Historic Richmond Inns

Do you love unique gifts made by cottage crafters and artists? If so, you’ll want to mark your calendar and plan to attend the Bizarre Bazaar at the Richmond Raceway Complex from March 30 – April 1, 2012. The spring event is the perfect place to find the perfect something for Easter, Mother’s Day, Graduation and other special occasions. Over 250 exhibitors in two buildings will showcase their very best garden art, accessories, outdoor furniture and more.

The show floor will be open from 10 AM to 7 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday. Tickets may be purchased in advance online. The show’s producers recommend wearing comfortable shoes and attending with friends who can help you haul all of the beautiful gifts you purchase home. A $1.00 re-entry pass is available for those attendees who plan to visit on more than one day.

The Bizarre Bazaar is held twice each year, once in spring and once at the holidays. If you can’t make it to the March/April show, make your plans now, including a stay at one of the fine Historic Richmond Inns, and plan to get your holiday shopping done in early December!

Historic Richmond Inns

Today, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, shoppers are encouraged to skip the “Big Box” stores and “Shop Small”. Most bed & breakfasts are family- and locally-owned businesses, and the  Historic Richmond Inns are no exception. Small businesses come with big hearts, so show the “RVA” some love. Here are 7 great holiday gift ideas that you can purchase locally on Small Business Saturday:

1. Dine Small: Purchase gift certificates for dining at your favorite local Richmond restaurant.
2. Eat Local: Support local farmers and ensure your loved ones eat healthier by purchasing a subscription for farm shares from a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.
3. Share Your Favorite VA Wines:  Patronize one of Richmond’s fine local wine shops and purchase from Virginia’s best wine makers.
4. Everything Old is New Again: Local consignment and antique shops offer an eclectic collection of gift-able items.
5. Celebrate Artisanship:  Have you ever been to an art gallery? Try selecting your gifts from an exhibition by local artists. Attend one of the myriad craft fairs and holiday bazaars and find out how talented Richmond really is.
6. Save on “Black Saturday” in Carytown: The merchants of Carytown are taking the Shop Local movement a step farther at their Black Saturday events. Check their website for a whole list of special savings, and stop in between 12 and 5 PM for a free horse-drawn carriage ride.
7. Stay Local: Of course, you can always give the gift of a reservation at your favorite Historic Richmond Inn! Start planning your 2012 vacations now and ensure that your suite is ready on your favorite weekend.

With so many fabulous gift options there is no reason to look any further than the RVA for your holiday shopping. The only real question is “where will you start?”

The Historic Richmond Inns