Virginia is for lovers: Richmond is becoming a new trend destination, travel blog


Virginia is for lovers: Richmond is becoming the new trend destination

Virginia has often been under the radar of American travelers, but more recently, the state in the southeastern United States seems to be on everyone’s lips. There’s talk of luxurious resorts and fantastic wineries, a vibrant brewery scene and magical landscapes between the ocean and the Blueridge Mountains. But what does Virginia, the birthplace of eight former US presidents, really have to offer?

Is the destination also worthwhile for luxury travelers, couples and bon vivants? We want to know more about that and take United Airlines from Frankfurt to Washington Dulles Airport, which is about 40 kilometers west of the US capital. What many travelers do not suspect: Washington Dulles Airport actually lies in the state of Virginia.

After a relaxed eight-hour flight non-stop from Frankfurt with United Airlines (recommendation: the Economy Plus seats are absolutely worth their extra charge!), We are shortly after on American soil: Welcome to Virginia! With the rental car, we head for the first stop of our journey – it’s in the capital, Richmond.

Richmond (Virginia): A capital is reinventing itself

Already 5 years ago, I was allowed to visit Richmond, the capital of Virginia, and felt the combination of rich history and living modernity even then very charming. But in the meantime, Richmond has once again got a huge boost and shines today as a modern, colorful city with endless possibilities.

Of course, when you talk about luxury in Virginia, there’s no way around a real legend – the The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. The venerable house is rightfully considered one of the finest hotels in North America and has managed, thanks to elaborate, well thought-out renovations, to maintain its elegant charm, without however even looking dusty in the beginning.

Strictly speaking, the Jefferson Hotel itself is already a major attraction. The elegant Grand Hotel, in whose feudal lobby a life-size statue of the namesake, enthrals us, taking us on our first steps into bygone days. It’s a sublime feeling to walk down the wide staircase to the Rotunda, a Victorian-style courtyard.

Marble columns, tapestries, a variety of round arches give this time travel extra impression. And the rooms and suites in the hotel are no less luxurious. On the contrary: In the course of the last renovation numerous partitions were removed, the number of rooms was significantly reduced and the room size accordingly maximized.

Since 1895, the elites of the country and state guests from all over the world have been lending their hand to the Jefferson Hotel. Behind each pillar, a new, exciting story awaits. And for the culinary is of course taken care of at the highest level. The in-house restaurant Lemaire pushes itself, befitting of its status, also to become the first address of the city.

In any case, we are very enthusiastic about the delicious Sea Food specialties and numerous Southern delicacies. In terms of service and ambience, no wishes remain unfulfilled, the wine recommendations are accurate and at the highest level. Only the price level was surprising – because compared to other fine dining restaurants in the US, the Lemaire is extremely reasonably priced.

Attractions in Richmond – often in the open air

However, if you only want to admire Richmond from his hotel window, you will actually miss out on a whole lot. And in every weather condition! In the sunshine is especially the river bank of the James Rivers a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers. The sometimes fast rapids of the river attract adventurous kayakers, but also various waterfowl.

The small river island Belle Isle not only offers a great view and good hiking trails, but is also used in good weather as a bathing bay. Also, the Canal Walk of Richmond, a walk along a branch of the river, is only a stone’s throw away. Cyclists can meanwhile pass by Virginia Capital Trail their own journey of discovery along historic sites and venues of the Civil Wars company.

Speaking of Trail: Richmond has recently released its own Richmond Beer Trail Map. Properly read – a travel guide with more than 30 breweries. Supposedly you do not know anywhere else the locals know as well as a well-kept glass of beer. Three Breweries are located near the river, the majority in Scott’s Addition. But to this exciting quarter, we come down below.

It is not as romantic to visit another attraction in Richmond, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Now every major city in Germany has a botanical garden, but the extensive plant in Virginia’s capital is indeed of extraordinary beauty – especially in the spring to cherry blossom particularly worth seeing!

Quite rightly, Lewis Ginter is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the United States. Meanwhile, the city’s most popular and best rated attraction is completely free – the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The museum, which is open 365 days a year, does not have a defining leitmotiv, yet it offers exciting exhibits for every taste due to its variety of epochs and styles.

In addition to the high-class permanent exhibitions, including five imperial Fabergé eggs, the changing special exhibitions and themed areas provide plenty of variety. Our tip: every Friday evening there are great events at the VMFA, from live music and after work parties to wine tasting with special museum tours. Most events are free.

Variety and variety are also the defining characteristics of the district Carytown, which comes along with its bohemian style at first glance quite un-American.

Instead of large supermarkets or anonymous franchise chains, Carytown is home to small boutiques, charming shops with often unusual assortment and hip bars. It is more like a promenade than a hectic shopping district. With the stylish cocktail bar The Jasper, a newcomer has made it from the start to the new hotspot of the district.

Such success stories of small family-owned shops can also be found in Richmond along Broad Street, which offers a wide range especially for its fashion fans in the luxury segment. Whether tailored suits Ledbury, handmade designer boots at Rider boat or exceptional jean creations in the Shockoe Atelier – With the appropriate credit card limit shopping here come true.

Scott’s Addition: The new scene district in Richmond

But perhaps the most exciting district of Richmond comes at first glance less glamorous therefore, because Scott’s Addition reminds from the outside first of an old industrial area. Behind the walls and facades are probably the most interesting upstarts of Virginia’s gastronomic and culinary scene. We meet many companies and personalities, following the example of the “American Dream”.

Small garage hobbies have created great success stories that have long since set standards and make Scott’s Addition a bit of the Silicon Valley of the American craft beer and whiskey scene. Yes, even refreshing ciders are here in old warehouses gekeltert (Blue Bee Ciders) – and they are quite reminiscent of our Hessian national drink, the Ebbelwoi.

But who thinks of dark backyard distilleries or shady pubs, that is right on the wrong track. The now seven breweries outdo each other with new flavors and entrepreneurial spirit. Places like Ardent Craft Ales are not reservoirs for failed livelihoods, but bright, open and friendly hangouts for young and old.

Even families with children we meet here, the open construction with bar and restaurant immediately before the actual brewing area make the Breweries also to a certain extent to a world of experience. The owners proudly tell about their latest creations and awards or show their “holy halls” to interested guests, Lonely Planet recently dedicated a separate article to the neighborhood.

An important part of this development is Jay Carpenter and his former classmate David Cuttino. The two have from a proverbial crazy idea out many today excellent Reservoir Destillery founded. At the same time, they are something like the founding fathers of this thriving scene district, which at the time of its opening in 2008 was still quite soulless and from then on experienced a rapid transformation:

“When we opened here 10 years ago, after work, I first used the flashlight in all directions. The whole neighborhood was a bit dark and bleak at the time. Today it is almost impossible to find an affordable property here. Everyone wants to go here! Scott’s Addition is alive, hip and safe – the whole neighborhood is just awesome, “says Jay on our visit.

The neighborhood seems to be kissing from a deep sleep and has its share in the new, cool image of Richmond, which, in addition to all its modern developments, never forgets its moving history.

Historic sites and the “White House of Richmond”

Whether at the Civil War Museum, the surrounding Battle Fields or along Monument Avenue – the city’s historic heritage is presented in a very appealing way. Of course, there is always a good deal of patriotism for local visitors, but the history of the United States is also very interesting for us Europeans. That also applies to the Capitol Hill.

In the well-kept park is the famous Rider Statue of George Washington as well as the Capitol. The neo-classical architecture with its tall pillars in the center of the seat of government inevitably reminds of the White House in Washington DC. The construction in Richmond, according to a design by Thomas Jefferson personally, even finished two years before the “big brother” in Washington.

For us it is said the next morning then say goodbye to Richmond, because our tour leads us in the direction of Charlottesville and Loudon County (Article). The capital of Virginia has not only welcomed us, but absolutely thrilled. Here’s a dynamic that will do the whole state good. Richmond has impressively shown us why Virginia is becoming increasingly popular as a travel destination!

Conclusion: You should not miss this in Richmond

More Virginia travel tips are available on Visit Richmond VA and Virginia is for lovers websites.

Video highlights of our Virginia trip 2018

Related Posts

Like this post? Please share to your friends:
Christina Cherry
Leave a Reply

;-) :| :x :twisted: :smile: :shock: :sad: :roll: :razz: :oops: :o :mrgreen: :lol: :idea: :grin: :evil: :cry: :cool: :arrow: :???: :?: :!: