Richmond, Virginia is the perfect place for a date with that special someone.
Start with a simple stroll down breathtakingly beautiful Monument Avenue. Lined with stately mansions and trees that reach the heavens, you'll enjoy stopping under the romantic shade of any of the 6 statues. Don't forget to wear your bonnet at the Annual Easter parade event.
Want to speed things up a bit? Turn your partner into a runner and join the annual Monument Avenue 10-k run. From rugged endurance to spectator inspired to graceful competitions, sporting events abound to suit every sweetie's taste.
Throw the first pitch out to your date. Experience America's favorite past time at the stadium of local Richmond Braves baseball team. Are you that kind of fan? Nascar comes to Richmond with big races the Richmond International Raceway every spring and fall.
Want to tame the wilds on your own? Venture down the James River with any number of kayaking or rafting guides. Or, turn the tables and throw down a blanket on Brown's Island. Bask in the sun all day long on the rocks of the riverbank. Kites, dogs and coolers are optional but plentiful.
Not content just lazing away the day? Grab your sweetie and get up and boogie. Come celebrate at any number of outdoor festivals throughout the year. Live music, including popular national acts, good food and sparkling beverages are on hand everywhere.
Going into its third decade, you'll want to gather together every Friday after work from May through August. Join the crowd of cheering thousands on Brown's Island for the region's best musical acts at Friday Cheers. Can't wait until Friday? Start by 6:00 PM every Wednesday at Innsbrook After Hours for the best national acts.
Shhh"¦we have a secret. It may seem like you're on a cheap date when you have to shell out on $1.99 for each ticket to first-run movies at the one screen Byrd Theater in Carytown in the fan. Step inside, my little chickadee, to visions of Richmond's historical movie palace splendor. And the piece de la resistance? Yes, there is a French film festival every spring. It's when the crystal globe rises and the mighty Wurlitzer organ springs into musical frenzy before every Saturday night show.
Was that cupid's arrow whizzing by? Maybe you should follow it. You're sure to end up at any one of over 20 local vineyards within an easy drive. Hosting special events and free sampling all year long, you can visit www.virginiawineguide.com to plan your tour. Stop off in Charlottesville, also nearby and embrace true southern gentility on the hallowed grounds of the University of Virginia.
Come home. It's time to eat. From on-the-cheap hipster 821 Bakery Café at 821 West Cary Street to five-star dining at the Jefferson hotel. An American landmark since 1895, impress your date with a sophisticated afternoon of high tea served every afternoon from 3 o'clock until half past 4. Enjoy a harpist every Friday. As Scarlett O'Hara might say, you'll never go hungry again.
Plan to broaden your urbane horizons. Take in local theater at several playhouses including Theater IV and The Firehouse Theater downtown and The Barksdale at Willow Lawn Shopping Center. Visit The Virginia Art Museum, the Science Museum of Virginia or The Valentine History Center. Finally, every first Friday of every month, step out and step up to the First Fridays Art Walk from about 7:00 PM until around 10:00 along several block of downtown art galleries.
If you can't quite break through the communication gap, add a dash of seasoned culture throughout the year. The University of Richmond hosts screenings of international films on many days and varied times. No need to sqwak, check out the listings at the Richmond Jazz society page, www.vajazz.org. The Cultural Center of India also offers up annual events. At the end of the day, say goodnight with Richmond's southern grace and charm.
