Visiting Richmond and Central Virginia

Central Virginia’s diversity comes alive in summer. Northern Virginia cities across the Potomac River from Washington DC host tourists visiting Virginia’s historic sites. Arlington National Cemetery, The Pentagon, and south to historic Jamestown and Williamsburg are among the many sites filling with visitors during summer vacation. Outdoor adventure? Go no further than Virginia’s capital city and the James River. Launch into class III and IV rapids from downtown Richmond for a day of fun, floating and fishing. Enjoy summer traditions – catch a baseball game with Prince William County’s Potomac Nationals or catch the excitement of auto-racing at Old Dominion Speedway - Virginia loves summer fun.

Richmond’s St John’s Church is the site of Patrick Henry’s 1775 speech, Give me Liberty or Give me Death. From Memorial Day to Labor Day is Summer Reenactment season at St John's. On Sunday afternoons, professional actors reenact debates of the Second Virginia Convention, which preceded Henry’s well-known speech. Performances begin at 2pm with tickets distributed prior, on a first-come basis. Enjoy this reenactment of American History on your Richmond visit.

Kick-off summer fun in Fredericksburg celebrating the Rappahannock River. The 2012 Great Rappahannock Whitewater Canoe and Kayak Race is June 2nd. This 32nd anniversary event features sprints, downriver races and the 20-mile marathon. New for 2012 is a post-race party with live music, food and awards. It is the season for rafting in Virginia.

Art enthusiasts visiting Virginia’s capital region be sure to take in Maharaja: The Splendors of India’s Great Kings, showing at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Richmond is the only East Coast city hosting this exhibition. This 2012 exhibition features 200 Indian and European works including a royal elephant saddle, horse-drawn carriage and golden throne. The show runs through August 19th.

Visitors fill north central Virginia during summer. The proximity to Washington DC and home of many historic landmarks make the region a top destination. Popular sites, including Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon and US Maine Corps War Memorial Iwo Jima draw travelers across the Potomac to Virginia.

There is also plenty of traditional American summer fun across northern Virginia. Join family and friends at G. Richard Pfitzer Stadium near Manassas for baseball. Home of the Potomac Nationals, Prince William County’s affiliate of the Washington Nationals, games run through September.

Racing fans be sure to hit Old Dominion Speedway for motorsports excitement. The 2012 season features Friday night drags and Saturday night NASCAR events. Old Dominion is a NASCAR Whelen All-American track, with Late Model, Mini Stock, UCars and Virginia Sprint Series action.

Could a Fourth of July be better than a day at Historic Mount Vernon? George Washington’s estate and gardens celebrates 2012 4th of July with An American Celebration at Mount Vernon. This is daytime celebration including period reenactments, wreath laying ceremony and special naturalization ceremony. Actors depicting General and Mrs Washington are on hand to share in a made-for-daytime fireworks display.

Richmond and Central Virginia Hotel Map