Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens as part of the GardenFest of Lights 2011 was open between 5 PM and 10 PM and pets on leashes were invited.  Morgan, the inn concierge at the William Miller House Bed and Breakfast, was delighted to visit. This holiday tradition includes more than a half  million lights, botanical decorations, and even trains! The fabulous peacock was there – moved from the lawn where it elegantly perched last year to a new location where its tail formed an archway under which to stroll. Penguins played on the lawn, candy canes, flowers made up lights, and even vegetables made from lights completed the picture.  The conservatory was a-blaze on the hill,  the promenade to access the conservatory was beautifully decorated with blue and white lights. Next Fido event is December 8th, followed by another January 5th. Leashed pets are welcome, a suggested $2 donation for the Richmond SPCA for each pet is recommended.

Morgan, the new concierge at Richmond's premier bed and breakfast, visits Lewis Ginter's GardenFest for Fidos

The magnificent peacock at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Carrots in the Children's Garden at GardenFest of Lights

Even watermelons and mushrooms

Check out the bunnies and the carrier pigeons!

Going to stop by the gift shop at Lewis Ginter and pick up some of these lights! Definitely dramatic!

Morgan and friend in front of the conservatory Christmas Tree

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens will host Emmylou Harris on Wednesday July 20, 2011 as part of their Groovin’ in the Garden series.

Emmylou Harris at Groovin' in the Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens on July 20, 2011

Emmylou Harris, a 12-time Grammy winner, celebrated as an interpreter of other artists’ songs, has garnered accolades for her eloquent songwriting and for her incomparable vocals. Few performers have achieved honesty in their work or revealed such maturity in their writing. Her latest album, “Hard Bargain” contains 11 original songs including one recounting a violent, headline-making story from the civil rights era, and another about a black lab mix named Bella. Harris runs a dog shelter on her property called Bonaparte’s Retreat. Don’t miss this concert – full of life’s wisdom and beautiful music. Tickets.

Gates to the garden open at 5:30 PM, opening bands kick off about 6 PM, and Emmylou should take the stage about 7:30 PM.  This is an outdoor venue, so you’ll need to dress based on the weather forecast; and remember that all shows occur Rain or Shine, so if rain predicted, bring rain gear. Bring your own chair or blanket, no seating is provided. Food, beer, wine will be available at the garden; therefore, no food/beverages or coolers will be permitted. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

Just a few miles from Lewis Ginter, you will find, in Richmond’s Historic Fan District, Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast. Make it a special evening, check in to the William  Miller House Bed and Breakfast, head off to the concert for fine music, then return to the urban inn and avoid the traffic home. You’ll get a great night’s sleep in a premium bed and a hearty gourmet breakfast in the morning. Reservations.

HIstoric Garden Week in Virginia has slipped by; The Fan Woman’s Club Kitchen and Garden Tour is a memory; the Museum District’s Mother’s Day Tour has passed — but we’re not done yet! Next Saturday, May 14th between noon and 5 PM, selected homes and gardens in the Ginter Park neighborhood will open their doors and gates to visitors.

Ginter Park House and Garden Tour celebrates 100 years of Architecture May 14 2011 between noon and 5 PM

The annual tour will be celebrating 100 years of architecture and gardens and the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the Ginter Park neighborhood.  Times-Dispatch article on Ginter Park Tour Ticket Information and Details.

And, once you visited the ten homes and gardens open for touring, just up the road you’ll find Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens featuring its Millions of Blooms.  Right now the roses and peonies are in their prime and provide great photo opportunities. You can also check out the progress of world-famous artist Patrick Dougherty as he builds his stick sculpture, which will be named on May 21 at the Spring Fling in the Garden.

And, this is the FINAL weekend for the exhibition “Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris” at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Better get there before it’s gone for good!

Lots in store this weekend, don’t miss out! Richmond and central Virginia are the place to be….

Early spring blooms are bountiful in Richmond, Virginia: hellebores or Lenten Rose announce the season; star magnolia, redbud, pink “tulip” magnolia, tulips, daffodils, daphne odoro among others dot central Virginia’s best loved gardens with the promise of Spring at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

Magnolia Blooms

Lewis GInter’s Orchids Galore opened at Lewis Ginter on March 12th. More than 2,000 orchids, including 500 museum-quality specimens will be on display until April 10, 2011.  in addition to latest break-throughs like red orchids, visitors will see one of the largest collections on public display in the mid-Atlantic region.  Interpretive signage on loan from the U. S. Botanic Garden will make this a learning opportunity by sharing facts about orchids.  The display includes over-sized alphabet letters decorated with orchids – providing a photo opportunity to get your photo taken with the first letter of your name!

Orchids Galore is included in regular admission to the garden, which is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.  Dining options include the Garden cafe or Robins Tea House (we recommend reservations to the Robins Tea House by calling (804) 262-9887 extension 399).  And, of course, the gift shop is a treasure trove of great garden accents, books, toys, jewelry, and other gifts with a garden twist. Admission is free for members/$10 for adults. Weather in central Virginia is getting better every day – and there is no better way to spend a Spring day than to spend it in Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens watching Mother Nature awaken from her winter slumber!

Make your plans to visit today! And, if you’re coming from out of town, check availability at Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast inn in the heart of the historic Fan District!

Richmond Virginia is THE place to be in February of 2011.

There is plenty to see and do and here are the top five things to put on your calendar as “not-to-be-missed!”

1. 

   Conservatory at Lewis Ginter is home to gorgeous orchids

   Cupid and lovers are on display everywhere in the weeks leading up to Valentines Day on February 14th, but Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens has a special display called ”The Garden is for Lovers” featuring a luscious Valentines display in the conservatory from February 1 through February 28th, with tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in full bloom.  The Conservatory is the “Jewel of the Garden,” with 11,000 square-foot housing exotic and unusual plants from around the world. Crowned by a 63-foot-tall dome, the Conservatory includes a central Palm House and this Valentine-themed display full of seasonal color and interest. Don’t miss the beautiful exotic orchids in the tropical wing.  Special Valentine’s dinners and brunches are available February 12 through 14th in the Tea House.  Make your arrangements now!

2. 

   The Virginia Historical Society opens "An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia" February 4 2011

   For history buffs, “An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia” opens on February 4th at the Virginia Historical Society.  Best of all it will run until December 30, 2011, when it will be packed up and sent to seven other museums.  This free exhibition commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War focusing, not on generals and battlefields, but on the lives of ordinary Virginians who struggled to survive and those who participated in military action.  The Virginia Historical Society is devoting a 3,000 square foot gallery with more than 200 objects and 17 state-of-the-art audiovisual programs to this exhibition.  Learn More.

3. 

   The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

   Just next door at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the only east coast stop of the widely-acclaimed international tour of “Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris” opens on February 19th.  Works from each of the artist’s major periods are represented in the exhibition including many from his personal collection.  This is clearly a once-in-lifetime opportunity to view world-class art right here in Richmond Virginia. Tickets are free for VMFA members, $20 for adults. The exhibition extends until May 15th, 2011.

4. 

   Anderson Cooper at The Richmond Forum

   CNN’s own Anderson Cooper, Emmy-award winning correspondent, who has covered major news events around the world, often on-site, will speak at The Richmond Forum on  Saturday evening February 19th, and, due to overwhelming demand, at a special matinee presentation on Sunday, February 20th. His topic: “a 360-Degree Look At World Events.”  Information and Tickets. The Richmond Forum is a 501 (c) (3) educational organization dedicated to bringing leaders from around the world to Richmond’s stage to expand horizons, to stimulate conversation, and to inspire our community. Anderson Cooper will speak at Richmond’s Landmark Theater.

5. 

   Virginia Wine Expo February 25 - 27

   The Virginia Wine Expo, a showcase of wines, featuring over 350 Virginia wines from over 60 of Virginia’s top producers, takes over the Greater Richmond Convention Center Friday February 25th through Sunday, February 27th. Friday’s event features the Virginia Governor’s Cup Grand Tasting; Saturday evening features “Sparkling and Sweets” presented by “Richmond Magazine” with sparkling and dessert wines accompanying desserts from Virginia pastry chefs and chocolatiers.  Also on Saturday there are seminars covering topics from pairing wine and chocolate to sushi and wine. Sunday there’s even a seminar about Burgers and Wine! Sunday is also open to walk-around tastings. Don’t miss this chance to try so many of Virginia’s finest wines!  More Info and Tickets. The Virginia Wine Expo benefits the Virginia Wineries Association, the Central Virginia Food Bank and Meals on Wheels.

These are just five of Richmond’s top events for February.  From art to wine, gardens to history, and even a little bit of intellectual conversation – it’s all right here in Richmond Virginia!

And, if you’re looking for a place to stay to enjoy these events, look no farther than our historic Fan District bed and breakfast, located right in the middle of it all!

Lights, lights, and more lights! Light displays, both tacky and classy, abound in Richmond between Thanksgiving and the New Year.

Are these really Tacky Lights, or simply Christmas spirit?

Homeowners across the central Virginia’s  metropolitan area have decked their houses in holiday lights, blow-up decorations, store-bought decorations, home-made decorations – all vying to outdo each other with more, better, and over-the-top displays lighting up their homes with Christmas spirit beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving and ending with the New Year.

But homeowners are not the only ones who go “over the top.”  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens GardenFest of Lights provides a fantastic display, decorating each garden, water feature, and path with a myriad of lights.  The rose garden even has rose lights for the holiday season. And, The GradenFest of Lights will be on display until January 10th!

This fabulous peacock in lights inhabits the lawn below the conservatory at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Some of Richmond’s homes have been featured on national television, of course, local television, books and publications, blogs, newspaper articles, even coffee table books.  This phenomenon dates back at least to 1986 and seems to grow exponentially every year.  Patricia Cornwall even mentions Richmond’s Tacky Lights in her book: “Black Notice” saying that Marino’s house was lighting up the sky like an amusement park!

Blow-up Santa and other figures complete this Tacky Lights scene

The sky is aglow with Tacky Lights

There are city blocks of folks who band together and decorate to be included on the Tacky Light Tour, homes along Monument Avenue and in the Fan are all aglow, cul-de-sacs and blocks in the burbs join together in pacts to decorate, and individual homeowners just go all out and begin decorating Labor Day to be ready for their grand illumination Thanksgiving weekend.

More Tacky Lights!

Can you count the lights in this Tacky Light display?

And, then, there’s Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens who decorate their gardens and conservatory as the Gardenfest of Lights.  This year’s theme is Fire & Ice, combining the Hans Frabel’s glass sculptures with their more traditional holiday elements and lights. The gardens also decorate the conservatory and the educational center.  You’ll even find trains in a setting of miniature structures crafted from natural elements.

One of the houses constructed of natural elements that is part of the model train setup in Lewis Ginter's conservatory

Don’t miss these very Richmond holiday traditions this year or next! It gets better every year!

Richmond’s Fan District is hosting its annual Holiday House Tour on December 11 and 12. During this 48th tour, eight homes near Meadow Park will be open both Saturday and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM.

Advance tickets are available on line and in several retail locations in Richmond.  Tickets will also be available the day of the tour at hospitality centers and Strawberry Street Vineyard.  More Info.

The Fan District Association of Richmond, Virginia has posted a preview of the tour: A Story Book Holiday House Tour on their website. The descriptions of the homes and the photos will entice you to get a ticket and take part in this very Richmond tradition – a chance to see how a sampling of Fan residents live and celebrate the holidays.

Another Richmond tradition, the Gardenfest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, lights up the evening creating magical splendor with over 700,000 lights in a Fire and Ice theme.  There’s even a firepit with s’mores! Don’t miss the gift shop – unique gifts for you, for your garden, and for that hard-to-find-the-perfect-gift-for person on your list! More Info.

And, as usual, Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast is putting on its holiday face too! A stay in one of our guest rooms during the holiday season gives you the opportunity to delight in the holiday trimmings and a wonderful, hearty gourmet breakfast!

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is hosting their annual Champagne ‘n’ Shopping event Thursday, November 11, 2010 from 5 PM to 8 PM.    

Lewis Ginter's Gift Shop - THE place for holiday gifts

The Garden Shop hosts a special evening of shopping just in time for the holidays. Guests are greeted with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider; live music and door prizes. Door prize drawings are every half hour and include GardenFest of Lights tickets, Garden Shop gift cards, and Garden Memberships.

Shoppers who purchase more than $50 worth of merchandise on this evening receive a FREE Garden tote bag and Glorious Glass in the Garden: Frabel at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden book.  Garden Members will receive their 10% discount on all purchases.

Featured on this evening will be Raku-fired jewelry by Dimensions Art.  The Garden Shop features an extensive collection of garden accents, containers, books, gifts, toys and jewelry – perfect for gift-giving. The garden shop also carries a wide selection of holiday trimming ideas and unusual ornaments to complete your holiday decorating scheme.  So whether you’re searching for a gift for someone else, a special treat for yourself, or holiday decorations, be sure to stop in and enjoy the fun!  INFO.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is one of Richmond’s treasures, just minutes away from our Bed and Breakfast in the heart of the Fan District. When you stay with us, we’re happy to share shopping secrets and shopping tips of all kinds to make your shopping excursion to Richmond the best ever.

Reuters has published their recommendations for things to do and see in Richmond during a weekend 48-hour trip!  The article is packed with suggestions, even where to stay and where to dine. ARTICLE. We agree that many of the suggestions are right-on-target and include many of Richmond’s best kept secrets, but where to stay is a little off the mark.  Hotels are the same in any city, but staying at a local bed and breakfast in a lively historic neighborhood is the best way to  get the “feel” and “vibe” of any city. Veteran bed and breakfast guests will attest that innkeepers are a wealth of local knowledge and deliver a level of personal service to which chain hotels can only aspire. Here at our Fan district bed and breakfast, we assist our guests with driving directions, parking tips, dining tips at local neighborhood eateries, even prioritizing things to do based on our guests’ interests. We might even suggest allocating a little more time than an hour at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens and adding several hours to visit the newly expanded Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.  We even offer a weekend Movie Date Special to enable our guests to catch a first run movie at a repurposed industrial building on a Friday and catch the evening showing at the Byrd the following Saturday with its Wurlitzer organ recital before the show! So, don’t just “visit” the Fan district as suggested by Reuters, stay here and get the most out of your Richmond visit and sample our hearty gourmet breakfasts!

Tiffany: Color and Light’s closing is imminent – just 3 weeks away on August 15th!  Have you seen the glass master’s exhibit at Richmond’s Virginia Museum of Fine Arts? Better make your plans now.

Don't Miss the wonder of Tiffany's Glass

The Richmond VMFA is the only museum in the US to feature this exhibition and, once it closes, the items will be dispersed back to their owners: museums from around the world. Drawing on the finest collections in Europe, North America, and Russia, the exhibition presents Tiffany as an artist of international stature and significance. Curated by the world’s leading scholars, the exhibition focuses on his primary achievements – the innovative techniques and artistry he developed to achieve original and spectacular effects in glass. Among the exhibition’s more than 180 objects are examples of the leaded-glass windows and lamps for which he is best known as well as blown-glass vessels and decorative objects such as mosaics, jewelry, bronzes, paintings, watercolors, architectural elements, and silver. Eight newly restored windows from the Erskine and American United Church in Montreal – considered one of his most spectacular commissions – have never before been shown in the United States and will form a dazzling and memorable centerpiece to the presentation.  And, save your ticket stubs for the exhibition to take advantage of our special: stay at our inn for two nights Monday through Thursday, present your used ticket stubs, and we will refund your admission fees by applying a credit to your invoice! Subject to Conditions.

To round out your Tiffany-focused trip, don’t forget to check out the Tiffany Driving Tour.  Focusing on glass works, make time to explore Hans Godo Frabel’s Glassworks in the Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Richmond is rich in its art – don’t miss it!

Can a restaurant be a work of art? Take time to check out Amuse, the restaurant in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts that overlooks the the sculpture garden. A recent review by Dana Craig was very positive and limited hours make reservations hard to get. The secret: Plan ahead!