Flower Power!: Top spots to catch Richmond in bloom
Powered by Agecroft Hall & Gardens
According to the National Park Service’s Bloom Watch, the cherry blossom trees in Washington, DC, will reach “peak bloom” between March 23 and March 26. 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.
— by the RVAx team
Agecroft Hall & Gardens
Did you know that 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.
Tickets for garden admission can be purchased here.
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
From the Richmond Parks & Recreation website:
This 287-acre park in Richmond's Near West End is one of the city's most popular. Spread along both sides of The Boulevard and Blanton Avenue starting at the Columbus Statue you will find Fountain Lake, a self-lighted tennis complex for any time play, and two softball fields. Sunbathing and pedal boat rides at Fountain Lake are popular in the summer, and a full-service concession building at the lakes offers snacks, lunch, restrooms, and free Wi-Fi during the summer season.
Further south to the east of Blanton Avenue are Swan Lake, Sheilds Lake, the Round House, and the Vitacourse, an exercise trail popular year-round. At Swan Lake, as the name implies, you can see plenty of waterfowl, but please don't feed the geese as this encourages unhealthy overpopulation. Urban fishing at any of the lakes is allowed with a state fishing license, and there are two large picnic shelters with outdoor grills on the east side of Sheilds Lake, the southernmost of the park's three lakes. This section of the park, from Fountain Lake to Shields Lake is also filled with sidewalks that crisscross the park and make enjoyable walking, and several open areas are frequently used for Frisbee and other games.
At the southern end of Blanton Avenue are various historic statues and memorial monuments, the Dogwood Dell Amphitheater and Ha'Penny Stage, additional picnic shelters, a children's playground, and the popular Barker Field Dog Park.
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 over 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 America's #4 public gardens by USA Today 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
