🇺🇸 Weekend Getaway in Richmond VA | Near DMV & North Carolina 🌳🌉

Day 1️⃣ 📍 Belle Isle Navigate to Belle Isle Parking Lot and cross the pedestrian suspension bridge to the island. The bridge is fun and highly recommended! 😄 However, the island is mostly shaded with limited river views 🏞️, and only portable restrooms are available. You can explore an abandoned hydroelectric plant through a small opening. If short on time or not up for a full loop, just walking the bridge is still worthwhile. 📍 Hollywood Cemetery Near the entrance is a quirky shop called Rest in Pieces 🖤 selling oddities. The cemetery is vast and winding—best explored by car. It offers scenic views and overlooks the James River. Two U.S. presidents are buried here. 📍 Chimborazo Park Features a small Statue of Liberty replica 🗽. The park is built on the site of a historic Civil War-era hospital. 🦪 Alewife A seafood restaurant near the park 🍽️. The menu is small but unique and tasty. Reservations are recommended. Day 2️⃣ 📍 Carytown A fun commercial district perfect for strolling, shopping, and eating 🛍️🍜. 📍 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Free admission! 🎨 Don’t miss the Fabergé Eggs and the sculpture garden. 📍 Maymont Divided into three areas: Farm/Wildlife Trail, Mansion/Garden, and Nature Center. Note: As of 2025, the Wildlife Trail and Mansion are temporarily closed 🚧. Only the Nature Center requires a ticket. The gardens are pleasant for a walk if the weather is cool. 📍 Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden A beautiful botanical garden full of blooms and greenery 🌸🌿. 🚫 James River Pipeline Walkway is currently closed. #Richmond #Virginia #DMVgetaway #NorthCarolinaDayTrip #TravelVA #WeekendVibes