From Rhode Island to Richmond: A Weekend Getaway Worth the Flight
Richmond, Virginia is only a flight away from Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport for a quick trip filled with cherry blossoms, great eats and excursions
Spring marks the perfect time for a trip to Richmond, Virginia to take in the cherry blossoms, the city’s rich history and plenty of local flavors. Photo via Shutterstock
Our home of Rhode Island is an amazing place to be year-round. Still, weekends at home can get repetitive, and with spring approaching, it’s a great time to start planning weekend getaways.
A favorite destination during the upcoming season is Richmond, Virginia’s capital. The air begins to warm, the city’s center lights up with culture and cherry blossoms bloom throughout the city’s trails and parks.
While cherry blossoms are a popular spectacle in Richmond, there’s much more to see as the year goes on. The city has bustling neighborhoods, riverside activities and historical tours and museums to explore throughout all seasons.
To help you and your crew enjoy the city, Breeze Airways offers a year-round non-stop service from Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) that reaches Richmond in under two hours. Flights leave every Thursday and Sunday until May 5, and then continue with an added Tuesday flight to make for three departures a week until the end of the year.
Breeze Airways offers year-round, non-stop flights from Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) to Richmond, Virginia. Photo courtesy of T.F. Green International Airport
Why spring is a great time to visit Richmond
When spring starts in Richmond, flowers and festivals begin to bloom. With the sun shining, it’s a great time to get outdoors to markets and nature activities.
Some of the city’s biggest festivals occur during the season. Dominion Energy’s Riverrock festival is an outdoor sports and music festival featuring a full lineup of bands, along with sports like kayaking and trail running, throughout the weekend of May 15. A little earlier is Richmond’s Easter on Parade, a free, family-friendly event with food vendors, music and craft stations on April 5.
Springtime in Richmond also offers plenty of outdoor markets to discover. The largest one is the RVA Big Market, which occurs every Saturday morning at Bryan Park.
And who needs to go to D.C. to see the cherry blossoms, with Virginia’s peak seasons in late March and early April. Here are Richmond locals’ favorite spots for cherry blossom viewing:
- Virginia Commonwealth University Campus
- Fountain Lake at Byrd Park
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
- Maymont
- Brown’s Island
- Windsor Way
Outdoor adventures along the James River
Nature views only get better as the seasons change in Richmond. Virginia’s capital is also positioned right on the James River, offering trails and river excursions year-round.
For those looking for an adrenaline rush, the James River has class II, III, and IV rapids for a rafting adventure. The waterfront also has kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available for rent.
If the group prefers land activities, there are 22 miles of trails around the river to walk, run or bike on. The Canal Walk is a great option for visitors, with a little over one mile of riverside views and historic checkpoints.
Exploring the city’s historic core
As the capital of the “Birthplace of the Nation”, Richmond is home to several historical tours and museums. If U.S. history isn’t a group favorite, there are other arts and sciences museums to visit.
Beginning with the historical side of the city, the American Civil War Museum highlights the journeys of soldiers and other artifacts from the Civil War period. There are also many historical walking tours, with a popular option being the Haunts of Richmond Ghost Tours.
After a history lesson, satisfy both sides of the brain at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Science Museum of Virginia.
From the Virginia State Capitol to the American Civil War Museum, Richmond is rich with history to explore. Photo by Kelly via Pexels
Food, art and local flavor
Take a break from the sights and spend an evening out in one of the many walkable neighborhoods within Richmond. From shopping in Carytown to restaurants and bars in Scott’s Addition and Shockoe Bottom, there are plenty of options for great eats and outings.
The Scott’s Addition area is packed with Richmond culture, with murals and lights lining the streets and breweries spread across the neighborhood. One example is Bingo Beer Company, a fun choice for a dinner, beer tasting and arcade games on the brewery grounds.
For a more relaxing, family-friendly option, the Fan and Museum Districts offer rows of beautiful Victorian houses, quaint coffee shops and delicious restaurants. Options include brunch biscuits and more at the Fancy Biscuit, and an evening of finer dining at The Stables.
Planning a weekend getaway to Richmond
These outdoor activities, historical sites and restaurant-rich neighborhoods are plenty to begin planning an itinerary in Richmond. All that’s left is getting there.
Once arrived, there are lots of comfortable accommodations to choose from. From full-service hotels to smaller boutique stays and cozy Airbnbs, the city’s lodging options make it easy to plan a weekend in Richmond that’s as relaxed or activity-filled as you’d like.
