Seniors Visit Historic Richmond

Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is an independent city and not part of any county. I find that interesting. It was was settled back in 1607 by an Englishman and named Richmond after the London suburb of Richmond-upon-Thames. Senior travelers will find Richmond in Southeastern Virginia, just over 100 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.

Richmond is rich with things for seniors to see and do that include gardens, museums, local historical tours, sporting events and the arts. Richmond has been called “a city of neighborhoods”, each one with a distinct look, flavor, and identity.  All are recognized by the locals or Richmonders as unique neighborhoods, almost as though the city were a collection of several small towns.

Senior river-rafters will find a section of the James River running through Richmond offering opportunities for shooting the rapids in mid-downtown. There are wonderful parks on both sides of the James River. The Greater Richmond area was named the third-best city for business by MarketWatch, ranking behind only the Minneapolis and Denver areas and just above Boston. And ladies, if you like to shop, Carytown’s a must.

Seniors Find Best Town Ever

Edgar Allan Poe lived for some time in Richmond and if you enjoyed his writings, take in the Poe Museum. The city has been named the “Best Town Ever” by Outside Magazine. Pocahontas lived here. Jefferson governed here. Poe worked here. And the Geico caveman (do you know that guy?) was born here. It’s a place where an artistic vibe is felt in everything from the music to the architecture to the more than, get this 900 restaurants, and senior visitors will find historic markers standing at practically every corner.

Richmond sits high on a hill, giving it a magnificent view of the James River surrounded by a multitude of architecturally significant areas, each with its own unique personality. Richmond is blessed with excellent universities: University of Richmond, Virginia Union University, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Medical College of Virginia.

In Capitol Square sits the imposing State Capitol, built in 1785-8 to the design of  Thomas Jefferson, who took as his model the Roman temple known as the Maison Carrée in Nîmes, France. All over Richmond you will find evidence of 400 years of history.

About.com is always an excellent resource for any topic you care to look into. I like the historical and cultural information they offer about Richmond.

And you senior walkers or bikers, you’ll find Richmond to be a super walking and biking city with incredible museums, festivals, cafes and shopping.  James River Park is 550 acres of wilderness set aside in the middle of Richmond, offering boundless opportunities for weekend strolls.

Seniors, I think that you will totally enjoy every moment of your visit to Richmond. My wife is ready for a drive to Virginia.  jeb