Monuments of Richmond, Virginia

Along with the generals there is room for memorials to a sailor and chart maker, and a tennis player.

Traffic streams past along Monument Avenue and most of the monuments are big enough to get a look at while stopped at a light, or driving by.

The memorials for Matthew Fontaine Maury and Arthur Ashe, however, are worth the effort to park, wait for the lights to cross into the wide grassy median, and have a closer look.

Read more from "A sailor and a tennis player on Monument Avenue Richmond, Virginia Part Three."

Living in a downtown Richmond condo has many advantages, in particular the opportunity to enjoy the city's rich, diverse history. If you are looking for a one or two-bedroom loft or apartment to rent in the area, consider the proximity to great shops and points of historical interest you can enjoy on a daily basis.

Corporate Apartment Rentals in Richmond

Richmond-area businesses in need of temporary housing for visiting executives and employees will be happy to know that Nolde Condos, offer downtown Richmond condo rentals, has corporate apartments available. Nolde Condos are situated close to the pulse of Richmond industries, near public transportation and find dining. All corporate condos are furnished and temporary residents can enjoy the same amenities as their neighbors.

Call (804) 432-8899 today or visit us online at NoldeCondos.com to learn more about our available rentals.

Top Five Things to do in Richmond

When you live in a downtown Richmond condo, you’ll find a wealth of things to keep you busy in your downtime. After a long workday, you can relax in any of the city’s nearby parks, take in live music at a favorite club, or enjoy a lively sports events. Richmond is rich in historical and cultural flavors, and whether you live in this state capital or are visiting, you are certain never to be bored.

What are the best things to see and do in Richmond? It’s difficult to come up with a definitive list, but here are – in no particular order – what we think are the Top 10 attractions and suggestions for a fun day or night in Richmond, Virginia.

Stop and smell the roses! And daisies, and petunias, and…well, you get the idea. The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a popular destination for local lovers of flora. Tour the manicured Victorian gardens and see Virginia in bloom. Summertime brings live music to the garden, so pack a blanket, relax, and enjoy the tunes.

Hunt for ghosts! Haunts of Richmond is the city’s only walking ghost tour. When the sun goes down, go for a guided stroll through the Shockoe area and learn about the darker side of Richmond. Who knows who you’ll meet – living or otherwise – along the way.

Indulge your sweet tooth! Ask any local where to find a creamy, delicious milkshake and more than likely you’ll be pointed to the legendary Dairy Bar. This Richmond institution has been serving up the sweet stuff for over fifty years, along with sandwiches and other great lunches.

Cheer on the Spiders! These Spiders don’t spin webs, they are the might athletes of the University of Richmond. Whether your sport is baseball, football, soccer, or men’s or women’s basketball, the Spiders are always ready to play. Get tickets for a home game or match and enjoy.



Savor the taste of fresh fruit! The Carytown district of Richmond hosts an annual Watermelon Festival in early August. Stroll along the “Mile of Style” – as Carytown is known for its stylish boutiques and cafes – and sample delicious, fruity treats made with locally-grown watermelon. Just watch where you spit the seeds.

Kathryn Lively

Summer Activities to Enjoy in Richmond Virginia

Virginia in the summertime promises many of months of fun outdoor activities, concerts and tours. If you plan to visit the Richmond area, whether as part of a grand tour of the state or for a weekend getaway, you'll find the options for entertainment are plentiful. Here are just a few suggestions for visitors and residents to augment their weekends in Richmond.

First Fridays Artwalk - Downtown - As the weather warms up in Virginia, it's a great time to stroll the historic districts of downtown Richmond. The First Fridays Artwalk is held, naturally, the first Friday of the month in the early evening, and visitors can take in any number of participating galleries and show rooms for the best in regional oils, mixed, media, photography, and sculpture. This is a recurring event the whole family will enjoy.

Garden Concert Series - Every summer the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden hosts Groovin' in the Garden, a series of lawn concerts held on Thursday evenings. Guests are invited to lay out a blanket and enjoy the rhythms of top regional and national folk, pop, and country acts. Ticket prices vary according to the schedule, so be sure to check their website.

River District Canal Cruises - Hop aboard a covered boat and enjoy a relaxing and informative tour of Richmond's historic district from the James River. This 40-minute ride motors past various city landmarks. Private charters are also available for large parties.

Friday Cheers - Brown's Island - Fridays on the island set the backdrop for great live music, free! Come out in the early evening to enjoy top local and regional acts playing original and popular R&B, country, and rock.

Concerts, arts and entertainment, historical tours. Richmond is a diverse, growing city offering the best in recreation and entertainment. Plan a weekend and enjoy a fun summer event in this state capital.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Richmond condo rentals and Virginia Web design.

See the City on a Segway - Church Hill Tours

If you lived in the Church Hill district of Richmond, you could be home now, enjoy an evening in your luxury Richmond condo. If you're still undecided about urban living, however, perhaps a guided tour of Richmond's historical downtown is in order to show you what you've been missing.

Richmond History Center Tours is holding two guided tours of the Church Hill district, home of Nolde Condos. Reservations may be required, so don't delay in getting your spot to see where you could be living!

April 19 (2-4pm) - Church Hill: Examine 19th century architecture and modern revitalization efforts in Richmond’s oldest intact neighborhood. Developed by Major William Mayo, Church Hill is home to St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry made his famous speech, and the city’s largest number of antebellum structures.

Meet your guide at Patrick Henry Park across from St. John’s Church, E. Broad and 24th streets. $10 (Pay your guide on the day of the tour. ) Members: $5

May 9 (12-2pm) SEGWAY TOUR: NEW TOUR! Church Hill on a Segway

Roll past 19th century architecture and modern revitalization efforts in Richmond’s oldest intact neighborhood. Developed by Major William Mayo, Church Hill is home to St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry made his famous speech, and the city’s largest number of antebellum structures.

Reservations are required. Call Segway of Richmond (804) 343-1850. Starting point will be determined by Segway of Richmond.

Downtown Richmond Living Brings Access to Annual Events

As the trends in real estate turn more toward downtown living, one might find a great advantage in leasing an urban condo. Better access to annual events and festivals in your town in certainly a plus, especially if you decide to rent a condo in Richmond. This jewel of a southern city is constantly alive with music and arts, culinary celebrations and other social gatherings. If you’re looking for something to do in Richmond you’ll definitely have a full calendar with these popular attractions:

Virginia Wine Expo – This annual gathering of Virginia wine lovers happens in Richmond every February. Nearly 300 wines grown and bottled in the state (aptly nicknamed “Napa East”) are swirled, sampled, and savored, along with delicious eats from local chefs. Get your tickets early, because some seminars and luncheons do sell out quickly.

Richmond Chili-Off – Sometimes you experience a nip in the air in late April. That’s why we have the big annual Chili Cook-Off to warm us up! Each year a local rock radio station puts on the event with live music, games for the kids, and of course the spiciest chili this side of Texas! The location varies, so be sure to have 102.1 FM – The X on your dial in the early spring to find out more.

Richmond Folk Festival – a popular event held at Richmond’s downtown riverfront, the folk festival brings together artists from all over the world specializing in traditional and ethnic folk music, from Cajun and Appalachian to exotic African rhythms. Explore the world of homespun art and culinary delights, just steps from your door.

Richmond Vegetarian Festival – There’s no better time to think green, and eat green! The Annual Vegetarian Festival in Bryant Park is a great event if you’re interested in going meatless, and learning how a vegetarian diet can help your health as well as the environment.

Convenience to downtown and an enthusiasm for trying new things makes living in downtown Richmond an appealing prospect. If you lived here, you’d not only be home by now but you could be at any number of the city’s annual festivals in minutes without the hassle of parking! Come see what the city has to offer.

Kathryn Lively

Richmond, Virginia: a Capital Destinion

If you are contemplating a trip to Virginia this summer, no doubt you have a certain destination in mind. Beach enthusiasts may be attracted to Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, while outdoor lovers may wish to go west and enjoy the Shenandoah Valley and the many opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring. History buffs will find the northern area of the state a great place to visit, as the proximity to Washington, DC provides a wealth of attractions and interest.

But where, in all of this, does Richmond figure into a vacation. Not only is Richmond the capital of the commonwealth, but it provides visitors a good central point on the map. Crossed by two interstates, Richmond offers visitors historical and cultural interest to enjoy for anyone traveling north, south, east or west through the state.

Founded in 1607 by Christopher Newport, Richmond is just slightly younger than the first permanent colony of Jamestown, and has remained equally important in the formation of the United States. It was named capital of the commonwealth after the Revolutionary War, and served as capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. It is the birthplace of tennis great Arthur Ashe, and former home of Edgar Allan Poe. It was here, in St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry proclaimed, "Give me liberty or give me death," and it is here where thousands of stock car racing fans can watch their favorite NASCAR drivers compete.

Other local landmarks visitors may wish to see while in Richmond include:

The Diamond: Home of the Richmond Braves, the AAA farm team for Atlanta. Baseball fans will want to make a point of stopping for a home game.

Carytown: High-end shopping and antiquing abounds in this trendy Richmond neighborhood.

Hollywood Cemetery This is the final resting place of three US Presidents, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, among other noted Civil War figures.

Belle Isle: This beautiful spot on the James River was used a film location for blockbusters like Cold Mountain and Hannibal.

If Virginia is your destination this summer, consider a stop in Richmond as part of your itinerary. Historical and cultural attractions, coupled with upscale shopping and cuisine, can truly enhance your trip.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance travel writer specializing in articles on Richmond condos for rent and Virginia Beach website design.