5 things

Wait…it’s February? How did that happen already? Well, ok, let’s just go with it then. Here are 5 fun things happening in Richmond to help you ring in month numero dos of 2011.

February 3, 2011; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

Wait…it’s February? How did that happen already? Well, ok, let’s just go with it then. Here are 5 fun things happening in Richmond to help you ring in month numero dos of 2011.

1. Little Golden Books

I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek of this exhibit a few days ago, and let me tell you: it is IMPOSSIBLE to be in a bad mood after seeing it. Little Golden Books came to be in 1942 through an effort to make high-quality illustrated books affordable for all kids; generations of families have been enjoying them ever since. C-MOR’s exhibit features 60 original illustrations from classics like The Poky Little Puppy, Chicken Little, Home for Bunny, and more. Your kids will love it, and you might get a little misty-eyed, what with all the reminiscing.

• Opened on Wednesday, February 2 and runs through April 12 (museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30am to 5pm)
• Children’s Museum of Richmond – Central (2626 W. Broad Street)
• Free! (fee for admission to the museum is separate)

2. Dog Sees God

Ever wonder what happened to the Peanuts characters once they hit high school? This unauthorized parody is going to tell you. Also: anyone else hope the actors spend a large amount of their stage time doing this?

• Runs Thursday, February 3 through February 26 (opening night show is at 8pm; morning and afternoon shows available)
• Firehouse Theatre (1609 W. Broad Street)
• $25 for adults; $22 for seniors; $10 for students (with ID)

3. An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia

The sesquicentennial is upon us, and An American Turning Point is a MUST-SEE exhibit in Richmond’s line-up of events commemorating this huge anniversary in our nation’s history. The 3,000 square foot gallery exhibition features 200 objects and 17 state-of-the-art audiovisual programs, all focused on the experiences of a representative group of individuals and situations to promote an understanding of the wartime experiences of Virginians, and those who served in Virginia, during the war.

• Opens Friday, February 4 and runs through December 30 (museum open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm)
• Virginia Historical Society (428 North Boulevard)
• Free!

4. Upstairs/Downstairs

Sure, sure Maymont Mansion is beautiful, but have you ever wondered what it took to *keep* it that way? Visitors will get the chance to explore Maymont Mansion from the perspective of the employees who toiled behind the scenes to maintain a millionaire’s home in turn-of-the-20th-century Richmond. Highlights include the kitchen, butler’s pantry, backstairs, and formal areas.

• Saturday, February 5 (11am)
• Maymont Mansion
• $7 ($5 for members)

5. Live at Ipanema: BLASCO!

Our favorite monthly music event has been moved to Saturday for this go-around so you don’t have to worry about choosing between quality tunes and the Superbowl. Up this month: folk musician BLASCO! (which is really, really fun to say out loud).

• Saturday, February 5 (10pm)
• Ipanema Cafe (917 W. Grace Street)
• Free!

(Feeling a bit “meh” about these suggestions? Stop by our events calendar for more ideas.)

As the editor of RVANews, Valerie Catrow spends most of her time wrangling people over email and muttering to herself about the content calendar. She also contributes to our parenting column while maintaining her own blog, Made in Richmond. It should be noted that she loves tots, both the potato and child varieties.

February 3, 2011 6:00 AM 0