Mechanicsville is an unincorporated Richmond suburb and a census-designated place in Hanover County.
With a population of about 37,000+ residents, this area offers a suburban feel for tourists looking to spend their free days relaxing.
It also has a few historic places that played significant roles during the Civil War, which history buffs should check out.
Despite being smaller than its neighbors, Mechanicsville remains a place for embarking on new adventures and gaining new experiences.
Here are the best things to do in Mechanicsville, VA:
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Look back on one of the most historical events that occurred in Virginia by exploring the Cold Harbor Battlefield Park.
Across the 365-acre land are fields where the Union troops launched attacks on Confederate defenses.
This battle was one of the primary events associated with the Overland Campaign during the Civil War.
The park has several stops that tell the Cold Harbor story, which begins at the visitor center.
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During the Civil War, the Confederate troops established a defensive position at the site of the current visitor center after Sheridan’s cavalry attack.
Next, you’ll make your way to the Confederate turnout.
See the breastworks dug and manned by the Confederate Army First Corps under Lieutenant General Richard Anderson.
You’ll also come across Route 156, an iconic road between Mechanicsville and Seven Pines located near the historic Old Harbor Crossroads.
If you’re looking to grab a bite at some of the best meals you can find in Mechanicsville, check out More than Greek.
This dainty and simple restaurant is not one to fall behind in delectable dishes and is considered a contender in the best Greek restaurant category.
While you’re there, start your meal with a serving of Greek bruschetta, and indulge in a bed of fresh tomatoes and Kalamata olives.
Of course, you wouldn’t want to leave without having a spoonful of the restaurant’s specialties like the moussaka, Greek-style lasagna, pasticcio, Greek lemon chicken, and more.
If you want to spread the joy of dining at More Than Greek, say it with a gift card you can purchase from the restaurant to send out as gifts or tokens.
Governor’s Architectural Antiques is not your average antique store where you’ll find vintage crafts and small decor.
Instead, you’ll find loads and miles of architectural salvage that you won’t find anywhere else一all kept in excellent condition.
The architectural salvage store also sells reclaimed lumber and military collectibles.
This service separates Governor’s entirely from your usual antique store selling china, glassware, and lamps.
Spanning almost seven acres, Governor’s has one of the largest inventories of architectural salvage and reclaimed lumber in Virginia.
The store also has on-site services, such as custom furniture, lighting restoration, and full-service welding.
Play archery, dodgeball, and paintball all at the same time in a thrilling, heart-racing game of archery tag at Richmond Archery Tag.
The game combines the strategic skill set of archery, the endurance of dodgeball, and the intensity of paintball into one exciting game that anyone can enjoy.
The best part is that the game of archery tag uses foam-tipped arrows to take down opponents instead of paintballs that might leave welts, bruises, or marks.
Richmond Archery Tag also hosts youth leagues, open leagues, and skills and drills nights if you’re looking for some friendly competition.
John Jackson founded Archery Tag.
Today, it’s part of Global Archery Products, Inc., a company specializing in a wide range of archery products.
If your kid’s got a passion for cheer, then you might as well take her to Mechanicsville Turnpike to learn a few stunts with the Richmond Twisters.
Spruce up your daughter’s summer by enrolling her in an engaging summer camp for cheerleading or gymnastics, and have her learn a few tricks.
Unleash her potential for these sports, let her learn a couple of tumbles and jumps, and have her stand on the national stage in no time.
Don’t worry, because summer camp isn’t all about training, either.
The Twisters also offer a bunch of activities the kids can enjoy, such as water, Kona ice, tie-dye, and pizza days, as well as craft activities.
You can also take your pick between recreational classes or enrolling your kid in the Richmond Twisters’ pre-team.
When in Mechanicsville, Marty’s Grill is arguably one of the best places to grab a bite.
Plus, the restaurant looks and feels like home.
You’ll feel comfortable even if you stay there for hours.
Try the restaurant’s favorites like the BYO Omelette, a three-egg masterpiece sauteed with the ingredients of your choice.
You might also want to grab a bite of their homemade cinnamon rolls and get a taste of heaven.
There’s no better way to end a tiring day than to hang out at a bar, have a drink, and chat with your friends.
And there’s no better place to do that than The Ville.
Enjoy a round of drinks while singing your heart out at karaoke nights and munching on a plate of great food.
The Ville also hosts live music nights, so think of it as a mini-concert you can enjoy with your friends and family.
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Mechanicsville is filled with dozens of historical places that bear traces of the Civil War.
If you make your way towards the end of the Cold Harbor Battlefield Park, you’ll see the iconic Garthright House.
The Confederate soldier Miles Garthright used to own the house, which doubled as a field hospital during the Civil War.
At the height of the fighting, the house saw the deaths of at least 97 soldiers.
After they died, the hospital interred them in the Garthright House’s front yard, a temporary burial site.
The Garthright House saw two major battles in its lifetime: the Battle of Gaines’ Mill in 1862 and the Battle of Cold Harbor in 1864.
Although the house is not open to the public, you’re still welcome to take photos of the iconic structure.
If you’re craving some good Italian food, it’s a good thing you won’t have to go far.
You can easily make your way to the Giambancos Italian Grill.
The restaurant is the Giambancos’ latest restaurant, after having been in the business for many years.
They had established the Roma Ristorante in 1976.
Start with appetizers like Brussels sprouts, tomato bruschetta, and mozzarella fritti before moving on to the Giambancos specials.
You’ll have a lot to choose from, including premium steaks, veal dishes, grilled specials, and a variety of seafood dishes.
The restaurant also has a self-pour taproom, so you might as well help yourself to a glass of craft beer while you’re there.
With outstanding swimming amenities, you and your family can enjoy a day of swimming at Burkwood Swim & Racquet Club.
Established in 1973, it specializes in swimming, tennis, and fitness, which means you have choices if you sign up for the different lessons it offers.
There are different types of pools to choose from for swimming with a large one that’s only open in the summer, an indoor pool that’s open year-round, and another outdoor pool with bubbles during colder months.
A smaller wading pool with splash towers is also offered for the little kids, and the other pool has slides and a jumping board.
Burkwood Swim & Racquet Club is located at Burkwood Club Drive.
While in Mechanicsville, art enthusiasts can take time creating masterpieces at AR Workshop Mechanicsville.
It specializes in DIY for parties, graphics design, painting, and many other art styles.
You can join the workshops, or have your children sign up for the summer camp.
The art studio also hosts special occasions like birthdays, team building, and more.
AR Workshop Mechanicsville was founded in 2016 with more than 120 locations across the U.S.
You can find it off Bell Creek Road.
Take a walk and learn a slice of history at Beaver Dam Creek Battlefield on Cold Harbor Road.
Known as the Battle of Mechanicsville, the battle occurred on June 26, 1862, between General Robert E. Lee and the Federals.
The site has a short walking trail, which takes you across the creek, encompassing both Union 7 Confederate positions.
Although the northern part of the Beaver Dam Creek Battlefield was destroyed due to development, Richmond National Battlefield Park protects about 365 acres of it along the lower section of the creek.
Look out for the plaques on site with some details and information about the war.
Whether you’re starting your day, or getting your daily coffee fix, there’s no better way than doing it at The Local Cup.
The coffee shop roasts its own coffee in-house, which means there’s an extra aroma feel to it as soon as you step inside.
It also features specialty coffee drinks regularly that can satisfy any coffee lover’s taste buds.
Also, don’t miss out on its freshly baked goodies and breakfast sandwiches, which are all homemade.
Drop by The Local Cup at Hanover Commons on Chamberlayne Road.
Don’t head back home empty-handed!
Go to Lazy Daisy Gift Store and browse some unique handmade gifts and souvenirs for this trip for yourself and your loved ones.
You can choose from its eclectic handmade gifts, upcycled and restyled furniture and home decor, jewelry, clothing, and many other special finds.
There are also other gorgeous scented candles, handmade skincare products, trinkets, paintings, and mugs, as well as homemade jams and honey.
Lazy Daisy Gift Store has received numerous awards and accolades since its inception in 2011 and has 8 other locations in Virginia.
In Mechanicsville, you can find it at Hanover Square South on Bell Creek Road.
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The ultimate gearheads are in for a real treat when they make their way to the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia, nine minutes from Mechanicsville.
Known as America’s Premier Short Track, the Richmond Raceway is considered a home for NASCAR racing.
Get your weekend fix of watching the fastest cars battle it out on the tracks, and cheer for your top pick to win the race.
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Fans are also granted the ultimate NASCAR experience with the raceway’s infield redevelopment, which allows them to hang out by the historic Richmond infield.
Check out the fan-viewing walkways in the NASCAR Cup Series Garages while stopping by the concession stands for a midday snack.
The Richmond Raceway also has camping sites for RVs and tents, perfect for those looking to spend their weekends by the tracks.
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Feel one step closer to nature while walking along the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Henrico, Virginia, 13 minutes from Mechanicsville.
Explore 50 acres of land divided into dozens of gardens decorated with various colors from blooming flowers.
As you walk on the pathways, they’ll direct you to a new environment displaying a wide range of flowers in season.
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Different flowers bloom every month and season, so you’ll get a whole new experience every time you visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
While there, check out the classical domed conservatory, the only one of its kind in the mid-Atlantic.
Also known as the “Jewel of the Garden,” the conservatory spans 11,000 square feet and is home to the most exotic and unusual plants from around the globe.
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Walk away from the busy streets and away from the city life by swinging by the Hanover Wayside Park.
You’ll find it in Hanover, Virginia, 11 minutes from Mechanicsville.
Get some much-needed peace by laying a blanket on the green grass and spending your alone time watching the sunset.
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You’re also welcome to bring your favorite snacks and food and enjoy a picnic with your closest friends.
Hanover Wayside Park is also home to the Hanover Veterans Memorial, which honors those who served in the military from World War I until today.
The park has other facilities like playgrounds, walking trails, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and picnic shelters.
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Art lovers can’t possibly leave Virginia without dropping by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, 17 minutes from Mechanicsville.
Enjoy checking out a vast collection of art pieces in various mediums and rotating exhibits displayed throughout the year.
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Go for a self-guided tour around the museum or join a group for a guided experience as you get up close and personal with works from renowned artists.
You can also go on an audio tour if you prefer to be alone, but with the benefit of having a recording guide you through the artwork.
The museum also has permanent collections featuring Native American art, European art, African artists, and a lot more.
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The biggest collections of documents, photographs, and other archives related to the Holocaust and World War II are at the Virginia Holocaust Museum.
You can find the museum in Richmond, 15 minutes from Mechanicsville.
Mark Fetter, Jay Ipson, and Al Rosenbaum founded the museum, which opened in 1997.
Since then, the Virginia Holocaust Museum has served as a premier destination for field trips and educational tours.
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Listen to personal anecdotes and accounts about some of the most significant events in global and American history.
The Virginia Holocaust Museum also features a Jewish-American Hall of Fame to honor renowned people who have made significant contributions in various fields.
There’s also a Children’s Memorial, which honors about 1.5 million Jewish children who perished during the Holocaust.
Known for producing some of the finest Richmond wine, James River Cellars is arguably one of the best places for shopping and tasting premier wines.
You can find the winery at Glen Allen, Virginia, 13 minutes from Mechanicsville.
James River Cellars’ tasting room is typically open seven days a week, making any day the perfect day to fix yourself a fine glass of wine.
If you want to enjoy the winery’s stunning views, you can bring a blanket and a couple of chairs to the lawn for a great wine-tasting experience.
Before heading home, you might want to bring a couple more bottles because you won’t find another brand of wine as good as the bottles at James River Cellars.
Make your barbecues and picnics more fun with a bottle of Montpelier Blush, or enjoy the flavors of the Hanover White while grabbing a bite of Hawaiian pizza.
Mechanicsville may be a small area.
However, don’t let its size fool you.
There are many things you can do in this Richmond suburb that you won’t get to do anywhere else.
So book a trip today and begin your adventure.
Discover the world.
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