Monument Avenue

Monument Avenue

Monument Avenue is historical here in RVA ever since 1870 when the Robert E. Lee

statue, which was the first and the biggest statue avenue in Richmond. It brought over 10,000 people to see the opening, and at the time the Robert E. Lee statue was the only thing standing, it wasn’t until ten years later that people decided to build houses and apartments near it. Through out the years there has been many changes on the avenue, but the statues have been there for years. Now in 2014 million dollar homes stand within a few walking miles of the Robert E. Lee statue. Although it might seem boring to just have a statue in a middle of an avenue, but everyone who lives in Richmond has seen it and knows where to find it.

On May 9,2012 Holly, Laura and I went to Monument avenue, and had no problem finding where to park simply because we could just walk to the different statues that are down there. We were not only fascinated by the cool statues but the houses down there are extremly beautiful. The atmosphere there is so nice and quiet, mostly because older people live there and the VCU students are also very nice and chill. It’s cool to have these monuments so close to home, because it gives us background knowledge from that we learn in history class.

Agecroft Hall

Agecroft Hall

Agecroft Hall is a remarkable tudor estate located in Richmond Virginia on the rolling banks of the James River. The manor house was originally built and stood in Lancashire, England in the 15th century and was the home of England’s Langley and Dauntesey families. Sadly, at the end of the 19th century Agecroft came to a point where it was far from repair and in 1925 it was sold in auction. As the saying goes one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,  Richmonder Thomas C. Williams, Jr. saw the beauty of the estate and purchased it. It was then dismantled and it started its voyage across the Atlantic and was reassembled in Richmond. It now stands beautifully in a richmond neighborhood, Windsor Farms, where it is able to be observed and visited by all.

A visit to Agecroft Hall is like stepping into a time travel machine and being able to experience the manor in a way that you would have in the 15th century. Each room offers a look back in time. A tour of the Great Hall will make you think of the elaborate feasts that have taken place, the Parlour demonstrates where the family and guests would have gone to recieve privacy and comfort, and the sleeping chambers show where the family would sleep, dine, and dress. A tour through Agecroft Hall will help you imagine what the home life would have been like so long ago.

Along with the beautiful estate there is a beautiful garden. The aroma of the flowers themselves is worth a stroll through. Not only does it smell divine but the garden was also designed in a way that will definitely take your breath away! The garden is based off of the pond garden at England’s Hampton Court Palace. Within the garden there is a knot garden which is unique and simply gorgeous! In the garden there are exotic plants, a knot garden, and a collection of clipped herbs. No matter who you are  it  is completely impossible to not see the beauty in this elaborate garden.

Agecroft Hall is a hidden treasure in Richmond that is worth a visit. The house is filled with interesting history and the garden is just extraordinary! By paying just a few dollars you are able to enjoy this wonderful place. It is definitely worthwhile and will prove to be an unforgettable experience!

The Byrd Theater

The Byrd Theater

The Byrd Theater, located in Richmond VA, is not only a historic site for our city, but a nationally recognized American landmark.  The Byrd Theater was built in 1928 and named after William Byrd II who founded the city!  Richmonders sooned started referring to The Byrd as “Richmond’s Move Palace”, perhaps because of how grand and beautiful the building is inside and out!  So beautiful and ornate that it took $900,000 to complete, which estimates to $11 million dollars in today’s money.  In The Byrd’s early days adult tickets cost 50 cents, and children’s were just 25 cents!  Richmonders came to The Byrd not only for movies, but for news and live shows as well.  It used to be before each motion picture, two news stories would play to the public.  This was because household televisions wouldn’t come around for a few more decades, so this is how Richmonders saw their news instead of just listening at home on their radios.  Besides just motion pictures and news reels, The Byrd is also a functioning stage!  Live concerts, performances and the famous organ playing can still be found at The Byrd Theater today.   Today you can still visit The Byrd Theater, see movies and live shows!  What makes the theater so special today is that they pay homage to the old days of low prices and memorable times.  When you step foot in the theater you instantly feel transported in time.  The beautiful walls, chandeliers and red curtain make the movie experience different from any other theater in America.  For only $1.99 you can see a movie!  Popcorn, candy and snacks are provided at the beautiful counter in the lobby of the theater.  The Byrd Theater is a really cool affordable way to have fun in Richmond!  This was nationally recognized when it became a Historical Landmark in 1978.  Not only is the theater itself a great place, but it is in the center of fun - Carytown! The Byrd Theater is a must if you visit Richmond Virginia! Fun for all ages!