It's been
really nice to see her again and catch up on everything. We shared a lot of old
memories about the USA, like the crazy things we did together and the fun we
had on our road trip to LA. What an amazing adventure we had!
Leena knows
I've missed a lot of things about the USA, so she suggested that I plan a
holiday to the USA with my parents next year. She lives in North Dakota, so
when I visit, I can also take a trip to see Mount Rushmore, a famous attraction
in South Dakota. I can also take my parents to visit some other places, like
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Richmond, Virginia. Richmond is the state capital and
one of the oldest major cities in America. Here's what I would do in Richmond.
#1: Graffiti and Street
Art
Photo credits to google
I really
love graffiti and street art. It makes old buildings look beautiful and
colorful, and it also makes for amazing street photography. Richmond has a
great district where locals and international artists have painted all of the
walls. With over 100 murals, this district has become a favourite destination
for street art enthusiasts.
#2: The Valentine
Photo credits to google
I also want
to experience Richmond's history at The Valentine, which is located downtown. This
museum has attracted many residents and tourists, as this place has collected,
preserved, and interpreted Richmond's 400-year history for over a century.
#3: Eat Donuts at Sugar
Shack Donuts
Photo credits to google
I am a donut
fan, and in Richmond, I have to go to Sugar Shack Donuts! Some sites say that
Sugar Shack Donuts can satisfy anyone and everyone because of the wide variety
of toppings. Sugar Shack Donuts also has a mobile truck that delivers
gluten-free and vegan donuts to shops around Richmond.
#4: Richmond Beer Trail
Image via Google
Say
"hello" to Richmond's craft beer! Richmond is a major craft beer
destination with more than 20 breweries. The Wall Street Journal also says
Richmond is home to one of the region's fastest-growing beer scenes. As a beer
lover, I couldn't leave out the Richmond Beer Trail!
#5: The James River
Image via Google
I'm going to
have my first kayak experience in the James River! It's Richmond's greatest
natural resource with many outdoor activities nearby, such as biking, rafting,
hiking, running, and climbing. From here, you can see a great city view of
Richmond, too.
Where to Stay in
Richmond
Now, where
should we stay in Richmond, Virginia? Hotels aren't very expensive here, even
the famous international luxury hotel brands. Here are some of the best picks
from HotelPlanner.
Graduate Richmond
Image
via HotelPlanner
The Graduate Richmond is a new hotel that just opened
last month, so I'm sure it's neat and clean. Room rates start from $94 with
either one king or two double beds. The rooms look so comfy and modern, and I
like that the Graduate Richmond encourages guests to go green by reusing their
towels and linens.
Crowne Plaza Richmond
Downtown
Image
via HotelPlanner
The Crowne Plaza Richmond
Downtown has a
convenient location just a 20-minute walk to the Valentine Museum and some
street art. It looks like a big hotel, as it has an indoor swimming pool and
gym facilities. Though the interior and furniture look a bit old-fashioned, the
rooms look decent and clean. The basic room rate is about $109, with a 4.0
rating from 881 guest reviews.
Linden Row Inn
Image via
HotelPlanner
I love the
French-style backyard at the Linden Row Inn! The entire building has a European
style to welcome guests. The room rate is reasonable, starting at $90 per
night. If you look at traveler reviews, this inn has a 4.5 from 1,019 guest
reviews.
I took this
picture with Leena 13 years ago in Duluth, Minnesota. Time passes, and people
change. Look at the outfits and makeup we wore back then. Let's keep our
fingers crossed that our next gathering happens soon in the USA!
