Entertainment & Events
Annual Charity Event
1st: Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k
Richmond, SportsBackers.org/Events/Monument-Ave-10k, 804-285-9495
Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K draws about 25,000 participants annually to run up a historic street alive with costumed runners, live music, and spirit groups. Funds support the Massey Cancer Center and Kids Run RVA to help educate and inspire people to live actively and build healthy, vibrant communities. This year they offered a virtual race for runners worldwide.
2nd: Richmond SPCA Fur Ball, Richmond, RichmondSPCA.org, 804-521-1300
3rd: Massey on the River, Richmond, MasseyOnTheRiver.org
BOV20_Living_and_recreation
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Art Event
1st: Arts in the Park
Carillon at Byrd Park, Richmond, RichmondArtsInThePark.com
More than 450 artists from around the U.S. gather in Byrd Park for the annual juried arts and craft show and display top-quality fine art paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, and home and garden accessories. Arts in the Park’s proceeds support charities, community programs, and local projects.
2nd: RVA First Fridays, Richmond Arts District, RVAFirstFridays.com
3rd: 43rd Street Festival of The Arts, Richmond area, 43rdStGallery.com, 804-233-1758
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Art Gallery
1st: Crossroads Art Center
2016 Staples Mill Rd., Richmond, CrossroadsArtCenter.com, 804-278-8950
Over the years, Crossroads Art Center has grown from its original 10,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet, representing more than 225 artists. The art center boasts the broadest selection of art in central Virginia, promoting awareness and understanding of art forms, from crafts to fine art. An expansion of the gallery exhibition space is set to debut this summer.
2nd: Quirk Gallery, Richmond, QuirkGallery.com, 804-340-6036
3rd: Gallery5, Richmond, Gallery5Arts.org, 804-678-8863
Museum
1st: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond, VMFA.museum, 804-340-1405
The VMFA is presenting Annabeth Rosen: Fables through April 2021 and Treasures of Ancient Egypt: Sunken Cities, through January 2021. Look for an Ansel Adams exhibition late next year. The museum will be celebrating the return of the renowned Mellon French Impressionist and British Sporting Art Collections in October.
2nd: Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond, SMV.org, 804-864-1400
3rd: The Children’s Museum, Multiple locations, ChildrensMuseumOfRichmond.org, 804-474-7000
Historic Site
1st: Monticello
931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy., Charlottesville, Monticello.org, 434-984-9800
Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s neoclassical “essay in architecture,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that brings the past to life by sharing a comprehensive history of the plantation, the more than 600 enslaved, and its namesake. Guided tours are available daily. Beginning this year, all children under 12 are admitted free of charge.
2nd: Maymont, Richmond, Maymont.org, 804-358-7166
3rd: Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, HollywoodCemetery.org, 804-648-8501
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Tourist Attraction
1st: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, LewisGinter.org, 804-262-9887
Upcoming garden exhibitions include Wind, Waves and Light: Art in Motion by George Sherwood, running now through Oct. 18, and Frida Khalo’s Garden, Sept. 1 through Oct. 20. Check out Flowers After 5 on Thursday evenings in August and early September, with live music, drinks, dining, and shopping. The 2020 summer outdoor series will offer dance demos on select evenings.
2nd: Maymont, Richmond, Maymont.org, 804-358-7166
3rd: Monticello, Charlottesville, Monticello.org, 434-984-9800
Food or Drink Festival
1st: Richmond Greek Festival
30 Malvern Ave., Richmond, GreekFestival.com, 804-355-3697
The festival, planned for Aug. 27-30 this year, uses food to educate the Richmond community about the Orthodox Church and to share Greek traditions and culture. Shop in the Agora Marketplace, where vendors sell Greek crafts and handiwork, or try some moussaka, a popular Greek baked layer dish with eggplant, beef, cheese, and a bechamel sauce.
2nd: Carytown Watermelon Festival, Richmond, CarytownRVA.com/watermelon-festival.html
3rd: Broad Appétit, Richmond, BroadAppetit.com
Non-Food Festival
1st: Richmond Folk Festival
Richmond’s Downtown Riverfront, Richmond, RichmondFolkFestival.org
Richmond Folk Festival, a free three-day festival, has grown into the largest of its kind in the country, drawing upwards of 220,000 fans. The festival features an array of music and dance traditions from all over the world alongside a diverse range of local artists utilizing traditional music genres with a twang of creativity.
2nd: Arts in the Park, Richmond, RichmondArtsInThePark.com
3rd: Dominion Energy Riverrock, Richmond, RiverrockRVA.com, 804-285-9495
Historic Theater
1st: The Byrd Theatre
2908 W. Cary St., Richmond, ByrdTheatre.org, 804-353-9911
The Byrd Theatre expands the big screen experience, celebrates the art of cinema, and preserves Virginia’s grand motion picture palace. The theater continues regularly scheduled Big Screen Classics, Family Classics, and Marathon Mondays. In 2020, expect directors’ talks, Mighty Wurlitzer Organ concerts, the annual horror month in October, the Big LeBYRDski Fest in November, and holiday films in December.
2nd: Altria Theater, Richmond, AltriaTheater.com, 800-514-3849
3rd: The Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, TheParamount.net, 434-979-1333
Music Venue
1st: The National
708 E. Broad St., Richmond, TheNationalVA.com, 804-612-1900
This Victorian theater—distinctive for its Italian-renaissance design, wooden floors, brick walls, and seven full bars—opened in 1923 as a live performance and silent movie theater and reopened in 2008 as a live, general admission music venue. Lineups have featured artists such as Trey Anastasio, Willie Nelson, and The Flaming Lips.
2nd: Altria Theater, Richmond, AltriaTheater.com, 800-514-3849
3rd: Innsbrook After Hours, Glen Allen, InnsbrookAfterHours.com
Professional/Regional Performing Arts Company
1st: Richmond Ballet
407 E. Canal St., Richmond, RichmondBallet.com, 804-344-0906
Richmond Ballet, the State Ballet of Virginia, flourishes as a home for the past, present, and future of dance. It awakens and uplifts the
human spirit both for audiences and dancers. The ballet is offering summer camps and classes in August. Check the websites for updates on the fall season.
2nd: Richmond Symphony, Richmond, RichmondSymphony.com, 804-788-4717
3rd: Virginia Repertory Theatre, Richmond, VirginiaRep.org, 804-282-2620
Entertainment Center for Adults
1st: Rosie’s Gaming Emporium
6807 Midlothian Tpke., Richmond, RosiesGaming.com, 804-557-5500
Rosie’s Gaming Emporium offers more than 700 HHR machines and a state-of-the-art gaming floor with cocktails, smoking lounges, and dine-in options. Founded in 2019 as one of the only gaming spots of its kind in Virginia, it is an adults-only, casino-esque emporium giving players the chance to win upwards of a $400,000 jackpot.
2nd: Tang & Biscuit, Richmond, TangAndBiscuit.com, 804-362-8264
3rd: River City Roll, Richmond, RiverCityRoll.com, 804-331-0416
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
TRAVEL
Air Charter Service
1st: Dominion Aviation
7511 Airfield Dr., Richmond, DominionAviation.com, 804-271-7793
One of Virginia’s oldest general aviation firms, this full-service company offers 21 planes and one helicopter. The business focuses on safety, with customer service running a close second—they even detail cars so they are clean when passengers return. This year, the team is building a new hangar and will be adding new planes to the fleet.
2nd: Martinair, Richmond, FlyMartinair.com, 804-222-7401
3rd: Million Air, Richmond, MillionAir-Richmond.com, 804-222-3700
Bed & Breakfast
1st: The Inn at Little Washington
309 Middle St., Washington, TheInnAtLittleWashington.com, 540-675-3800
The inn evolves continually, refining more than 40 years of operation and high-quality service. The five-star country house features 23 bedrooms and suites, a famed restaurant, and a wine cellar. This summer, plan to visit James Beard award-winning chef Patrick O’Connell’s new PatiO’s Café and Bakery, a new alternative dining experience for guests.
2nd: Museum District Bed & Breakfast, Richmond, MuseumDistrictBB.com, 804-359-2332
3rd: The Henry Clay Inn®, Ashland, HenryClayInn.com, 804-798-3100
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Hotel
1st: The Jefferson Hotel
101 W. Franklin St., Richmond, JeffersonHotel.com, 804-788-8000
The Jefferson Hotel is revered for its grandeur, showcasing Tiffany stained-glass windows, stately statues, and portraits throughout. Since 1895, it has created exquisite experiences featuring award-winning restaurants, suites, and the spa. The hotel is celebrating 125 years of hospitality this year.
2nd: Quirk Hotel, Richmond, DestinationHotels.com/Quirk-Hotel, 804-340-6040
3rd: Craddock Terry Hotel & Event Center, Lynchburg, CraddockTerryHotel.com, 434-455-1500
Resort
1st: Wintergreen Resort
39 Mountain Inn Loop, Wintergreen, WintergreenResort.com, 434-325-2200
Wintergreen Resort is a year-round club and resort, and home to one of the most popular ski areas in Virginia. Amenities include a full-
service spa, 45 holes of golf, year-round tennis, 30 miles of hiking trails, a swimming and fitness center, Lake Monocan, yoga classes, children’s programs, and four restaurants.
2nd: Boar’s Head Resort, Charlottesville, BoarsHeadResort.com, 434-296-2181
3rd: The Inn at Willow Grove, Orange, InnAtWillowGrove.com, 540-317-1206
PETS
Dog Park
1st: Barker Field at Byrd Park
1300 Blanton Ave., Richmond, RichmondGov.com, 804-239-0783
Barker Field is Richmond’s oldest off-leash dog park. It is a fenced, multi-acre dog park situated in Richmond’s Byrd Park, behind the Carillon and Dogwood Dell outdoor theater. It is located on a wooded site with water, shelters, and seating. The park offers separate areas for large and small dogs.
2nd: Church Hill Dog Park at Chimborazo Park, Richmond, RichmondGov.com, 804-646-5733
3rd: Dorey Dog Park, Richmond, Henrico.us, 804-652-1440
Dog Training Company
1st: All Dog Adventures
4111 W. Clay St., Richmond, AllDogAdventures.com, 804-355-7737
All Dog Adventures offers a flexible training schedule with 15 different instructors. Training options include dog sports, agility, Canine Good Citizen, therapy dog training, and tricks. All Dog Adventures continues to grow by offering education seminars for employees conducted by dog trainers from all over the world and expanding class offerings to accommodate the evolution of dog sports and activities.
2nd: Off Leash K9 Training, Henrico, RichmondVADogTraining.com, 888-413-0896
3rd: 2SpeakDog, Henrico, 2SpeakDog.com, 804-440-2498
Pet Boarding/Day Care
1st: Holiday Barn Pet Resorts
614 Johnston Willis Dr., Richmond
3800 Mountain Rd., Glen Allen, HolidayBarn.com, 804-794-5400
Holiday Barn is a 48-year-old family business that provides fun pet vacation getaways, beautifying grooming services, customized dog training programs, and doggie day camp playgroups. The company is currently renovating the Glen Allen resort by building fresh new rooms for guests, and adding enrichment activities.
2nd: All Dog Adventures, Richmond, AllDogAdventures.com, 804-355-7737
3rd: Windy Hill Pet Care, LLC, Cumberland, Facebook.com/WindyHillPetCare, 844-939-4455
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Veterinary Hospital
1st: River City Veterinary Hospital
5305 W. Broad St., Richmond, RiverCityVetHospital.com, 804-308-8920
River City Veterinary Hospital establishes personal connections with patients and promotes the health and well-being of animals. Each vet aims to help you make informed and comfortable decisions to meet the medical needs of your furry loved ones in a family-oriented atmosphere. The clinic offers diagnostics, surgery, dental health, immunizations, and senior care.
2nd: Locke A. Taylor Veterinary Hospital, Richmond, LockeATaylorDVM.com, 804-262-8629
3rd: Cary Street Veterinary Hospital, Richmond, CaryStreetVet.com, 804-355-9144
Kids
Day Care or Preschool
1st: Westhampton Day School
6100 Patterson Ave., Richmond, WesthamptonDaySchool.org, 804-282-7459
Westhampton Day School promotes intellectual, physical, and social/emotional development. This school year it will focus on Impact Projects—students, teachers, and families donate different supplies to help a local business or charity, like soda pop tops for The Ronald McDonald House, canned goods for CARITAS, and items for a local elementary school.
2nd: Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center, Lynchburg, EELC.info, 434-528-5698
3rd: Tuckaway Child Development & Early Education Centers, Multiple locations, TuckawaySchools.com, 804-355-5093
K-12 Independent School
1st: Collegiate School
103 N. Mooreland Rd., Richmond, Collegiate-VA.org, 804-740-7077
Collegiate School is a JK-12 coed preparatory school that focuses on integrative learning through STEAM. The specially designed curriculum prepares students for life in a global world, offering programs like the annual International Emerging Leaders Conference, wellness initiatives, summer camps, sports, and arts.
2nd: Fredericksburg Christian School, Fredericksburg, FredericksburgChristian.com, 540-373-5355
3rd: Hargrave Military Academy, Chatham, Hargrave.edu, 434-432-2481
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Summer Camp
1st: Brilliant Summer at St. Catherine’s School
6001 Grove Ave., Richmond, St.Catherines.org, 804-288-2804
The Brilliant Summer camp at St. Catherine’s offers educational curriculum for kids of all ages through a Young Explorers Camp, special interest camps like babysitter certification and creative coding, and a Design Your Day Camp that allows kids to choose three to six topics to create their own camp experience.
2nd: YMCA Camp Thunderbird, Chesterfield, CampThunderbirdYMCA.org, 804-748-6714
3rd: Camp Hanover, Mechanicsville, CampHanover.org, 804-779-2811
Birthday Party Place
1st: The Children’s Museum
Multiple locations, ChildrensMuseumOfRichmond.org, 804-474-7000
The Children’s Museum inspires growth in all children by engaging families in learning through play. Party packages are designed for families who enjoy an exciting, well-organized party in a one-of-a-kind learning environment. The party fun starts in a special celebration room and continues with exploration of the entire museum.
2nd: Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Locations in Fredericksburg, Richmond, SkyZone.com, 804-379-2500
3rd: Defy Extreme Air Sports, Glen Allen, Jumpology.us, 804-625-4290
Family Entertainment
1st: Kings Dominion
16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, KingsDominion.com, 804-876-5000
This summer, Kings Dominion’s all-inclusive water park, Soak City, will feature a newly redesigned Coconut Shores where kids can splash in Sand Dune Lagoon, a 3,000-square-foot mini wave pool featuring playful one-foot-tall waves, and Lighthouse Landing, an aqua play structure with eight slides, hundreds of interactive elements, and two dumping buckets.
2nd: Maymont, Richmond, Maymont.org, 804-358-7166
3rd: Richmond Flying Squirrels, Richmond, MILB.com/richmond, 804-359-3866
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Playground
1st: Deep Run Park & Recreation Center
9900 Ridgefield Pkwy., Richmond, Henrico.us, 804-652-1430
Deep Run Park opened in 1987 on 165 acres, featuring almost three and half miles of trails, newly upgraded playgrounds, lakes for fishing, shelters, basketball, and a renovated multi-purpose field. Deep Run Recreation Center was added in 2005 and hosts recreation programs.
2nd: PARK365, Richmond, Soar365.org, 804-358-1874
3rd: Mary Munford Playground, Richmond, RichmondGov.com
OUTDOORS & ACTIVE
Dance Studio
1st: SPARC
2106 N. Hamilton St., Richmond, SPARCRichmond.org, 804-353-3393
SPARC programs provide transformative performing arts education to more than 3,000 students each year. Although all summer programs were cancelled due to the pandemic, SPARC has virtual offerings and looks forward to resuming programming in the fall.
2nd: Fred Astaire Dance Studio Richmond, FredAstaire.com, 804-476-8297
3rd: Richmond Dance Center, Richmond, RichmondDanceCenter.com, 804-747-0533
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Golf Course
1st: Independence Golf Club
600 Founders Bridge Blvd., Midlothian, IndependenceGolfClub.com, 804-601-8600
Independence Golf Club is currently creating a full-service fast food restaurant, Monster Taco & More, to serve fresh tacos to players halfway through the course. The club also features the Tavern 19 restaurant, plus ropes courses and zip lines at its Canopy Adventure Park.
2nd: The Country Club of Virginia James River Course Richmond, TheCCV.org, 804-287-1330
3rd: The Federal Club, Glen Allen, TheFederalClub.com, 804-798-4996
Gym or Fitness Studio
1st: ACAC
Locations in Charlottesville, Crozet, Glen Allen, Midlothian, ACAC.com, 804-378-1600
This year ACAC is expanding a medical program known as the Physician Referred Exercise Program. Patients meet with a nurse, nutritionist, and exercise physiologists to begin a plan of exercise. Also, many of the personal trainers are certified health coaches, offering clients expertise beyond traditional fitness routines. Amenities vary by location.
2nd: American Family Fitness
Locations in the Richmond area, AmFamFit.com, 804-364-1200
3rd: Weinstein JCC, Richmond, WeinsteinJCC.org, 804-285-6500
Hiking or Biking Trail
1st: Belle Isle Trail
Richmond, RichmondGov.com
Belle Isle Trail is a 1.7-mile heavily trafficked loop that sits alongside the James River, featuring multiple historical sites, a bike skills park, and wheelchair accessibility. It offers a number of activity options, is accessible year-round, and is suitable for all ages. Dogs on leash are welcome.
2nd: Virginia Capital Trail, Richmond, VirginiaCapitalTrail.org, 804-788-6453
3rd: Old Rag Mountain, between Sperryville and Madison in Madison County, NPS.gov
Park
1st: Maymont
1700 Hampton St., Richmond, Maymont.org, 804-358-7166
The Robins Nature Center is debuting a whole new James River experience for guests. Features include a 34-foot-tall sculpture for active play and learning within a series of netted climbing platforms, digital touch pools, a multimedia experience that replicates interactions of animals and water in a river environment, and an exploration area with tactile recreation opportunities.
2nd: James River Park System, Richmond, JamesRiverPark.org
3rd: Deep Run Park & Recreation Center, Richmond, Henrico.us, 804-652-1430
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Marina
1st: Rocketts Landing Marina
4708 Old Main St., Richmond, RockettsVillage.com/marina, 804-222-3555
Rocketts Landing is home to Richmond’s only marina on the beautiful and historic James River, with annual, seasonal, monthly, weekly, and daily leases now available. The marina features a state-of-the-art floating dock system, offers 57 slips, and can accommodate boats up to 50 feet long.
2nd: Lake Anna Marina, Bumpass, LakeAnnaMarina.com, 540-895-5051
3rd: Clarksville Marina, Clarksville, ClarksvilleVAMarina.com, 434-374-8501
