Welcome to the inaugural post of my new “Three For Free” series. Traveling can be expensive. One of the best things about visiting the U.K. (where I’m headed today!) is all of the free museums, but even in America free fun can be found if you look hard enough. So I’m starting the Three For Free series featuring 3 awesome absolutely free things to do in a different city every week. This week…
RICHMOND
1) The Virginia State Capital–
The Virginia Capital Building offers both self and guided tours for free through out the day. The building itself is worth seeing, since it was designed by Thomas Jefferson in a Greek style that was pretty uncommon for the day. It was also used as the White House for the filming of the movie Lincoln. My personal favorite was the art inside the capital building, including this sculpture of George Washington, the only one Washington himself actually sat for. The artist, Jean-Antoine Houdon, actually made a plaster cast of George Washington’s face, making this the most accurate portrayal of Washington in existence. After Washington’s death, it’s said that his dear friend the Marquis De Lafayette saw the sculpture and proclaimed “That is the man, I almost expect him to move.” One of the notable features of the sculpture is that George Washington is wearing his uniform from the Revolution. However, Houdon didn’t even start work on the statue until 1785, many years after the revolution. You can tell Washington has let himself go a bit since his Valley Forge days from the bursting seams and missing buttons visible in the sculpture.
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2) Brewery Tours–
There are several breweries in the area that offer free tours (and free samples!) I went to Legend Brewing Co. and Blue Bee Cidery, but there are many to choose from. I’ve stated in earlier post that the Legend tour left a little to be desired, mainly because they only do free tours once a week and it started almost 2 hours late. The Blue Bee Cidery was a little more organized, and while craft breweries are popping up everywhere, it’s still kind of a rarity to find a cidery. The tour was great and the owner ran our tour and seems very hands on in the process.
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3) The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts–
I saved my favorite for last. As I wrote in one of my previous posts, I visited during their Friday night wine and art events. Museums and Wine are a match made in heaven. Best news, admission to this World Class museum is free even during special events! The museum itself is great! It’s full of art from all over as well as several “art pieces” from throughout history all over the world, including a mummy!
There you have it, RIchmond on a $0, and it actually features my favorite attractions I visited while there. That’s the sign of a good city! I’m looking forward to uncovering some excellent free things to do in cities all over the world. Are there any great free activities in your home town?
That cidery sounds amazing! I’d definitely love to visit there 🙂
Hannah @CleanEatingVeggieGirl recently posted…What’s in My Grocery Bags (#9) + Weekly Meal Plan
It was really great and the tour was fascinating.
Don´t we just all love our freebies? Thank you for sharing your favourites in Richmond.
EvaSturm of TravelResponsibly recently posted…Ode to my home town, Munich, Germany
Free brewery tours with free samples? That sounds like my kind of place! Looking forward to the rest of the series.
I love the idea of your series – 3 for free! Free brewery tours- sign me up!
Jen recently posted…Czech Republic’s Melnik – A Place For Royalty, Heartbreak and Wine
Free brewery tours! Count me in. I don’t think I’ll be back in Virginia soon but I’m excited to follow along with this cool three for free idea.
Lesley recently posted…I’m Fat! This is What I’m Going To Do #BlogABetterBody
I can’t believe I’ve lived in VA my entire life and never visited these 3 places. I’ll have to take the kids when we return home.
Dana recently posted…Six Simple Steps to Pick the Perfect Cruise Ship for Your Next Family Vacation
Free Brewery Tours! That is my idea of pure happiness. Love the three for free idea, we’re always looking for cool free things to do in places we visit. These should be super helpful
Megsy recently posted…Moroccan Hammam – Getting naked with strangers in Eranouk Hammam, Essaouira
Ha! I like the idea of this series! Is the Capital building a replica of the White House, by the way? Or only just some parts of it, enough to make it pass as one in a movie?
RaW | Ramble and Wander recently posted…Hotel Review: Hotel Perdana Kota Bharu, Kelantan Malaysia
That brewery! Noted down for whenever we hit Richmond! Thanks 🙂
Inma recently posted…Travel Bloggers Pick The Coolest Music Festivals in Europe
Love free things that you can find in cities! if I’m ever in Richmond i will look into these! can’t miss a cider tour!
Lindsay Nieminen recently posted…Consider Bringing the In-Laws on your next Family Vacation
I think most cities have free things to do, you just have to do a little research. I bet you most locals don’t even know about them!
Vicky and Buddy recently posted…Memorable Animal Encounters Around The World
I love brewery tours. They are great ways to learn about beer plus they usually come with free beer.
Jennifer @ Made all the Difference Travel Blog recently posted…Paddling the Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail