Dourmar’s Ice Cream, courtesy Norfolk CVB
Delegates to the Going On Faith Conference in Richmond, Virginia, will have their choice of two superb post-tours and will also enjoy a full afternoon of sightseeing during the conference. It all shapes up to be a full immersion in the historic, scenic and cultural landscape that surrounds this uniquely American city and state.
“We are getting very excited about hosting this event, and all hands are on deck to welcome everyone to the ‘Historic Richmond Region that’s so easy to love,’” said Janie Lawson, tourism sales manager for the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our staff, sponsors, and partners stand ready to make this a conference to remember for a long, long time.”
On Wednesday, Aug. 24, travel planners will head out for a sightseeing tour of the city called “History Speaks for Itself.” That tour’s stops will include St. John’s Church, where patriot Patrick Henry gave his “Give me liberty or give me death” speech; Monument Avenue, a street listed on the National Register of Historic Places; and The Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson.
More to explore
Immediately following the conference’s closing luncheon on Thursday, Aug. 25, delegates are invited to enjoy one of two fascinating post-tours, “Sea Our History: A Coastal Virginia Experience” or “A Fam Tour for the Ages.” Both are packed with iconic Virginia destinations and sites.
Here are a few highlights from “Sea Our History”:
Hampton History Museum, which includes the history of the Virginia Company and those merchants’ introduction to the New World
St. John’s Church, America’s oldest continuous English-speaking parish
Fort Monroe, America’s largest stone fort
Dinner at the historic Chamberlin hosted by the Hampton CVB
“Music Under the Stars,” an outdoor concert by the U.S. Army TRADOC Band that includes live cannons within its performance of the “1812 Overture”
A live taping of the 700 Club Telecast in Virginia Beach
A riding tour of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront that includes Cape Henry and First Landing Cross
Dining at Waterman’s Restaurant overlooking the Atlantic in Norfolk
A tram tour of the Norfolk Botanical Garden, a horticultural gem
Chrysler Museum of Art, with exhibits of renowned Tiffany glass and works from various cultures throughout the world
Dourmar’s Ice Cream, the sweet shop that belonged to the man who created the original ice cream cone at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904
Spirit of Norfolk Dinner Cruise, which includes great food, music and dancing
1920 Hampton Carousel, one of only 170 antique wooden merry-go-rounds in the country
A VIP tour of the Virginia Air and Space Center that includes an Imax film and the Apollo 12 Command Module exhibit
Here are a few highlights from “A Fam Tour for the Ages”:
When the Saints Go Marching In, a driving tour that covers Lynchburg’s seven historic districts
Reception at Snowflex Lodge, an event unlike any you’ve attended before as accomplished snowboarders entertain you with some of the best views anywhere of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background
Appomatttox Court House National Historic Park, where you can walk the roads that Generals Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant traveled for America’s reconciliation
Tea at the Babcock House, a morning refreshment to remember
Lynchburg’s Old City Cemetery, Virginia’s oldest continuously operated cemetery, with more fun than most, like “Died and Gone to Heaven” honey and recipes collected in the “Food To Die For” cookbook
Lunch at Liberty Station, a renovated train depot
National D-Day Memorial, a moving testament to soldiers in another war
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, the retreat of one of America’s founders and presidents
National Civil War Chaplains Museum, a somber look at the men who ministered to soldiers in the Civil War
Thomas Road Baptist Church, founded by the late Rev. Jerry Falwell
Closing Dinner at Depot Grille, a riverfront institution in Lynchburg
If you are attending the Going On Faith Conference in Richmond and haven’t signed up for one of these great fam tours, do so now. Call Stephanie Kenney at 804-783-7407.
