3 Unique Things to Do in Colonial Heights VA, and a Nearby Bonus Activity

At 30 minutes south of Richmond, Colonial Heights might not be on your radar.  But there are three very unique things to do in Colonial Heights VA that make a short day trip worthwhile. 

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Where is Colonial Heights VA

Colonial Heights is a small town located on the northwest side of the Appomattox River about 30 minutes south of Richmond, Virginia.  

This area, like much of Virginia, has quite a bit of history from early settlers in the 1600s and of course the Civil War.  Across the river is the Petersburg National Battlefield, a major site that became a key turning point in the war for the Union Army. 

Unique Things to Do in Colonial Heights VA

Violet Bank

Violet Bank was once a large 144 acre property that was settled by the Shore family in the late 1700s.  Today, what remains of the property is part of both the National Register of Historic Places as well as a Virginia Historic Landmark.  

Aside from being a large settlement in the area, Violet Bank was also a significant historical location near the end of the Civil War.  General Robert E. Lee occupied the property as his personal headquarters for six months during the siege of Petersburg. 

Violet Bank Museum 

The only structure remaining on the property is the Violet Bank Museum, or formerly known as the Shore House.  This house was built in 1808 after the original house burned down.  Today, it is a non-operational museum while it undergoes renovations.  The Violet Bank Museum is managed by the local tourism department and has a small collection of household items from the 1800s. The basement holds a larger collection of historical clothing and artifacts that were donated by families in the area.  

Although the museum is not currently open to the public, the grounds are available and definitely worth the visit for the special Cucumber Tree.   Once the museum reopens, this is one of the best free things to do in Colonial Heights VA. 

Cucumber Tree

What is truly unique about this property is the massive magnolia tree that occupies much of the front lawn. This tree is particularly special for a few reasons.  The first is that this beautiful tree is over 300 years old, which you get a sense of due to its massive size.  This type of tree, the Cucumber Magnolia (or Magnolia Acuminata) can live up to 500 years, so there is still a lot of life left in her. 

Which leads me to the second reason this tree is special is that it’s the second largest of its species in the world. When you come upon the tree you’ll notice the monumental trunk and large meandering branches.  Many branches are so big and heavy that they have supports underneath to stay attached to the tree.  

The final reason this tree is special is due to its unique seed pods.  These are small seed combs that look like mini cucumbers, which is why it gets the nickname of the “cucumber tree”.  

This property is often home to special events hosted by the city, and is a popular location for weddings. 

Keystone Antique Truck & Tractor Museum

The Keystone Antique Truck & Tractor Museum originally started as a small private collection of restored vintage tractors and trucks.  Today it has turned into a museum with an extensive collection of over 300 vintage cars, tractors, and trucks, plus a ton of memorabilia.  At almost 3 acres large, there is so much to see and you’ll find something for everyone. 

This museum is one of the best kid friendly things to do in Colonial Heights VA, partly because so many kids love cars and trucks. But, it is also because it is a very affordable family activity with free tickets for kids under 5, and $10 tickets for kids 6-17.

There’s more than just a museum, they also have the Keystone Restaurant.  It is one of the most popular places to get breakfast in Colonial Heights due to its large menu and even larger portions. 

Read more about the Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum: 

Visit the world’s largest Arby’s

It may come as a surprise to just about anyone that this small city of only 18,000 residents has the world’s biggest Arby’s.  Especially when you find out that Arby’s originated in Ohio, and is headquartered in Atlanta.  

So why is the biggest Arby’s in Colonial Heights Virginia?  The owner of this franchise also happens to own over a dozen other Arby’s locations, and with great power comes great responsibility (creating a memorable Arby’s experience).  

30 Years ago, this location was designed and built to mimic Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, which took its own inspiration from early 1900s National Park lodges.  And a lodge is nothing if not expansive and inviting.

This Arby’s truly does not look like any other fast food chain you’ll visit.  If you didn’t know any better you’d think you were at an actual sit down restaurant.  There was a lot of thought and care that went into this Arby’s.  From the variety of seating to the glass lamps, the sculptures, and my favorite design element, the colorful carpet, they really spent time (and money) to make this place something unique. 

If you do make it down to Colonial Heights, and stop by Arby’s you have to order the zucchini muffins (mini loafs).  You can only get these at a few locations around Richmond (that are owned by this franchisee) and they are honestly really good. 

Check out more of my trip to the World’s Largest Arby’s here. 

Things to Do in Colonial Heights VA, that aren’t technically in Colonial Heights

Wine Tasting in Chester Virginia

Just north of Colonial Heights is Chester, another small city outside of Richmond.  I was surprised to learn that there are also wineries and vineyards in this region.  

Ashton Creek Vineyard is about 10 minutes north of Colonial Heights in the outskirts of Chester.  As you enter this beautiful property, you will pass by rows of grapevines on either side of the driveway.  

This winery has two buildings, an event space, and the tasting room.  Here you can sample a flight of wine, have a glass out on the outdoor patio, or share a bottle with friends.  They also offer 1 hour guided tastings, plus a monthly pairing weekend.  Speaking of pairing, Ashton Creek also has a decently sized food menu to balance out your beverages.  

One of my favorite things about this winery is that they have three different wines named after their vineyard dogs.  The winery donates part of the profits for each of these labels to local animal shelters.  So basically, you’re drinking for a good cause. 

You can visit them Wednesday – Saturday from 11am to 9pm, and Sundays from 11am to 6pm. 

While there aren’t nearly as many things to do in Colonial Heights VA as you’ll find in Richmond, it is perfect for a day trip out of the city to have a very memorable excursion. 

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