Winter Wonderland

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

It's not often that Richmond receives a December snowstorm. But we were delighted when Rocketts Landing turned into a bona fide winter wonderland. Here's a snapshot of our snow-covered community.

Enjoy, and Happy Holidays!

Photos by Seasons in the City on Flickr

Virginia Capital Trail is One Phase Closer

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

If you’ve driven down Dock Street in Shockoe Bottom recently, you might have noticed the canal’s bank has a new look these days. Where before grass was the only feature along the elevated train tracks, today the canal boasts a tree-lined trail with lampposts.
 
Like The Little Engine That Could, the Virginia Capital Trail is slowly adding chunks that will eventually connect Richmond to Jamestown.
 
You may remember our post earlier in the year where we discussed the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation’s goal of completing the trail by 2013, as well as local excitement for a new bike- and pedestrian-friendly path linking Richmond to Williamsburg.
 
Executive Director Beth Weisbrod verifies that progress is still on track and “each phase is under production, either through survey, design or construction.”
 
Tomorrow at the Great Shiplock Park, trail supporter Gov. Tim Kaine will cut the ceremonial ribbon in honor of completing the first Richmond phase. Speakers will include Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Virginia Capital Trail Foundation Chairman Jim Beamer and Richmond Historic Riverfront Foundation Chairman Emeritus Brenton Halsey. Rocketts Landing Developer Jason Vickers-Smith will also join the ceremony and introduce the mayor.
 
“Symbolically this is a huge step for Richmond,” says Weisbrod. “We’re getting closer and closer to being a cycling- and pedestrian-friendly city.”
 
Weisbrod said before the first phase of the trail is officially ready for use, workers must complete construction on the canopy, which will protect trail users from anything that might potentially fall from the railroad tracks above. She estimates the trail will be ready for use by next week.
 
In looking to the future, the next phase of production is an 11-mile stretch called Sherwood Forest, which runs from the Chickahominy River to the Charles City County Courthouse.
 
“We’re hoping to see [this next phase] finished in 2011, which is exciting because then you will have 26 miles of path, all connected,” says Weisbrod.
 
Weisbrod also mentioned that once the Virginia Capital Trail is complete, they plan to use the trail for educational programs in subjects such as science and history, as well as a recreational feature to draw professional sports events.
 
Tomorrow’s ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 11:45 a.m. The Great Shiplock Park is located in Shockoe Bottom at the intersection of Dock and Pear Streets.

Photo courtesy of Virginia Capital Trail Foundation

Jingle All the Way

Thursday, December 10, 2009

This weekend, Rocketts Landing launches our newest holiday festival, Jingle on the James. Co-presented by One smART Gallery, the inaugural festival is the first (and only) holiday event to take place on the James River — and will turn the community into an eclectic art village as well as a venue for holiday-themed entertainment. Free and open to the public.

To help you prepare, here’s a bit of what’s in store:

Virginia Artists in Rocketts “Art Village”
Get to know our local artists when Sky Line and 210 Rock buildings, as well as open, street-level homes and storefronts temporarily convert into an art village showcasing more than 100 Virginia artists. With paintings, hand-made jewelry, handcrafted furniture and more, festival attendees can purchase one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and meet the artists, including Ed Trask, Shaun Irving, Annie Ward Love, Jude Schlotzhauer and Andrew Pitts.

James River Parade of Lights
In its 17th twinkling year on the river, the Parade of Lights is a unique display of decorated vessels that runs from Richmond to Henricus Historical Park in Chesterfield County. Boaters compete for prizes in categories such as best boater-chosen theme, originality, appearance and charm. Spectators can enjoy fantastic views of the parade from the banks of Rocketts Landing. Keep an eye out for the palm tree.

James River Ringers Bell Choir and Salvation Army Brass Band
What’s a holiday festival without the classic sounds of beloved holiday music? The James River Ringers will serenade festival attendees with handbell music while the Salvation Army Brass Band plays holiday favorites.

RVA HoOp LOvers
RVA HoOp LOvers is Richmond’s only troupe of hula-hoopers performing with LED-lighted hula-hoops. Their glowing performance takes place on the riverbank during the Parade of Lights and will also feature a flaming hoops show, adding an edgy twist to your holiday evening.

Brunch and Dinner at The Boathouse
Thought not normally open for Saturday brunch, The Boathouse is participating in the festivities and will open its doors on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. Sign in and browse the festival while waiting for a seat. Parties of eight or more are encouraged to make reservations.

The weather is supposed to be rather cold, so be sure to warm up with some holiday favorites like hot cocoa, apple cider and ginger cookies, available for purchase throughout each day from Espresso-A-Go-Go.

For more details, please visit our schedule of events.

'Tis the Season

Thursday, December 03, 2009

If you are ready to lift your holiday spirit, Richmond has a busy calendar of weekend festivities. From finding the perfect Christmas tree to carriage rides in the city, there’s an array of free festive outings to choose from. Below are highlights from a few nearby events:
 
Friday, December 4

25th Annual Grand Illumination at the James Center
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

A staple of Richmond holiday traditions, the Grand Illumination at the James Center marks the moment downtown dresses up for the season in a display of lights, reindeer and the James Center Christmas tree. Two city blocks will be closed off for celebrations including the countdown of lights, the Legendary Santa, Richmond-native band Timbason, the VCU trombone choir, harpist Rickie Denton, holiday sing-a-longs and more. Illumination happens at 6:25 p.m., so be sure to arrive on time.
 
Holiday Market at The Farmer’s Market in Shockoe Bottom
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

If you still need to purchase a Christmas tree, head down to the Farmer’s Market at Shockoe Bottom where trees from Floyd County, Virginia, will be on sale, as well as handmade wreaths and freshly cut mistletoe. The Market will also feature handmade ornaments, hand-carved toys, artisan jewelry, baked desserts and more. The Henrico Pops and the internationally acclaimed Salvation Army International Brass Honor Band will provide holiday entertainment.
 
Main Street Station Holiday Open House
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The century-old and meticulously restored train station on Main Street in Shockoe Bottom hosts a Polar Express-themed holiday gathering. Enjoy their holiday tree lighting, children’s train rides, music by The Angels and storytellers beside the fireplace. Stroll through the lighted Cathedral Walk and view the exhibition of huge holiday cards created on wooden doors by children in the Metro Richmond-area public and private schools.
 
Capitol Square Tree Lighting
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Who knew there were so many tree lightings happening in one night?! The state Christmas tree will light up on Capitol Hill in a festive gathering. The Governor’s Executive Mansion, the oldest continually inhabited governor’s residence in the country, will also host an open house starting at 5:30 p.m.
 
Free Horse and Carriage Rides
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Travelling around the River District by horse and carriage might be a great way to visit all the holiday events. The 12-person carriages loop around Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom, and are complete with holiday decorations and jingle bells. One round-trip ride per person. Rides are also available Dec. 5.
 
Saturday, December 5

The 26th Annual Ukrops-Supervalu Richmond Christmas Parade
10:00 a.m.

Another Richmond staple, the annual parade runs along Broad Street from The Science Museum down to 7th Street and features an array of floats, marching bands, antique cars, Richmond-area Christmas mothers, the premier of Rocky the Flying Squirrel Balloon (the new mascot for Richmond’s Flying Squirrels baseball team) and more. The temperature is supposed to be a bit chilly, so be sure to bring jugs of hot cocoa to complete the morning.