There’s lots in store for Richmond, Virginia residents and visitors this weekend!

Strawberry Hill Races takes place at Colonial Downs on Saturday with gates opening at 11 AM.  It’s a veritable rite of spring with spectators decked out in seersucker, sundresses and fancy hats worthy of Derby distinction. For the first time, the Virginia Racing Commission will permit pari-mutuel wagering on four steeplechase races. The Preakness Stakes, the second leg in horse-racing’s famed Triple Crown, a=is also scheduled for Saturday. It will be broadcast live via simulcast at about 6:35 PM.  INFO.   

Friday Cheers on Brown’s Island features Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. This concert by the self-styled “SupaFunkRock” group is part of a concert series that takes place every Friday evening 6 PM to 9 PM on Brown’s Island at Tredegar and South 7th Streets in Richmond’s downtown overlooking the James River, which began May 6 and runs until June 24th. Admission $5 for this concert. Schedule.

Anthem Stride Through Time is also on Saturday with waves beginning at 8:30 AM. This 10K takes place in the historic Fan District of Richmond.

At the Carpenter Theater, the Richmond Symphony Chorus and guest soloists join the Richmond Symphony in Beethoven’s “Missa Solemnis” at 8 PM. TICKETS. Performance is repeated on Sunday May 22 at 3 PM.

The Valentine History Center will conduct a History Hounds tour of Ginter Park, the turn of the 20th century neighborhood on Richmond’s northside. This pet-friendly tour will meet at teh southwest corner of Brook Road and Westwood Avenue. Admission $10. Reservations Required. 804.649.0711, extension 301. On Sunday, visit the south Richmond neighborhood of Manchester, once a port city, once a major retail center, and once the county seat for Chesterfield.

Virginia State Capitol historian Mark Greenough will explain how Thomas Jefferson’s famed building accommodated Civil War governments for both the Commonwealth of Virginia and for the Confederacy. Meet Mark and Richmond National Battlefield Park Ranger Mike Gorman, who will highlight Civil War action around and on Capitol Grounds, at 2 PM at the Capitol, Ninth and Byrd Streets. FREE.

This is the last weekend for the exhibition “Dynasty & Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria.” The exhibition closes at 5 Pm on Sunday. Tickets are required.

And, of course, the River District Canal Cruises have started and run from noon to 5 PM beginning at the Canal Turning Basin on Sundays. Cruises also run Thursday through Saturday from noon to 7 PM during May. Tours are $6 for adults and run on the hour every hour during scheduled times. Reservations are available at either  (804) 649-2800 or (804) 788-6466.

Congratulations are in order for those graduates who are receiving their degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University in ceremonies scheduled for this weekend. Great Work! And a hearty southern welcome to the guests of Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast who are celebrating graduation!

It’s that time again! Dominion Riverrock returns on May 13 and 14th, the East Coast’s premier outdoor lifestyle festival.  Musicians, spectators, athletes, and even dogs take over Brown’s Island for a fantastic two-day festival. The party against the backdrop of Richmond’s downtown riverfront begins on Friday with music concerts, 5K mud run, acrobatic kayak and freestyle bike competitions.

Join the fun at Dominion RiverRock May 14 & 15 on the James River in downtown Richmond

Energy level heats up on Saturday with activities in and around the river: James River Scramble 10K Trail Run, mountain biking, kayaking, ultimate air dogs and much much more. This year’s event includes for the first time: bouldering and stand-up paddleboarding.

MORE DETAILS.

Downtown is in the middle of it all! And your innkeepers at the Fan District’s premier bed and breakfast are proud to be the closest bed and breakfast to all the action! Our urban inn is located one block from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park campus. Try an urban bed and breakfast for a better way to stay in Richmond Virginia!

If you can’t catch one of the Richmond tours during Historic Garden Week, there’s always the Fan Woman’s Club Annual Kitchen and Garden Tour.

Kitchen and Garden Tour in Richmond's historic Fan District May 1 2011 1-6 PM

This year’s theme, Urban Delights, offers a diverse selection of homes and gardens in Richmond’s historic Fan District. Discover how urban homeowners maximize every inch of space both inside and outside their homes. See how each home has been personalized by its owners who focus on blending historic architectural details with the functionality required by modern families.  The tour features homes across the length of the Fan District, from the 1400-block of Grove to the Boulevard.

The Fan Woman’s Club organizes this tour each spring as its primary fundraiser to support its grants to neighborhood non-profit organizations and its neighborhood improvement activities.  The woman’s club has upgraded park facilities with new benches and plantings and funded new period-appropriate street litter receptacles.  Houses are staffed by volunteers and neighborhood businesses sponsor the event.

The Historic Fan District is an 85-block turn of the century (19th to 20th, that is) residential neighborhood, named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 as the largest intact Victorian neighborhood in the United States. It takes its name from its tree-lined avenues and streets that “fan out” from Monroe Park, adjacent to the academic campus of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Best described as architecturally diverse, the over 2,300 classic town homes feature bay windows, turrets, high ceilings, parquet oak and pine floors, mahogany woodwork, stained and leaded glass, and varied porch and balcony designs. Most homes are brick or brick and brownstone.

At the east end of the Fan, close to Monroe Park, sits a unique clapboard residence on a large corner lot.  Completed before the area gained popularity in 1869, on a parcel purchased in 1862, it is now Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast known for its hearty gourmet breakfasts. A stay in our urban inn is a better way to stay: to experience the Fan neighborhood like a local, to dine in neighborhood eateries, and to enjoy live theater, neighborhood entertainment and nearby museums and attractions.

The premier bed and breakfast inn in Richmond’s historic Fan District is enthusiastically supporting the B&Bs Kick Gas program, marketed by the “Better Way To Stay” program of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International.

Are you seeing this at the gas pump?

Gas prices have us all in a spin.  A trip to the gas pump seems to require a trip to the bank or ATM.  Pretty soon a trip to the gas pump will be just as big a dent in our budgets as rent or mortgage payment.

But there’s no need to postpone that getaway!  We’re offering three different gas-related specials to our guests who book a new reservation between April 15 and June 30, 2011.

CARPOOL! Save gas and carpool with your friends: 2 couples stay 2 consecutive nights in 2 rooms and arrive in 1 car, we’ll deduct $25 per room to use for gas.

HYBRID! Drive a hybrid and you’ll get $35 for gas when you stay 3 consecutive nights.

WEEKDAY REBATE! Relax in one of our guest rooms for two consecutive weekday nights (Monday through Thursday) and we’ll apply 20-cents per mile for your return trip home or to your next day’s stop (up to 125 miles) as a rebate on your bill.

Choose whichever option suits your needs, but only one per reservation, please! Once you get here, you’ll be in the heart of the historic Fan District of Richmond Virginia, within walking distance of museums, attractions, restaurants and neighborhood eateries, shopping, the Landmark Theater, and Virginia Commonwealth University – so you’ll save even more gas! See our website for a full description of the special and of its restrictions.

While you’re here, we’ll treat you to a hearty gourmet breakfast every morning (the kind that sticks to your ribs) to fuel your day’s walking.  And, our guest rooms provide all the comfort and luxury you’ve come to expect. Downtown, in the Fan District is definitely a “Better Way To Stay.”  So, make your reservation now and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity!

First Friday Artwalk is here again in Richmond; and today, Friday April 1, many galleries in the historic Fan District are featuring opening receptions this evening.

Artemis Gallery at 1601 W Main Street is opening “Wired Realities,” wire sculptures by Guy Barnard and Bob Early with a reception from 5 to 10 Pm. Exhibition continues through May 5, 2011.

At Brazier Studio, the gallery  at 1516 W Main Street operated by Loryn Brazier, Fan District resident, “Turn on the Light” featuring new paintings by Anne Blair Brown and gallery artists opens with a reception from 6-8 PM tonight.

Ginger Levit atelier en ville at 1519 W Main Street is hosting an opening reception tonight between 5:30 and 8:30 PM for “Rites of Spring: Leafy Landscapes of Virginia” – Sheila Holland’s large acrylics on canvas.

Glave Kocen Gallery at 1620 W Main Street is hosting a opening reception tonight between 6 and 9 for “180 Degrees of Color” featuring work by Rob Browning and Steve Griffin.  Exhibition will continue through April 29.

Laura Loe Paintings open 6-8 Pm at 2513 W Main Street.

Main Art Gallery at 1537 W Main Street will host an opening reception between 7 and 9 PM tonight for “Fly Around” featuring art by Laura Pharis.  Works will continue on display through April 30.

Page Bond Gallery, also operated by a Fan District resident, will host Ryan McGinness with an artist talk at 6:30 PM, and a reception for the opening of “Art HIstory is Not Linear” 7Pm to 9PM at 1625 W Main Street.

At 1514 W Main Street, Reynolds Gallery will host an opening reception for “Corpora Delecti” glass and wire sculptures by Jack Wax and paintings by Heide Trepanier “Ether.” Reception 7-9PM. Exhibition continues through May 14.

Uptown Gallery at 1305 W Main Street will host an opening reception between 5 and 9 PM for the watercolors produced by the artists of the James River Art League.

The Visual Arts Center of Richmond will host an artist’s talk by Leslie Wayne at 5 PM at 1812 W Main Street and an opening reception 6-8PM for “Leslie Wayne: recent Work.”

These openings and receptions are, of course, in addition to First Friday  Art Walk along Broad Street. Art venues abound in Richmond, and art lovers are warmly welcomed! And, don’t forget that the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is featuring the only east coast appearance of “Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris.”  So make it an art-filled weekend with wandering galleries Friday evening, watching the Monument Avenue 10K Saturday morning, touring with Real Richmond Food Tours and More Saturday afternoon, cheering on VCU’s Rams in the FInal Four Saturday evening at a neighborhood eatery , and a visit to VMFA for Picasso on Sunday before it ends on May 15th.  It will make a powerful, fun-filled weekend.  Y’all come!

Information provided by the innkeepers of The William Miller House Bed and Breakfast, Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast, located in the heart of the historic Fan District

The first weekend in April promises a wide variety of events and activities in Richmond Virginia for both visitors and residents alike.

Virginia Commonwealth University makes it to the Final Four!

First Friday Art Walk is on – with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants supporting Richmond’s fabulous art scene. Now in its tenth season, first Friday plays a vital role in downtown Richmond, with opening receptions at downtown galleries making the event a cultural destination.  Event takes place rain or shine and features nearly 40 diverse galleries, cultural organizations, shops and restaurants — along historic Broad Street, east of Belvidere and into Jackson and Monroe Wards.  INFO.

Saturday, April 2 is the annual Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K, providing the opportunity to run Richmond’s most beautiful boulevard.  Registration is now closed for the 10K; it has reached its capacity of 40,000 participants.  But you can still enjoy the music along the route, party with the other spectators, watch the costumed runners competing in the Dress-Up and Run, and join the runners and spectators in Monroe Park for the awesome post race party.  Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K was named one of the best running races in the country by USA Today!  INFO.

Saturday afternoon, Real Richmond Food Tours and More, navigate the culture and cuisine of “The Wards: The Art and Soul of Richmond” beginning at 2 PM.  Tickets are limited and sell out quickly – so make your plans immediately.   The 2 1/2 hour tour will stop at local eateries to sample delicious treats and meet the owners and chefs. In between a leisurely 1 1/2 mile stroll/walk will acquaint you with the best of both sides of Broad Street in the heart of Jackson Ward and Monroe Ward. INFO.

Studio 3 of the Richmond Ballet’s Studio Series continues at the Richmond Ballet Canal Street Studio with a ballet honoring the trio of muses who inspired Marcel Marceau: French mime Debureau, Charlie Chaplin, and Arthur Marx.  Its light-hearted and refreshing, just an enjoyable way to spend an evening. INFO.

And, of course, “Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris” continues at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. If you haven’t seen it yet, you better catch it before it’s gone! VMFA.  The is the only east coast venue for this special exhibition of 176 of the famed artist’s works. TIP: Download the audio file FREE to your smartphone, take your earbuds, and skip the audioguide.  Save $5 and be guaranteed the tour.  Download INFO.

And, next weekend Virginia Commonwealth University’s Rams will play in the Final Four of the NCAA Basketball Tournament.  Though the game is in Houston, VCU fans will be gathering at eateries and neighborhood bars all over the historic Fan District to watch the outcome. You, too, could be in the middle of it all in Richmond’s liveliest neighborhood.  And, if you’d rather walk than drive, there’s always the Fan District’s premier bed and breakfast for an in-town getaway!

March 24 – 27, 2011 finds French films at the Byrd Theater in Richmond’s Carytown.

French Film Festival in Richmond VA March 24 - 27

A festival pass is the only way to guarantee you don’t miss anything! Co-Academic sponsors of this festival are the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University designed to promote French language cinema and culture in the US, to bring international attention to Richmond by hosting an internationally recognized French cultural event, and to encourage the study of the French language.

The festival has, over the years, been the medium for numerous North American premiere screenings and even a growing number of world premieres.  The festival showcases a diverse collection of France’s newest films by established, award-winning directors — with the addition of short films by France’s next generation.  The films are followed by a question-and-answer session with those directors and actors present for the screening. For wannabee Francophiles, all films are provided with English subtitles.  It’s a great way to increase your French vocabulary. Here’s the SCHEDULE.

Play your cards right and you can meet French celebrities at the official reception, at the fabulous Scott House on Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park campus for only $25.  Pass/Ticket.

Films are shown at the historic Byrd Theatre , built in 1928, in Carytown. It is one of the nation’s Grand Movie Palaces and is both a State and National Historic Landmark with 1,300 seats.  Unlike many other opulent theaters built in the 20′s and 30′s, the Byrd Theatre is largely unaltered in appearance and function, operating as a movie theatre since 1928!  It is one of Richmond’s best-kept-secrets and a place not-to-miss!

If you want to be in the middle of it all, Richmond’s premier Fan District Bed and Breakfast is the place to stay! Add a day to your stay and catch the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts special exhibition “Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris” to complete your journey into French culture.  Tickets and reservations are recommended for the exhibition; it’s bound to be popular with French Film Festival attendees.

If you happen to be in Richmond Virginia next weekend, either visiting or living here, there are a host of special happenings to keep you busy.

Of course, on February 19th, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts opens the only east coast stop for the widely-acclaimed international tour  of “Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris.”  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. It’s bound to be popular so make your plans and get your tickets now!

To the Museum and Back Bus begins its Saturday run from Boulevard to downtown museums and attractions.  There’s more detail in an earlier post.

The Modlin Center for the Arts hosts Amanda Pabyan, acclaimed Soprano on February 18 at 7:30 PM. Amanda Pabyan has received glowing reviews from “Opera News” and “The New York Times.” As a soloist and chamber singer, she has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, Seattle Symphony, Boston Baroque, and the American Symphony Orchestra at Lincoln Center.  A real treat for opera fans!

Richmond Shakespeare: presents “Romeo and Juliet” at the Gottwald Playhouse Richmond’s CenterStage on Thursday, February 17, Friday February 18, and Saturday, February 19th. Tickets to this classic tale of star-crossed lovers are available, just in case you forgot Valentine’s Day and want to get back into good standing with your Valentine! See a review here!

CNN’s own Anderson Cooper, Emmy-award winning correspondent, who has covered major news events around the world, just back from Egypt, 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.

Real Richmond Food Tours & More will be navigating the culture and cuisine of the Virginia Commonwealth University/Fan area in a tour called Alternative Eats on Saturday, February 19th. Tickets! This 1.5 mile walking tour will feature the Victorian architecture of the Fan Historic District and samples of food from some of the neighborhood eateries – and maybe even a behind the scenes peek into the folks who run the kitchen.

There’s no reason to sit at home — there is just too much to see and do…..

The Grace Street Theater at 934 West Grace Street in the heart of VCU’s Monroe Park campus is the site of the VCU Southern Film Festival.

2nd Annual VCU Southern Film Festival February 24 - 26

Lovers of classic films and great works of southern literature are in for a super treat.

The series starts at 6PM on Thursday, February 24th, with a book reading and signing by Charles Shields of “Mockingbird: An Intimate Portrait of Harper Lee.”  This event takes place at one of Richmond’s favorite independent bookstores, Fountain Book Store at 1312 East Cary Street in Richmond’s Historic Shockoe Slip.

Friday opens at 4PM with the 1979 film “Wise Blood.”  This film examines the Southern gothic world of religion through obsessed preacher Hazel Motes, founder of the Church Without Christ. The film is based on the novel by Flannery O’Connor and will be featured at the Grace Street Theater.

At 7 PM, “In This Our Life,” a 1942 film based on Ellen Glasgow’s Pulitzer-Prize winning novel, portrays family betrayal and racial tension in the south.  Olivia de Havilland and Bette Davis perform as rival sisters and won accolades for their performances.  This is the first Hollywood film to portray African-Americans as intelligent characters in a non-menial role.

On Saturday, February 26th, the Grace Street Theater opens at 10AM, with “The Story of Temple Drake,” based on the novel by William Faulkner, depicting Temple Drake, young woman who embodies Southern decadence, as well as its demise.

At 1 PM, “The Color Purple,” the 1985 film based on Alice Walker’s novel describes the bonding of black women in early 20th century Georgia. Performances by Whoopie Goldberg, Margaret Avery and Oprah Winfrey make this a “must-see.”

The 1951 film “A Streetcar Named Desire” with Vivian Leigh and Marlon Brando begins at 4PM. It is based on the prize-winning play by Tennessee Williams, won four Academy Awards and launched Williams as one of the South’s literary lions.

Between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM, Charles Shields will again sign his book “Mockingbird: An Intimate Portrait of Harper Lee” but this time at VCU Barnes and Noble at 1111 West Broad, just around the block from the Grace Street Theater.

At  7 PM, the 1962 film “To Kill a Mockingbird” will conclude the festival. Charles Shields will discuss how the screenplay evolved from the novel. Mary Badham, the actress who played Scout, will discuss her experience on the set of the film.

All in all, the VCU Southern Film Festival is bound to be a February highlight, an event not to miss.  Best of all, all events are FREE and open to the public.

And, if you happen to visit Richmond, Virginia, your innkeepers at the premier B&B in the historic Fan District, hope you’ll reserve one of our guest rooms so you can be right in the middle of it all!

A lovely crisp Fall weekend is in store for central Virginia!  And, along with great weather for walks in the park, strolls down Monument Avenue, there are several happenings on the schedule.

The fun and excitement starts Friday night, October 22 at 7:30 PM in Shockoe Slip! 1708 Gallery is hosting the third annual InLight Richmond, an outdoor art extravaganza.  Until midnight, streets, walls, facades and interiors along Cary Street between 12th and 14th Streets and along 13th Street between Main and Canal will be transformed by 37 light-inspired art installations.  Recently, we were in Paris for their Nuit Blanc, they had fewer light art installations and it required a Metro ride to see them all. A Community Lantern Parade beginning at the James center Atrium will kick off the evening. Many of the restaurants will feature inLight Specials – some even $17.08 dinner specials!  For more information, see 1708 Gallery’s website.

Want some exercise to enjoy this Fall Friday? How about 5K Race for Change, a race benefitting Freedom House soup kitchen and shelters begins at 3 PM at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College-Parham Campus, 1651 E Parham Road.  For information, call (804) 523-5083.

More into Music?  Delight in Richmond premiere of “side by Side” by Michael Colgrass, featuring a single soloist Joanne Kong of the Richmond Symphony on piano and harpsichord, 7:30 PM in Camp Concert Hall at the University of Richmond’s Modlin Center.  The event is Free, but does require a ticket, call (804) 289-8980. If opera is more your style, “Rigoletto” opens the Virginia Opera season at 8 PM at the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond’s CenterStage. Too many conflicts on Friday? It repeats on Sunday. TICKETS.

How about a dance option? The Latin Ballet of Virginia interprets Latin-American rhythms in “Alma Latina” at the Cultural Arts  Center at Glen Allen through Sunday.  For more information call (804) 379-2555 or the Latin Ballet of Virginia’s website.

Saturday is a busy day, too! At Virginia Commonwealth University’s Singleton Center, pianist Charles Rosen with tenor Christoph Genz present an all-Schumann program at 8PM. Singleton Center’s Vlahcevic Hall is located at 922 Park Avenue, just two blocks from our Fan District bed and breakfast! For more information about the program, call (804) 828-6776.

There’s the Powhatan Festival of the Grape with samples from 25 Virginia wineries, food, juried arts and crafts and live entertainment. Opening at 11 AM, event will run until 6 PM at Powhatan Courthouse Square, 3880 Old Buckingham Rd.  Tasting tickets, $25 at the gate, non-tasting $20. This event is in its 8th year! INFO.

The Meadow Highland Games and Celtic Festival includes traditional highland athletic competition, Celtic music and dancing, Celtic food, marketplace, clan exhibitors and more from 9 AM to 6 PM at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell. Info and tickets. This event in its 16th year, features two days of “Music. Food. Large Men Throwing Stuff.”

On Sunday, a Valentine History Center guide will lead a walking tour titled “Canal Boats and Cobblestones’” focusing on the history, architecture and preservation efforts of Shockoe Slip.  Meet the guide at 2PM at 10th and Cary Streets at the James Center Clock Tower. $10, $5 for History Center members. Info.

Some coming attractions:

Thursday, October 28th: “America’s Got Talent” live stage show with season five winner Michael Grimm, Virginia Tech’s Fighting Gravity and other finalists and fan favorites beginning at 7:30 PM at the Landmark Theatre, just three blocks from our downtown inn.  Stay with us and solve your parking problem!

Friday, October 29th: smooth soul concert at the Landmark Theatre at 8 PM.

Thursday, November 4th: American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino kicks off her first tour at 7:30 PM at the Landmark.

Nov 4,5,6,7,10,11,12,13: The Richmond Ballet Studio 2 revives “After Eden” by John Butler, George Balanchine’s classis “Valse Fantasie” and world premiere of a new ballet by Colin Conner at the Richmond Ballet Studio Theatre – not even a mile from Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast. Richmond ballet website.

Friday Nov 5: Veteran pop crooner, Tony Bennett performs at the Carpenter Theatre, Richmond CenterStage for a step back in time.

Planning a getaway to the city? Include a stay at our bed and breakfast for its central location and known for its hearty gourmet breakfast!