When the weather warms up, a favorite place I like to take my daughter in Richmond, VA is Maymont. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve been there, but it never gets old.
Maymont originated as a 100-acre estate belonging to James Henry and Sallie May Dooley. After both of them passed away, the estate was left to the City of Richmond, as they had no heirs or children. The estate is now preserved by The Maymont Foundation and is run completely off of donations. The park is free for everyone, but if you ever visit you will see a very modest bin to drop in the suggested donation of $5. It is WELL worth $5.
Now, let’s move on to the beauty and fun of this place. The estate is comprised of the mansion where the Dooley’s resided and is described as “an unusually complete example of a Gilded Age estate” (source). Maymont is fully equipped with a Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, Children’s Farm, and Nature Center. The children’s farm and nature center are where we usually start as my daughter loves the animals. She most enjoys feeding the goats and seeing the two pigs.
If you have seen the well-known movie Lincoln, you may just recognize some of the scenery as it was filmed at Maymont. If you plan to visit Richmond, VA and are looking for something both you and your kids can enjoy, at some point this is a must for your places to see!
The Mansion
Japanese Garden
Italian Garden
Animal Farm
All images are from google.
Comments (3)Subscribe to CommentsComment