<p>We went to Experience Richmond. Our son was accepted and it was our first visit. As expected the campus was beautiful! Students were especially friendly. He enjoyed the breakout icebreaker. Saw the dorms. I loved the library. He liked going to the "class." YES...Food was amazing. He wanted to put down his deposit right there but we told him to think about it a week. Had dinner in downtown Richmond. I suppose the admissions staff couldve been more helpful in steering us to restaurants etc in the area but we found our way...went to the "canal area" and ate at a a very friendly and beautiful restaurant called "tobacco something or other". (waiter was shocked he wasn't interested in VCU)
Only drawback to Richmond (which is NOT a concern for my son) : TRAFFIC around DC. We are from New Jersy and thought we saw everything until we sat in traffic going south and going north through DC. Any suggestions from anyone else? THankfully the Amtrak Line from Richmond stops near our home. Our son will have to take advantage of that if he wants to come home.</p>
<p>We are from NY and experienced that traffic also. And we thought New York was bad! We thought there must have been a 10 car pile up. But, no, just business as usual apparently.</p>
<p>Traffic around DC is very hit or miss. If you’re doing the drive during traditionally busy times, there is another route that is longer normally, but easier when traffic is bad. </p>
<p>When you get into Wilmington, pick up the 1 South and take that to the 301. The 301 goes through Annapolis and bypasses Baltimore and DC, intersecting 95 between Fredricksburg and Richmond.</p>
<p>Tobacco Co. was the restaurant that you went to. Not a bad “touristy” spot, but there are a lot of better places around town. Feel free to stop by the board for recommendations on future visits.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the traffic help! We will certainly go that way next time. Will check in for more restaurants! Also…didn’t love the embassy suites. Heard from neighbors that the Jefferson Hotel is a must at least once in a lifetime! Anything else good but not as fancy and pricey? How about the newer Hilton with spa?</p>
<p>Jefferson is definitely a historic hotel. Rooms are smaller since it’s an old hotel, but I would recommend staying there at least once. Sunday brunch is first class, as is LeMaire, the restaurant in the Jefferson.</p>
<p>As far as accommodations, I’ve heard fantastic things about that Hilton in the west end (Short Pump), you may want to look at Hotel Sierra, which is also in Short Pump, or for something completely different, Maury Place on historic Monument Ave. (a B&B).</p>
<p>We stayed at the Jefferson. Truly a special place. Great dinner, great service, gorgeous lobby. Free shuttle downtown and back. Also we toured the capitol (free!) and it was wonderful.</p>
<p>Family from NY here - we flew in to BWI, rented a car, and headed to Richmond on Fri. afternoon. Sat in that crazy traffic for a time on I95 - until the Garmin redirected us to US 1 South (as Spider05 noted). Took us around the worst of the traffic. In future, will likely forgo great prices on Southwest and instead fly USAir to Richmond. We also stayed at the Jefferson - bargain-hunter hubby got us a deal with the Garden Week Package (they have others as well) which included breakfast for 2 each morning and free valet parking. Brunch at the Jefferson was remarkable. Stayed at the Hilton in Short Pump last Spring (D’s first visit to UR) - conveniently located near major shopping area, good basic Hilton lodging with breakfast included in stay and Shula’s Restaurant on-site. Had dinner last Sat. night at a place recommended by the Jefferson Concierge (and seconded by the Admissions staff) - “Comfort” - located in downtown Richmond. Amazing, amazing fried green tomatoes, maple-glazed pork tenderloin,mahi mahi, sweet potato puree, and banana creme brulee. Just plan on waiting for a table - extremely popular place with Richmonders but the wait-staff turned over the tables very quickly. We’ll definitely go back.</p>
<p>We love the Hotel Sierra at Short Pump! Can often get really good rates around $120 a night, sometimes get upgraded to suite type room. Good places to eat there, and the shopping is great. For move in, you’ll see lots of Spider shirts the Target down the street from that hotel! Also, there is a new Hampton Inn and Suites within a few miles of campus, address is 5406 Glenside Road. Very convenient, new, clean, great for a one night stay. Look for Spider05’s past link to restaurants in the Fan district. Definitely should be tops on your list for going out to dinner. UR is awesome, and I hope your children have the same experience that our daughter is having!</p>
<p>gop, Comfort is definitely a nice place to eat near the Jefferson. Next time you make it down though, I would suggest trying some other places though as well. Richmond has an extraordinary amount of quality restaurants. If you ever want some tips on others to try, just let me know what you’re looking for and where you’ll be staying.</p>
<p>Here’s the thread that Investor mentioned.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-richmond/1088109-visiting-soon-what-should-we-sure-see.html?[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-richmond/1088109-visiting-soon-what-should-we-sure-see.html?</a></p>