Dont feel the need to stop at the closest McD's - take the family to this cute little place to see the important cultural sites AND EAT! I found the pricing family friendly and certainly the latest exhibit to be eye opening! Go - you wont regret it!

Drove down from D.C. to see the Chihuly exhibi. Amazaed by the wealth of other collections, especially the Art Nouveau furniture. Unfortunately the Faberge eggs, etc. are on a 2 year tour,.

VMFA has 2 restaurants -- both good. However, Amuse, the more formal venue makes a day at the museum a very special occasion. The setting is a glass front space on the museum's second floor overlooking the sculpture garden and a beautiful pond with "red reeds" executed in glass by the noted glass sculptor, Dale Chihuly. On fine days, you can lunch outside on the balcony. Food and drinks are creative and done to perfection. Portions are small, but every bite is delicious. Often, the menu reflects a special exhibit in the museum, for example, Indian specialties during the Maharajah exhibit. It is a lovely place to rest your feet and please your senses after checking out all the wonders the museum has to offer. (Be sure to include the gorgeous 1st floor gift shop in your day at the museum too.)

VMFA has been a regional gem for decades; but since the re-opening, after years of renovation and expansion, it has blasted to the top in the nation with both its programmings and stunning new space. It has featured special exhibitions such as Picasso, Faberge, Chihuly, to name just a few; not to mention the outstanding permanent collections of Pop Art, Tiffany, Art deco, Himalayan arts. The dining room "Amuse" serves inventive dishes with a panoramic view of the museum campus.