🇺🇸 The Ultimate Guide to Richmond, VA 🧳✨

Your first stop heading south from DC! As the capital of Virginia, Richmond may fly under the radar today, but it shines brightly in American history. 📜 It served as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War, with many key battles fought near DC and Northern Virginia. Must-Visit Spots 👇 1️⃣ VMFA (Virginia Museum of Fine Arts) 🖼️ Don’t miss: Fabergé Collection 🥚: Exquisite jeweled eggs made for Russian tsars—only 50 exist, and VMFA holds 5! Crafted with gold, crystal, ivory, emeralds, and more. Photos and portraits of Tsar Nicholas II’s family 👑—their tragic end marked the fall of imperial Russia. American furniture (18th–19th century), Indian art (one of the largest collections I’ve seen!), and East Asian exhibits. The sculpture garden outside is gorgeous too! ⚠️ Tip: The layout is a bit chaotic—grab a map! 2️⃣ Maymont 🏡🌿 A historic mansion built by a financial tycoon. Highlights: A unique swan bed (under renovation during my visit) A rustic yet thoughtfully designed Japanese garden 🎍 An Italian-style garden 3️⃣ White House of the Confederacy + American Civil War Museum 🏛️ Get a combo ticket! The White House is best admired from outside. The Civil War Museum is housed in a repurposed factory—industrial and artsy at once. Perfect for history buffs! (I even found a wartime map of DC with my neighborhood!) Outside flows the James River 🌊—where locals rope-swing into the water from little sandbar islands. Quite a scene! 4️⃣ Other Attractions You Might Like: The Poe Museum 🐦‍⬛: Dedicated to Edgar Allan Poe The Valentine 📍: Museum of Richmond’s history University of Richmond + VCU 🎓: Pretty campuses, especially around UR Law Kayaking 🚣 and battlefield tours recommended by followers! #Richmond #RichmondVA #DMV #DMVGetaway