Historic Richmond Inns

The NASCAR season is up and running and it’s nearly race time in Richmond!  Tickets for this weekend’s Richmond International Raceway’s (RIR) spring race event are still available and on sale now.

The three-day race weekend begins this Thursday, with the return of the Blue Ox 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race and the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown, followed by the ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday. The Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, a marquee event on the schedule, is set for Saturday “under the lights” at RIR.

And just in time for race weekend, RIC is waiving a six cents per gallon fuel flowage fee for those flying corporate and private aircraft into the airport from April 22nd, through April 28th. Dozens of private and company planes fly into RIC for the spring race week, making it one of the busiest times for general aviation at the airport.

Tickets to this weekend’s races can be purchased by calling 866-455-7223 or by visiting www.rir.com.

Why not select an Historic Richmond Inn as you Lodging choice.

© Sandra Cunningham - Fotolia.com

The Historic Richmond Inns are once again fighting hunger in Richmond by contributing to the Zest Fest 2012 auction event in support of FeedMore, the umbrella organization of the Central Virginia Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Serving Central Virginia, and The Community Kitchen.

The innkeepers, in conjunction with James Limousine Service, Inc., have outdone themselves this year in putting together a dream package for the auction. 8 adult guests will enjoy a 4-course progressive dinner with wine and transportation, followed by an overnight stay in 4 guest rooms, inclusive of a gourmet breakfast. The value of the package is $4800!

At your first stop at one of Richmond’s Premier Bed and Breakfast Inns, you and your guests will whet your appetite with hors d’oeuvres and wine chosen for you by your host innkeeper. While you visit the Inn and learn its history, we’ll take keepsake photographs of each couple.

Luxury transportation, complete with roses for the ladies, will whisk you away to the next Inn, where you’ll be treated to soup and salad along with wine and another historic residence to explore. Your next two stops will feature your entrée, dessert and more stunning architecture.

At the end of dinner, guests will retire to their four rooms, which may be at different inns. In the morning, all will enjoy a delicious gourmet meal – the second “B” in Bed & Breakfast!

After a luxurious night’s rest, your limousine will await to return you to the beginning of It all. You’ll find swag bags with remembrances from all of the Inns. You and your guests are certain to keep this magical experience as a treasured memory for years to come!

Plan now to support FeedMore along with the Historic Richmond Inns, and enjoy and evening out with friends and loved ones that no one is soon to forget!

The Historic Richmond Inns

Unique among Richmond’s bed and breakfasts is the Historic Mankin Mansion, an inn and a luxury wedding resort rolled into one.

Originally constructed in 1924 by Edwin Thurston Mankin, founder of one of Richmond’s most prominent brick foundries, the property consists of a 7000 square foot home and five dependencies.  Mankin dedicated the home to his son, Irvin, who was killed in World War I and operated the foundry until his own death in the 1940’s. Owners Martin and Paula Ramirez purchased the mansion in 2004 and lovingly restored the once-dilapidated property to its current pristine condition.

The kilns at Mankin, now demolished, once produced the bricks that restored much of Colonial Williamsburg in the 1930s, and which were also used to construct Hudson River mansions, and homes on Chamberlayne and Monument Avenues in Richmond. The Georgian Revival-influenced architecture reflects Mankin’s love of and expertise in brick. A brick wall surrounds an English Garden, and pathways lead to a central Pergola which overlooks the property’s beautifully restored and landscaped grounds.

Martin and Paula live in the west wing of the mansion with their family, and host travelers with true southern-style hospitality. Guests rave about the beauty of the resort and grounds, the comfortable beds, game room with billiards, darts, shuffleboard, foosball and basketball, and of course – the exquisite breakfasts. In true bed and breakfast fashion, every guest is treated as a member of the family.

Accommodations at the Historic Mankin Mansion are anything but standard.  Both the suites and the cottages have private entrances, and most have porches as well. The cottages have kitchen facilities and coffee makers, and all rooms feature TVs with DVD players and VCRs. Each suite and cottage feels like a private retreat, and is appointed with tasteful, elegant décor.

Amenities are ample and include pre-arranged shuttle service from nearby Richmond International Airport, complimentary faxes, local and long-distance calls, and wireless internet access throughout the estate. Service at the mansion rivals the resort’s beauty, and concierge services are readily available.

Whether you are visiting Richmond for business or leisure travel, the Historic Mankin Mansion is your perfect retreat. Visit the inn’swebsite for rates, reservations, booking policies and wedding services, and plan your visit today!

June 4, 5, and 6th promises to be a special weekend in Richmond Virginia and Historic Richmond Inns are the bed and breakfasts of choice for an unparalleled stay.  Of course, June 4th is First Friday Art Walk, art galleries, shops, boutiques, and restaurants will be open, featuring new exhibitions and specials to delight the art lover in everyone.  Details.

Head back to your bed and breakfast after the evening’s festivities, relish in the restored historic architecture, and rest your weary toes for the next day’s fun.  You’ll wake in the morning to your innkeepers’ signature breakfast, piping hot coffee or tea, and recommendations on the best things to do and see in Richmond. Continue reading “A Special Weekend in Richmond” »

Dominion Riverrock, Richmond’s newest event blending music, sports, interactive opportunities and environmental stewardship, will debut on Brown’s Island May 15-16. Billed as “Richmond’s Riverlife Celebration,” Dominion Riverrock commences Friday, May 15, with a free performance by nationally acclaimed roots music and world rock band Rusted Root, a Mud Run, a high-flying Big Air dog jumping competition, and an acrobatic freestyle bike competition.  While the event is free for spectators, paid entry is required for events like the Mud Run and the James River Scramble.

Full event information, schedules, and registration for individual events here.

On Saturday, May 16, athletes from around the region square off in high-adrenaline activities both in and around the river including the James River Scramble trail run, mountain biking, kayaking and more. With additional musical performances, dog and bike competition, food, exhibits and more, Dominion Riverrock is sure to make a splash as Richmond’s premier river event. Venture Richmond and Sports Backers are partnering to produce the event.

Need a place to to stay near the downtown festivities? Try one of Richmond’s Historic Inns for an alternative to those chain hotels! Choose your room, make your reservation, before they’re gone. It’s a special opportunity you won’t want to miss.

NASCAR comes to Richmond twice a year: in April/May and in September. Prime locations for out-of-town race fans are Richmond’s Historic Inns and Bed and Breakfasts — but reservations are usually secured 6 to 12 months in advance.  Unless we have a cancellation, we probably are unable to host you this May – but, plan ahead for 2011 and for September!

Friday, April 30, 2010 practice starts at 9 AM, qualifying begins at 4 PM, and BUBBA Burger 250 Nationwide Series starts at 7:30 PM at Richmond’s International Raceway.  Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 8:30 AM the Richard Petty Driving Experience kicks off.  RIR’s grandstands open at 2 PM with Crown Royal presenting the Heath Calhoun 400 Sprint Cup race. Jimmie Johnson, with 1323 points, the top holder in nationwide points, will be at the wheel of his Chevrolet, sponsored by Lowe’s and Kobalt Tools. Drivers with a Virginia connection  include Denny Hamlin, Elliott Sadler, Jeff Burton, and Kevin Conway.

On Friday, April 30th, Kyle Busch’s No. 18 show car is at Martin’s in Glen Allen between 3 and 6. And, Carl Edwards’ Ford Fusion show car will be at Martin’s on Centralia Rd in Chesterfield from 11 -2 and in Colonial Heights from 3:30 to 6:30. Kyle Busch’s No. 18 M&Ms show car will be at Martin’s in Colonial Heights between 10 and 1 on Saturday.  Also on May 1 The Scotts Turf Builder Green Flag Zone fan hospitality question-and-answer sessions begin at 2:45 Pm with track president Doug Fritz, driver Matt kenseth, Miss Sprint Cup, Miss America Caressa Cameron, Richard Petty and Carl Edwards.  At 4:15 PM a question-and-answer session with Ryan Newman takes place at the Team Chevy Display, and the pit crew from Jeff Burton’s No. 31 car will sign autographs at 3:30 PM.

Race fans can fill their weekends with exciting events – but make your plans early since the premier accommodations in Richmond fill up way in advance.  We offer luxurious amenities, free parking at our inns, breakfast to start your day right, and an evening wine and cheese hour to hold you over until dinner.  Best of all, your innkeepers know the ins and outs of the traffic patterns and can offer advice to get you to the track quickly. For a fabulous experience you won’t want to miss a racing event and you won’t want to miss out on our version of southern hospitality!

Pat Daniels, Innkeeper, The William Miller House Bed and Breakfast located in Richmond’s Historic Fan District

The Historic Richmond Inns are delighted to share with you several upcoming May events – a bevy of Richmond’s best kept secrets.

The first weekend in May is traditionally the Arts in the Park, nationally rated and juried art show and sale near the Carillon in Byrd Park. Running Saturday May 1 and Sunday May 2, artists will be showing and selling art, such as ceramics, glass, paintings, woodwork, jewelry, fiber, weaving – something for everyone. Sponsored by the Carillon Civic Association, Arts in the Park has brought creativity to Richmonders and visitors alike for over 30 years. There’s even free parking at the U of R stadium and free shuttle buses to the site.  It’s a unique opportunity to acquire something special!

Sunday May 2 brings the Fan Woman’s Club Annual Kitchen and Garden tour affording ticket holders the opportunity to get a glimpse into family life in Richmond’s historic Fan District neighborhood.  Eight homes and gardens are open so get your tickets now either online or at local commercial establishments. More info and preview.

That same weekend, May 1, our own world-class Virginia Museum of Fine Arts re-opens after over a year of construction and expansion. Centrally located to all of the Historic Richmond Inns, VMFA is sure to draw visitors from around the United States and the Mid-Atlantic region to view VMFA’s world-class collections.

On Sunday, Mother’s Day, May 9 2010, the Museum District hosts their annual Mother’s Day Home Tour. 8 more homes and gardens are open f0r touring between 1 and 5.  Get your discounted ticket early: on line or at local commercial establishments.

There are plenty of reasons to come to Richmond, and your Historic Richmond Inns owners are happy to share their secrets: dining in neighborhood eateries, shopping neighborhood boutiques and antique shops, fabulous sights to see, wonderful events to attend, gardens to enjoy, and classic homes to visit. Make a reservation with us now!

Pat Daniels, Innkeeper, The William Miller House Bed and Breakfast

The canal boat cruises are running again!  Just minutes away from all of the Historic Richmond Inns, in Richmond’s Downtown River District, the captained 35-passenger canal boats are back underway!

Established in 1785, with the support of George Washington, the James River Company began construction of the first towpath canal system in North America – enabling boat traffic to bypass the river’s falls, to create vital economic and travel links from Richmond to Lynchburg and beyond. Today’s canal boat tours give ticket holders unmatched views of Richmond’s vibrant downtown as it continues to flourish along the James River. The 40-minute, guided cruise brings history to life with tales of the city’s waterways and  dynamic history, while you’ll see canal wildlife, centuries old brick warehouses, cobblestone streets, sophisticated new lofts and office buildings reaching for the sky, and the iron railroad trestles and soaring highways that meet at the famed “Triple Crossing” – the intersection of three key transportation routes. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience in an unforgettable city!

The 2010 season features weekend cruises – depending on the month and past demand.  Here’s the schedule for the canal cruises!

Venture Richmond will be beginning its Friday Cheers series on May 7, extending through June 25. These concerts have been celebrating music for 26 years! Thousands of people come to relax after the workweek on Brown’s Island to meet friends and hear some of the nation’s hottest touring acts and the region’s top bands for free. But, this is not a concert series for residents only – visitors are welcome to take part in a little piece of Richmond’s contemporary music scene. 2010 Friday Cheers.

Check the schedules and make a reservation for a weekend stay at one of our Historic Richmond Inns where you can select a room in one of our elegantly restored historic homes. Your innkeeper will be happy to share Richmond’s other best-kept secrets with you to make your visit memorable. There is much to see and do!

Pat Daniels, Innkeeper, The William Miller House Bed and Breakfast

Easter Sunday’s best event takes place on beautiful Monument Avenue. Easter on Parade! Music, fun, food, bonnet contests for pets and their owners….but, it’s not a normal parade, the attendees walk up and down Monument Avenue while the bands and acts are fairly stationary along the route on festively decorated porches. The perfect base of operations for the weekend is one of our historic Richmond Inns!  The festivities on Monument Avenue begin at 1:00 PM, bonnet contests at the Lee Monument begin at 3! Details!

Just opened! Glorious Glass in the Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens features more than 200 glass sculptures crafted by internationally known artist Hans Godo Frabel.  The art has been installed in the gardens, in the conservatory and  in the library.  It will run through January 10th and, actually become a feature during the Festival of Lights, holiday light spectacular during the winter.  During the spring, summer, and fall seasons, plants are being specifically selected to coordinate with each display. More info!

Historic Garden Week in Virginia features homes and gardens all over Virginia between April 17 and 25th.  This annual event is now in its 77th year and proceeds fund historic preservation projects all across Virginia. Tuesday April 20, Wednesday April 21, and Thursday  April 22, feature Richmond neighborhoods: Windsor Farms, Church Hill, and West Avenue. Stay at a Richmond lodging and be in the middle of it all!

Spring and the owners of the Historic Richmond Inns invite you to relish in Richmond’s best kept secrets!

Pat Daniels, Innkeeper, The William Miller House Bed and Breakfast in the historic Fan District

When you book a stay at Historic Richmond Inns, your innkeeper will share a wealth of local knowledge and best-kept secrets to tailor your getaway to your interests.

An initial schedule of walking and segway tours offered by the Valentine Richmond History Center is now posted on their website.  When you’re making plans to visit historic Richmond Virginia, check out the schedule to see if there is tour that is “right up your alley.”  Themed tours, listed chronologically and often updated with additions, cover Richmond yesterday and today.  Tour Capitol Square, home to Virginia’s capitol building designed by Thomas Jefferson, explore Richmond’s old neighborhoods (like Oregon Hill, Fan District, Museum District, and Church Hill), wander through Hollywood Cemetery, or check out the improvements to the downtown area. Tired feet? How about hopping on a segway to tour the area or a neighborhood or jump aboard one of the canal boats to learn about the impact of the James River and the canal on the development of Richmond.  Private tours can also be arranged by contacting the Valentine’s tour department.

But, don’t forget to tour the museum itself, its permanent and changing exhibitions chronicle the development of Richmond and lunching at its Cafe Richmond is a ideal way to enjoy its urban courtyard garden. The Wickham House is part of the Museum, an excellent example of 19th century Federal architecture, and illustrates the lives of one of Richmond’s most prominent families. Listed as a National Historic Landmark, Wickham House features some of the country’s finest examples of interior decorative painting. Admission to the house is free with your admission to the Museum.  Even Bob Vila was impressed with the Wickham House staircase!

There’s plenty to do in Richmond and your Historic Richmond Inns hosts can steer you in the right direction.  From dining at local eateries, shopping in eclectic boutiques, visiting world-class museums, exploring Virginia’s finest homes and gardens, enjoying theater, symphony, or ballet, searching out that special antique, locating that to-die-for piece of art, to participating in limitless recreation options – Richmond Virginia has it all!