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As one of Americas most historic cities, Richmond is filled with an exciting past that continues to draw generation after generation of visitors. Its close to the Jamestown Settlement, the Yorktown Battlefield and the nations oldest outdoor living museum, the Colonial Williamsburg. It was once the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War and today stands as the capital of Virginia. Its state capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson back in 1785, houses sculptures of the eight presidents who were born in Virginia as well as one of George Washington. This city is filled with American history and is also a beautiful place with many parks and museums.

Richmond served as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War, which is quite evident with the wealth of sites and information on this infamous war. The worlds largest collection of Confederate articles can be found at the Museum and White House of the Confederacy. Take a guided tour and get a first hand look at the fantastic pieces on display. The National Battlefield Park has preserved over 1400 acres of the Civil War. For those interested in American History, its an absolute must. Three important battles were fought here and theres also the medical museum and the famous Tredegar Iron Works. Richmonds Hollywood Cemetery, so named because of the beautiful holly trees that are found in the area, is a painful reminder of the 18,000 confederate soldiers whose lives were lost. Its also the final resting place for US Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler and Confederate President Jefferson Davis. The stunning 90-foot granite pyramid located here serves as a tribute to those who lost their lives during the civil war.

The St. John's Episcopal Church, built in 1741, is famous for more than just being the oldest church in Richmond. In 1775, Patrick Henry, a prominent figure in the American Revolution, gave his legendary address Give me liberty or give me death during the Second Virginia Convention with George Washington and Thomas Jefferson in attendance. The church puts on a reenactment of the speech for those interested in hearing his famous words. The oldest residential building in Richmond is used as a museum for author and poet Edgar Allen Poe, who spent most of his early life in Richmond. The Old Stone House and Edgar Allen Poe Museum features memorabilia from Poes life and work.

If you enjoy the outdoors, Richmond has a great selection of parks and paths. The scenic James Rives stretches over 340 miles and you can enjoy parts of it throughout the city. The Canal Walk is just over a mile long and provides a wonderful tour of Richmonds great outdoors. Prefer not to walk? You can take a canal ride and still enjoy the view. James River is ideal for kayaking, whitewater rafting or canoeing. Go fishing or simply sit and enjoy the view. The River is also home to the Belle Isle and Browns Island. Belle Isle is perfect for a bike ride and Browns Island is a great place to catch a concert during the spring and summer months. Maymont Park is a beautiful 100-acre park, which back in the 1890s and was the private estate to Major James Dooley. The Major and his wife Sallie spent many years on their Victorian Estate but left it to the people of Richmond when they past away. The beautiful grounds are filled with stunning attractions. Stroll through the Japanese and Italian gardens or the petting zoo. Visit the museum or the carriage collection. There are lots of great ways to see the park. Take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, hayride or an open-air tram. Maymont is a perfect place to enjoy some of Richmonds gorgeous scenery. Richmond also has many plantations. The Berkeley Plantations claim to fame is having the first Thanksgiving celebration. Although theres a bit of a debate between Richmond and Massachusetts as to who actually had the first celebration, the Berkeley Plantation is still a beautiful place to visit. The Shirley Plantation is another well-visited site as its the oldest plantation in Virginia dating back to 1723.

Although Richmond isnt home to any professional sports teams, there are lots of games to enjoy. In fact, Richmond hosts the worlds largest softball tournament each year. For all you car-racing fans out there, make your way to the Richmond International Raceway. This D-shaped course hosts the NASCAR Nextel Cup, Craftsman Truck Series, Busch Series and more. During its off-season, its also home to the Virginia State Fair. Let loose at one of two theme parks close to Virginia. Paramount's Kings Dominion has over 100 rides to get you screaming at the top of your lungs. Avoid eating before the Volcano and the Blast Coaster. The little ones traveling with you will really enjoy Kidsville. The Busch Gardens in Williamsburg is also a great amusement park. Set in the 17th century, youll feel like youre strolling through a quaint European town, except that there are people screaming with joy as they spin, twirl, drop and zoom on the many rides here. Spreading across 100 acres, there are enough rides here to entertain you for a long time.

Richmonds picturesque city is an ideal place to visit if youre interested in Americas history and love the outdoors. Its close to great amusement parks and Williamsburg Pottery Factory, the most visited tourist attractions in all of Virginia and Mecca for shopaholics. You just cant go wrong with a visit to Richmond.