Looking for Civil War history, Southern hospitality, and small-town charm? Visit Mechanicsville! Just outside Richmond, this Hanover County community offers historic battlefields, cozy eateries, and family-friendly parks—perfect for a relaxing weekend in central Virginia.
Mechanicsville, VA Highlights:
- For Families: Spend the day at Pole Green Park – Enjoy walking trails, sports fields, and a large playground ideal for kids and picnics.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Explore Cold Harbor Battlefield Park – Hike wooded trails through this preserved Civil War site and learn about the 1864 battle.
- For Kids: Visit Crump Park & Meadow Farm Museum – A living history farm with animals, 19th-century farm buildings, and open green spaces just minutes away in Glen Allen.
- For an Adventure: Paddle the Chickahominy River – Rent a kayak or canoe and enjoy a scenic float near nearby Bottoms Bridge and Route 5 corridor.
- For Shoppers: Browse local shops and antique stores – Explore Mechanicsville Turnpike for unique finds and local flavor.
Best Time to Visit Mechanicsville, VA
The best time to visit Mechanicsville is in spring and fall (April–June and September–October), when the weather is ideal for outdoor exploration, historic walking tours, and enjoying local events and festivals.
How to Get to Mechanicsville, VA
- If you are traveling by car: Mechanicsville is located off I-295 and US-360, just 15 minutes northeast of downtown Richmond.
- By Air: Richmond International Airport (RIC) is only about 25 minutes away, offering connections to major U.S. cities.
- By Train: Amtrak stations in Richmond provide easy access to regional rail travel with short drives into Mechanicsville.
Where to Stay in Mechanicsville, VA
- Hampton Inn Richmond–Mechanicsville – Convenient, comfortable option with breakfast and pool access near major roads.
- Holiday Inn Express Richmond–Mechanicsville – Clean, modern hotel with great access to local shops and downtown Richmond.
- Bed and Breakfasts in nearby Ashland – Quaint inns just 20–25 minutes away in historic Ashland for a more romantic or scenic stay.
Best Things to Do in Mechanicsville, VA
1. Cold Harbor National Cemetery
Honor fallen soldiers while exploring this historic, peaceful resting place.
Cold Harbor National Cemetery in Mechanicsville, Hanover County, Virginia spreads over 1.4 acres and is the last resting place to 2,110 soldiers. The cemetery was established on the site of the American Civil War Battle of Cold Harbor fought in 1866. The bodies of fallen soldiers were collected from a 22-mile area, from the battlefields and field hospitals of Cold Harbor, Mechanicsville, Gaines's Mill, and Savage's Station. Another search for buried and unburied remains organized in 1867 yielded more than 1,000 additional full and partial skeletons. Only very few were identified. Due to the Cold Harbor cemetery space limitations, most were re-interred in the Richmond National Cemetery. The cemetery is now closed to further interments.
6038 Cold Harbor Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, Phone: 804-795-2031
Where to Eat
2. Mexico Restaurant
Savor authentic Mexican flavors in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
Mexico Restaurant is a small local chain of Mexican restaurants in Richmond, Virginia established in 1990. The family business is known for providing fresh Mexican food in a friendly, festive atmosphere. Their Mechanicsvile location is a cheerful, spacious and bright cantina with long communal tables and cozy private booths in its indoor dining room. Guests’s favorite dining spot is a large outdoor terrace with a pergola smothered in flowers. The menu is diverse and extensive and offers all the favorite Mexican dishes, including a range of vegetarian options and specials just for kids. Monday is a Family Night and kids eat for free and Tuesday is $1 taco night.
7162 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, Phone: 804-559-8126
3. Gus' Italian Cafe and Sports Bar
Enjoy classic Italian dishes and catch the game with friends.
Located in Hanover Square, Mechanicsville, Virginia, Gus’s Italian Café and Sports Bar is a popular family operated restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Gus’s offers a large range of freshly made food, a fully stocked bar and 16 TVs on which to watch your favorite team. Cozy and friendly, the restaurant is dominated by a large bar on one side and a line of comfortable private booths on another. Friday nights are reserved for live music and Saturdays are karaoke nights. The menu is large and includes something for everyone, but most guests come for Gus’s special pizzas. Long list of starters and baskets offer perfect options for game nights when you want to share the meal with friends.
7358 Bell Creek Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, Phone: 804-730-9620
4. Sportspage Bar and Grille
Relax with cold drinks and tasty bites while watching sports.
Sportspage Bar & Grille in Mechanicsville was established in 2006 and is one of three bars in this local chain in Richmond. The lively and spacious spot has more than 55 high definition flat screen TVs and 15 booths with their own TVs, so guests can choose what they want to watch. There is a great kids’ game room with 12 popular games to keep them entertained while parents are watching the game or having fun with friends over a few beers. There is a back room that can accommodate large parties, a large outdoor patio and pool tables. The place is very popular with families, for its great atmosphere but also for the large menu that offers a bit of everything. The most popular dishes are their half pound fresh angus beef burger and the best chicken wings in town.
8319 Bell Creek Rd # N, Mechanicsville, VA 23116, Phone: 804-559-4700
If you are interested in local events:
- Hanover Tomato Festival (July) – Celebrate the region’s famous tomatoes with food, crafts, music, and family fun at Pole Green Park.
- Cold Harbor Living History Events (various dates) – Civil War reenactments and educational programs hosted at battlefield parks.
- Mechanicsville Christmas Parade (December) – A community holiday tradition with floats, lights, and local performers.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Mechanicsville, Virginia:
- Richmond (15–20 min) – Visit museums, dine on the Riverfront, or tour the Virginia State Capitol and historic neighborhoods.
- Ashland (25–30 min) – Stroll a quaint railroad town with coffee shops, local shops, and the campus of Randolph-Macon College.
- Glen Allen (20–25 min) – Explore Crump Park, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, or enjoy shopping and events at Short Pump.
- Varina/Chickahominy Riverfront (25–30 min) – Discover scenic driving routes, kayaking, and biking trails along the Capital Trail.
- Highland Springs (20 min) – Historic town near the airport with parks and local eateries.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Mechanicsville located?
- Mechanicsville is an unincorporated area in Hanover County, Virginia.
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When was Mechanicsville originally settled?
- The area was originally settled by English colonists in the 17th century.
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What is the historical significance of Shelton House?
- Shelton House, built in the early 18th century, is one of the oldest structures in town and is now a site of the Richmond National Battlefield Park.
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What role did Mechanicsville play in the American Civil War?
- Mechanicsville was the site of many battles during the American Civil War, starting with the Battle of Beaver Dam Creek.
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What is Cold Harbor National Cemetery?
- Cold Harbor National Cemetery was established on the site of the American Civil War Battle of Cold Harbor.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
Hampton Inn Richmond-Mechanicsville – A comfortable stay with modern amenities.
Explore Cold Harbor Battlefield Park – Learn about the historic Civil War battle site.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities.
Holiday Inn Express Richmond-Mechanicsville – A convenient and family-friendly hotel.
Visit Pole Green Park – Enjoy picnic areas, walking trails, and sports fields.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, fewer crowds, and vibrant autumn colors.
The Virginia Cliffe Inn – A charming and cozy bed-and-breakfast.
Take a scenic drive through Hanover County – Experience stunning fall foliage and historic landmarks.
Plan Your Trip