Historic Richmond Inns

Each year the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden kicks off its celebration of spring with “Orchids Galore”, featuring hundreds of the exotic blooms. Exhibits and seminars are planned through April 22, 2012, to highlight the special features of the orchids, as well as their journey from points all over the globe to their ultimate caretakers and purchasers. The North Wing of the Conservatory will be covered in displays of live orchids; all included in general admission to the Garden.

On Wednesdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM, and Saturdays at 10:00 AM, the Garden will host free (with admission) drop-in sessions to learn more about orchids. Themes include conservation, habitat loss, identification, photography, growing, raising and protecting these stunning blooms.

Also on exhibit at the Garden is the collection of Reichenbachia, named for German orchidologist Henrich Gustav Reichenbach. Visitors will enjoy a rare treat as they view “large-scale, 19^th-century chromolithographs” made from hand-painted, life-sized renderings of real orchids. The collection takes visitors back to the days when “plant-hunters” actively raced around the globe searching for new specimens to catalog. The Reichenbachia are on loan by Dr. Arthur Burke, expert orchid grower and presenter of several of the drop-in sessions.

Orchids Galore kicks off the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens springtime celebration: “A Million Blooms”. Garden enthusiasts can time their visit perfectly to see the last days of the orchid exhibits and the first days of Virginia Garden Week which overlap in late April. Nothing can complete a garden-themed visit like a stay at one of the Historic Richmond Inns. Enjoy gourmet breakfast, premium accommodations and world-renowned hospitality between visits to some of Virginia’s most popular horticultural events. Spring in Virginia is nearly here – have you secured your luxury Richmond bed-and-breakfast accommodations yet? Don’t wait!

The Historic Richmond Inns

America’s largest open house, now in its 78th year, takes place April 16 through April 23, 2011 – Historic Garden Week in Virginia!

Homes and gardens across the state will be open to the public. Visitors will get a unique opportunity to see unforgettable gardens and beautiful houses decked out with fabulous flower arrangements by local garden clubs. Proceeds of the tour support the Garden Club of Virginia’s efforts to restore and preserve the grounds of dozens of historic landmarks open to the public year round.

Perhaps the most exciting area to tour in the state is Richmond Virginia.  Homeowners in the Hampton Gardens area of Richmond, off Cary Street Road will open their homes and gardens on Tuesday April 19th.  On Wednesday April 20th, the tour moves to Monument Avenue and homes and gardens along that legendary boulevard will welcome visitors.  Then again on Thursday, April 21, the Windsor Farms area of Richmond opens its doors and its gates. Schedule.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see Virginia’s finest private homes and gardens!  Tickets are available on line and at local outlets before the tour at reduced prices.  Day-of tickets will be available at the doors of the homes.

Experience the best Richmond has to offer – stay at one of Richmond’s historic bed and breakfast inns while you take part in America’s largest open house!

Information offered by: Pat Daniels & Mike Rohde, innkeepers at the William Miller House Bed and Breakfast in Richmond’s historic Fan District

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