Richmond, the capital of Virginia, is a diverse cultural city, surrounded by historic neighborhoods, parks, and the James River.
Neighborhoods near VCU, such as the Fan District, Carver, Jackson Ward, and Oregon Hill, offer historic settings, monuments, and a unique history that dates back to the 1800s. Also located in Richmond are numerous vintage and antique shops, eateries, and cafés that stretch from the Fan area to Church Hill.
The city provides educational and tourism activities, including exhibits and shows at local museums and art galleries. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Science Museum of Virginia, the Children’s Museum, and the Edgar Allan Poe Museum are all within five miles of VCU.
Richmond is home to the 17th Street Farmer’s Market, which is located in Shockoe Bottom. It is the oldest market in the Richmond area and all daily and weekly events are community-based and non-profit. Other events include The State Fair of Virginia, NASCAR races at Richmond International Raceway, and the International Food Festival.
Richmond’s location is convenient to cities of interest for day or weekend trips. Colonial Williamsburg is less than an hour east of Richmond, and Virginia Beach is two hours east. Washington, D.C. and the Shenandoah Valley are also just a short distance from Richmond.