Tours of Richmond, Virginia Are Not Just for Newcomers or Visitors

Whether you're a newcomer, a visitor or a life-long resident, Richmond is a fascinating city just waiting to be discovered, explored and enjoyed! One could literally spend days researching and planning tours of Richmond's battlefields, historic homes, monuments, architecture and history. Fortunately, most of the work has already been done!

If your focus is on the architecture of neighborhoods and districts in the Richmond area and their history or just get to know the City better, a tour with one of these organizations offers a whole new perspective of Richmond.

Valentine Richmond History Center

Valentine Richmond History Center's Historic Richmond Tours: 649-0711, ext. 319, offers walking tours, Segway tours and bus tours of Hollywood Cemetery, Monument Avenue, a Canal Boats and Cobblestone tour and more!

Learn about the famous--and infamous--buried at Hollywood Cemetery. Don't feel like walking? Why not take a Segway tour! Contact Segway of Richmond (804) 343-1850 to make reservations.

Discover the rich history of Richmond represented along Monument Avenue - it's not just about the monuments! Learn about the diverse architectural styles of its grand homes, famous residents and renowned architects on this first street in the U.S. to be designated as a national landmark by the National Park Service.

Canal Boats and Cobblestone tour documents the history of Richmond's waterfront development and redevelopment dating back to the 1840's.

To schedule a walking or bus tour through the Valentine Richmond History Center, find out more details at richmondhistorycenter.com.

Virginia Center for Architrecture

Interested in the Architecture of Richmond? Did you know about Richmond's two popes? Want to learn about the revitalization of Cary Street? Virginia Center for Architecture offers a series of tours and lectures on neighborhoods and districts in Richmond you may have overlooked.

Tickets begin at $30 for non-members, or $75 for the series of lectures/tours that runs through January 2011.

The Center is located 2501 Monument Ave., Richmond. Call 644-3041 ext. 100, for information on these fascinating tours - most of which are followed by a reception at the Virginia Center for Architecture.

Elegba Folklore Society

Elegba Folklore Society is a year-round celebration of African and African American culture. Participate in a guidedheritage touralong the Trail of Enslaved Africans, beginning on the banks of the James River. The Elegba Folklore Society is located at 101 E. Broad St., Richmond. Call 804-644-3900 or visit efsinc.orgfor more information or to invite performers to your venue.

Richmond Flood Wall

The Old Dominion Railway Museum offers a 1.5 hour walking tour along the flood wall. You'll view a half-mile wide view of the James River and panoramic view of the Richmond skyline as well as Belle Isle, Tredegar Iron Works, The Hotel Jefferson, the State Capitol of Virginia and two rail bridges.

Tours are free and take place the second Sunday of every month at 2 p.m., departing from the museum. Wheelchair accessibility with advance arrangement. Admission and parking are free. Donations are appreciated.

For more information, call 804-233-6237, 804-746-5735 or visit http://www.richmondgov.com/Visitors/Tours.aspx Richmond Flood Wall tours originate at Old Dominion Railway Museum, 102 Hull St., Richmond.
River District Canal Cruises

Canal Cruises run seasonally, April - November. Enjoy 40-minute narrated tours of the James River and Kanawha Canal along the historic Canal Walk in a covered boat which can accommodate up to 35 passengers.

Cruises depart from downtown Richmond's River District between 14th and Dock streets on Virginia Street. For full details, including pricing, schedule and other information, visit the Venture Richmond website.