Hollywood Cemetery, named for the abundance of holly trees on the property, is a huge and often visited national cemetery located in Richmond City. Locals frequently walk or jog the paved paths for exercise and sightseeing, and history buffs come to visit the famous grave sites of presidents and noteworthy Americans. The cemetery is also the center of several urban legends such as the Richmond vampire and the black dog, and thrill seekers visit these spooky spots from time to time. Parking is available at the church at the top of the hill, which is generally considered the 'address' for Hollywood Cemetery, and some information about the cemetery is available there for visitors.
Parking and Public Transportation at Hollywood Cemetery
There is some parking available at the cemetery entrance on Cherry St. in the church lot. Cars are allowed inside the cemetery as well, so you may opt for a self guided driving tour instead. If you plan to participate in a walking, segway, or trolley tour, check the website ahead of time to find out where the tour will start and plan accordingly.
Must See and Do at Hollywood Cemetery
Hollywood Cemetery is home to the final resting places of President James Monroe, President John Tyler, and President of the Confederacy Jefferson Davis. A huge stone pyramid stands as a monument to dead Confederate soldiers. In addition to two US and one Confederate president, Hollywood Cemetery hosts the remains of six former Virginia governors, twenty two Confederate generals, two Supreme Court justices, thousands of Confederate soldiers, and a smattering of others important in specific fields of interest. The tomb of W. W. Poole is associated with the legend of The Richmond Vampire, and even the cemetery's website lists The Iron Dog as one of their landmarks, though they do not include the urban legend associated with it. It's advisable to download the map from their website before your visit.
Best and Worst Times to Go to Hollywood Cemetery
Since Hollywood Cemetery is huge, it's rare that you'll find yourself fighting a crowd. However, some areas are not fully shaded, so hot sunny days can be brutal if you choose to take a walk through the headstones. The best and most beautiful visits can be had on sunny mornings just after 8 a.m. in early summer before the heat becomes too intense. Hollywood Cemetery also offers guided tours and events, including Segway and Trolley Tours for those that aren't up to walking the distance amidst the rolling hills.
Admission to Hollywood Cemetery
There are no admission charges to Hollywood Cemetery, but you are welcome to make a donation towards preservation and restoration if you choose.
Other Places to Visit Near Hollywood Cemetery
The North Bank Trail runs past Hollywood Cemetery. It is a walking, jogging, and biking path that parallels the James River and is part of the James River Park System. A four minute drive will take you in range of a wide variety of restaurants and attractions including La Parisienne Bistro and Cafe, which offers contemporary French and Belgian cuisine.
Insider Tip for Visitors to Hollywood Cemetery
Download the map first, and find your way to the Palmer Chapel Mausoleum for a breathtaking view of the James River. Immediately to your right as you stand on the Mausoleum balcony, you'll be able to see a gently twisting train track that runs alongside the river and makes for a picturesque photo backdrop, or even just a nice place to sit and contemplate life for a while. The James River can also be viewed quite well from several other points in the cemetery, and a nice cool breeze comes up from the water in summertime, which is refreshing after the long walk to get there from the church on Cherry Street.
Author's bio: Kitty Lusby is an author and self proclaimed adventurer from the Richmond, Virginia area. She believes that travel is a necessity and does it as often as possible.
With its charming combination of Virginia history and modern science, the Science Museum of Virginia is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Richmond. The sprawling campus is popular as an elegant event space in addition to the obvious draw of the family friendly, illuminating museum exhibits. Larger than life displays, demonstrations, and interactive activities engage visitors in the sciences including natural history, physics, space exploration, neurology, and much more.
Best and Worst Times to Visit the Science Museum of Virginia
Special exhibits change seasonally, so if there is a particular interest that you'd like to explore, check ahead and make sure your trip is scheduled appropriately. Since the Science Museum of Virginia is located on Broad Street, the main road through Richmond, try to avoid coming or going during rush hour, as the traffic will be heavier and accidents more likely. Early afternoon during the week or lunchtime on Sundays are good times to see everything without fighting traffic and crowds.
Must See and Do at the Science Museum of Virginia
Don't miss out on seeing a movie on their giant screen in the Dome. It's a memory that will stick with you for life, and the humongous domed screen gives a distinct impression of movement as the film plays all around. Visitors with children shouldn't miss the Idea Factory section of the museum, where science intersects with play in artistic, imaginative, and challenging fun activities.
Admission to the Science Museum of Virginia
Members enjoy free general admission and special passes to the Dome. For non members, expect to be able to access the exhibits and dome both for under $20 per person, with discounts for children, seniors, and groups.
Parking and Transportation at the Science Museum of Virginia
Richmond is not a compact city, so having a car is generally the best way to see it. GRTC buses are available and there are stops near the Science Museum of Virginia. Check the GRTC website for schedules and to determine if bus transportation is a viable option for your visit. On site parking is available for Science Museum visitors, as well as abundant street parking in the immediate area.
Food at the Science Museum of Virginia
The Periodic Table is the museum's on site coffee bar and sandwich shop. They offer kid friendly choices, salads, sandwiches, and barbecue at prices typical of event vending and entertainment venues. For dining nearby, the boutique neighborhood Carytown offers a stunning variety of options from comfort food to fine cuisine, and the popular Buz and Ned's Real Barbeque is only minutes away by car.
Insider Tip for the Science Museum of Virginia
Make sure that you and your children are wearing clothing that you can move around in without trouble. Even if you don't plan on participating in the interactive exhibits, they're a lot of fun and you might find yourself wishing you had planned for crawling around or riding a bike. Flip flops are a bad idea all around, so wear comfortable walking shoes with closed toes.
Author's bio: Kitty Lusby is an author and self proclaimed adventurer originally from the Richmond, Virginia area. She believes that travel is a necessity and does it as often as possible.
