Visiting Richmond and Central Virginia

Central Virginia is anchored by Richmond, the state capital. With a diversity of restaurants, shopping and sites, it is a vibrant and exciting urban city. With the James River and its class IV rapids running through the city limits, it also offers spectacular outdoor recreation like no other urban city. Not far west on Interstate 64 is Charlottesville and Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home. Also a short drive, Lynchburg, is a charming city, home to several important schools drawing visitors to a wealth of cultural activities.

Brimming with historical sights, home to well know historical figures and famous names, family fun and exciting museums and events, there are lots of options when you visit Richmond. Whether business, politics, school or a vacation get away puts you in Richmond, take advantage and enjoy the cities wealth of offerings.

Celebrate Richmond's active outdoor side mid-May at the Dominion Riverrock celebration. The tamest event looks like the filthy 5K mud run and a 10K trail run (the James River Scramble). Thrill seekers look for the Urban Assault Mountain Bike Race or the Kayak Big Air among others. Dogs even get into the action with the Ultimate Air Dog competition. No worries if the events are too much, come enjoy vendor booths, an interactive village and live entertainment and watching the competitions.

Charlottesville's best activities are built in and always open. Walnut Creek Park and O Hill are the best places to take a ride if you have your mountain bike. Runners love the wide open Ridge Road and Rivanna Trail while hikers take a 30 minute drive to Sugar Hollow for some peace and quiet. Got kids in tow? Pen Park has 266 acres to set them free in, including the requisite play equipment. If you miss the 61st Dogwood Festival in Charlottesville in April, the city sponsors Fridays after Five each Friday evening through the summer – and they are all free.

Lynchburg is the start of one of Virginia's most treasured summer festivals. The James River Batteau Festival beings a Percival's Island on Saturday morning June 19th. Come watch the boats and crews launch and then head out and enjoy the City. Angel's Race 2010 will be held April 25th for the active and their fans. This is a modified triathlon featuring a 300 meter swim, 25K bike ride and a 5K run. A good warm up for the summer and more difficult distance events.

Lynchburg is the site of Virginia's oldest continually operating public cemetery, The Old City Cemetery. Celebrate near the first of May, the cemetery is host to the Antique Rose Festival. There is a full schedule of events for 2010's 15th anniversary, culminating with Saturday's festival. This is one of the more unique events for Virginia's festival enthusiasts.

Best Western Hotels from Danville and Clarksville in south-central Virginia to Harrisonburg and Leesburg in the north, welcome you and your family on your travels. Conveniently located with affordable rates, look for Best Western Hotels along your Virginia trails.

Richmond and Central Virginia Hotel Map