Chatham is one of Fredericksburg's historical treasures. The house was a Civil War hospital and Union headquarters during the mid-1800s. The house has ten distinct rooms, most of which house unique exhibits and tours. Chatham's grounds also serve as a headquarters for the U.S. Department of the Interior's National Park Service.
Bethel Hebrew Congregation welcomes the community to attend services and embrace Jewish learning, prayer and celebration. The church runs a full-time preschool to help teach the community. In addition, workshops, post-confirmation learning, inter-faith outreach and other education classes are offered.
This 18th-century building provides a living representation of colonial medicinal and herbal practices. The Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop has a selection of the creatures and remedies needed to overcome illnesses in the 1700s, including leeches and crab claws. Visitors may also explore the herb garden in back.
Mary Washington House is a historic site offering group tours and educational programs. It was purchased by George Washington in 1772 and was the residence of Mary Ball Washington during her last 17 years. The location features a garden, original 18th century kitchen and a museum store with many gifts, artifacts and decorative items. The site is operated by the Mary Washington Branch of Preservation Virginia.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial is located near King Street and Callahan Drive. George Washington Masonic National Memorial was established in 1920. This is more than just a memorial and a museum. George Washington Masonic National Memorial is also a research center, library, community center, performing arts center and also a concert hall. Admission is free for the first two floors.
Gunston Hall Plantation was the home and plantation of George Mason IV. Since being built in 1759, very few changes have been made to the mansion. The original mansion and school house are still located on the property, along with rebuilt slave quarters and a visitors' center. The grounds overlook the Potomac River and a gift shop is available. Gunston Hall Plantation is open from 9:30am to 4:30pm daily.
The city's Office of Consumer Affairs aims to educate the public about consumer issues such as credit and identity theft as it works to prevent unfair trade practices. It also monitors business practices to ensure that they are fair. This office is the contact point if a consumer wishes to file a complaint against a business in the City of Alexandria.
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.
The Rising Sun Tavern was originally built in the mid-1700s and became a bustling tavern in the late 1700s. Its original owner was Charles Washington, George Washington's brother. These days, the building serves as an interpretation of what a colonial tavern looked like back in the 18th century. Visitors can mingle with "tavern wenches" to a backdrop of colonial antiques, all while learning more about the history of Fredericksburg.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a beautiful oasis in Richmond boasting over 50 acres of meticulously cultivated land. The gardens are maintained year round and contain thousands of plant varieties from around the globe, and they are home to the only classically domed conservatory on the East Coast. Visitors can expect to find seasonal attractions throughout the year, with one of the most popular being the GardenFest of Lights, a spectacular walk-through light show during the holiday season. In addition to the gardens, Lewis Ginter offers a library, garden shop, and two dining options, although their Robins Tea House is only open seasonally.
How to get to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
The entrance to the gardens is on Lakeside Avenue near the corner of Lakeside and Hilliard. It is easy to spot, and generous parking is available. There is separate parking for buses, and it is well marked and easy to find. From the parking lots, one building entrance leads to the garden shop and another to the main hall closer to the dining area, but everything is connected so it's easy to find your way inside. Tickets to access the gardens are sold at the desks in the main hall.
Best and worst times to visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is open daily with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and December 24th and 25th. However, the gardens tend to be busier on weekends, so it is best to plan to visit during the week. GardenFest of Lights begins on Black Friday and extends through January, and it is busiest closest to Christmas. The best times to see the lights are just after sunset in early December and during the week after Christmas. Check ahead during special events, as some evenings are reserved for garden members only. Robins Tea House and The Garden Cafe have separate hours from the gardens, and it is recommended that you check the website or call ahead for their hours.
Admission to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Members are admitted to the gardens for free, but for non members, access to the gardens is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $8 for children aged 3-12, and free for children under 3. Group rates are available, but you must call for details and pricing. The Robins Tea House, education center, and library are located inside the gardens, so paid admission to the gardens or a membership is necessary to access them. Reservations are recommended for dining at the Tea House. Admission is not required to access the Garden Shop or Garden Cafe.
Must-sees at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
The conservatory is lush with tropical greenery, exotic orchids, and a wide variety of desert plants, as well as a fairy garden and seasonal exhibitions such as live interactive butterfly exhibits. The GardenFest of Lights is stunning, and includes model trains and mini villages built entirely from botanical materials. Additionally, the children's garden is exceptional and includes a handicap accessible tree house from which the entire garden and lake are visible.
Other places to visit near Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
The gardens are only a short drive from downtown Richmond, and the Lakeside district is a charming residential area where you'll find antique and consignment shops, a unique pet store called Fin and Feather, and the seasonal Lakeside Farmers Market that operates from May through October. The gardens are also part of the Richmond Garden Trail, which includes 8 stunning gardens within 10 miles of one another.
Insider tip for visiting
The best spot for great photos is the Japanese garden outside of Robins Tea House. There is a little stream with a charming wooden bridge that makes a great backdrop for portraits, and that same path leads through an incredible circular gateway which looks fantastic in pictures. It's one of the most iconic settings in Lewis Ginter.
Author's bio: Kitty Lusby is an author and blogger from the Richmond area. She believes that travel is absolutely necessary and encourages exploration both abroad and in your own backyard.