.) Take a drive in an air-conditioned vehicle down wide and well-planted Monument Avenue.

As the name implies, the avenue is punctuated with monuments of Confederate and other southern heroes set alongside some distinguished Beaux-Arts, Tudor Revival, Georgian, Roman Revival, and even Mediterranean-villa style architecture.

6. Agecroft Hall

Built in England more than 500 years ago, disassembled, crated, sent across the Atlantic Ocean, and reassembled on the banks of the James River, Agecroft Hall today welcomes visitors to the Elizabethan house and gardens.

7. Edgar Allen Poe Museum

Despite being born in Boston, Edgar Allen Poe's true home was Richmond. Here he came to maturity, married, and attracted a literary following. The Poe Museum provides insights into the Richmond where Poe resided and worked in the early 19th century. The museum documents the life and career of Edgar Allan Poe with images, poems, and relics. Couples can rent the Museum's Enchanted Garden to hold a wedding ceremony.

8. Stony Point Fashion Park

Like to shop on vacation? Three malls — Richmond's Stony Point Fashion Park (which has Saks Fifth Avenue as its flagship), along with Regency Square and the Short Pump Town Center (anchored by Nordstrom) offer plenty of temptation.

9. Hollywood Cemetery

If Edgar Allen Poe's museum didn't spook you, you may be ready for a visit to Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond. Although two U.S. presidents (James Monroe and John Tyler ) are buried here, the real draw is the setting itself. Walkers can stroll past fascinating monuments and epitaphs in this gardenlike environment. Scenic paths wind over hills and beneath mature trees. Open from 8 am to 5 pm daily and till 6 pm during daylight savings time.

10. Jefferson Hotel

You may enjoy strolling through this historic hotel, which opened in 1895 and reflects the sensibilities of the age. For instance, there were once separate parlors for men and women. While guest rooms have been modernized, public spaces decorated with tapestries, reproduction paintings, antique replica furniture, and faux-marble columns, could use sprucing up. Those with environmental sensitivities to mold, mildew, dust, and other pollutants are advised to avoid this attraction.