If you’re on a budget and looking for fun things to do in Richmond, Virginia, you’re in luck. Despite being one of the largest cities in the nation, the city still has plenty to offer without breaking the bank. From First Fridays to Edgar Allen Poe Museums, there’s something for everyone. If you’re wondering how to have the most fun without spending too much, consider a family day out in Richmond.
Maymont Children’s Barn
While you’re in Richmond, you can take your kids to a variety of fun family attractions. Whether you want to learn about farming or have a hands-on animal encounter, you’re sure to find something for the entire family to enjoy. At Maymont Children’s Barn, you can feed animals and even get up close to some farm animals.
A family-friendly attraction that’s free and fun to visit is Maymont Children’s Barn. While its farm is currently closed for renovation, its other animal exhibits and 100-acre gardens will keep your kids entertained. It’s a great place for kids to meet and play with other kids and make new friends.
This Richmond attraction includes a petting zoo and nature center. There’s also an exhibit on African American life in the South called Belowstairs. You can also enjoy a picnic among the flora and fauna of the Maymont Nature Center. You may even see a local otter or two!
Maymont is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Richmond. It is a historic estate that was once owned by railroad magnate James Dooley and his wife Sallie. The couple lived at the estate until their deaths, and in 1925 they donated the estate to the city of Richmond. The historic mansion is surrounded by beautiful gardens and wildlife exhibits.
Edgar Allen Poe Museum
If you want to experience a bit of history and culture, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum is an excellent choice. This historical site is located in the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia. While the poet never lived in the building, the museum celebrates his time in Richmond.
The museum contains the largest collection of Poe manuscripts and other artifacts. Its five buildings showcase the life and influence of the writer. Visiting the museum will help you gain a deeper understanding of the famous poet and writer. Visitors can view first editions of Poe’s works, including ‘The Raven’, as well as his vest, pen knife, and work chair. Poe sat in this chair with its back cut off because his boss wanted him to sit upright.
To gain a deeper understanding of Poe’s life, you can visit the museum’s Death Room. You’ll also see a lock of Poe’s hair and an engraved walking stick. The death room also contains a pair of Poe’s socks.
The museum is located in the Poe house, which is now a museum. The museum is small, but you should be able to spend about an hour or so walking through it. You can purchase souvenirs at the front entrance.
Visiting the Old Stone House
Visiting the Old Stone House in Richmond Virginia is an excellent way to see one of the most historically significant buildings in the country. The 1737 house is home to the Edgar Allan Poe Museum and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Poe spent some time in Richmond as a young man and even worked on a local newspaper. Today, you can still experience the rich history of this historic site on a budget by using one of the many free and low-cost tour options.
There are also dozens of free attractions to visit in the city. The city has a vibrant farm-to-table food scene, dozens of craft breweries, and the only urban rapids in the country. The city is easy to access by car, but it still has a thriving public transportation system. Major interstates like 95 and 64 bring commuters into the city, and Amtrak also stops at the downtown train station. In addition to being the state’s capital, Richmond is also home to a diverse array of museums, galleries, and music venues.
You can also visit the Richmond Public Library for free and find more information about the city’s history. You can also visit Richmond on the Cheap, a website with freebies and deals. There are also many local discount shops and other freebies available. Make sure you look up the city’s crime reports on their website. You can also visit the Department of Motor Vehicles for your Virginia driver’s license.
Visiting Richmond’s street art scene
If you’re on a tight budget, there are several ways to see Richmond’s amazing street art. Richmond is home to a large number of murals, which can be viewed on foot, bicycle or in a car. Carytown and the Scotts Addition are the perfect places to see some of the city’s murals.
Spring is a great time to view open-air murals. You can also take a self-guided walking tour of the city, which is free. Alternatively, you can try the Jackson Ward – Self-Guided Murals Walking Tour, which focuses on one walkable neighborhood.
After you’ve taken in the street art, make sure to visit the Richmond Museum of Art. There are many exhibits related to Virginia history, and you can visit the War Horse bronze sculpture, which commemorates the Civil War mules and horses. You can also sample some of the city’s craft beers and check out the innovative gastropub scene. One of the most popular breweries is Veil Brewing Co.; the Richmond brewery just opened a second location in Norfolk.
Don’t forget to stop by Diversity Thrift, which is one of Richmond’s largest thrift stores. The shop has a variety of men’s and women’s clothing and shoes. It’s also plastered with colorful street art and a space where the LGBT community can hold events.
Shopping in Richmond
Shopping in Richmond can be an exciting experience on a budget, thanks to the city’s many shopping centers. These places are convenient to access, offer convenient parking, and have a variety of local and specialty shops. Some of them even offer entertainment and activities, from local artists to live music.
The Chesterfield Towne Center, the city’s largest covered mall, offers more than 130 stores. The wide array of shops includes popular names like JCPenney and Victoria’s Secret. For dining options, there are several restaurants and a kids’ play area. You can also find some unique gifts at the shops.
707 Fine Clothing is another great place to find affordable clothing that fits your personality. The staff at this boutique will work with you to create a personalized wardrobe based on your size and personality. The company uses only the best fabrics from around the world to create unique garments. This store offers a wide range of clothing for women and men.
Another local shop to visit is Fraiche. Located in the heart of Richmond’s Libbie and Grove shopping district, this shop offers chic gifts and chic home decor. The staff is helpful and friendly, and the merchandise is unique and interesting.