Historic Richmond Inns

The three-day extravaganza, known as the Richmond Folk Festival takes place on October 8 through October 10, 2010 on the banks of the James River beginning at 6 PM Friday and extending through Sunday at 6:30 PM with time-off, of course for sleeping.

This spin-off from the National Folk Festival welcomed 160,000 people last year to downtown Richmond.  The performer, artist, and exhibitor line-up this year is scheduled to “knock your socks off!” Performers.  The festival highlights and celebrates the richness  of American Culture through music, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling, and scrumptious food! There will be four tented stages and the festival goes on rain or shine so save the dates and plan a visit to Richmond.

Logistics have been planned including free shuttles from The Diamond, at 3001 North Boulevard, departing every 15 minutes.  Historic Richmond Inns are conveniently located to take advantage of this service that eliminates parking and driving hassles in downtown.  Pay parking lots are close at hand downtown, as well. Remember: Admission in FREE to enjoy the music, performances, and the Folklife Area; but food, drink, and merchandise will be available for purchase. To keep the festival free, volunteers will carry orange buckets asking for donations.

To add to your visit, the American Civil War Center will waive its fees during the festival and extend its hours. Of course, the National Park Service exhibits at Tredegar are free and visitors are welcome.

Come to Richmond, enjoy the Richmond Folk Festival on the banks of the James River, and make a reservation to stay at one of Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast inns. You’ll delight in southern hospitality and gain access to a wealth of local knowledge about dining, shopping, and sightseeing!

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.

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