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.
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.
Thousands of federal employees work at the headquarters for the United States Patent and Trademark Office, located near the King Street Metro. School and group tours are welcome at the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum, located in the atrium of the Madison Building here. The museum includes a theater, portrait gallery and gift shop. The museum is open 9am - 5pm weekdays and noon - 5pm Saturdays. Tours are Mondays from 2pm - 4pm and Fridays 10am - noon. Admission is free. The space is available for events but only to specific groups.
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.
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.
Pohick Church has a lengthy history in Northern Virginia. It was built in 1774 and was the church of George Washington and George Mason. The church is a longtime member of the Anglican and Episcopalian Churches. The well-kept grounds of the church are available for tours and the church itself is open to the public from 9am - 4:30pm. Services are held on Sunday at 7:45am, 9am and 11am. The first service is traditional, the second is contemporary and the third combines aspects of both. In the summer months there are only two services -- at 8am and 10am.
There are also services during the week at the Fairfax Retirement Home at 2:30pm on Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesdays at 7:30am there is laying on of the hands service. Bible Study is on Saturday mornings at 8am.
The church rector is Donald B. Binder.