Richmond, VA--Road Trip #3
The main purpose for this road trip was Maymont. With 100+ reviews and a five-star rating, I needed to see what Yelpers were talking about. Maymont is an extraordinary park with 100-acres, and many things to explore. If any of my local friends are reading this, you must check out this place. A quick drive to Richmond is definitely worth it.
Around 1886, James Henry and Sallie Dooley purchased the land where Maymont resides. They lived there for thirty years, making it into a beautiful estate. When they died, they bequeathed Maymont to the city of Richmond. Now a private nonprofit organization called Maymont Foundation takes care of the property for the city. While Maymont was given to the city, there was no money to maintain it. This is why they ask for donations even though most of the park is free.
Now, let's talk about what Maymont has to offer:
Gardens (free)-
Maymont has two gardens: Italian and Japanese. Both are beautiful with lots of flowers and interesting things to see. The Italian Garden was designed by Noland and Baskervill from Richmond, and this beautiful Victorian garden was finished by 1910. It has statuary, cascade, fountain, pergola, gazebos and gorgeous stonework. That day I spotted a Monarch Butterfly.
From the Italian Garden down to the Japanese Garden, you walk down exquisite stairs. The Japanese Garden was my favorite part of Maymont; the Dooleys hired a master gardener named Muto, but it was much smaller than the current Japanese Garden, which was renovated in 1978. I saw a waterfall, bridge, koi in the pond, stone lanterns, a bamboo structure and more. Words cannot describe this place--you must see it for yourself.
Mansion ($5 suggested donation)-
Maymont Mansion was built in 1893, and is the Romanesque-style, with 12,000 square feet and 33 rooms. The Dooleys named their home "May Mont," which was a combination of Sallie's maiden-name and the French word "hill." The public is welcome to tour the mansion (Tuesday - Sunday, 12 pm - 5 pm); there is a guided tour upstairs and a self-guided tour downstairs. I did not tour the inside of the home, but I will next time I visit.
Children's Farm ($4 suggested donation) and Wildlife Exhibits-
The Children's Farm has domesticated animals (i.e., pigs, sheep, cow, chicken, donkeys, rabbits, and ducks) and allows you to pet and feed them (only using their special feed). They also have "Adopt an Animal," which helps to fund the Children's Farm. You get to pick which animal you want, and the lowest level for donation is $25 up to the highest level of $500. You will receive a special certificate in the mail.
On the path to the Wildlife Exhibits from the Children's Farm, you can see the butterfly gardens. The Wildlife Exhibits are available mid-March through mid-October. The native Virginia animals to see at Maymont are bears, birds of prey, deer, bison, fox and bobcat. I did get to see some action that day since it was overcast and cool, which animals enjoy.
(There is the Robins Nature and Visitor Center part of Maymont, but it has its own page on Yelp. Because of that, I decided to write two different reviews. Besides, this review is already quite long. In addition, consider buying an annual membership. As a family, you can become a member for $60 for a year and includes two adults/six children. There are benefits such as free admission into the Nature Center, 10% off off souvenirs, member-only events and more.)
I was so impressed with Maymont; there is no other place like it. Not to mention, Maymont is a photographer's dream--I had such a blast taking hundreds of photos. If you are visiting Richmond, I highly recommend that Maymont is top on your list. Combine with Byrd Park adjacent to Maymont, you could easily make it into a weekend. I can't wait to go back! read more