Archive for the ‘Richmond’s Best-Kept Secrets’ Category

Culinary Walking Tour Visits Fan District Bed and Breakfast

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

To start their 2012 tours, Real Richmond Food Tours and More offered their VCU: Alternative Eats tour to a sold out crowd on a bright, crisp Saturday afternoon January 14th.  Maureen and Susan, tour hosts, take ticket holders on a mile and a half walk through Richmond’s culture, architecture, history – and, naturally Richmond’s food scene.  The tours feature at least seven different areas of the city, seven totally different tours. But, even the same tour experienced several times provides a very different perspective by stopping in different eateries along the way.  Tours are rotated so not all areas are available at the same time.

Today’s tour began at the William Miller House Bed and Breakfast, in the heart of the Fan, just a block from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park campus. After a quick briefing about the house, the two guest rooms, and William Miller (the marble carver who built the house in 1869), the group visited the dining room where breakfast is served to guests and the wine room where beverages and hors d’oeuvres are available for guests in the evening as they make their dinner plans.  Pat and Mike explained they began renovations in 1996 (still on-going, an old house is never done!) and opened as an urban inn/bed and breakfast in 2000. Then to the inn’s best feature – the Kitchen, where gourmet breakfasts are prepared for guests!

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Artist Reception and En Plein Aire Workshop

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

Brazier Studio and Gallery on West Main Street in Richmond’s Uptown area of the Historic Fan District has announced an art event for October!

Brazier Studio and Gallery Welcomes Kevin Menck

First up is an artist reception with Kevin Menck on October 20, 2011 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Brazier Studio and Gallery.  Kevin is a landscape painter who spends hours “en plein aire” outside taking his inspiration and working directly from nature. Kevin, who was born and raised in Tennessee,  fine-tuned the fundamentals of drawing as an illustrator.  Finally, motivated by his love and appreciation for the outdoors, Kevin now paints landscapes from nature capturing not only what he sees but the atmosphere of the moment. During the reception, visitors will be encouraged to meet Kevin,  discuss his inspiration and his process, and view many of his latest works.

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Richmond’s Own Maymont Makes List of Top 10 Public Spaces

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

On Tuesday, October 4, the American Planning Association announced its list of 2011 Great Places.  The American Planning Association brings together thousands of people — practicing planners, citizens, elected officials — committed to making great communities happen through a professional institute for certified planners and through divisions and chapters as well as student memberships. And, the APA identified Maymont as one of America’s 10 Great Public Spaces in 2011.

What is a public space?

A public space, as defined by the APA, can be a gathering spot or part of a neighborhood, downtown, special district, waterfront or other area within the public realm that helps promote social interaction and a sense of community. Possible examples may include such spaces as plazas, town squares, parks, marketplaces, public commons and malls, public greens, piers, special areas within convention centers or grounds, sites within public buildings, lobbies, concourses, or public spaces within private buildings.

Maymont, of course, is Richmond’s own 100-acre estate near downtown, now a city park with free admission featuring gorgeous gardens, wildlife exhibits, and open spaces perfect to romp and play.

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It’s back! 2nd Annual Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont!

Saturday, July 23rd, 2011

Make your plans today to attend the 2nd Annual Richmond jazz festival at Maymont.

2nd Annual Jazz Festival in Richmond August 11 - 14, 2011

The jazz starts on August 11th and continues through August 14th, 2011. Last year’s event was a wonderful outdoor music event spanning two days; this year’s will span 4 days!

Jazz kicks off on Thursday August 11th at the newly-renovated Hippodrome in Jackson Ward with local Richmond jazz groups performing  a program titled “Homegrown at the Hipp.”  Doors will open at 6 PM and include great local artists: Joye B Moore, Sharon Rae North, Forte Jazz Band, Shanta “Bunni” Jasper, J. Tucker, Anhayla Stanley, Eric Stanley, and Secret Society. General Admission $20. The Hippodrome is located at 528 North 2nd Street.

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Purple Martins are Back!

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

As dusk settles in Shockoe Bottom, an unusual flock of purple martins interrupt their migration to Brazil for a stopover for much of July and August.

Flock of Purple Martins

Their “hotel” of choice is the line of Bradford Pear trees just north of the market. The National Audubon Society is offering free walks and insight into purple martins on Wednesday, July 20, Sunday July 24, Wednesday July 27, and Sunday July 31. Gather at the north corner of the 17th Street Farmers’ Market, at north 17th street, just north of East Main Street. Be there at 7:30 PM!

The “Gone to the Birds” Festival will be held August 6, 2011 from 6 to 9 PM with its purple gelato and take home a gourd to house Martins in your own yard. This is the only urban bird festival where onlookers can experience the phenomenon of Purple Martins rushing to roost in the heart of the city!

Learn more about purple martins! Some of the restaurants around the market will even feature a purple martini!