Richmond, VA Pride: LGBTQ Heritage, Arts & History

Duration: 3 Days | Meals Included: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Richmond Triangle Players Live Performance (LGBTQ Theatre)

Richmond Triangle Players is a respected nonprofit professional theatre company founded in 1993 and recognized as one of Central Virginia’s leading cultural institutions. Known for producing high-quality, engaging performances rooted in LGBTQ+ stories and experiences, the company has earned regional and international acclaim for its artistry and storytelling.

 

Performances take place at the Robert B. Moss Theatre, a landmark venue in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition neighborhood, offering a comfortable and welcoming setting. A visit to Richmond Triangle Players provides an enriching cultural experience that celebrates creativity, diversity, and the power of live theatre.

 

Productions are known for strong storytelling, thoughtful performances, and themes that celebrate creativity, diversity, and LGBTQ+ experiences. Audiences can expect an engaging, culturally enriching evening that feels both meaningful and entertaining.

 

LGBTQ-themed “Offbeat History” Sightseeing Tour of Richmond, VA

Here’s the tea: an expert guide hops aboard our comfortable motorcoach for a lively 90-minute ride through Richmond’s past, serving up the city’s LGBTQ+ history and culture right alongside the bigger moments that shaped it. Expect a mix of iconic landmarks, hidden stories, and a few delightful surprises as you discover how LGBTQ+ lives, voices, and activism have always been woven into Richmond’s story, not tucked away on the sidelines.

 

Drag Brunch at Godfreys

Get ready for a high-energy brunch experience that is equal parts fabulous, funny, and feel-good. Godfreys Drag Brunch delivers bold performances packed with music, humor, and jaw-dropping style, all served alongside a delicious brunch in a buzzing, welcoming space.

 

For us, this is more than just a meal. Expect big personalities, classic sing-alongs, playful audience interaction, and nonstop laughter as talented performers light up the room with colorful costumes and show-stopping numbers. The vibe is festive, inclusive, and joyfully over-the-top, making it easy to relax, cheer, and soak in the fun together.

 

And yes — bring your dollar bills! Tipping is customary at drag shows and all part of the experience, adding to the energy and excitement as you show your love for the performers.

 

Godfreys Drag Brunch is a celebration of creativity, community, and unapologetic joy. Come hungry, come ready to applaud, and come prepared to have a fabulous time.

 

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of the nation’s premier art museums, showcasing an extraordinary collection that spans thousands of years and cultures from around the world. From European masterpieces and American works to ancient artifacts and compelling contemporary art, the galleries offer a rich mix of styles, stories, and perspectives.

 

A visit to VMFA is an immersive cultural experience, inviting you to explore at your own pace and discover both iconic works and unexpected favorites. Whether you are drawn to classic paintings, bold modern pieces, or global art traditions, the museum delivers an inspiring and memorable stop filled with creativity and discovery.

 

Carrytown, VA

Enjoy free time on your own in Richmond’s beloved “Mile of Style,” a vibrant stretch packed with personality, local flavor, and nonstop browsing fun. Carytown is home to more than 25 restaurants and an eclectic mix of independently owned shops, so there is truly something for everyone. And yes, save room for dessert. The neighborhood is famous for its sweet treats and indulgent stops.

 

Wander past funky, one-of-a-kind boutiques, including the gay-owned Richmond staple Mongrel, and soak up the lively, creative energy that defines this iconic district. Discover toys for kids of all ages at World of Mirth, browse new and gently used books at Chop Suey Books, shop for natural and specialty foods at Ellwood Thompson’s, and treat yourself at For the Love of Chocolate. You can also unwind with a curated wine tasting at Dinner Party RVA, a warm, social spot perfect for sipping, relaxing, and savoring the moment. This is your time to explore at your own pace, grab a bite, pick up a unique souvenir, and experience Carytown the way locals do.

 

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a beautiful 50-acre oasis filled with lush summer landscapes, vibrant blooms, and thoughtfully designed gardens. A highlight of the visit is the elegant classical domed Conservatory, the only one of its kind in the mid-Atlantic, showcasing striking seasonal displays and tropical plantings.

 

Explore more than a dozen themed gardens, including the fragrant Rose Garden, peaceful Asian Valley, and scenic Cherry Tree Walk, along with other beautifully landscaped spaces bursting with late-summer color. Each path reveals new views and quiet corners perfect for slowing down and taking it all in. Whether you are admiring the flowers, discovering diverse plant collections, or simply enjoying the calm, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offers a refreshing and memorable experience.

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on day one is included at Henley on Grace. Choices are:

• California "Paillard" Chicken Breast: cage-free chicken breast prepared with prosciutto, artichokes, tomatoes, fresh garden herbs and buffalo mozzarella cheese in a chicken jus

• Lemon Ginger Salmon: skin-on seared salmon fillet, served with roasted cauliflower puree and sautéed spinach in a lemon ginger pan sauce

• Pan Seared Hanger Steak: cast iron-seared hanger steak with thyme, garlic, rainbow carrots and a rich barolo (red wine) sauce with balsamic glaze

• Vegetarian Mushroom: roasted portabello mushroom with wild rice and seasonal vegetables, served with a horseradish crème and balsamic glaze

Dinner is served with the Henley Salad (seasonal greens with cherry tomatoes, croutons, bleu cheese, toasted almonds and rainbow carrots in a creamy parmesan green goddess dressing), assorted bite size desserts, with coffee, tea, and one glass of beer or wine.

 

Lunch on day two is included at Godfreys Drag Brunch. Choices are (Guests order when seated):

• Berry bowl with Granola

• Layered Cheese Omelette

• Crab Florentine Omelette

• Banana Stuffed French Toast

• Fresh Fruit & Garden Mix Salad

• Salmon & Vegetable Salad

• Marinated Shrimp Salad with Avocado

• Crab Salad

• Steak & Potato Salad

• Godfreys Club

• Godfreys Breakfast B.L.T.

• Reuben Sandwich

• Quesadilla

• Godfreys Eggs Benedict

• Crab Chesapeake

Meal is served with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. Cash bar available.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling at hotels is included.

 

Accessibility:

• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts - Manual and motorized wheelchairs are available at Coat Check at the museum’s main entrance on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). These assistive devices are offered free-of-charge for visitors to use on the museum campus.

• Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens - Wheelchairs and rolling walkers are available for guests to borrow on a first-come, first-serve basis. Outside there are ramps available anywhere there are stairs.

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Hampton Inn Richmond - Downtown (Richmond, VA)

 

The hotel is situated in the heart of the action, with great rooftop views of Downtown Richmond. The hotel features a fitness center. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, hairdryer, and iron/board.