Virginia is a commonwealth with the nickname “Old Dominion.” Oftentimes, it is also referred to as the “Mother of Presidents” because eight of our U.S. Presidents were born there. The area’s history began with the founding of the Virginia Colony in 1607 as the first permanent English colony in the new world. The capital of the Commonwealth is Richmond. Virginia Beach is the most populous city, Fairfax County is the most populous political county, and the region’s main seaport and military facilities are located in the Hampton Roads/Tidewater area.

Virginia is definitely for lovers – of history, beaches, wineries, mountains, rivers and the great outdoors. Throughout the Commonwealth there are many fun things to do. In this installment of Traveling Around Virginia we’ll visit the capital, Richmond, and explore sites to visit that are absolutely – free!

The city of Richmond is located at the intersections of Interstate 95 and Interstate 64, and surrounded by Interstate 295 and Virginia State Route 288 in central Virginia. The present city of Richmond was founded in 1609 and its economy is primarily driven by law, finance, and government. Tourism is an important aspect of the city. Here is just a sample of the activities and attractions in historic Richmond that you can do for FREE:

Canal Walk
Stretching 1.25 miles along the James River and the Kanawha and Haxall Canals, the Canal Walk provides you with four centuries of Richmond’s history. Multiple access points between 5th and 17th streets allow you to view many monuments and exhibits. For more information contact (804) 788-6466 or visit www.venturerichmond.com.

Maymont House Museum
The museum can be found on Hampton Street and is open daily. You can explore the museum, Italian and Japanese gardens, a carriage collection, 700 animals in wildlife exhibits, and the nature center. (804) 358-7166.

Monument Avenue
This site begins at the Fan District at the intersection of Harrison Street and proceeds west to Horsepen Road. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1890 with a monument to General Robert E. Lee. There are also statues of three Confederate leaders. In the 1990s a statue of Arthur Ashe was also added.

Old Dominion Railway Museum
The museum is housed in a restored Railway Express Agency car and features photos and artifacts. It is only open on weekends and is located on Hull Street. (804) 233-6237 or www.odcnrhs.org.

Richmond National Battlefield Park
At the park, you can see 3 floors of exhibits, maps and programs that show the story of Richmond during the Civil War. Located on Tredegar Street and open daily www.nps.gov/rich.

Virginia Historical Society
This tells the story of Virginia’s history. The 13 galleries feature the largest display of Virginia artifacts on permanent view. Located on N. Boulevard it is open every day but Monday www.vahistorical.org.

Virginia Capitol & Executive Mansion
The Virginia Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson, houses America’s oldest legislative assembly. Daily one-hour guided tours showcase historical statuary and painting, rare exhibit objects and newly restored legislative chambers. Self guided tours are also available The entrance is at 10th and Bank Streets; www.virginiacapitol.gov. The Executive Mansion is the oldest continuously occupied governor’s home since 1813 in the country. Visit www.executivemansion.virginia.gov.

Every time you interact with the world, your brain learns and grows. Active thinking and all kinds of physical activity improve brain function and can protect against cognitive decline. The human brain is a very flexible organ that can continually adapt and rewire itself based on activity, even as we age. The Franklin Institute Online suggests that though severe mental decline is usually caused by disease, most age-related losses in memory or motor skills are the result of inactivity and a lack of mental exercise and stimulation. In this article, we’ll take a look at how our brains can learn to form new connections and what simple tasks and exercises can be done to help your brain stay young.

Throughout your life, the neurons in your brain respond to each new stimulus and every learning experience. Each time this happens, the neurons in your brain reorganize or reinforce neuron pathways. A healthy, active neuron can be linked to thousands of other neurons making the potential for millions of new connections. This is why memory can be sparked not just from repeating the exact same experience, but by any aspect of a similar experience. Think about how a certain song or wonderful aroma can conjure up a memory. Your brain is literally changing each time you learn something new! So, simple tasks and exercises can stimulate your brain and build these receptors and connections keeping your brain young.

While crossword puzzles, math tasks, and even bingo are activities that can help your brain stay young, so too, can other more simple tasks. For example, try using your non-dominant hand to dial the phone, use the remote, or brush your teeth. Though at first it will be difficult to be precise and accurate with your motions, fear not, because this awkwardness is a good thing. It means that your brain is learning a new skill! Challenge yourself to try something new or different every day. Venture out of your comfort zone by driving a different route to or from work, learn a new hobby, or meet some new people. Even if you never repeat the exact same activity, you have created a new connection for your brain to use! A recent study even showed that one hour per week of doing internet searches resulted in an increase in the working memory of study participants over the age of 55.

The Franklin Institute Online suggests that we try to include one or more of our senses when doing a task. For example, get dressed with your eyes closed or in the dark (make sure you are sitting down to do this to minimize the risk of falling). Share a meal and use only visual cues to communicate. Listen to music while smelling a bouquet of flowers. Listen to the rain and tap your fingers at the same time. The point is, give your brain multiple opportunities to flex its muscle and grow. A passive life does not promote a young and vibrant brain.

Activate your life, activate your brain, be healthy and stay young.