I recently traveled to Richmond for work. While there, I had some down time, so I took advantage and did some sight seeing. There is so much to do and see, I didn’t know where to start. Sometimes when that happens to me, I just stay around the hotel and don’t venture out too far. Fear of the unknown, I guess. Anyway, I was determined to get out and do something. I found it never took me more than 15 minutes to get anywhere.  I went to some great restaurants during the week and did some touristy things on the weekend. The first really touristy thing was going to the Hollywood Cemetery. This is a place you have to see to really appreciate. It’s huge and full of history.  Then I found my way to Ashland. Ashland is a train town outside of Richmond. The entire town is considered an historic district. On Saturday, I made my way to Shockoe Bottom for an historic ghost tour. Ghosts tours are a great way to see several a city at night. This is true especially when I am traveling alone. I would never go to most of these places alone at night. So, going on a group tour is the ideal way for me.  I also love to hear about the local folklore and who doesn’t love ghosts?  Sunday was spent taking more photos in Shockoe Bottom (where Main Street Station is located) and then to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. I spent hours in this museum and I did not see everything. I am pretty sure that I am ready to go back to Richmond.

These photos were taken in the Libby Hill Park area. We were there for a photo shoot and once we finished, I walked around and shot some photos of the beautiful historic homes and the Richmond skyline.

Flags hanging from row houses in a small neighborhood of Richmond, Va.

Hanging Flag

A great view of the Richmond skyline.

Overlooking Richmond, VA from Libby HIll Park

Ashland also known as the “Center of the Universe” is a small town outside Richmond. I fell in love with this town. The town was declared a historic district in 1983.  The first time I went, I had dinner at the Iron Horse. I sat on the patio and geeked out a little when a train rolled through. The food there is amazing and worth a visit. The next day I went back to Ashland and ate at the Trackside Grill.  A little more basic, but still yummy food.

Railroad tracks through Ashland, VA

The visitors center in Ashland, VA.

The train station and visitor’s center in Ashland, VA.

Some of the local shops in Ashland.

The Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, VA is 130 acres. It is large and sprawling and known for it’s beautiful gardens and history.

The Columbarium at the Hollywood Cemetery.

This guardian angel is taking a moment in the Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, VA.

The Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, VA is large and varied in it’s beauty.

A large dead tree resides over a silent kingdom of the dead.

The Farmer’s Market was large and had just about everything, including fresh, hot donuts.

Yoder’s Donuts, dripping with hot glaze.

Jewelry at the Farmer’s Market.

Peppers, garlic, eggplant, onions. All the good stuff.

Fresh pasta. Yes, there was a vendor that sold fresh pasta.

Trains. Did I mention trains?

Main Street Station in Richmond, VA at dusk

Inside Main Street Station in Richmond, VA

Main Street Station at night

Inside Main Street Station in Richmond, VA

To see more photos from this trip, click here.

To see prints from other artists. Click here.