Seven destinations, each with their own personality and flavor, make up the eclectic Richmond Region. From urban bustle to small town charm, from river life to nightlife, a visit to RVA is as diverse as the people you’ll meet along the way. The Town of Ashland, Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, Hanover County, Henrico County, New Kent County and the City of Richmond warmly welcome you for an “Only in Richmond” experience. The Richmond Region celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion through community-driven initiatives at the heart of everything we do.
What is your destination most known for?
The Richmond Region is a vibrant travel destination made up of seven unique
localities, each offering its own charm and personality. At its heart, the scenic James
River sets the stage for outdoor adventure, while historic sites and museums bring
centuries of stories to life. World-class art fills galleries, theaters, and even city
streets, inspiring creativity at every turn. Culinary experiences range from authentic
Southern flavors to global cuisines crafted by innovative chefs. With its welcoming
spirit, diverse culture, and easy-to-explore setting, the Richmond Region continues
to shine as one of America’s most authentic and inspiring destinations.
During this season, what are some must-see attractions?
February is a great time to explore the rich Black history and culture of the
Richmond Region, in honor of Black History Month. The Black History Museum and
Cultural Center of Virginia, one of the inaugural sites in UNESCO’s Network of
Places of History and Memory, offers special exhibits and events all month, including
a technology-based, immersive exhibition that traces native Richmonder, Arthur
Ashe, on his journey from Richmond to the world. Other must-see destinations
include the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts where visitors can see the impressive
special exhibition, Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia
Keys; the Virginia Museum of History & Culture which tells the full history of the
Commonwealth; The Branch Museum of Design for the show-stopping exhibition,
Undeniable: The Designs of Christian Siriano
and Ashley Longshore; and Patrick Henry’s only surviving home at Scotchtown, part
of the Richmond 250 Always Revolutionary digital trail. Visitors also can relax and
unwind at wineries in New Kent County, like Jolene Family Winery and Saude Creek
Winery, or explore the Richmond Beer Trail featuring more than 30 craft breweries in
the region. On mild weather days, there’s plenty to do outdoors, from a visit to see
world-famous Poppy, the pygmy hippo, at the Metro Richmond Zoo to a walk across
the James River for skyline views and Civil War history along the T. Tyler Potterfield
“T Pott” Memorial Bridge. Or see early spring blooms at Lewis Ginter Botanical
Garden.
Here’s our recent blog post with other Black History Month activities:
https://www.visitrichmondva.com/blog/post/celebrate-black-history-month-in-the-
richmond-region/
What hidden gem should not be missed when visiting your destination?
The Poe Museum holds the world’s largest collection of poet Edgar Allan Poe’s
artifacts, housed in Richmond’s oldest remaining residential building, the Old Stone
House.
Maymont is a 100-acre park and museum complex complete with historical gardens
and picturesque estate buildings, wildlife exhibits, a farm, and a nature center,
offering a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
In the town of Ashland, visitors feel like they’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie, filled
with quaint shops and restaurants, and trains run through the center of town. A
monument to the racehorse, Secretariat, is a perfect selfie spot. Ashland made
national news for its “drunk raccoon” late last year.
What’s one feature that can’t be missed when visiting your website?
Check out the Bandwango trails that offered curated self-guided tours including the
Richmond Beer Trail, the Richmond Region Mimosa Trail, and the new Richmond
250 Always Revolutionary trail. https://www.visitrichmondva.com/things-to-
do/trails/digital-trails/
How did you learn about NATJA and why did you join?
Being fairly new to the DMO world, I learned about NATJA in 2024 when we decided
to host a FAM in May, and many of the invited journalists turned us down because
they were going to attend the NATJA conference. I knew then that I needed to join
the organization and attend the 2025 conference, which I did.
Is there anything else you feel travel media should know about your destination?
So many things!
The Richmond Region is within a day’s drive of half the U.S. population, making it an
easy road trip destination.
The region has all the world-class amenities of a big city – excellent museums,
global dining options, non-stop events and entertainment – while maintaining a
historical Southern charm and quick, easy travel access between attractions, restaurants and hotels.
(It takes less than 20 minutes to go between many of the top experiences.)
The James River, unlike many urban rivers, is a centerpiece for outdoor recreation in
the city and beyond, with the only natural urban Class III and Class IV whitewater
rapids in the country.
Later in the year, a new baseball stadium, CarMax Park, will open (April 7) for the
local team, the Flying Squirrels; the Skipwith-Roper Cottage, honoring the first black
homeowner in Jackson Ward circa 1793, will host a grand opening on April 19;
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will unveil an expanded conservatory (spring 2026)
with a permanent butterfly house and four climate zones; Maymont will celebrate its
100 th anniversary as a public attraction with the re-opening of its fully-furnished
Gilded Age mansion and an expanded wildlife trail, including porcupines and
coyotes; and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture will celebrate America’s 250th
anniversary with a Sailfest family weekend featuring tall ships and IllumiNATION, a
sound and light show on their expansive front façade.
