Richmond, Virginia, is the place where the most famous words of the Revolutionary War — Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” — were spoken. It was the capital of the Confederacy and has been a locus of civil rights protests. Here, you’ll find historic homes and gardens; museums and markers dedicated to the evolution and near-dissolution of the nation; and tree-lined streets of Federalist and Victorian homes.

But history isn’t all there is to experience in Richmond. With the James River coursing through and plenty of hiking and biking trails, nature abounds. A burgeoning gallery scene augments excellent art museums. Loads of vintage shops offer intriguing finds, and new restaurants continually add to the city’s nationally recognized dining scene. It’s a great place to make a day of it.

Early Morning

Awaken at the Hideaway Report-recommended Jefferson Hotel (101 W. Franklin St.), a Beaux Arts beauty downtown, and make your way to Church Hill, named for St. John’s Church, where Henry fired up the Founding Fathers. Here, at Sub Rosa Bakery (620 N. 25th St.), you can indulge in exemplary breakfast pastries. Local heritage grains are milled in-house and wood-fired for flaky, crackly croissants; savory meat-filled börek; and incomparable fruit tarts, breads and more. The coffee is also excellent.