Historic Richmond Inns

On May 12, 2012, bicycling enthusiasts all over Richmond will enjoy one of the year’s most anticipated athletic events, the Cap2Cap. A 100 mile ride of beautiful scenery and 400 years of Virginia history support the efforts of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, which aims to complete a biking trail from Williamsburg to Richmond and back by 2014.

The trail, currently under construction, is a paved, safe byway for bicyclists, runners and walkers that runs between the historical capital of Virginia, Jamestown, and the present capital of Richmond. It spans along the Route 5 corridor. 16 miles of the trail are currently complete.

The Cap2Cap is the organization’s largest fundraiser each year. Organizers provide trail support, rest stops, official ride t-shirts, lunch and other amenities for riders. There are 25, 50 and 100 mile courses that operate in loops (begin in Richmond and end in Richmond) and a 15-mile family ride to encourage young athletes to get to know the trail. As the trail is not yet complete, some portions of the ride still occur on public roads and riders are asked to follow strict race etiquette, sharing the roads with drivers. Riders have the option of beginning and ending in Williamsburg or Richmond. The Rockett’s Landing starting point will include beer along with other refreshments, while the Williamsburg one will not.

Funds raised during the Cap2Cap will be used to complete the trail, provide new signage, make general improvements and maintenance, and raise trail awareness.

Ready to ride? Register for the Cap2Cap online and make reservations at your favorite Historic Richmond Inn. You’ll enjoyed a well-earned break after your big day on the trail, complete with premium accommodations and gourmet breakfasts. It’s the perfect way to relax before and after the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation’s 2012 Cap2Cap!

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

The early onset of beautiful, warm weather in Richmond this year has many dusting off their recreation equipment and heading outdoors. This is the perfect time to start making your plans to participate in Dominion Riverrock premier outdoor lifestyle festival May 18-20!

Featuring outdoor sports including running, kayaking, biking, bouldering, slacklining, stand up paddleboarding and dog jumping; there is something at the festival for every athlete and sports enthusiast! The event was created to promote Richmond’s unique outdoor features including its very own whitewater rapids!

The three-day event will occur on the grounds of Brown’s Island and the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar. The excitement begins on Friday, May 18 with performances by The Root Downs and The Travelin’ McCourys featuring Keller Williams, and the 5k Mud Run and Freestyle Bike competitions. The fun continues on Saturday with high-adrenaline activities in and around the river – like the James River Scramble 10k trail run, mountain biking, kayaking and Ultimate Air Dogs, which features canines competing for distance, diving from a dock into a 25 foot pool. GALACTIC and JJ Grey & Mofro take the stage Saturday evening. Sunday events include stand-up paddleboarding, a mountain bike race and the finals of many events. Music sets the events in motion all day long with performances by local groups like Farm Vegas and Beast Wellington. For more information and to register for events, please visit www.dominionriverrock.com.

Make reservations now at one of our premium Historic Richmond Inns so you don’t miss this unrivaled event. Between daring adventures outdoors you’ll enjoy luxurious accommodations, gourmet breakfasts and southern hospitality in a classic B&B setting. You’ll have everything there is to enjoy about Richmond at your fingertips. Don’t wait as rooms book quickly during these popular events! Reserve your suite today!

The Historic Richmond Inns

At 348 miles long, the James River is the 12^th longest river that exists entirely in one state in the United States, and it runs right through Richmond, Virginia. Known as the Powhatan River by the 16^th century Native Americans who populated the area, the English changed the name to James in honor of King James I. Jamestown, the first English settlement in the region, was constructed on the river in 1607. Richmond and the surrounding regions grew up along the river as it aided trade and transport until the introduction of the train travel to the area.

The river with its plantations and wharfs and over 2 million residents in near proximity, is rich with history. It is also home to a wide variety of Commonwealth treasures, in the form of native wildlife.

One of the most prized species on the James is the Bald Eagle, and one of the best ways to view eagles is via a “Discover the James” bald eagle river tour! Take a 2-hour journey complete with narration of the conservation success story that has returned the Bald Eagle to the James River. The tour is intimate and limited to just 6 passengers. They are offered during the first two weekends of the month and on special dates that can be found on the Discover the James website.

One special tour date is May 4 which corresponds with the Eagle Festival in Norfolk, Virginia (May 5 – approximately 2 hours from Richmond) at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. The festival celebrates these venerated birds and is special to Virginians who take particular pride in the efforts to rehabilitate and reintroduce the species back into its wild, native home.

If you’re planning a spring or summer trip to Richmond, make reservations at your favorite Historic Richmond Inn and plan to take a unique bald eagle tour of the James River during your stay!

The Historic Richmond Inns

Resources:

Wikipedia: James River

Discover the James Website