Historic Richmond Inns

The major battles fought around Richmond 100 years ago this spring and early summer involved 200,000 soldiers and shaped the outcome of the Civil War. Beginning May 9, 2012 and continuing through July 11, the Richmond region will observe a period of special commemoration of these events. Local battlefields, museums and historic sites already offer some of the richest interactive experiences available to Civil War history enthusiasts. During this period, however, the access will be unprecedented, including special tours and sites that are not always open to the public.

Three unique battlefield “landscapes” will be open that are not usually accessible to visitors: Malvern Hill, Gaines’ Mill and Glendale. Rangers will be on hand to offer interpretation about the events at these sites, and special tours highlighting pivotal moments in the battles as well as the emancipation efforts will be offered.

There will be a kickoff celebration held May 9 – 12 including the State’s Sesquicentennial HistoryMobile, a 19^th Century Dance Demonstration, living history scanning events, re-enactments and weapons demonstrations. The 150^th anniversary of the Battle of Drewry’s Bluff will be observed May 12 – 15. This naval battle is considered by historians to be a benchmark in the progress of the Civil War in Virginia. Five US warships were sent up the James River with the instructions to shell Richmond into submission. The first US Marine Medal of Honor recipient fought bravely in this battle, yet the Confederate forces at Fort Drewry defeated the Union offensive, neutralizing the US Naval forces and forcing all future actions against Richmond to occur on land.

These events are just the beginning of the season-long observation of one of the most critical periods of Richmond’s 400-year history. If you are a lover of history or student of the Civil War, you can’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the city from this unique perspective. Make reservations at your favorite Historic Richmond Inn today, and plan to dive into the Sesquicentennial activities while enjoying premium accommodations and southern hospitality!

The Historic Richmond Inns

The Valentine Richmond History Center has announced its 2012 historic walking tour schedule. As in years past, there are options for every enthusiast, including the following April and May tours:

April 1: Manchester (2-4 PM)

April 2: Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery (10 – 11:30 AM)

April 8: Hollywood Cemetery (2-4 PM)

April 14: Monroe Ward (2-4 PM)

April 14: Civil War Sampler (1-5 PM / Bus Tour)

April 15: Monument Avenue (2-4 PM)

April 22: The Alleys and Parks of the Fan (2-4 PM)

April 28: History Hounds Explore Church Hill (10 AM – 12 PM / Walking Tour with Dogs)

April 29: Main Street Recycled (2-4 PM / New)

May 1: City Center Walks (10:30 AM – 12 PM)

May 6: Jackson Ward (2-4 PM)

May 13: Hollywood Cemetery (2-4 PM)

May 19: History Hounds Explore Hollywood Cemetery (10 AM – 12 PM / Walking Tour with Dogs)

May 20: Downtown Churches (2-4PM)

May 26: Canal Boats and Cobblestones (6-7:30 PM / Evening Walking Tour)

May 27: Richmond in 1812 (2-4 PM / New)

May 28: Historic Cemeteries Tour (10 AM – 1 PM / Free for All Veterans / BUS Tour)

The exciting assortment of tours continues through December with similarly engaging historic opportunities. Most tours are $10 per person ($5 for History Center Members) and reservations can be made online or by phone at 804-649-0711, ext. 301.

Relax after your tour in your premium accommodations at one of the Historic Richmond Inns. Swap stories of Richmond past and present with delightful, hospitable innkeepers and sleep well after your adventures. Wake up to a gourmet breakfast and peaceful atmosphere – with quality attractions and affordable tours, combined with incomparable hosts, you’ll want to schedule your next visit before you finish the first! We look forward to having you!

The Historic Richmond Inns

On Saturday, April 14, 2012, Richmond will remember its tumultuous past and pay homage to those who reshaped a nation on Civil War & Emancipation Day. The annual event features free shuttle service between dozens of historic sites and museums so visitors can easily park and ride. Last year, 3400 guests enjoyed free admission to local attractions, special presentations by guides and interpreters, and a day full of activities that helped the past come alive and brought new appreciation of Richmond’s historical role – this year, you can join too!

Civil War & Emancipation Day features cannon firing demonstrations, a marketplace and children’s activities, guided tours, artifact washing and more. In past years, special tours have been offered of the Virginia State Capitol, Historic Tredegar, the Richmond Slave Trail, the Museum of the Confederacy, Valentine Richmond History Center, Belle Isle, Brown’s Island and the Library of Virginia. Food services are available at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Enjoy a scenic, educational canal boat ride and look for special exhibits and presentations by various organizations dedicated to the preservation of Richmond’s past for future generations.

Events will begin at 9:30 AM and conclude at 5:00 PM. Free shuttle service, provided by “To the Bottom and Back” will run all day in approximately 15-minute intervals. Admission to the museums and performances is free, however fees apply to special exhibits at VMFA, the Richmond Adventure Race and some special guided tours.

Act quickly and you may still be able to secure accommodations at one of the Historic Richmond Inns. Start your day with a gourmet breakfast and end with premium accommodations and the hospitality of one of our innkeepers. What a perfect way to spend an April weekend in the RVA!

The Historic Richmond Inns

Planning a Valentine trip to Richmond next month? Don’t forget to include an evening at the ballet – The Richmond Ballet, that is. Join fellow dance enthusiasts at the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage, February 10 – 12, and enjoy Coppélia. Wonder at Dr. Coppelius, Swanhilde and Franz during the comic presentation of the classic story of mistaken identity, misplaced admiration and one very intriguing, lifelike dancing doll.

The ballet premiered on May 25, 1870 at the Theatre Imperial de l’Opera in Paris, France, and was composed by Leo Delibes. It was popularly received, but interrupted by the Franco-Prussian War, and the untimely death of its lead dancer, 17-year-old Giuseppina Bozzacchi, during the Siege of Paris. Ultimately, the ballet became the most-performed at the Opera Garnier.

Tickets to Coppélia can be purchased online and matinees and evening performances are available. Book your stay at one of the six Historic Richmond Inns today, and plan the perfect romantic Richmond Valentine’s Day getaway for you and your sweetheart.

The Historic Richmond Inns

Sources:

Wikipedia: Coppelia

Richmond Ballet: Coppelia