Today’s plan is to explore a couple of museums and then have dinner in downtown Richmond. Shirley and I somehow always start at the local Chico’s store where their 30% off everything in the store sale is underway. Damage done, off to the Poe Museum.

The Poe Museum is located in the oldest house in Richmond. Several other buildings on the property house the various artifacts from Edgar Allan Poe’s life.

His life story is told in various exhibits and an audio via QR Code is available to describe the significance of the items in Poe’s life. If you are a fan, definitely worth a visit. Even if you do not know much about his life, this museum is also worth a visit.

Richmond is filled with historical buildings and markers telling the rich history of this city. Across from the Poe Museum is an interesting historical marker – Early Quakers in Richmond. Steve would have enjoyed seeing this marker because of his Quaker heritage.

We leave here and think we will go to the American Civil War Museum – sadly closed. Somewhere we know will make us happy is the Jefferson Hotel – a historic place and decorated for Christmas. I love to visit this hotel for its grandeur and beauty. You leave here with the Christmas spirit! Very Christmas Disney-esque🎄

Another short drive is the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. In the entrance way and inside the lobby are Virginia craftspeople with their wares on display and demonstrating their talents. Outside in front is a Civl War Horse statue.

Our time is limited in the museum so we focus on the current special exhibition about the history of Virginia’s involvement throughout the years since our country’s founding. An hour easily goes by as we explore the exhibits. Many original documents are on display telling the amazing history of this state’s involvement from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, the tobacco industry, and beyond. Quite a history lesson!

The animated, video exhibits were fascinating. The one above is Patrick Henry. We could have spent another hour easily as we did not even get to the artwork!

Our day concludes with dinner at The Tobacco CompanyRestaurant. The restaurant is located in the Schockoe Slip district. This area of Richmond historically served as a hub of tobacco storage, shipping, warehouses, and wholesale commerce for the city. The restaurant is decked out for the Christmas season and buzzing with people enjoying a dinner out. The elevator, chandelier, and front entrance sign are from other historic buildings moved here to keep the feel of a step back in time. While the inside is re-done, the actual building structure is an original tobacco factory. Love all this history!

An interesting, fun day in Richmond with so much more to see!