Buford Road reveals a distinctive side of Bon Air: ornate Victorian cottages line the street in the Bon Air Historic District. The area also bears traces of its resort history, hosts an annual parade, and has an educational garden at the library. Together, these features highlight different aspects of the community—from architecture and history to nature education and community life.
Historic Streetscape Along Buford Road
The Bon Air Historic District preserves Bon Air’s village character. Along Buford Road, Victorian cottages with ornate façades define the streetscape. Many properties listed in the Historic District register are visible from public rights-of-way. At the same time, many of these properties are private and not open to the public. Seeing a house from a public route does not mean you can enter it.
The community’s history began in 1877, when the Bon Air Land and Improvement Company founded Bon Air in a wooded part of Chesterfield County. Later, the Bon Air Historic District was conveniently connected to downtown Richmond by rail. This historic connection is part of the District’s resort history and offers a different perspective on Bon Air from the architecture that defines its streetscape today.
Church and Resort History
The Bon Air Christian Church is a tangible reminder of this past. Its building was originally constructed in 1882 and served as Bon Air Union Chapel. The church is one of only two public buildings to have survived from Bon Air’s resort era. Its construction date and former use can be considered together: the present-day church building dates back to a period when Bon Air was shaped by its role as a resort.
Visitors interested in historic buildings may want to distinguish this story from the visible street architecture. The cottages represent the Historic District’s streetscape; the church connects a specific building with the resort era. Together, these two themes show different facets of history, without suggesting a set sightseeing itinerary.
Parade and Library Programs
Bon Air’s Victorian Day Parade and Festival takes place annually and is usually scheduled for the Saturday before Mother’s Day in May. This makes the event a clearly defined seasonal consideration when planning a trip. If you’re visiting Bon Air for the festival, it’s best to check the exact event date in advance.
The Bon Air Library offers another perspective on community life, with programs that include book discussion groups and storytimes. The library brings together two formats suited to different interests: conversations about books and readings aloud. These programs differ both from the annual parade and from the Historic District’s focus on history.
The Pollinator Garden as a Nature Attraction
The Bon Air Library’s Pollinator Garden is an educational garden designed for learning and interaction. It provides habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The garden brings together two themes: exploring pollinators and an interactive learning experience. It adds a connection to nature to the community’s history, while offering a focus distinct from that of the historic buildings.
Which side of Bon Air you focus on depends on what you’re looking for: the Historic District represents Victorian architecture and village character, while the church illustrates a specific chapter in the resort’s history. The parade offers an annual event, while the garden and library bring nature education and reading programs into focus. These distinctions can help you explore Bon Air in a way that suits your interests.
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