Living in an apartment in Glen Allen, VAand wanting to get into the holiday spirit? Come to Richmond. Even though the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is best known for its beautiful blooming flowers, it is the perfect place to wander and get into the holiday spirit. During the holidays, the garden becomes a "Gardenfest of Lights" with over 500,000 red, green, pink, blue, purple, white and golden lights to get you in the holiday mood.
Beginning with a live band in the welcome center, there are 40 acres of lights for you to enjoy, a winter wonderland. At the Botanical Garden's you walk and enjoy, a better alternative than driving. With indoor and outdoor displays, you can enjoy the outdoors and warm up inside as well.
“The outdoor gardens are filled with unique Christmas lights from the hand-blown glass orbs to lights wrapped to resemble grapes dangling from arbors covering the walkways. As you journey along the paths you never know what you will find from magical fish jumping along the fountains edge to a pink flamingo or a pair of swans swimming in the water. If you are lucky, you just might catch a glimpse of a wolf as he sneaks silently through the forest of lights. If you feel like you are being watched, look a little closer and you may find that some of the trees are actually looking back at you.” (Virginia Wind)
You warm up by going back to springtime in the conservatory, a 63 foot tall room covered in live orchids, tropical flowers and greenery. The main attraction in the conservatory is the Christmas tree, decorated in the theme “Season of Wonder”.
Of course there is also a model train at the “Gardenfest of Lights”. The unique model train village and village is exceptionally beautiful and made entirely of plants and natural materials gleaned from the gardens!
Don’t forget to bring your kids to the Children’s Garden where there is a kid-friendly tree house. There is also hot chocolate and snacks, or visit the Tea House or the Garden Café which are open for dinner during the festival of lights.
You are in luck if you are looking for an apartment in Glen Allen, VA . The Richmond area is a fun, and exciting area and if you are moving here consider The Gardens at Twin Hickory.
The Gardens at Twin Hickory is a luxury apartment community in Glen Allen, Virginia. At The Gardens you can choose from a number of innovatively designed floor plans. Surrounded by luxurious spaces, dazzling sunlight and delightful scenic views, you will find unlimited possibilities to reflect your lifestyle. Discover the many ways to make The Gardens at Twin Hickory your home!
Sign a 12-month lease and you will automatically be entered into a drawing to win a 5-day, 4-night cruise for two to the Western Caribbean Receive a Gift Certificate upon winning the drawing and you get to book your own cruise, during your own vacation week, with your desired departure port!
Worst case scenario, you will enjoy a beautiful apartment home community with access to walking and biking trails, in beautiful new construction, and all the amenities you need to make this your home. Contact us for more information.
The heat index reached 111 in Richmond on Thursday, the highest in several years, and people struggled to stay cool. But the worst s yet to come. Through the weekend, humidity caused by recent rains should drive the heat index to 110 to 120 degrees. The weather service says this stretch of warm weather appears to be the worst in the Richmond area since a July 1995 heat wave.
An excessive-heat warning , which is uncommon in this area, remains in effect until Saturday night.
If you live in an apartment in Richmond, VA, be aware of your neighbors, and take an extra dip in the pool to stay cool. Take caution while outdoors to avoid heat illnesses. Also keep in mind that ozone unofficially hit unhealthy levels in the area Thursday, and more unsafe air is expected today.
A common sense approach to the heat can reduce heat-related problems, especially for the elderly, the very young and people with respiratory ailments. These folks are more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures.
Here are some tips to follow during hot, humid weather:
Slow down, avoid strenuous activity. Do not try to do too much on a hot day.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.
Stay indoors as much as possible.
If you do not have air conditioning, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate perspiration, which cools your body.
Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned stores, libraries, theaters and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.
Check with your community for information about possible local "cooling centers." Cooling centers are open in Richmond andPetersburg through Sunday.
Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80%.
Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. If you are outside, use sunscreen lotion with a high SPF.
Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
If you are new to the area, or just spent last year’s Jazz Festival sitting in your apartment in Richmond, VA, you need to go! For the second year, national and international jazz artists from around the world are coming to Richmond, VA.
The second annual Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont will bring Jonathan Butler, Spyro Gyra, Aaron Neville, Christian McBride, Fourplay and more than 30 other national and international artists to Richmond, August 11-14, 2011.
The festival has expanded from two to four days, and now has pre-festival activities during the week at two performing arts venues in Richmond in addition to the jazz festival on the weekend at Maymont park. Along with musical performances, the weekend activities include wine tastings, chef demonstrations, and artist meet and greets.
So be sure to attend. Grab some friends from around your apartment community and head to the Jazz Festival. It is one of the best jazz festivals on the East Coast. Be sure to get your tickets in advance.
There’s a lot to do in Richmond. As the capital of Virginia and one of America's most historic cities, Richmond has been called the "perfect blend of old and new." Today, Richmond is a thriving cosmopolitan center, offering cultural, business, entertainment and educational possibilities. Sometimes, as a resident, you forget to do the touristy things in your own city. So this summer, set out to be a Richmond tourist and spend some time outside.
Sightseers can set out on a leisurely cruise along the scenic James River. History buffs can attend a re-enactment of Patrick Henry's 'Give me liberty or give me death' speech at St. John's Church.
There are plenty of other activities and festivals as well.
Virginia is for the lovers of wine festivals. The next one on your radar should be the July 16th wine festival coming up in Ashland, as part of the 2011 Ashland Street Parties summer music series. All the essentials will be available; music, food, and wine.
King Edward and the BDs, premiere party and dance bands from Richmond, will provide the live soundtrack. Food, including smoked pork barbecue, will be available.
Virginia wineries Lake Anna, Cooper, Grayhaven and James River wineries will be featured. The purchase of a ticket includes a tasting from all wineries. Wine also can be purchased by the glass or bottle.
Summer vacation is now upon us in Richmond. Sometimes it's hard to come up with different activities to keep the kids happy and the parents from going crazy. As much as your kids will tell you they can't wait for summer, "I'm bored," inevitably crosses their lips. While children do enjoy the summer months, and playing at The Gardens’ pool is a blast, they still like to have a little structure to their fun. This summer, more than ever, families are trying to stick to a budget while still having fun with their kids.
Free Bowling! Two games per day every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Shoe rental required.
Free movies – Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Bowtie on the Boulevard
$1 movies! - Also Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Bowtie, but the movies are different.
Cobblestones Splash Zone. Be sure to print out your $2 off coupons!
Flying Squirrels “Squirrel Tails Kids Club” - with free membership, kids get free tickets to Sunday home games. Every “A” on your child’s 3rd and 4th quarter report cards can be redeemed for a free home game ticket.
Free Donuts! Krispy Kreme will give you a free donut for every “A” on your child’s report card (up to a half dozen).
Science Museum of Virginia! Annual membership for 2 adults and all children in the household under 18 is $99, this is less than the cost of 3 visits for a family of 4.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) – Annual Membership for 2 adults and children under 18 within the household is $75.
If you are like a lot of us here at The Gardens, you are still trying to figure our your Fourth of July plans. Lucky for you there is plenty to do.
There are no fireworks and no game at the Diamond this year in Richmond, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out a spectacular 4th of July display. In fact, see fireworks on the 3rd and the 4th around town.
July 3rd and 4th:
Celebrate the Fourth of July with Genworth Financial’s Celebrate Freedom Concert on Friday. The Heritage of America Band will perform on Genworth’s front lawn at 6620 W. Broad St. at 7:30 p.m. The concert will be followed by their fourth-annual fireworks display. Free and open to the public.
A horse racing, patriotic concert and fireworks triple-header starts at 6 p.m at Colonial Downs. It's also a tribute to the Richmond Braces - wear Braves apparel and you'll be entered to win a trip to Georgia to see the Gwinnett Braves play. This event is Friday & Saturday.
Celebrate with four nights of patriotic pyrotechnic displays at Busch Gardens Williamsburg is included in park admission. Wednesday, July 1-Saturday, July 4.
Along with one of the area’s largest fireworks displays, Kings Dominion will feature patriotic music simulcast throughout the park to the show. Included in park admission, this event is two nights. Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.
July 4th:
The Chesterfield County Fairgrounds is having children’s activities and fireworks. Bring a blanket, admission is free. Gates open at 5 p.m., fireworks after dark.
It’s a tried-and-true Richmond tradition – and will probably be even more popular this year. Head out to Dogwood Dell for free music and fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. The celebration starts at 5 p.m. with R & B harmonies from, a carillon concert at 6:30 p.m. and patriotic melodies. The fireworks follow. Bring chairs and blankets for extra seating.
Head to Brandermill for the annual Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks display. The parade steps off from Swift Creek Middle School and will travel down Millridge Parkway to Sunday Park. Residents and their dogs will parade through Brandermill, along with the Doctors of Jazz, Jonathan the Juggler, Greater Richmond Pipes and Drums, clowns Kurt and Hugs, Uncle Sam, Abraham Lincoln, and antique cars. After the parade ends at Sunday Park, the festivities begin. Listen to classic rock and beach music while snacking on hot dogs and sodas and juicy watermelon. And stick around for the fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. at Sunday Park. Bring a blanket.
A great way to make and keep healthy habits for your kids is to involve the whole family. Now that spring is here, include exercise into your daily family routine. Come up with fun and creative ideas for the whole family.
While you are out power walking or going for a jog, take the kids along on their bikes, rollerblades or skateboards.
Enroll the whole family in a fitness class, like tennis lessons, karate, or parent/child yoga.
When all your friends and relatives ask what your child wants for a birthday gift, involve fitness. Ask for a scooter, soccer ball, baseball gloves and bases. These are all perfect for promoting a healthy lifestyle with outside activities.
Plan family outings at a park such as a wilderness trail, There are plenty to choose from in the Richmond area. Or have a pick-up football or softball game, ultimate Frisbee match, or game of tag. All these activities will promote cardiovascular health for the whole family.
But it isn’t only the obvious options that help you stay healthy. Keep in mind that cleaning yourhomeburns calories too. Also, don’t look for the closest parking spot to the grocery store door, park a ways away and walk.
Maybe after dinner tonight, your whole family can go for a walk around your neighborhood.
Saturday, April 23 from 12-7pm is the Richmond Earth Day Festival. A free, all day celebration that provides resources, education, and information in a fun filled outdoor setting. This year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever. 1st, through 4th Streets at Hull Street in the New Manchester District will be blocked off and filled with over 90 vendors, artists, farmers, and fun activities for all ages. Join us, riverside, at the James River Fish Fest or kick back and enjoy live music performances from local bands: Rattlemouth, Amazing Ghost, Black Girls, Horsehead, and more. The Earth Day Festival has always been proud to highlight some of Richmond’s top Local bands. This year’s main music stage will showcase Exebelle & the Rusted Cavalcade.
The 2011 Earth Day Festival will showcase the best of Richmond with green artists, businesses and enthusiasts. We welcome families and people of all ages to share in this day! There will be no shortage of delicious local eats and drinks for you to try as well; so come celebrate, learn about our environment, and spend the day outside.
Join us as we strive to make Richmond a “greener” city. Some of the attractions will include:
Fish Festival, organized by James River Park System. Next to the James River and Manchester Flood Wall, kids and families can enjoy fishing along the River, fish releases, fly-casting workshops, oriental fish printing & hat making, water test demonstrations, face painting & caricatures.
Local Food Vendors to include: Alamo bbq, Nate’s taco truck, The Nile Ethiopian, Goatocado, Grapevine Restaurant, Thai Top Ten, and more.
Outdoor Gear Swap, organized by James River Outdoor Coalition. Anyone is welcome to bring their gently used equipment or come by to purchase equipment.
3rd Street Sustainable Workshops, Earth Day attendees will experience natural and biological systems and the human relationship of using those systems to create art, tools, equipment and processes essential to managing a sustainable lifestyle.
4th Street Artists Showcase and Demonstrations, Meet local artists and learn to make art out of recycled metals, learn tile and hot glass bead making; watercolor, collage and oil painting demos.
Green Hero Awards, organized by Style Weekly and honoring ordinary people and businesses with extraordinary commitments to bettering the environment and making lasting changes to our community.
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Living in an apartment in Glen Allen, VA and wanting to get into the holiday spirit? Come to Richmond. Even though the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is best known for its beautiful blooming flowers, it is the perfect place to wander and get into the holiday spirit. During the holidays, the garden becomes a "Gardenfest of Lights" with over 500,000 red, green, pink, blue, purple, white and golden lights to get you in the holiday mood.
A great way to make and keep healthy habits for your kids is to involve the whole family. Now that spring is here, include exercise into your daily family routine. Come up with fun and creative ideas for the whole family. 
You are in luck if you are looking for an 
The heat index reached 111 in Richmond on Thursday, the highest in several years, and people struggled to stay cool. But the worst s yet to come. Through the weekend, humidity caused by recent rains should drive the heat index to 110 to 120 degrees. The weather service says this stretch of warm weather appears to be the worst in the 
If you are new to the area, or just spent last year’s Jazz Festival sitting in your 
Virginia is for the lovers of wine festivals. The next one on your radar should be the July 16th wine festival coming up in Ashland, as part of the 2011 Ashland Street Parties summer music series. All the essentials will be available; music, food, and wine.
Free Bowling! Two games per day every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Shoe rental required.
If you are like a lot of us here at 
Saturday, April 23 from 12-7pm is the 
