Historic Richmond Inns

Runners, walkers and visitors to the Ukrops Monument Avenue 10K this weekend will enjoy something unique in addition to the sea of enthusiastic athletes. Art 180 presents “What Do You Stand For” in the median between Mulberry and Allen until Thursday, May 3. The exhibition includes 31 larger than life sculptures, 25 of which 8-foot-tall self-portraits by Richmond middle school children through a summer program held by Art 180 which brings arts education to kids in challenging situations.

The children were asked to paint what they stand for, and the results are both creative and courageous. The exhibition was unveiled in October 2011 and is traveling throughout Richmond promoting the dreams and inspirations of economically and socially disadvantaged students. The portraits tackle issues of identity, self-confidence and even bullying through non-literal images that the children selected themselves.

The giant self-portraits will cheer on the participants of the annual Monument Avenue 10K and will act as ambassadors to the throngs of expected spectators. If you can’t make it to the 10K, plan an April visit and enjoy a walk down Historic Monument Avenue while soaking in the beautiful weather and rich history of one of Richmond’s most culturally significant neighborhoods.

Reservations go quickly this time of year, so make your plans now. Book your premium accommodations at one of the Historic Richmond Inns and enjoy the unrivaled hospitality of our family of innkeepers. Don’t wait – call or search our website today!

The Historic Richmond Inns

A new restaurant in the old Museum District neighborhood of Richmond is making waves and enjoying sweet success. One block away from Maury Place at Monument, it is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Innkeeper Jeff Wells recommends the restaurant and says:

“The Franklin Inn is a charming tavern and eatery that was first established in 1930, so it has been part of the Museum District community for over 45 years.  The restaurant has recently been restored to its vintage glory and is recognized as a national historic structure.  It is on the corner of West Franklin Street and North Cleveland Street at 800 North Cleveland.   Their menu features steaks, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and soups and salads.  There are also daily specials.  Phone 804-716-9493.  It is a neighborhood meeting place ‘where everybody knows your name!’”

Reviewers describe the restaurant as cozy and intimate, the kind of place where you choose your own seat and have a good meal. In addition to the sandwiches, there are daily specials including crab cakes and pork chops, and without fail, everyone loves the hush puppies.

During your next stay at an Historic Richmond Inn, plan to have a leisurely meal at a new neighborhood favorite. Stop in at The Franklin Inn, and let us know how much you love it!

The Historic Richmond Inns

The innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument love to share recipes – especially those designed to be easily shared with friends! This recipe is great for any number of people because you only need to prepare the exact quantity that you need. The colorful, tasty orange halves make a great addition to almost any breakfast plate. Bon Appetit!

Mint-Topped Broiled Oranges

1 lg naval orange

2 tsp melted butter

½ tsp chopped fresh mint

1 tbsp orange liqueur (optional)

Cut orange in half crosswise and cut a thin slice off the bottom of each half so it will sit steady on a foil covered baking sheet. Then run a knife around each half to loosen the orange from the peel. Do not remove the peel, however. Stir together melted butter and chopped fresh mint. If desired, you may add the orange liqueur. Spoon the mixture evenly over the cut sides of the orange halves. Place the orange halves, cut side up, on the foil lined baking sheet. Broil five inches from heat for five to eight minutes or until thoroughly heated, then serve.

The Historic Richmond Inns

This week’s Richmond restaurant recommendation comes to us from the innkeepers of Maury Place at Monument. Jeff and Mac sent this description to share:

“Stella’s on Lafayette is the third incarnation of this legendary Greek spot. It is nestled in a charming neighborhood just off of Monument Avenue in a completely renovated, charming new space. There is a large bar and a large communal table surrounded by smaller, more intimate tables.”

The personality behind the restaurant is Stella Dikos, a Richmond culinary legend. The 70-year-old powerhouse came to America from Greece in the 1950’s with her (now late) husband Steve. Their marriage was arranged and their destiny was to rule the Richmond restaurant scene. Stella and her family are the top dogs at Kitchen 64, Kuba Kuba, Sidewalk Café, 3 Monkeys and the Continental Westhampton. Along with her restaurateur daughter and son-in-law, Katrina and Johnny Giavos, Stella opened the reinvented hot-spot in August of 2011 to immediate critical acclaim. Reviewers have raved about the menu, the atmosphere and especially the Sunday brunch. Favorites include the spanakopita, the dolmades and Shrimp Santorini.

Stella’s is open for lunch, dinner and a renowned Sunday brunch. Reservations are highly, highly recommended and can be made online through OpenTable. Portions are generous so bring an appetite, and a good friend who can share your entrees. You’ll quite certainly need a nap after your meal, so make plans to stay at one of the six Historic Richmond Inns during your “recovery.”

“We arrived as strangers and left as friends”, wrote a recent guest of the lovingly restored Maury Place at Monument, a bed and breakfast located in Richmond’s Museum District. Southern Hospitality at its finest is combined with contemporary décor and period grace to provide a premium guest experience and home away from home.

Built in 1916 for Addie Sturdevant, Maury Place at Monument was probably never occupied by its intended owner. It became the home of one of Richmond’s first pediatricians, Dr. Weitzel, and remained in his family until the 1970’s. Innkeepers Jeff Wells and Mac Pence are the fourth owners of the building, which they renovated extensively and converted into a bed and breakfast in 2008.

The inn is named after the statue of Matthew Fontaine Maury which faces the building, which was erected in 1928. Nautical buffs will recognize Maury’s name as he invented the science of oceanography. The City of Richmond designated the area around the monument “Maury Place” and the third owners renamed the property accordingly.

Four suites accommodate guests with superior amenities and tasteful modern décor. Two of the rooms have private balconies, three have heated tile bathroom floors, and three have working gas fireplaces. All guest rooms have private en suite bathrooms and high definition flat screen televisions. The inn provides free high speed internet, pool and hot tub access, complimentary snacks including local biscotti, complimentary soft drinks and free off-street parking. It is the perfect retreat for vacationers and business travelers alike!

Enjoy a full gourmet breakfast served daily on Maury Place’s signature collection of replica Presidential china. Recipes feature the finest ingredients from local markets, including gourmet teas and herbs grown in the inns’ garden. Special diets can be accommodated and breakfast “to go” is available on request.

Maury Place at Monument is perfectly situated within walking distance of many of Richmond’s most popular attractions. The Museum District is the local cultural hub, with live theaters, night spots, world-class restaurants, eclectic shopping opportunities and institutions such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Art and the Virginia Historical Society. The innkeepers are eager to share the latest local happenings including traveling exhibitions, festivals and events.

If you are seeking a luxury guest experience with the comfort of home, amidst the best that Richmond has to offer, Maury Place at Monument is the perfect place to start. You’ll find more information on the inn’s website. Don’t hesitate – plan your next trip today!

The Historic Richmond Inns

The six Historic Richmond Inns are recognized as the top bed & breakfast accommodations in Richmond, Virginia. Each is beautifully restored and decorated, and each is celebrated for its superior service and world-class hospitality. Whether your travel is for business or pleasure, a stay at one of the inns is the perfect alternative to the anonymous chain-hotel mentality. Next time you visit Richmond, enjoy gourmet breakfasts, enchanting surroundings, premium amenities and the attention you deserve at an Historic Richmond Inn.

Here is a quick glance at the member inns:

***

Grace Manor Inn | 1853 West Grace Street | 804.353.4334

Location: The Historic Fan District

Innkeepers: Dawn and Albert Schick

Built in 1910

Number of Guest Rooms/Suites: 4 Suites

Fun facts: Grace Manor Inn features a saltwater swimming pool, landscaped gardens and patio. 3-course gourmet breakfasts include complimentary Bellinis and Mimosas.

***

Historic Mankin Mansion | 4300 Oakley’s Lane | 804.737.7773

Location: Henrico, Minutes from Downtown

Innkeepers: Paula and Martin Ramirez

Built in 1924 (Italianate Georgian Revival)

Number of Guest Rooms/Suites: 2 Suites, 2 Cottages and a Carriage House

Fun facts: Historic Mankin Mansion was established as a unique “luxury wedding resort” and is the ultimate romantic Richmond hideaway, close to modern convenience yet worlds away from the hectic pace of a busy life.

***

The Kensington B&B | 2926 Kensington Avenue | 804.258.9901

Location: Historic Museum District

Innkeepers: Bill and Bertie Selvey

Built in 1919

Number of Guest Rooms/Suites: 2 Suites and a Carriage House

Fun facts: The Kensington B&B and its pocket garden have been featured in Historic Garden Week in Virginia and Museum District Mother’s Day House & Garden Tours. One suite features glittering glass tile floors and a seven-headed Swiss shower.

***

Maury Place at Monument | 3101 West Franklin Street| 804.353.2717

Location: Historic Museum District and Monument Avenue Historic District

Innkeepers: Mac Pence and Jeff Wells

Built in 1916

Number of Guest Rooms/Suites: 4 Suites

Fun facts: Gourmet breakfasts are served on the finest china, including the Maury Place Presidential China, an historical reproduction of the china of US presidents.

***

Museum District B&B | 2811 Grove Avenue | 804.359.2332

Location: Historic Museum and Fan Districts

Innkeeper: Anna Currence

Built in 1924

Number of Guest Rooms/Suites: 2 Suites and a Carriage House

Fun facts: The Judge Rhea Suite features a second-floor sleeping porch with room-darkening shades and is located across the street from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

***

William Miller House B&B | 1129 Floyd Avenue | 804.254.2928

Location: Historic Fan District

Innkeepers: Pat Daniels and Mike Rohde

Built in 1869 (Greek Revival)

Number of Guest Rooms/Suites: 2 Luxury Rooms

Fun facts: Innkeeper Mike Rohde’s recipes have been featured in The Bed & Breakfast Association of Virginia’s Cookbook, American Country Inns and Bed & Breakfasts (best recipe!) and in the book Sleep on It.

***