Car rental Richmond, VA

Both in Richmond and across the wider state of Virginia, you’ll find some beautifully scenic drives, as well as an extensive road network that makes it simple to get from A to B.

Richmond is very much the heart of the state. Most major routes through Virginia originate here, including several key interstates.

The I-95 highway runs north to south through the city, coming from North Carolina then heading up the coast to Washington, Philadelphia and, eventually, New York. The I-64, on the other hand, leads east to the coast, for Norfolk and Virginia Beach, or north-west to the home of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville.

Richmond has an outer beltway, of sorts, with sections of I-295 and State Route 288 orbiting most of the city. The centre is split by the James River, with numerous crossings available. Handily, the city has a common-sense grid layout – you’ll find most of the main attractions on the northern side of town.

Downtown, the key roads are East Main Street, East Canal Street and East Broad Street. Though this area is the place where you’ll find most of the tourist hotspots, there’s plenty of places to visit if you head to the western ends too.

Speed limits are usually signposted. Generally, they’re set at 25mph (40km/h) for most business and residential areas, 55mph (88km/h) on secondary roads and 70mph (112km/h) on rural interstates.

Most of the parking here is metered, so check the local signs if planning to use these – they’re often free on weekends, but there are exceptions. For longer stays, you’ll find large parking garages on E. Marshal Street and E. Cary Street.

A visit to Richmond is very much what you choose to make of it. You can stick to the historic buildings of the past, with their echoes of the Civil War and the Confederacy, or embrace the modern side of the city, with its prospering food and arts offering. Rent a car in Richmond and it’s easy to do both.

Scents of the south

Completed at the end of the 18^th century, Richmond’s impressive, classic State Capitol Building was designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. To this day the Virginia Assembly still sits here. Explore it yourself or, even better, take a guided tour that will bring the building’s rich history to life.

Jefferson’s influence over this city’s history is all-encompassing. He was also in attendance, along with George Washington, at Richmond’s St. John’s Episcopal Church in 1775 when Patrick Henry yelled ‘Give me liberty or give me death’ – a key act in the American War of Independence.

The American Civil War was waged in this area too, and there are numerous military landmarks dotted around the city – most notably Richmond National Battlefield Park. Comprising 13 different sites, with old weapons on display, nature trails and a visitor centre, it makes for a fascinating visit.

The park also houses the historic Tredegar Iron Works, which played a major part in shaping the history of Richmond during the 19^th century. Notable for being a significant part of the slave labour trade in the area, it’s a poignant reminder of what the war meant for African Americans.

Experience a food revolution

A revolution of a much quieter kind has been taking place in Richmond’s restaurants in recent times – trend-watchers have declared it one of the hippest new foodie scenes in the country.

There’s an undeniably modern twist to the southern dishes that satisfy diners from across the country. Much of it is centered around Broad Street, fast becoming an artistic hub with new galleries, boutique hotels, independent stores and great eateries.

Saison is one of the best, updating southern classics with touches of Latin America and the Caribbean. Chicken wings are elevated by charred pineapple and smoked jalapeno, with congee supplemented beautifully with an aromatic lemongrass broth. If you’re in town on a Sunday, their fried chicken night is an institution you simply have to be a part of.

For local seafood – including oysters straight from Chesapeake Bay – seek out Rappahannock on E. Grace Street. This “farm-to-table” restaurant is deservedly acclaimed, as is the adjacent oyster bar, Rapp Session.

Poe and perusing art

Edgar Allen Poe, author of such horror masterpieces as The Raven and The Pit and the Pendulum, is indelibly associated with Richmond where he lived and married. There’s a museum dedicated to him, close to where he once lived, filled with a staggering collection of manuscripts and all manner of memorabilia.

Another cultural highlight is the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, which runs the gamut from a large collection of Fabergé eggs through to art from Hopper and Whistler, as well as furniture from Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Wherever you decide to roam during your visit to The River City, choose Hertz for your car rental in Richmond.