Day in Richmond?

Question

I'm going with my boyfriend to Richmond for the weekend.
I'm sort of familiar with the city...I've been to lots of concerts and have some friends who live there. I kind of know my way around...
Saturday we are going to spend the day at either Busch Gardens or Kings Dominion, then that night we're going to see Circa Survive at the Canal Club.
I need to know where to stay, and what we should to Sunday before we come home.
I was looking at the Commonwealth Parks Suites Hotel or the Marriot...which one, in your opinion, would be better (has closer stuff in walking distance, places to eat or shop, etc...)
Also, any ideas on what we should see on Sunday? Belle Isle? Riverwalk? Anything....
I'll take any suggestions...
Thanks!

Answer 1

If you want to stay downtown, stay at the Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel. The downtown Marriott is just in a poor location if you want to walk to anything fun. From CPSH, you can walk to Shockoe Slip, Shockoe Bottom, Tredegar Ironworks (part of the Richmond National Battlefield Park system), and the canal. (I think that the hotel is only 5 blocks from the Canal Club, but it is 5 blocks on a hill.)

Yep, you are close to Belle Island. I'd bring a picnic lunch and walk to the Tredegar Ironworks, then go to Bell Isle and walk across the James River. The river is a bit low due to the drought, but it makes it even easier to walk across. If you get bored, head south and catch the canal walk straight to Shockoe Bottom.

The State Fair is in town and the last day is this Sunday, October 7. That might be fun to do and you can see a bunch of neat stuff.

If you are staying at the Commonwealth Park Suites, walk straight up the hill to Broad Street. Capital Ale House has good food and a lot of interesting beers. They are doing an Oktoberfest event on Friday and Saturday.

Good luck and I hope that you have fun in Richmond.