Where to stay

Downtown Richmond is the place to stay for various interesting museums including the Edgar Allan Poe Museum and Virginia Holocaust Museum. This neighborhood is also near the Museum District where the Science Museum of Virginia, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture offer even more exceptional cultural choices. Outdoor concerts are held nearby at Brown's Island and James River Park. Book accommodations in Innsbrook for a variety of cultural selections ranging from a Latin ballet company to a Hindu center to a fine cultural arts center. When traveling with kids, Glen Allen is a popular place to stay for easy access to the Children's Museum Short Pump and rides on the Short Pump Express train.

Hotels in Downtown Richmond are close to many outdoor activities along the James River. Try rafting, whitewater kayaking, swimming or tubing on the water, or go mountain biking on Belle Isle. The Maymont Mansion and estate, Riverfront Canal Walk, and Virginia Capital Trail of-fer even more great choices for fresh air and exercise. Book accommodations in Chester to visit con-servation areas and enjoy more river activities. Alternatively, Midlothian is an excellent place to stay for parks and golf. Dumbarton hotels are near the charming green spaces of the Lewis Ginter Botan-ical Garden, while Doswell accommodations are convenient for a fun day out at Kings Dominion, a local amusement.

History abounds in Richmond, from early European settlement to Civil War battles. Stay in Down-town Richmond to tour the Virginia State Capitol building which served as the Capitol of the Con-federacy during the American Civil War. Book a hotel outside the city in Chester to watch reenact-ments at one of Virginia's earliest settlements, Henricus Historical Park. Ashland is a great place to stay for hiking the trails of North Anna Battlefield Park, where excellent signage describes Civil War events. Petersburg hotels are also close to interesting sites, including Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier. Arrange accommodations in Colonial Heights to visit the Violet Bank Museum, where Confederate general Robert E. Lee oversaw soldiers during nearby battles.