5 Things

This year, Richmond, Virginia is your Valentine, and you’re going to treat her with the respect she deserves.

February 14, 2013; 7:13 AM • by Susan Howson

This year, Richmond, Virginia is your Valentine, and you’re going to treat her with the respect she deserves.

1. Various Valentine’s Day Gatherings

I can’t think of one person-who-is-not-my-mother who truly gets a kick out of Valentine’s Day. Singles hate it, every couple I know pretty much phones it in, and CVS employees do not looked stoked to be surrounded by so much red cellophane. So before I start writing letters to politicians to get rid of this superfluous holiday of resentment and pressure, let’s…have a super cute V-day this year, y’all! There are a trillion things to do around town with your loved one (or your liked one). You got yer Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden dinner, yer comedy/jazz/dinner spectacular at the Hipp, and even yer night of musical misery at Cous Cous. It’s our last year doing this, people. Let’s send it out with a bang.

• Thurs. Feb. 14 • whenever your sitter can get there
• Around town
• Whatever you would prefer to spend

2. A History of Richmond in 50 Objects

Here’s something we all love: our damn fine town! The Valentine “NO PUN INTENDED” Richmond History Center is capitalizing on its annually brilliant name by offering free admission this weekend to this exhibit, which uses 50 object from Richmond’s history to tell the city’s story. We’re talking, like, really cool objects dating back to our colonial origins and spanning the centuries betwixt. Teach your younguns and yourselves a thing or two about the hallowed ground that we live upon and the other lives that came before us. Who’s gonna bet me that there isn’t an RVA sticker in there somewhere?

• Fri. Feb. 15 – Sat. Feb. 17 • see site for times
• Valentine Richmond History Center, 1015 E. Clay St.
• Free!

3. Candlelight Home Tour

I’m a sucker for a good candlelight tour. Firstly, it’s ethereal and magical and makes old houses look even older and awesomer–so much so that you expect the ghost of Thomas Jefferson to bound through the drawing room waving important documents in the air and complaining about the lack of Virginia wines. Secondly, there’s always the risk that some old oil painting will be hung too close to a candle and burst into flame. West Grace Street is upping the ante on the regular candlelight tour (if that’s even possible) by pairing those candles with delicious food by area chefs?? Oh, and just in case TJ does make an appearance, you can bring his lofty orations to a screeching halt by holding a glass of wine from local James River Cellars under his undead nose.

• Sat. Feb. 16 • 4:00 – 8:00 PM
• Tour starts at the Orchard House School, 500 N. Allen Dr.
• $20, see site for ticket-selling locations!

4. Valentine Rumba

Why does the Latin Ballet of Virginia take everything and make it more creative, more beautiful, and more fun? It’s like they’re the kids who wave their arms around and Charlie Brown’s pathetic little stick becomes a happy green Christmas tree! Their version of Valentine’s Day goes like this: you go to LaDiff, you watch them do their amazing thing, you get a free dance lesson, Hispanic buffet dinner, AND you get to help their educational program by participating in a silent auction. Time to grab your dollface and get those hearts pumping!

• Sat. Feb. 16 • 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM
• La Difference, 125 S. 14th St.
• $45 for singles, $80 for couples (cash bar)

5. Mary Poppins

Oh, it’s a jolly holiday with Mary. Mary makes your heart so light. When the day is grey and ordinary, Mary makes the sun shine bright! Oh, next week she is coming to the Landmark! She flies around on strings above your head! You better grab your tix to get your musical fix before your husband’s protests cause your plan to be nixed. Oh it’s a jolly holiday with Mary! No wonder that it’s Mary that we love!

• Wed. Feb. 19 – Sun. Feb. 24 • see site for times
• Landmark Theatre, 6 N. Laurel St.
• $23 – $98.

Photo by: Erin Soorenko

February 14, 2013 7:13 AM 0