Flower Power!: Top spots to catch Richmond in bloom
BY THE RVAX TEAM
According to the National Park Service’s Bloom Watch, the cherry blossom trees in Washington, DC, will reach “peak bloom” between March 28 and March 31. But you don’t have to trek all the way to the nation’s capital to peep pretty petals! Consider this your go-to guide for catching cherry blossoms, tulips, and more in peak bloom around Richmond this year.
Agecroft Hall & Gardens
Did you know this majestic Tudor mansion was built in the late 15th Century in England and brought to Richmond piece by piece? Magnificent architectural feats aside, Agecroft Hall is located on 23 beautifully landscaped acres overlooking the James River, less than one mile from downtown RVA. The blooms here are absolutely jaw-dropping in late March and early April, especially.
Location: 4305 Sulgrave Rd (Windsor Farms)
Brown’s Island
There are a few ways that you can access Brown’s Island to see the cherry blossom trees in bloom:
Manchester Bridge (the eastern-most entrance)
Location: Just south of Tredegar St, between 5th St and 12th St (Downtown)
Byrd Park
According to the Richmond Parks & Recreation website, with its 287 acres, Byrd Park is one of the city’s most popular green spaces — which means plenty of petal-peeping opps. Enjoy the blooming scenery near Swan Lake, Shields Lake, the Round House, and the Vitacourse, and lots, lots more.
Location: 600 South Blvd (Near West End)
Hollywood Cemetery
Aside from being an active cemetery (be respectful when visiting!), Hollywood Cemetery is a registered arboretum with more than 2,000 trees on the ground. Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler are both buried here, along with Richmond legends like Lewis Ginter. And don’t miss the Richmond Vampire Mausoleum!
Location: 412 S Cherry St (Oregon Hill)
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
This 50-acre botanical garden in Richmond’s Lakeside neighborhood features a conservatory, library cafe, and a tea house restaurant. It’s lauded as one of the top gardens in the US, too — it was voted by USA Today as one of America's top public gardens and recognized by the Travel Channel as a best botanical garden!
Location: 1800 Lakeside Ave (Lakeside)
Maymont
Chances are you’ve at least been to one part of this 100-acre historic estate and park, whether you simply strolled through the gardens or visited the Maymont Mansion, arboretum, carriage collection, native wildlife exhibits, nature center, or Children's Farm. However you spend your time there, it’s sure to be a peaceful experience in nature!
Location: 1700 Hampton St (Maymont)
Monument Ave
A drive down Monument Ave during the fall will grant you flashes of golden foliage, but a stroll along the same strip in springtime will glow in totally different shades, like pinks, whites, reds, and more. And, obvs, a little detour around the VMFA grounds while you’re in the neighborhood is sure to offer you some flourishing sights to see, too.
Location: Consider starting in the Fan and working your way west
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