Richmond/Museum District
The Museum District is a district in Richmond, Virginia. In 1993, after many years of work this neighborhood was recognized as a Federal and State Historic District. This district consists of early 20th century housing, and it is home to many of Virginia's great museums. The district is located west of the Boulevard, between Cary Street and Broad Street. In 1995 the first Home and Garden tour was held, with many houses displaying beautiful landscapes.
"Carytown" is the strip of Cary St. between Thompson and Boulevard. Carytown offers top rated restaurants and shops that are easily pedestrian accessible.
Get in
By bus
GRTC Phone: +1 804 358-4782. Buses run every 25 minutes and the fare is $1.50.
By car
There are several public parking decks in the area, most being near the Shopping District on W Cary Street. Outside of these lots parking is very limited and for the most part parallel street side lots. Some businesses have large parking lots, however be cautious when parking at these. Many of these buineses, especially those near W Cary St. have strictly enforced towing policies for those that are not decaled or shopping at that store.
By foot
The area is very pedestrian friendly so parking several blocks away in one of the public lots or at an establishment that doesn't tow and then walking to your destination tends to be the best option.
See
- The Richmond Street Drummers. Local teenagers, group of 1 - 6 boys, jamming on trash can style drum kit. If you see them you know you are in a happening place. Be sure to show them support.
Museums
Many of Virginia's most famous museums are located in this district (hence the name).
- 1 Agecroft Hall, 4305 Sulgrave Road. A Tudor estate built in the late 15th century
- 2 Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad Street, ☏ +1 804 864-1400, info@smv.org. The center for premier hands on science education in Virginia.
- Folk Art Society of America. A dynamic, non-profit organization which advocates the discovery, study, documentation, preservation and exhibition of folk art, folk artists and folk art environments.
- 3 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N Blvd (at Grove Ave), ☏ +1 804 340-1400. Sa-W 10AM-5PM, Th-F 10AM-9PM. The VMFA is one of the first museums in the southern part of the United States, funded by a state. It often features exhibitions. Some of the past exhibits include: Realist and American Impressionist paintings from the McGlothlin Collection, furniture of the Old South and masterpieces of American silver. Free.
- 4 Children's Museum of Richmond, 2626 W Broad Street, ☏ +1 804-474-7000. A not-for-profit organization, exists to create innovative learning experiences for all children and those who support them that inspire the next generation of creative problem solvers.
Do
- 1 Byrd Theatre. HIstoric Richmond Theatre, showing movies at $1.99. Go there on Saturday nights to hear The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ played by the brilliant Bob Gulledge prior to the movie.
Live music
- Cary Street Cafe, 2631 West Cary Street (Carytown). A self-described "hippie bar" in the heart of Carytown, the Cary Street Cafe features local and touring jam bands, reggae, bluegrass, indie rock and weekly jam-sessions.
Buy
- 1 For the Love of Chocolate, 3136 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221, ☏ +1 804 359-5645. For the Love of Chocolate is a confectionary shop located at the center of W. Cary St. Shopping District. If you are traveling internationally to the US For the Love of Chocolate is a gret place to get a piece of candy if you're feeling homesick as they stock a large selection of international items. Alternatively you can try some of the bon bon, fudge, and other chocolate treats made in house. $-$$.
- 2 Chop Suey Books, 2913 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221, ☏ +1 804 422-8066. 10AM-7PM. Offering an interesting selection of new and used books.
- 3 Clementine (Sweet Clementine), 3118 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221, ☏ +1 804 358-2357. 10AM-6PM.
- 4 Need Supply Co., 3100 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221, ☏ +1 804 355-4383. 11Am-7PM. A unique collection of vintage pieces. As a Richmond based boutique we incorporate the culture and style of the city into our mix and attitude.
Eat
- 1 Chiocca's, 425 N Belmont Ave. If you have a little cash to spend, and enjoy a dark atmosphere filled with locals, this is the place for you. Delicious deli sandwiches that are worth the wait.
- 2 Ellwood Thompson's (Ellwood Thompson's Local Market), 4 N Thompson St, Richmond, VA 23221, ☏ +1 804 359-7525. 7AM-9PM. Carytown's Own natural food market. Check out their hot bar for quick meals!
- Galaxy Diner, 309 W. Cary St, ☏ +1 804-213-0510. Located in the heart of Carytown, it's a throwback to the 50s with a funky Richmond twist. The theme is "B SciFi", but the food is "A-", that is, not great, but pretty good for the price. Burgers, shakes, and fries of course, but also some good veggie offerings (my favorite is the Portabella Burger) and their unique fried pickle. A fun place for the family, and convenient to the eclectic Carytown shopping district.
Drink
- 1 New York Deli, 2920 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221, ☏ +1 804 358-3354. 9AM-2AM. Huge selection of draft beer with a good lively atmosphere.
Sleep
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History of Maury Place at Monument
The original building permit issued for this Richmond, Virginia historic home, now Maury Place bed and breakfast inn, reveals that construction began on May 16, 1916 at a cost of $10,000! The 4600-square-foot house was built for Miss Addie Sturdivant, who never lived there. The house was built before Monument Avenue was paved west of the Boulevard and before the Maury Monument was unveiled. It was designed by German architect, Carl Ruehrmund, who designed other buildings on Monument Avenue, Grace Street, and Franklin Street in Richmond. Perhaps the earliest prominent owner of Maury Place was Dr. John Weitzel, who was a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia and one of Richmond's first pediatricians. |
- 1 Maury Place at Monument, 3101 W Franklin St (at Belmont Ave/Monument Ave), ☏ +1 804 353-2717, innkeeper@mauryplace.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Luxury 4 room bed and breakfast overlooking Monument Avenue. Within walking distance to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, restaurants, and the Carytown shopping district. $159-289.
- 2 Museum District Bed and Breakfast, 2811 Grove Ave (between the Boulevard and Colonial Ave), ☏ +1 804 359-2332. This bed and breakfast hotel built in 1922 includes rooms with dark oak floors and cozy yellow walls and period architectural details. It is located across the street from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.