Feeling Luxe In Richmond On The Cheap

Detail of one of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts' Faberge Eggs. Credit: VMFA.

Detail of one of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts' Faberge Eggs. Credit: VMFA.

If you're traveling on a budget, the River City has plenty of options for you.  Explore the city and feel like you're living the big life.  Here are a few top picks on the cheap.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

This world-class art museum is free all 365 days of the year.  Explore American, African, Native American, Ancient Egyptian and Greek works and more on three levels. The Faberge collection is the largest outside of Russia.  You can also grab a glass of wine and lunch in Best Cafe overlooking the sculpture garden.  Special exhibitions are ticketed and the current Yves Saint Laurent exhibition is $22 per person.  VMFA.museum

Hollywood Cemetary

Want to catch some notable celebrities in Richmond?  Well, here they are in their final resting place.  If you are looking for a way to get those steps in, Hollywood Cemetary is it.  You'll have your calves swole while taking in Richmond's most historic cemetery that is home to two United States presidents - James Monroe and John Tyler. Of course, there are stories of haunts and vampires, but ghouls come out at night, right?  The cemetery is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  HollywoodCemetary.org

Virginia Capital Trail

Love to bike or want to take a super-long 52-mile jog?  The Capital Trail starts at Dock Street & 17th and stretches to Williamsburg.  In between, you're in for a treat with a scenic ride of old plantation homes, parks, and Upper Shirley Vineyards where you can grab a glass to cool off.  VirginiaCapitalTrail.org

Credit: Maymont

Credit: Maymont

Maymont

Richmond's gilded age tycoon James Dooley's estate was left to the City of Richmond upon his wife's death in 1925.  In 1975, a private foundation was formed to preserve, maintain and restore the estate which includes Italian and Japanese gardens, a nature center, and wildlife preserve spread across 100 acres.  Be sure to visit Maymont's new otter arrivals and recently expanded family-friendly farm which has been home to goats, roosters, cows, donkeys and more.  A donation of $5 is suggested to visit the grounds and tour the mansion.  Entry to exhibits in the Nature Center is $4.  Maymont.org

Quirk Hotel

This charming boutique hotel that is housed in a 1916 building in Broad Street's downtown arts district.  While hotel stay is a luxurious treat, it's worth a stop for a cup of coffee and people watching.  Visit Quirk Gallery next door for rotating art and gifts.  QuirkHotel.com

Credit: GrowRVA

Credit: GrowRVA

South of the James Market

Richmond's biggest outdoor farmers market takes place Saturdays year-round. You'll find fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, food trucks, coffee, pickles, arts, crafts, and more.  Don't forget to try the donuts!  Start when the market opens at 8 a.m. to get the best picks. GrowRVA.com