Full of rich history, a thriving arts scene, and picturesque outdoor scenery, Richmond is a magical place to spend your retirement. Whether you're seeking a new adventure or a unique attraction, the city boasts ample historical sites, outdoor activities, and special events to check out.
Plus, its convenient central Virginia location makes planning a day trip with loved ones easy. Brandermill Woods rests in Midlothian, Virginia, making it easy to access everything Richmond offers. Check out our list of activities to enjoy in Richmond, and make the most of your summer in Independent Living.
Explore Richmond's Historical Locations
As Virginia's capital and one of America's oldest cities, Richmond is home to several impressive historical sites. Check out the following locations to delve into the city's fascinating past.
Virginia State Capitol
The Virginia State Capitol houses the Virginia General Assembly, the oldest elected legislative body in North America. Take a free, self-guided tour, or join a guided tour to learn more about Virginia's political history. The Capitol also features a gift shop with specialized Virginia-made products.
Hollywood Cemetery
Established in 1847, Hollywood Cemetery sits on 135 acres overlooking the James River. This historical urban cemetery serves as the resting place for many notable figures, including presidents, military generals, and authors. Sign up for a walking, car, or Segway tour to explore the cemetery's architecture, valleys, and trees.
Maymont Mansion
A 100-acre green space in the heart of Richmond, Maymont Mansion is a preserved Gilded Age property boasting curated gardens, rescued animal habitats, and an intriguing nature center. Plan a day with your friends or loved ones to visit the mansion and become immersed in the opulent lifestyle of its former wealthy inhabitants.
Canal Walk
The riverfront Canal Walk in downtown Richmond stretches along the James River, offering access points at nearly every block. Opened in 1999, the walkway features public art, statues, and exhibits and operates cruise tours for those wishing to experience the canal's historical stories and attractions from the river.
Participate in Outdoor Activities
Despite being an urban area, Richmond offers plenty of opportunities to get lost in nature. Enjoy the great outdoors this summer with these adventurous activities.
Belle Isle
A preserved island park, Belle Isle features wooded trails for hiking and mountain biking, historical sites, a quarry pond, and a granite wall for rock climbing. Pack a lunch to enjoy by the pond or lake, and reach the island via the footbridge from Tredegar Street.
Virginia Capital Trail
Stretching 52 miles along scenic Route 5, the Virginia Capital Trail is a paved pedestrian and bike trail that connects Richmond to Jamestown. If you don't have a bike, no problem. Several rental spots rest along the trail, in between popular historical sites and picnic spots to check out.
Guided Tours
If you're seeking a low-energy outdoor activity, take a guided tour through Richmond. These tours cater to diverse interests, offering options for exploring the city's street murals, food scene, history, breweries, and distilleries. This presents a unique way to spend time with friends or introduce visiting family members to the city.
James River
Nestled among Richmond's towering urban landscape is James River, a hotspot for kayaking and rafting. Part of the James River Park System, the area also features trails for walking, hiking, and mountain biking. Its location in downtown Richmond offers easy access to restaurants and breweries to relax in after an adventurous afternoon on the water.
Attend Summer Events
Summer is a popular time for festivals, outdoor markets, and food vendors. Stay entertained this season with these popular Richmond events.
Richmond Jazz and Music Festival
The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival is a three-day immersive experience. Held in Maymont Park, it represents one of the largest music festivals on the East Coast, featuring live performances throughout the weekend. The festival runs from August 9-11.
Flowers After 5
Every Thursday from mid-May to October, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens hosts Flowers After 5, a night filled with music, food, and drinks. Explore stunning gardens while listening to local musical acts as the sun sets, bringing cooler weather and a relaxed atmosphere.
Carytown Watermelon Festival
Since watermelon is one of summer's most popular fruits, it's unsurprising that Richmond dedicates a whole festival to it. Serving as Virginia's largest single-day festival, the Carytown Watermelon Festival features vendors, shops, and over 3,000 watermelons. The 42nd annual festival is scheduled for August 11.
Richmond Night Market
Running from April to December, the Richmond Night Market sets up shop on the second Saturday of each month. It features a variety of vendors, from local independent artists to small businesses. After exploring the pop-up shops, catch a live music performance on the main stage or an art activation exhibit.
Take a Day Trip
Although Richmond offers ample summer activities for seniors, many more possibilities are a short drive away. Popular destinations for day trips from Richmond include:
- Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg sits about an hour from Richmond, offering historical sites, artisan workshops, and outdoor attractions. Take the Colonial Parkway to enjoy stunning mountain views along the way.
- Washington, D.C.: Just over 2 hours from Richmond, Washington, D.C. features national monuments, world-class museums, and diverse cultural events. Stop by the Lincoln Memorial before grabbing lunch in Georgetown.
- Virginia Beach: Soak up the sun in Virginia Beach, a coastal town approximately 2 hours from Richmond. Hit the beach, traverse the boardwalk, or visit a cultural attraction, such as Cape Henry Lighthouse or the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.
- Shenandoah National Park: Situated about an hour and a half from Richmond, Shenandoah National Park is one of the state's most majestic natural attractions. It offers hiking trails for all levels, waterfall views at Dark Hollow Falls, and breathtaking panoramic views from Stony Man Overlook.
Enjoy Summer Activities at Brandermill Woods
Plan ahead for summer in Richmond to make the most of the warmer weather. At Brandermill Woods, we help our residents stay safe and entertained all season long. Explore additional resources to learn more, or call us at (804) 621-7328 to schedule a community visit.
