Hello and Welcome to Petersburg, Virginia. Known for its rich history, Civil War significance, and beautiful architecture and just 30 minutes south of Richmond, this is a city with a lot of character and charm.
Even productions like Lincoln, Harriet, and Dopesick were filmed here because of its preserved historic look.
Today I will take you to the top places to visit and show you why a trip here is worth it.
If you'd like to watch the video of my full trip, you can here:👇
Day 1:
Drive from Richmond to Blandford Church, approximately 30 minutes.
1pm Blandford Church and Cemetery
Open: By Appointment or Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1-4pm
Tickets: $10, https://visitpetersburgva.org/
The church was built in 1735 but it wasn’t until 1904 that the stained glass by Louis Comfort Tiffany was installed.
The 15 windows were commissioned by the Ladies Memorial Association of Petersburg and various Southern families between 1904 and 1912 as a tribute to Confederate soldiers who died during the Siege of Petersburg in the Civil War.
Each window tells a different biblical story or religious theme with a written statement under each one - they all have beautiful details, dreamy landscapes, and mesmerizing hues that change as the sunlight shifts throughout the day.
Some view them as a beautiful yet problematic artifact of their time, while others appreciate them purely for their artistic value.
2pm Blandford Cemetery (next to church)
Blandford Church Cemetery is one of the largest and oldest cemeteries in the United States.
It covers 189 acres, dates back to 1702 and has graves from the American Revolution and Civil War.
It is also the final resting place of over 30,000 Confederate soldiers, making it one of the largest Confederate cemeteries in the country.
Definitely a must-stop for History buffs.
3pm Centre Hill Mansion House Museum
Open: By Appointment or Sunday 1-4pm https://visitpetersburgva.org/attractions/centre-hill-museum/
This mansion was built in 1823 by Robert Bolling IV - who grave we just saw at Blandford cemetery - on a hill overlooking downtown Petersburg.
Two president have visited here - Abraham Lincoln in 1865 days after Union forces took Petersburg and William Howard Taft in 1909. He was the guest of honor with a grand reception hosted by the then owner of the mansion Charles Hall Davis.
The mansion is a perfect example of early 19th-century luxury, featuring:
Dramatic columns and grand staircases
Ornate plasterwork and intricate wood carvings
Period furniture and antique collections
The show Mercy Street was even filmed here.
4pm Historic Old Towne Petersburg
Old Towne Petersburg is such a vibe! It has history, charm, and a vibrant arts scene. Strolling down its cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time, with beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture, historic landmarks, and a welcoming small-town feel.
Resist Booksellers, Open 11am-6pm, Closed Mon
This Black-owned independent bookstore isn’t just a place to buy books, it’s a movement. Dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, fostering meaningful conversations, and creating a welcoming space for all, Resist Booksellers is a must stop.
5pm Drive by Historic Homes
Stop by the following streets to see some gorgeous historic homes:
Grove Ave
High Street
Poplar Lawn Historic District
WHERE TO STAY:
6pm Check into Hotel Petersburg 20 W Tabb St, Petersburg, VA 23803
Opened in 1916 featuring 6 stories and 125 guest rooms. It caught fire in 1969 leading to hotels closure until 2017 when It was restored. And reopened in 2024 as a part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection.
They have a speakeasy called "The Boiler Room" inside their old boiler room in the basement with a separate cocktails & small bites menu. Only open on the weekends.
Dinner: Shirley's
Named after the original hotel name, this is an elevated southern comfort food restaurant in a historic setting. The restaurant blends historic charm with modern elegance, featuring stylish decor, cozy seating, and a bar that serves up expertly crafted cocktails.
Day 2:
Check out of Hotel Petersburg and go on a walk to get some coffee and donuts.
8am Demolition Coffee - Open 7am-3pm
This a local favorite that is themed "demolition in Petersburg". Housed in a repurposed warehouse, this rustic café features exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and a cozy, laid-back atmosphere with tons of coffee options. We got the chai latte with oat milk (decaf).
8:30am Buttermilk Bake Shop - Open Tues-Sun 7am-5pm
This charming bakery has so many options offering donuts, breads, and desserts that taste like they’re straight out of your grandma’s kitchen. They had a few vegan options as well and do vegan donuts on Friday & Saturdays starting at 9:30am. We got the vegan red velvet cupcake.
9am Drive to Campbells Bridge to see the Appomattox River Falls
Park Here: 527 University Blvd, Petersburg, VA 23803
Park at the parking lot at Campbell's Bridge then walk across the street to the view point to see the falls.
The Appomattox River Falls trail provides easy access to scenic overlooks, giving visitors the chance to experience the falls from different vantage points.
10am Peter Jones Trading Station
Dating back to the 17th century, this trading post was a bustling hub of commerce where settlers and Native Americans exchanged goods, making it a foundation of trade and economy in colonial Virginia.
Named after Peter Jones (whom Petersburg is named after), who was a colonial merchant and early leader of the region. The trading station played a vital role in the expansion of Petersburg as a center for trade, business, and community growth.
10:30am See Pocahontas Island
This is one of the oldest free Black communities in America, and by 1860, one of the largest in the nation. There isn't much to see here but it is a slice of important history.
If you drive on to 808 Logan Street you can see one of the original buildings from the community.
11am Petersburg National Battlefield - Open 9am-5pm
Free Entry: https://www.nps.gov/pete/planyourvisit/index.htm
Step onto the hallowed grounds of Petersburg National Battlefield, where history comes to life in one of the most pivotal sites of the American Civil War. Spanning nearly 18,000 acres, this preserved battlefield tells the story of the siege that changed the course of history - a grueling nine-month siege that ultimately led to the fall of Richmond and the end of the war.
Siege of Petersburg (1864-1865) – One of the longest and most important battles of the Civil War, leading to the fall of Richmond and the end of the war.
Stop at the visitor's center for a map then watch the 19 minute film explaining the importance of Petersburg in the Civil War. After that head out to your first stop, which is right next to the visitor's center. Then hop in your car and continue driving to follow the signs to the rest of the stops.
12:30pm Must Stop: The Crater
One of the most dramatic and tragic battles of the Civil War, The Battle of the Crater took place on July 30, 1864, during the Siege of Petersburg.
Union forces, struggling to break through the Confederate defenses around Petersburg, devised an ambitious plan to tunnel under the Confederate lines and set off a massive explosion to create an opening in their fortifications.
Instead of capitalizing on the explosion, Union troops, many of them U.S. Colored Troops (USCT), rushed forward but became trapped inside the crater itself.
What started as a potential turning point became a horrific slaughter, with Union troops suffering over 3,800 casualties, while the Confederates held their ground. This site is a must-see.
30 minute drive back to Richmond for lunch.
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Thank you so much for joining me on a trip to Petersburg. We really loved the architecture, learning more about the history and the people we met.
I hope you found this itinerary helpful! There are more blogs on my website about other spots around Virginia, as well as Richmond tips.
You can also follow me on YouTube for my travel videos or Instagram for daily updates. Feel free to DM me with any questions! Have a great trip!
💚Lauren Z Ray