Best of Virginia Winners
Table of Contents
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General
1st
ACAC
At ACAC in Charlottesville, you don’t have to choose between one-on-one personal training or large group classes. A small group training option offers activities like kettlebells or Pilates in groups of 3-6, in 30- or 60-minute sessions. For those who prefer larger groups, the gym offers classes, including Bodypump, Zumba and Cycle EX.
3rd
VCU Cary Street Gym
2nd
YMCA Downtown
2nd
Albemarle Angler
1st
Angler’s Lane Graves Mill Center at Route 221
Among Angler’s Lane’s guided trips is the Best of Virginia tour, during which fishermen spend five days in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Jackson, Piney, James and Staunton rivers, casting for trout and smallmouth bass between chef-cooked dinners and overnight stays in cabins. Every trip features a 1-to-1 or 2-to-1 fisherman to guide ratio.
3rd
Orvis
3rd
Amazement Square
1st
Maymont
After a year of renovations, the Farm at Maymont re-opened last March. Along with its resident donkeys, ducks and goats that are always a hit with wee visitors, the completed project includes two large new classrooms; updates to restroom facilities (including changing tables); and new play and welcome areas.
2nd
Wintergreen Resort
3rd
Amazement Square
2nd
Science Museum of Virginia
1st
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
In May, the museum opened Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style, the only East Coast venue for the exhibition celebrating the life and style of the late couturier. Running until Aug. 27, it will feature more than 100 pieces of the designer’s couture and ready-to-wear garments, including his iconic “Le smoking” tuxedo.
3rd
Angler’s Lane
2nd
Bass Pro Shops
1st
Green Top
Looking to keep in the know when it comes to local fishing conditions? Check out Green Top’s blogs. The retailer, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, offers weekly updates on the status of freshwater and saltwater bodies alike, including where specific species are most prevalent and the best bait to entice them.
1st
Arts in the Park Carillon at Byrd Park
“The show began as a way to bring a mix of neighbors together,” says event chair Jennifer Hulzing. Going into its 46th year, Arts in the Park now attracts 450 exhibitors from around the country in multiple disciplines. Proceeds help fund local organizations; last year, they helped build a tot lot in Byrd Park.
2nd
First Fridays
3rd
InLight
2nd
Bass Pro Shops
1st
Green Top
Green Top outfits hunters top to bottom, from dog training guidebooks and decoys to calls and drop point knives. Famously bustling on the weekend, shoppers have the option of purchasing online for in-store pickup. The store also sells archery equipment, survival tools and several hundred firearms at its 55,000-square-foot location.
3rd
Sailor’s Creek Outfitters
2nd
Boar’s Head
3rd
Keswick Hall
1st
Wintergreen Resort
Accommodations at Wintergreen include traditional hotel guest rooms as well as condos and single-family homes. Sports enthusiasts may play golf at Devils Knob or a game of tennis on one of the property’s 19 clay or three deco-turf courts, while those looking for a bit of R&R will find it in the resort’s spa.
2nd
Bow Tie Cinemas at Boulevard Square
3rd
CineBistro
1st
The Byrd Theater
Along with second run showings of blockbusters and indie darlings, Richmond’s nearly 90-year-old picture palace runs series, such as Big Screen and Family Classics, and hosts events, including the French and Richmond International film festivals. It remains largely the same as the day it opened, complete with an 18-foot chandelier lit by 5,000 crystals.
2nd
Broad Appétit
1st
Greek Food Festival
After loading up your plate with Hellenic favorites like souvlaki, moussaka and spanakopita at the annual spring festival, take in a guided tour of the beautiful Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary. The fest also features traditional Greek music and dancing.
3rd
Lebanese Food Festival
2nd
Cedarfield
3rd
The Summit
1st
Westminster Canterbury
Last year, Westminster Canterbury Richmond opened The Marketplace, a grill-like casual establishment serving lunch favorites like Chesapeake crab cake sandwiches and Reuben paninis. It also includes an ice cream parlor and billiards room. Open for more than 40 years, WCR offers “continuing care,” from independent living to assisted living and memory support.
2nd
Chestnut Hill Bed & Breakfast
3rd
The Inn at Willow Grove
1st
Walden Hall
The name might conjure up images of 19th century literature, but the accommodations are Thoreau-ly modern: amenities include Apple TV and walk-in rain showers. The most popular rooms are the Walt Whitman Grande Suite, which includes access to a two-person hot tub on a screened porch, and the Longfellow Loft, featuring special reading alcoves.
3rd
Children’s Hospital Foundation Ball
1st
Richmond SPCA Fur Ball
For nearly 20 years, the Richmond SPCA Fur Ball has been raising funds for furry friends like Elvis, a 5-year-old shepherd/basset hound who, through a spinal cord injury, lost the use of his back legs. Personalized care from the SPCA (and a custom wheelchair) helped Elvis take his first steps without assistance. This year’s ball will take place Nov. 4.
2nd
Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K
3rd
Craddock Terry Hotel & Event Center
2nd
Quirk Hotel
1st
The Jefferson Hotel
A Richmond mainstay for more than 120 years, The Jefferson Hotel recently completed a three-year renovation. The hotel’s 262 guest rooms were converted into 181 suites all with entry foyers, marbled baths and dressing areas. The hotel’s iconic Rotunda, Palm Court and Lemaire restaurant were also updated.
2nd
CrossFit Addict
3rd
CrossFit RVA
1st
SEAL Team Physical Training
Residents of the River City frequently spot SEAL Team Physical Training participants around town; the outdoor program designs its workouts for specific locations, such as Belle Isle or Dogwood Dell, rotating instructors and muscle focus each session. Modeled after the workouts of Navy SEALS, the class is held rain or shine.
3rd
Deep Run Horse Show
2nd
Foxfield Races
1st
Montpelier Hunt Races James Madison’s Montpelier
The Montpelier Hunt Races debuted in 1934, begun by legendary horse breeder Marion du Pont Scott and her brother William du Pont Jr. Today, the event is part of the National Steeplechase Association circuit and is held the first Saturday of November each year.
2nd
Devils Knob
1st
Independence Golf Club
For the golf enthusiast, Independence Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship course (with five sets of tees, ranging from 5,000 to more than 7,100 yards tip to tip), plus a less challenging 9-hole short course. Beyond golf, the club also offers on-site laser tag and hosts weekly concerts.
3rd
The Federal Club
2nd
FeedMore
1st
Richmond SPCA
Last year, the Richmond SPCA opened the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital, a full-service veterinary care facility whose mission is to provide quality care to pets with low-income guardians. The 12,000-square-foot facility comprises four surgical suites, a surgical prep and recovery suite, an intensive care space, and recuperation rooms.
3rd
The Doorways
3rd
Gallery 5
2nd
Glave Kocen
1st
Quirk Gallery
“We don’t think the gallery experience should be intimidating, serious or stuffy,” says Adam Dorland, general manager of Quirk Gallery. To put visitors at ease, the hotel’s gift shop, filled with jewelry, gifts and prints, serves as a gateway to the gallery where recent shows have featured photographer Kip Dawkins and mixed media and collage artist Pam Sutherland.
1st
Hollywood Cemetery
In California, a Hollywood tour might consist of movie star mansions: In the Commonwealth, it means a visit to the final corporeal home of some of history’s most significant figures. Hollywood Cemetery is the resting place of presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, as well as Virginia governors, media figures and Confederate generals.
3rd
James Madison’s Montpelier
2nd
Monticello
2nd
James River Park System
3rd
Riverside Outfitters
1st
Wintergreen Resort
The Discovery Ridge Adventure Center takes full advantage of the resort’s location in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Guests enjoy archery, zip lining and plunge tubing. In the summer, guests may purchase a Mountains of Adventure pass, which includes two water adventures, five outdoor adventures and unlimited hiking and mini golf.
3rd
John Paul Jones Arena
2nd
The Broadberry
1st
The National
Built in 1922 as a movie theater, The National began its second act as a music venue nearly a decade ago. Today, it adds up to 10 new shows a week. Recent performances have included Eli Young Band and The Decemberists. Get into the show early when you dine at the nearby Vagabond restaurant beforehand.
3rd
Monticello
2nd
Red Rocker Candy
1st
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
After four years touring the globe, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ Fabergé Collection returned last fall. The VMFA owns the largest public collection of the ornate objects (outside of Russia), including five Imperial Easter Eggs, which are on view in the newly renovated Fabergé and Russian Decorative Arts galleries.
1st
Orapax
This year marks Orapax’s 30th anniversary. Located 30 minutes west of Richmond, the dedicated hunting preserve provides 350-acres of quail, pheasant and chukar hunting on 10 fields as well as mallard-release duck hunting in its marshland areas.
2nd
Powhatan Wildlife Management Area
3rd
Rasawek Hunting Preserve
3rd
Passages
2nd
Richmond SPCA Critter Camp
1st
Westview on the James
Throughout July and August, campers ages 7-14 take to the water—and the trails, the mountains, and the fields—for Westview on the James’ junior and senior residential camps. Canoeing, climbing and wilderness survival are on deck as well as more unusual activities such as water trampoline and disc golf.
3rd
Passion Academy
1st
Richmond Balle
Richmond Ballet’s 2017-2018 season kicks off with performances of Portrait of Billie and Tarantella in September, followed by Trio (Gloria, Silence and Journey) in November, its annual production of The Nutcracker in December, and The Sleeping Beauty (with the Richmond Symphony) in February, among others.
2nd
Virginia Repertory Theatre
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