Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + See, Where to Eat + Drink, + Where to Stay in Richmond, VA Now
Arriving in historic Richmond and turning the corner...
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
I was delighted to see my favorite stars in a row of five.
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
After the valet whisked the A5 away, I couldn't wait to make my way through those double doors.
Now you see why. Planned by tobacco baron Lewis Ginter, The Jefferson was designed in the Spanish Baroque-Style by noted national architects Carrère and Hastings.
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
Construction of The Jefferson Hotel began in 1892 and its grand opening took place in 1895. A marble statue of Thomas Jefferson prominently stands tall under the magnificent Tiffany stained glass of the Palm Court lobby.
The main staircase in The Jefferson's stunning two-story lobby is rumored to have inspired the one in Scarlett Ohara's mansion in the 1936 novel, Gone with the Wind—as the author was staying at the hotel during the time she wrote the famous novel.
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
Famous overnight guests have included the Rolling Stones, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, and twelve U.S. presidents: Harrison, McKinley, Wilson, Coolidge, Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Truman, Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush—to name a few. Are you next?
I made my way to the elevator, in anticipation of relaxing in my completely renovated grand premier guest room on the top floor.
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
Opening the door, I was instantly head over heels in love with the black and white marble foyer. Don't you love it?
The perfect afternoon pick me up as relief from the epic heat wave I drifted in on—sat right in front of me.
The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia
The Jefferson Hotel is a longstanding member of Historic Hotels of America and Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
That champagne sure helped. I was ready to explore the cobblestone streets of Richmond.
Historic Richmond, Virginia
Historic architecture was abundant everywhere I turned.
These were some of my favorite shots!
Historic Richmond, Virginia
Built in 1785 by Founding Father, Thomas Jefferson, and at 229 years old, the Virginia State Capitol is actually the 8th one built due to fires during Colonial times. It houses the oldest legislative body in North America, dating back to 1619! It was Jefferson's architectural Declaration of Independence from Great Britain and the neoclassical design has influenced public buildings in America since 1788.
What a great taste of Richmond architecture! Time to head back to the hotel for an early dinner at Lemaire.
Imagine five-star accoladed dining in the height of historic architecture, within the heart of Virginia's Capital: Welcome to Lemaire, the signature dining experience at The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond. The epitome of high-end Southern cuisine and hospitality with a global twist.
Lemaire at The Jefferson, Richmond
It was an easy choice starting off with a crisp and oh so refreshing glass of Sauvignon Blanc. You might as well have two, as you scantily peruse the magnificent historic architecture surrounding you.
From the detailed columns, to the hand-blown chandeliers, please do let me know what part of the ambiance you enjoyed most.
A lover of (almost) all things raw, I began dinner with Marinated Ahi Tuna Tartare. This decadent dish was prepared with Castelvetrano olive tapenade, cured egg yolk, drizzled with tomato viniagrette and finished with lavash crisps.
Lemaire at The Jefferson, Richmond
A tartare buff by nature, this was my first time having "marinated" tuna tartare and wow, I can say that the flavors popped like none I've ever had before. From now on, I want my tartare marinated!
Next, I was totally in the mood for the Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cake. Fresh from Maryland of course! Plated with broccolini, roasted cauliflower, piquillo peppers, benne (sesame) and finished with spring onion cream, every single flavorful bite left me craving the next.
Lemaire at The Jefferson, Richmond
I mean, when aren't you in the mood for crab cakes? Always delicious and satisfying, these did not disappoint and I appreciated the broccolini and cauliflower added into the mix.
I love sea scallops, so the Cast Iron Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops were obviously calling my name.
Lemaire at The Jefferson, Richmond
The sea scallops, seared to perfection, sat atop succulent shellfish broth-marinated Italian fregola pasta, blended with Eastern shore clams, Kite’s country ham (a local specialty) and Swiss chard. So good.
Dining at Lemaire is simply not complete without dessert. As you can see by the plating, this is a fact.
Lemaire at The Jefferson, Richmond
The Meyer Lemon Tart, filled with freshly juiced Meyer lemons, was topped with torched meringue. When I took the last bite, I was sad indeed.
Perhaps the best part is knowing that they have an outdoor terrace, whether for cocktails or dinner—complete with oscillating fans for that Southern Virginia heat.
**Guests of Lemaire are invited to valet park using the Franklin Street entrance of the hotel or to self-park in either the Main Street or Franklin Street parking lot at no charge.
After an amazing dinner, I headed back upstairs to my guest room with only one thing on my mind.
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
To relax in the gorgeous Italian marble soaking tub—which could have been straight out of House Beautiful magazine.
Check out that view of Richmond! And the duckies.. totally unedited.
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
But I absolutely love the alligator courtesy of The Jefferson.
Feeling so relaxed, I went outside to get some fresh air before grabbing a nightcap back at Lemaire. I was SO glad I did.
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
Greeted by this drop dead gorgeous sunset in front of the hotel! Did you know that alligators used to live in the marble pools of The Jefferson's Palm Court? "Old Pompey" survived until 1948.
Back at Lemaire, there was a vibrant bar scene at the surrounding banquette tables.
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
This one's called "Stroll in Verona" and was a stellar choice I might add!
Meanwhile, up in the guest room, turn down service had occurred and the lights dimmed.
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
Waking up bright and early the following morning, I was excited to head over to Maymont before breakfast room service.
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
I couldn't have been happier to have a Nespresso machine at my fingertips! As well as being able to watch the Travel Channel while getting ready in the master bathroom.
Built in 1890, Maymont is a Victorian estate, turned public park.
Maymont in Richmond, Virginia
You have to check out both the Italian and Japanese gardens—complete with koi ponds and waterfalls!
To plan your visit to Maymont, click here.
Back at the hotel, room service was arriving on schedule.
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
Just look at that spread. My favorite, traditional Eggs Benedict, side-by-side complimenting a scrumptious goat cheese omelet. Don't you love the ice-filled juice coolers?
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
All this delicious food has me thinking...
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
