Given the age of the city and its history one would expect Richmond, Virginia to offer outstanding opportunities for visitors, and one would be correct. I traveled there using my web browser (which closely approximates the Start Trek transporter I think) and noted several places which might be of interest to us. We planned an overnight getaway to celebrate our anniversary and headed out in person.
Along the interstate we stopped at a Virginia rest area which included a tourist information center and met a native of Richmond who discussed our travel plans with us and confirmed that our choices were winners. He also added a couple of spots which we squeezed in somehow.
Our “must see” list included two gardens, Maymont and Lewis Ginter, both of which I enjoyed far more than the famed Butchart Gardens in Victoria. Butchart simply had too many people from too many cruise ships crammed into a tiny area. Don’t get me wrong. It was a beautiful garden. I loved what it had to offer, but when Shawn and I visit a garden we want to take our time, capture pictures, pause and rest, and take in as much ambiance as possible.
Our entrance to Maymont brought us to this spectacular fountain. The overcast morning gave way to brilliant sunshine as we descended to the next level, this terrace garden.
The path led to a serpentine stone structure where the sound of running water drew us. Wow! A terraced stream/waterfall cascaded to the gardens below. I cannot imagine the work required to creature this masterpiece, and wanted a look at the supporting plumbing but the infrastructure was well-hidden.
Maymont offers a host of bridges across the lake and streams. Though we like them all our favorite had to be this stone bridge with oval peek-a-boos. A talented stonemason showing off his craft!
We strolled around the entire lake determined to see every nook and cranny. The step stone path across the water presented a challenge for my balance system, but Shawn conquered it while snapping pictures.
This hidden cove included a stunning waterfall, brilliant foliage, and a stone stairway that my father would have loved.
Maymont has as significant inventory of Japanese maples and each turn gave us another site to behold.
The centerpiece of the garden is the mansion and supporting structures. We did not take the inside tour but loved the architecture.
For more information about Maymont follow the link to the garden website.