Historic Richmond Inns

There is always something beautiful waiting to be enjoyed at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Beginning May 25 through October 14, visitors will have the opportunity to look deep into the world of “Butterflies Live!” Featuring tropical species from Costa Rica and Southeast Asia, including the famed Monarch, in the Conservatory, the exhibit gives guests an up-close look as the delicate creatures feed and roost. Guests are “warned” that butterflies may in fact land on them and instructed to allow staff and volunteers to remove any of the hitchhikers with a paintbrush, protecting their delicate bodies and wings.

A butterfly nursery is included in the exhibition and will offer guests the opportunity to see the beautiful creatures emerge from their pupa state. Over 12 species are planned for exhibition, however the count won’t be guaranteed until the butterflies arrive.  They are more active on sunny mornings, so the exhibit will be closed at night.

Admission to the Butterflies Live! exhibit is included with general admission: $11 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7 for children ages 3 – 12. Children under age 3 are admitted free.

You can even visit the butterflies for Independence Day – admission to the exhibit is free during the “All American 4^th of July” celebration at Lewis Ginter.

Plan a Richmond escape and enjoy the beauty of Butterflies Live! as well as the other permanent and traveling exhibits at the world-renowned Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Plan to stay at your favorite Historic Richmond Inn and you’ll enjoy comfortable, premium accommodations, gourmet breakfasts served daily and our signature Southern Hospitality. Plan ahead as reservations go quickly during the summer months! We look forward to welcoming you.

The Historic Richmond Inns

The swallows may be famous for their return to Capistrano year after year, but in Richmond, it’s the Purple Martins who make their annual triumphant appearance in Shockoe Bottom. A festival welcoming back the winged residents who instinctively migrate each year from their place of birth to South America is the only known such urban bird event where “onlookers can watch the birds return to roost.” The highly social birds travel in large numbers for safety and comfort, obtaining both their food and water while in air (they eat insects and skim water off the top of ponds in flight). They are the largest of the Martin family and their primary predators are House Sparrows and European Starlings.

The Purple Martins arrive in Richmond with the summer months – in 2007 they began arriving in June. By August the roosts, which can number in the tens of thousands of birds, are sometimes large enough to capture on Doppler Radar! The birds can be noisy, communicating with each other through various chirps and songs. To encourage them to choose safe roosting sites, the mating call of one Purple Martin was recorded and is known as the “Dawn Song”. The call is used to attract the tens of thousands of birds to suitable sites in the city for their roosts.

While the 2012 details are pending, “Gone to the Birds” is generally scheduled in August during the birds’ peak presence – get your Historic Richmond Inns reservations early as the summer is high season for many fun festivals perfect for visitors of all backgrounds and interests. Ask your hospitable innkeeper for directions to the best roosts, and enjoy premium accommodations with daily gourmet breakfasts between bird-watching. We look forward to visiting with you!

The Historic Richmond Inns

Image courtesy of Matt Tillett via Creative Commons Attribution License

Whether you swayed to his “Take it Easy” in the 70’s or first met him as a guest start on The Simpsons in 2003, if you’re a fan of Jackson Browne you’re going to want to make a beeline for the Carpenter Theatre on July 20 at 8:00 PM for his appearance with special guest Sara Watkins. The public sale of tickets begins today!

Browne has had a long, acclaimed career with his singing and songwriting that crosses over different genres giving him broad appeal. Born in Heidelberg, Germany, he moved to New York in 1966 and joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. In 1972 he released the album “Jackson Browne” which included his first hit in the Top Ten on the US Hit Singles Chart, “Doctor My Eyes”. He sang with legends like Joni Mitchell and Linda Rondstadt. Some of his other best-known hits include “Song for Adam” and “Take it Easy”.

Be among the first to purchase great tickets to see Browne’s Richmond concert at the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond’s CenterStage. Tickets are available online and by phone and are $70 or $76 plus applicable fees: http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/. Check today for availability at your favorite Historic Richmond Inn and you could stay within walking distance of the theater with tons of nightlife around you. It sounds like the perfect Richmond vacation, make your commitment now!

Resource:

Wikipedia: Jackson Browne

Photo Courtesy of DougFrancis via Creative Commons License

The highly anticipated first “Plein Air” juried art event in Richmond will start on June 18, 2012. Presented and hosted by Brazier Gallery in support of the Richmond Symphony, Plein Air Richmond will continue a popular tradition of inviting the United States’ best artists to capture the essence of a city from their outdoor easels. The first stage is a week-long “Painting Out” (June 18-23) when “plein air” or open space painters (as opposed to those who paint in a studio), will set up their easels all over the historic city of Richmond.

A Collector’s Preview Party and Gala is scheduled for June 22 at Brazier Gallery. Attendees, who must purchase tickets in advance, will be the first to view the paintings created  during the Painting Out. The Gala will feature music from the Richmond Symphony at the “Try Me Gallery”. Tickets can be purchased at www.richmondsymphony.com.

On June 23, both juried and non-juried artists will start and complete paintings on Monument Avenue. Supporters can purchase the “wet” paintings right off of the easel!

Lovers of art and of the historic city of Richmond cannot miss this spectacular event. Check with the Historic Richmond Inns right away to determine availability during your stay and purchase tickets to the Collector’s Preview Party and Gala today! You’ll indulge your artistic side, visit or revisit beautiful landmarks, and enjoy the world-renowned hospitality of the best of our local bed and breakfasts too! Do not wait as space is already going fast. We hope to see you in June for Plein Air Richmond!

The Historic Richmond Inns

On June 2, 2012, Virginia will celebrate a time-honored equestrian tradition: The 80^th running of the Strawberry Hills Races. The event is highly anticipated, even in the year when the formerly associated State Fair of Virginia closed its door in March. Colonial Downs has adopted the race as its own, ensuring the continuation of the beloved steeplechase races. Strawberry Hills also marks the beginning of Colonial Downs’ thoroughbred racing season.

Spectators at the Strawberry Hills Races traditionally enjoy a day of festive revelry in the form of a railside tailgating party. Visitors should reserve space in advance to enjoy early admission at 10:00 AM – plenty of time to secure your spot with friends, and start preparations for the party of the year. General admission begins at 11, and the first steeplechase race begins at 12:55 PM.

This year’s theme is “Celebrate the 80^th Running with the 80’s”. Valley girls, MC Hammer Pants, leg warmers and shoulder pads are, like, totally welcome. Guests are encouraged to deck their tailgates out with strobe lights and blast 80’s music. Channel one of our favorite decades of excess and turn out in your very best punk gear, and party like it is 1980 – single sequined white glove and rubber red jacket optional.

Tickets for this year’s race can be purchased directly from Colonial Downs. Reservations at the Historic Richmond Inns go quickly on major event weekends, so always secure yours as far in advance as possible. Enjoy premium accommodations, luxury properties and gourmet breakfasts daily during your visit. Don’t forget to ask your innkeeper for his or her best pre- and post-race entertainment recommendations as well. Don’t wait – plan a day at the races today!

Historic Richmond Inns

A new exhibition will make its VMFA debut on June 2, 2012 – Bold, Cautious, True: Walt Whitman and American Art of the Civil War Era.  Whitman’s poetry is featured with the visual arts of the Civil War during this program timed to coincide with the sesquicentennial commemoration of the world-changing events of the 19^th century.

The exhibition has been customized to reflect Virginia’s role in the war and features one of VMFA’s “seminal” artworks: Eastman Johnson’s A Ride for Liberty-The Fugitive Slaves, March 2, 1862. Paintings, sculptures and rare books will also be included.

Admission to the exhibition, which runs through August 26, 2012, is free.

Real admirers of the era’s artistic endeavors may want to consider taking a special art history course offered on Tuesdays from July 10 – July 31, 2012 from 2 – 3 PM. American Art in the Civil War Era is open to adults who wish to study the cultural impact of the conflict with Sara Moriarty, a VCU PhD candidate. Tickets for the course are $55 for non-members or $40 for members and can be purchased online.

Whitman aficionados are also offered an opportunity to delve farther in to the exhibition on Thursday, June 7, 2012, from 6 – 7 PM at the “Bold, Cautious, True” seminar in the Leslie Creek Theater. Tickets are $8 for non-members or $5 for members and can also be purchased online.

This special sesquicentennial year offers so much to history and art lovers, as well as those who simply love Richmond and its cultural heritage. Don’t miss the commemoration and all of the exciting events associated with it. Make a reservation at one of our Historic Richmond Inns today, and set yourself up for the perfect mini-vacation to a region you will want to visit again and again.

The Historic Richmond Inns

Richmond historians are uniquely attuned to the African American heritage to which the region is home. A deeply moving slave trail tells the compelling story of Richmond’s underground railroad, complete with the site of one of the most infamous slave jails in the area and tributes to the men and women who suffered unthinkable treatment as the possessions of other men. The Civil War Museum has developed into an institution that examines the human condition from various perspectives and contexts that allowed for the perpetuation of the slave industry until the end of the war.

The Valentine Richmond History Center will continue the conversation and highlight the immense contributions of the members of this community in Richmond with its “African American Heritage Bus Tour” on June 9 from 1 PM – 4 PM.

The tour will examine the role of “urban slaves” and free blacks as well as the history and impact of the Jim Crow era. Learn about Maggie Walker, Oliver Hill and Douglas Wilder among others and tour Jackson Ward and the Civil Rights Memorial at Capitol Square. Reservations for the tour are required and can be made by calling 804-649-0711, ext. 301. The tour is $25 or $20 for members.

The Valentine Richmond History Center offers many tours throughout the year. If you love Richmond heritage and American History, pair your tour with a stay at one of the Historic Richmond Inns and plan to spend at least two nights exploring the area and learning about its cultural, spiritual, technological and historical influences. What better way to relax after a full day of history hopping than the comforts of your luxury accommodations and a full gourmet breakfast each morning? Reservations book quickly, so make your plans today!

The Historic Richmond Inns

Planning to spend Mother’s Day in the RVA? Here are some best bets for making Mom smile!

Mother’s Day Tea at Maymont

Popular Maymont Mansion will feature a special Mother’s Day Tea this year during its commemoration of the 100^th Anniversary of its Japanese Gardens. At 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 12, guests will enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony on the lawn. Special guest, Toko Yomura will explain the traditions of the tea, and how both the Victorian and Japanese cultures celebrate important occasions with the ritual of taking tea. The $25 fee for non-members, or $20 fee for members includes an afternoon tour of the Mansion.

Mother’s Day Concert at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Lucky moms can spend May 13th at the beautiful Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Enjoy the morning touring the gardens and Garden shop, and plan to have lunch at Bloemendaal House or the Garden Café. A free jazz concert by Glenroy and Company will start at 1:00 PM. Visitors are welcome to and encouraged to bring picnic blankets and chairs (but no baskets or coolers).

Museum District Mother’s Day House & Garden Tour

From 1 – 6 PM on May 13, enjoy the biggest event of the year in the Museum District: the Mother’s Day House & Garden Tour. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. 8 lovely properties are participating in the popular annual tour.

Mother’s Day Evening Concert at Agecroft Hall

Take Mom to see the Richmond Concert Band at 6:00 PM on May 13 at Agecroft Hall. Bring your lawn chair, blanket and picnic, enjoy the gardens and a lovely evening of free music and fun.

Of course, there is no better way to spend Mother’s Day than as a guest at one of our Historic Richmond Inns. Enjoy luxury accommodations, gourmet breakfasts and legendary Southern Hospitality conveniently located near popular Richmond attractions. Check our website for availability and to make reservations.

The Historic Richmond Inns

Want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo Richmond-style? Save the date and plan to attend the ¿Que Pasa? Festival of Virginia at historic Canal Walk on May 5 from 11 AM to 7 PM. Presented by The Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and various sponsors, the festival aims to bring Latin culture to Downtown Richmond’s Shockoe Design District.

As Richmond honors the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War, lovers of Latin American heritage worldwide are observing the same anniversary of Cindo de Mayo. The holiday celebrates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Throughout the US, it is a day honoring pride in Latin American heritage. Canal Walk will be transformed to resemble the famous Floating Gardens of Xochilmilco. Visitors can take free boat rides, enjoy Latin American food, art, music and entertainment. There will be Zumba and Capoeira presentations, as well as performances by the Latin Ballet of Virginia, live band Agrupacion Masalla, salsa band Ban Caribe and the Miss Hispanidad Talent and Fashion Show.

Parking is available for a small fee at many parking decks near Canal Walk, and free on streets where indicated. Check the Historic Richmond Inns website to determine if your favorite bed & breakfast still has availability, and plan a relaxing stay with premium accommodations, gourmet breakfasts, unprecedented access to local culture and nightlife and our signature Southern Hospitality while you enjoy the ¿Que Pasa? Festival.

If you have an insatiable appetite and plan to be in the RVA next week, you are in luck. Richmond Restaurant Week 2012 begins April 23 and concludes April 29. For just $25.12 you can enjoy delectable, three-course prix fixe dinner menus from many of Richmond’s favorite culinary hot spots, including:

3 Monkey’s Bar & Grill

Acacia Mid-Town

Amici Ristorante

Amour Wine Bistro

Amuse Restaurant

Avenue 805

Aziza’s on Main

Bacchus

Bistro 27

Bistro Bobette

Bonvenu

Charles City Tavern

Chez Foushee

Cous Cous

deLux

The Dining Room at the Berkeley Hotel

Europa Italian Café & Tapas Bar

The Hard Shell

The Hard Shell at Belgrade

Hanover Tavern

Helen’s

Hill Café

Hondos

Julep’s New Southern Cuisine

La Grotta

Lehja

Lulu’s Restaurant

Made in Asia

Mezzanine

Millie’s Diner

Rowland Fine Dining

Sam Miller’s

Secco Wine Bar

Stronghill Dining Company

Tastebud’s American Bistro

Tarrant’s Café

Tobacco Company

Water Grill

Zeus Gallery Café

 

$2.12 from each special menu sold during Richmond Restaurant Week proceeds benefits the Central Virginia Food Bank and Meals on Wheels. Your dining experience not only supports the local economy and small businesses, but helps to eliminate hunger in Richmond. The event occurs twice per year, once in April and again in October. The event was founded by Aline Reitzer, owner of Acacia, and modeled after similar events in large cities. In the past eleven years, Richmond Restaurant Week has raised $130,000 for local food banks, equaling millions of meals for Richmond community members in need.

Pairing a stay at one of our Historic Richmond Inns with Richmond Restaurant Week is the ultimate in vacation experiences for foodies and lovers of outstanding cuisine. Between your three-course dinners, relax in luxury accommodations and enjoy gourmet breakfasts as well as the charm of premier historic properties and the best of pure Southern Hospitality. If you can’t free yourself next week, plan ahead and make your inn reservations now for the October Restaurant Week. You won’t be sorry!