Historic Richmond Inns

Food Festivals are synonymous with Richmond and this week, we’re excited that one of our favorites is not only returning, but celebrating their five year anniversary!

Broad Appetit, set for Sunday June 3 from 11am-6p, will be bringing over 60 local restaurants to Broad Street for an afternoon of culinary delights. With $3 dishes offered at each booth, you’ll have the opportunity to try and try again! Better yet? This great event also benefits the Central Virginia Food Bank and Meals on Wheels.

If you’re in the mood to make it a weekend affair, then you may want to also consider purchasing tickets to OFF Broad Appetit, the kick off celebration on Saturday evening at Pasture on Grace.  Six famed chefs from up and down the Eastern seaboard will be on hand, with Virginia wine and cuisine featured.

Remember to bring cash with you although an ATM will be at the event for your convenience as well. Ample street parking will be made available, along with Honor Lots ranging from $2-$4. For more information about Broad Appetit, as well as to check out the latest list of participants, click HERE.

Whether you swayed to his “Take it Easy” in the 70’s or first met him as a guest start on The Simpsons in 2003, if you’re a fan of Jackson Browne you’re going to want to make a beeline for the Carpenter Theatre on July 20 at 8:00 PM for his appearance with special guest Sara Watkins. The public sale of tickets begins today!

Browne has had a long, acclaimed career with his singing and songwriting that crosses over different genres giving him broad appeal. Born in Heidelberg, Germany, he moved to New York in 1966 and joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. In 1972 he released the album “Jackson Browne” which included his first hit in the Top Ten on the US Hit Singles Chart, “Doctor My Eyes”. He sang with legends like Joni Mitchell and Linda Rondstadt. Some of his other best-known hits include “Song for Adam” and “Take it Easy”.

Be among the first to purchase great tickets to see Browne’s Richmond concert at the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond’s CenterStage. Tickets are available online and by phone and are $70 or $76 plus applicable fees: http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/. Check today for availability at your favorite Historic Richmond Inn and you could stay within walking distance of the theater with tons of nightlife around you. It sounds like the perfect Richmond vacation, make your commitment now!

Resource:

Wikipedia: Jackson Browne

Photo Courtesy of DougFrancis via Creative Commons License

The highly anticipated first “Plein Air” juried art event in Richmond will start on June 18, 2012. Presented and hosted by Brazier Gallery in support of the Richmond Symphony, Plein Air Richmond will continue a popular tradition of inviting the United States’ best artists to capture the essence of a city from their outdoor easels. The first stage is a week-long “Painting Out” (June 18-23) when “plein air” or open space painters (as opposed to those who paint in a studio), will set up their easels all over the historic city of Richmond.

A Collector’s Preview Party and Gala is scheduled for June 22 at Brazier Gallery. Attendees, who must purchase tickets in advance, will be the first to view the paintings created  during the Painting Out. The Gala will feature music from the Richmond Symphony at the “Try Me Gallery”. Tickets can be purchased at www.richmondsymphony.com.

On June 23, both juried and non-juried artists will start and complete paintings on Monument Avenue. Supporters can purchase the “wet” paintings right off of the easel!

Lovers of art and of the historic city of Richmond cannot miss this spectacular event. Check with the Historic Richmond Inns right away to determine availability during your stay and purchase tickets to the Collector’s Preview Party and Gala today! You’ll indulge your artistic side, visit or revisit beautiful landmarks, and enjoy the world-renowned hospitality of the best of our local bed and breakfasts too! Do not wait as space is already going fast. We hope to see you in June for Plein Air Richmond!

The Historic Richmond Inns

Want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo Richmond-style? Save the date and plan to attend the ¿Que Pasa? Festival of Virginia at historic Canal Walk on May 5 from 11 AM to 7 PM. Presented by The Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and various sponsors, the festival aims to bring Latin culture to Downtown Richmond’s Shockoe Design District.

As Richmond honors the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War, lovers of Latin American heritage worldwide are observing the same anniversary of Cindo de Mayo. The holiday celebrates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Throughout the US, it is a day honoring pride in Latin American heritage. Canal Walk will be transformed to resemble the famous Floating Gardens of Xochilmilco. Visitors can take free boat rides, enjoy Latin American food, art, music and entertainment. There will be Zumba and Capoeira presentations, as well as performances by the Latin Ballet of Virginia, live band Agrupacion Masalla, salsa band Ban Caribe and the Miss Hispanidad Talent and Fashion Show.

Parking is available for a small fee at many parking decks near Canal Walk, and free on streets where indicated. Check the Historic Richmond Inns website to determine if your favorite bed & breakfast still has availability, and plan a relaxing stay with premium accommodations, gourmet breakfasts, unprecedented access to local culture and nightlife and our signature Southern Hospitality while you enjoy the ¿Que Pasa? Festival.

One of the most intriguing eras of world history will take center stage in Richmond this May when “Maharaja: The Splendors of India’s Great Kings” opens at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA). The exotic richness of India’s native beauty and kingdoms is set against the juxtaposition of the British Colonial period in over 200 artifacts that have traveled the world with the exhibition.

Visitors will see jewelry, weaponry, artwork, costumes, photographs and more covering the period from the early 18^th century through the 1940s. This period of tumultuous change saw the last days of the Indian Kings, the rise of British rule and finally the independence of India and Pakistan. Some of the key artifacts include:

Two-Piece Turban Ornament: the Indian “sarpech” was traditionally worn only by the ruler and consisted of a vertical feather piece and a horizontal band that supported it. Upon the entrance of British colonials, the ornaments became a traditional gift given to select noblemen to demonstrate reverence. The sarpech in the exhibition is bejeweled and was given as a gift to Admiral Charles Watson by Nawab Mir Jafar who was installed as ruler by the British of the Eastern state of Murshidabad.

Throne of Ranjit Singh: the Mughal-style throne decorated with sheets of gold and symbols of purity and creation, belonged to the most powerful of the Sikh kings. Upon defeat of the Sikh kingdoms by the British, the throne was taken to London to symbolize British supremacy.

Also highlighted are objects depicting royal processions, the animated courts of the kings, and the concessions made to modernity by the maharajas and colonials alike as time progressed.

Don’t miss the grand scale of “Maharajas” beginning May 21, 2012 at VMFA. Admission is $15 or $12 per senior, student with valid ID and groups of 10 or more. Members of VMFA may view the exhibition for free.

The 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

Beginning March 14^th, the American Civil War Center at Tredegar, the Library of Virginia, the Valentine Richmond History Center and Floricane will present four free events designed to share Richmond’s 400-year history designed to make you change the way you look at the RVA forever.

The first event, “Signs of the Times” is scheduled for March 14 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM at the Library of Virginia on East Broad Street. It is described as “an exploration of the varied and oft untouched parts of Richmond’s 400 year history; from the well-known to the never heard of.” After the lecture, participants will break up with local advertising professionals and help create “visual propaganda celebrating moments of transformation” in Richmond.

Head to the Valentine Richmond History Center for Session Two: “Built Spaces – Remapping Our Past” on March 28. Study current Richmond maps and hear the stories about building that happened only in concept and the impact of the “unrealized” on today’s Richmond reality.

Session Three: “RVA B-Roll” will be held at the American Civil War Center at Tredegar on April 11. Enjoy history through the eyes of Richmond’s tourism videos! Some of the films are described as so bad that they’re good. Participants will even help shape future videos.

The Library of Virginia will host Session Four on April 25: “A New Story”. The crowd-sourced video from Session Three will be screened and participants will discuss the future of Richmond’s story.

All sessions are free but require online registration. Locals and long-time lovers of the RVA, join in the movement to tell the real story of the region. Make your Historic Richmond Inns reservations now and be part of Richmond’s future.

The Historic Richmond Inns

The intimate size of the Historic Richmond Inns and their growing popularity mean that reservations during much of the year go quick and book well in advance. We thought you might like a preview of some of the smash hit musicals that are coming to Richmond during the 2012-2013 Broadway Season at the Landmark Theater so you can make your plans now.

Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” The Musical, November 27 – December 2, 2012

Billy Elliot, February 1 – 3, 2013

Mary Poppins, February 19 – 24, 2013

Les Miserables, March 26 – 31, 2013

West Side Story, May 10 – 11, 2013

If a slate of five of the best productions to hit Broadway in years isn’t enough, the Landmark Theater just announced the grand opening of a new wine bar: The Cellar. Located in the Grand Ballroom, the wine bar will serve guests before each performance or during intermission. Sparkling wine cocktails and mimosas are available at every matinee, and you can even purchase your wine before the first curtain and have it waiting for you during the intermission.

The younger set will find snacks and non-alcoholic beverages available at The Cellar. Sparkling wine cocktails include tasty varieties like Raspberry Bellinis, Pomegranate Bellinis, Peach Bellinis and Sour Apple Bellinis. Gourmet snacks come in tantalizing flavor combinations like White Bean Hummus with Cucumber and Toasted Herb Lavash Bread and Antipasto Wrap with Salami, Capicola, Provolone, and Red Pepper-Eggplant Relish.

Great productions, great refreshments, premium accommodations and gourmet breakfast – what else could you want from a Richmond getaway? Plan your stay today!

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

Are you thinking of attending the Virginia Wine Expo? We have great news and a great deal: as a member of the Bed & Breakfast Association of Virginia, we are pleased to offer you special savings. Enjoy $5 off of your Walk Around Grand Tasting tickets on Saturday or Sunday when you use the code VWEBB at time of purchase.

The 5th Annual Virginia Wine Expo will grace the Greater Richmond Convention Center from February 24 – 26, 2012. Make a reservation at one of our Historic Richmond Inns and plan to spend the weekend enjoying great wine, excellent company and a luxury stay with gourmet breakfast: the perfect Richmond VA getaway!

The Historic Richmond Inns