David Blaine is “Pushing the Limits of Human Endurance” as part of Richmond’s Forum on Saturday, April 16 at 8 PM. Blaine will discuss his endurance stunts and love of magic at the Landmark Theater at 6 N Laurel Street in Richmond’s historic Fan District.  Individual tickets are $36 to $70 but are limited so call the Forum office (804) 330-3993 for availability.

David Blaine Magic Endurance Stunts

Originally conceived by members of the First Unitarian Church in Richmond in 1964, the Richmond Public Forum brought internationally and nationally known speakers to Richmond to enlighten, educate, and entertain audiences. Speakers included notables like Henry Kissinger, Shirley Chisholm, and Moshe Dayan – to name a few. In 1980, after 16 years, the Forum ceased operations. In 1986, the Richmond Forum revived as a nonprofit educational organization presenting Ted Koppel, ABC news journalist, as its first program. For over twenty years, The Richmond Forum has presented and produced programs that stimulate, inspire, and inform its patrons.  Many of which have been “one and only” type events – available no where else. Tickets are available on a subscription basis, but often single event tickets are available.

The Landmark Theater opened in 1927 after seven years of planning and two years of construction. The theater was purchased by the City of Richmond from the Shriners in 1940 and the City embarked on a renovation to restore its splendor in 1994/5. Some of America’s greatest entertainers have appeared on stage beneath its towering minarets and desert murals. The Landmark is also home to the Broadway in Richmond series, featuring Broadway plays and musicals.

The Landmark Theater, at 6 N. Laurel Street, is within walking distance, just blocks from Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast, located in the historic Fan District. When events at the Landmark are on your schedule, make an overnight at our urban inn part of the plans for a very special treat.

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!

Richmond’s own Landmark Theater, just 2 1/2 blocks from the bed and breakfast, that is known for its “killer breakfasts,” will host the 2010 / 2011 season of the Richmond Forum. The Richmond Forum is a subscription series bringing leaders from the world stage to the stage of the Landmark to expand horizons, to stimulate conversation, and to inspire.  The Richmond Forum produces five programs a year and has introduced such influential persons as former Prime Minister Tony Blair, Archbishop Desmund Tutu, the late Tim Russert, and Benazir Bhutto.  This year featured speakers like Condoleezza Rice, Greg Mortenson, and Steve Forbes.  But all that is in the past….the 2009/10 series will include President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia on November 6, 2010, Laura Bush, former First Lady on January 15, 2011, Anderson Cooper and his 360-Degree view of the world on February 19, 2011, Dr. George Church on March 19, 2011, and, finally, David Blaine on April 16, 2011.

While the series is a subscription series offering priority to season subscribers, if your travels bring you to Richmond, Virginia on these dates – there may be seats available. Contact the Richmond Forum at (804) 330-3993 to check it out.  And, certainly, plan to stay at our Richmond downtown inn.  You’ll be treated to free off-street parking to enable you to stroll the few blocks to the Landmark, a complimentary wine hour, a hearty gourmet breakfast for two, and a prime location “in the middle of it all” to see the sights and sample the shopping, dining, and attractions of central Virginia.  Southern hospitality, WilliamMiller House style, is waiting to greet you.

The Landmark Theater, just two blocks from our Richmond B&B, is the location of the Richmond Forum. The Richmond Forum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization that brings leaders from the world stage to the stage of Richmond’s Landmark Theater — to expand horizons, stimulate conversation, and to inspire the community.  For over 20 years, speakers representing every discipline from former Prime Minister Tony Blair to journalist Tim Russert to legendary blues musician B.B. King have engaged attendees.

Steve Forbes: "How Capitalism Will Save Us" on March 6 8PM at Richmond's Landmark Theater

On Saturday, March 6, at 8PM, Steve Forbes will be speaking on The Worlds of Economics, Business, and Politics. Steve has been a constant campaigner for a flat tax replacement for the current federal tax system, even seeking the nomination as the Republican candidate for President in 1996 and 2000. Currently the chairman and chief executive officer of Forbes magazine, Steve will address hotly debated topics in today’s headlines–from CEO pay to healthcare to what caused the recession and financial crisis. He will take on classic questions about capitalism that many are asking today–from “Isn’t capitalism based on greed?” to “Is affordable healthcare possible in a free market?”

According to the latest, limited tickets are still available $36 to $70! Call (804) 330-3993 to verify.

Center a weekend getaway around this thought provoking evening and stay with us at our Richmond inn you can begin by selecting your room. A weekend get away includes a two-night stay (Friday and Saturday), complimentary wine and cheese in the evening, hearty gourmet breakfast for two on Saturday and Sunday, and a host of other amenities to make your stay extraordinary.