Best of Virginia Winners
Table of Contents
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PETS
2nd
2SpeakDog LLC
1st
All Dog Adventures
Established in 1996 as a doggie daycare, All Dog Adventures now focuses on pet training classes, with added grooming and daycare. Trainers are enthusiastic about helping dog owners establish loving relationships with their pups. Due to massive amounts of pet adoptions over the course of the pandemic, they offer more in-person training classes than ever while following safe COVID-19 guidelines.
3rd
Off Leash K9 Training
2nd
All Dog Adventures
1st
Holiday Barn Pet Resorts
During Holiday Barn’s early years, Emerson and Kathy Hughes’ goal was to provide a safe, healthy, and fun vacation for Richmond area pets. Through the years this pet resort has seen great success and expansion, with amenities like an in-ground swimming pool, doggie daycare pavilion and play yards, luxury suites, and cat condominiums.
Address:
614 Johnston Willis Dr., Richmond & 3800 Mountain Rd., Glen Allen
Phone Number:
804-794-5400
Link:
theholidaybarn.com
3rd
Toby Town RVA
3rd
Bark and Sparkle
1st
Dogma Grooming & Pet Needs
The staff at Dogma Grooming & Pet Needs consider their work a craft and are committed to providing the best care for your pet. They are also passionate about pet owner education and empowerment, advocating for only the best-sourced food, treats, and care possible. They have been serving and loving furry friends for 21 years.
2nd
Paws & Claws Grooming
2nd
Barker Field Dog Park
3rd
Dogwood Dell Amphitheater
1st
Short Pump Park
Short Pump Park has it all, a dog park, spray fountains, athletic fields, play equipment, picnic facilities, and a restored 1902 two-room schoolhouse. The dog park is a convenient spot for many owners, with separate areas for small and large dogs. Each area is surfaced by a synthetic grass specifically designed for dog parks.
3rd
Cary Street Veterinary Hospital
2nd
Locke A. Taylor Veterinary Hospital
1st
River City Veterinary Hospital
River City Veterinary Hospital was founded in July 2014 by Drs. Anthony and Heather O’Sullivan. This small animal vet hospital is dedicated to providing exceptional client experience and the highest quality medicine and care for your pets. RCVH also offers animal rescue services, working closely with local SPCAs and humane societies to find forever homes for pets in need.
OUTDOORS & ACTIVE
1st
ACAC
In the midst of the 1980s fitness craze, Phil Wendel opened the first ACAC in a small shopping center in Charlottesville. The ACAC team emphasizes health and wellness in facilities known for their cleanliness and friendly team of professionals. This fitness center excels in its mission to meet the needs of individuals at every stage of life.
Address:
Locations in Charlottesville, Crozet, Glen Allen, Midlothian
Phone Number:
804-378-1600
Link:
acac.com
3rd
American Family Fitness Locations
2nd
YMCA
3rd
Buttermilk Trail
2nd
Pocahontas State Park
1st
Virginia Capital Trail
The Virginia Capital Trail is a dedicated paved pedestrian and bicycle trail that connects Jamestown and Richmond along the Route 5 corridor. The trail stretches 52 miles along some of Virginia’s most scenic outdoor landscapes. Along the way, you’ll see historic sites, picnic spots, and lodging areas.
3rd
Independence Golf Club
2nd
The Country Club of Virginia James River Course
1st
The Federal Club
The Federal Country Club’s mission is to provide members and guests with exceptional experiences and attentive service in a relaxed atmosphere. The golf course has bentgrass greens and fairways playable for experienced players and beginners alike. The Federal Club’s Golf Academy offers lessons for children ages 4-17, and PGA Junior Golf Camps are also available during the summer months.
2nd
James River Park System
1st
Maymont
What was once the Gilded Age estate of James and Sallie Dooley has become the beautiful and expansive Maymont park and museum. The 100-acre grounds and gardens are open to the public throughout the year and include the Dooley mansion, nature center, animal farm, Italian and Japanese gardens, mausoleum, and more.
3rd
Pocahontas State Park
ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS
2nd
Altria Theater
1st
The Byrd Theatre
A state and national landmark, The Byrd Theatre was founded in 1928. Over the past 90 years, the theater has remained largely unaltered with breathtaking architecture and decor and offers occasional performances from its Mighty Wurlitzer organ. The theater has responded to the challenges of the pandemic by offering virtual screenings and private movie parties.
3rd
The Paramount Theater
3rd
Altria Theater
2nd
Innsbrook After Hours
1st
The National
With a state-of-the-art V-DOSC sound system and revered reputation, The National is a music lover’s fantasyland. You will have a great view of the stage from any angle with several video screens and monitors. Although the venue is temporarily closed due to the pandemic, it expects to be hosting your favorite musical artists again soon.
3rd
Art Works Inc.
2nd
Crossroads Art Center
1st
Quirk Gallery
Adjacent to the popular Quirk Hotel in Richmond’s Art District, Quirk Gallery features exhibitions of unique work by both established and up-and-coming artists. After perusing the gallery, stop into Quirk’s gift shop, which offers a curated selection of one-of-a-kind, practical, and decorative pieces, including apothecary items, jewelry, small housewares, stationery, and books.
1st
Arts in the Park
While 2021’s Arts in the Park was canceled due to pandemic restrictions, it remains a much-anticipated event for art lovers throughout Virginia. Originally held at the Carillon War Memorial, the beloved event was moved outside to the surrounding park. With exhibitors across many mediums, you will be sure to find high-quality and unique pieces every year.
3rd
READ Art Show and Sale
2nd
RVA First Fridays
2nd
Arts in the Park
3rd
Dominion Energy Riverrock
1st
Richmond Folk Festival
One of the largest events in the state, the Richmond Folk Festival takes place over three days every October, telling the story of American cultural diversity through music, dance, crafts, narrative, and cuisine. After celebrating cultural roots and richness virtually in 2020, festival personnel look forward to continuing this 16-year tradition for years to come.
3rd
Broad Appétit
1st
Richmond Greek Festival
This festival began in 1975 and has become a major draw for Richmond residents to celebrate Greek culture and food. Always highly attended, the festival features traditional music and dancing, a vendor marketplace, and food like souvlaki, spanakopita, and the popular loukoumades—fried balls of sweet dough soaked in honey.
3rd
Children’s Museum of Richmond
2nd
Science Museum of Virginia
1st
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Originally opened as a state agency and privately endowed educational institution, the VMFA is the only art museum in the U.S. open 365 days a year with free general admission. It offers a wide array of special exhibitions and access to a global collection of art—permanent holdings encompass nearly 50,000 works that span more than 6,000 years.
3rd
Drive Shack
2nd
Rosie’s Gaming Emporium
1st
Tang & Biscuit
Established in August 2018, Tang & Biscuit began as a free shuffleboard social club dedicated to providing a place for anyone to gather and enjoy. After a brief closure during the pandemic, it has reopened, shifting its focus to nightly live music entertainment in addition to shuffleboard and other games. The motto is, “We want everyone from everywhere!”
3rd
Hollywood Cemetery
2nd
Maymont
1st
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is a National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1923, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation is a nonprofit that has maintained the estate for nearly 100 years. Monticello is committed to sharing an honest, inclusive history of everyone who lived and labored on the mountaintop.
Address:
931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy., Charlottesville
Phone Number:
434-984-9800
Link:
Monticello.org
2nd
John Paul Jones Arena
3rd
Richmond International Raceway
1st
The Diamond
The Diamond originally opened in 1985 to host the Richmond Braves, as well as Virginia Commonwealth University’s baseball program. Since then it’s been host to many programs and events, most notably the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Since the pandemic, the venue has been transformed to accommodate many socially distant activities, such as outdoor movie screenings and a unique disc golf course.
1st
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s mission is to improve communities and connect people through flora and fauna. Covering 82 acres of land, the garden comprises more than a dozen themed areas, including a conservatory with an extensive orchid collection, a children’s garden, and the Kroger Community Kitchen Garden, which grows fresh produce for Richmond- area food banks.
3rd
Maymont
2nd
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
1st
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has always been a favorite for special occasions, due to its luscious gardens and exquisite flower displays. When the pandemic hit, the garden adjusted accordingly, offering new micro-wedding and elopement packages. Another new policy now allows couples’ dogs to attend and participate in wedding ceremonies hosted on the grounds.
3rd
Maymont
2nd
The Jefferson Hotel
3rd
LOVEwork at Bowman Distillery
2nd
LOVEwork at IX Art Park
1st
LOVEwork at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
The letters in the LOVE sign at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden were developed by garden staff from all departments to highlight seasonal beauty, celebrate the ecosystem, and welcome guests. The sign is incorporated into the Garden’s popular yearly holiday lights show extravaganza, the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights.
3rd
READ Art Show and Sale
2nd
Richmond SPCA Fur Ball
1st
Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k
The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k was first held in April of 2000 and has since become one of Richmond’s most-loved traditions, as well as the fourth-largest 10k in the country. With tons of fans and onlookers, live bands, and an additional race for kids, this annual event is always one to look forward to.
Address:
100 Avenue of Champions, Suite 300, Richmond
Phone Number:
804-285-9495
Link:
SportsBackers.org
1st
Richmond Ballet
Now in its 37th season, the Richmond Ballet boasts an expansive repertory that includes 19th-and 20th-century masterpieces and more than 75 new ballets by contemporary choreographers. Known as the State Ballet of Virginia, its scope also includes the acclaimed School of Richmond Ballet and Minds In Motion community engagement program.
2nd
Richmond Symphony
3rd
Virginia Repertory Theatre
TRAVEL
2nd
Boar’s Head Resort
3rd
Keswick Hall
1st
Wintergreen Resort
Wintergreen is the total package, with true four-season activities including skiing, golf, tennis, spa services, private lake access, and more. Whether you enjoy 30 miles of hiking trails, 1,000 vertical feet of skiing, or 45 holes of golf, Wintergreen provides a memorable resort experience for the whole family with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop.
Address:
39 Mountain Inn Loop, Wintergreen
Phone Number:
434-325-2200
3rd
Craddock Terry Hotel & Event Center
2nd
Quirk Hotel
1st
The Jefferson Hotel
The Jefferson Hotel is a true historic icon, serving Virginia residents and visitors for more than 125 years. With elegant décor, ornate architecture, and fine dining, it is no surprise that this hotel is known as one of the best in the country. The Jefferson’s staff is committed to world-class hospitality as part of an unforgettable experience.
1st
Dominion Aviation
Dominion Aviation is a Richmond-based charter aircraft service, fixed-base operator, flight school, and Cirrus Platinum Partner. It was founded in 1983 and has grown over time to have the largest air fleet in Virginia. This year, there is a plan to add more aircraft to the fleet and continue to teach customers how to fly.
2nd
Martinair
3rd
Million Air
2nd
Museum District Bed & Breakfast
3rd
The Henry Clay Inn®
1st
The Inn at Little Washington
The Inn at Little Washington was originally constructed in 1905 by Edward Thornton, who was inspired by the Ritz Hotel in Paris. This opulent country retreat is known for its high level of service and luxurious decor, as well as its exceptional value. Enjoy exquisite dining, afternoon tea, and more at this Michelin star venue.
KIDS
1st
Camp Hanover
Sixty-plus years and tens of thousands of campers later, Camp Hanover continues its mission of education, outreach, and faith formation. The Christian camp offers both day and overnight programs for elementary, middle, and high school youth, utilizing a decentralized, small-group program model to cultivate strong relationships and focus on each child.
3rd
Passages Adventure Camp
2nd
YMCA Camp Thunderbird
3rd
Collegiate School
1st
St. Anne’s-Belfield School
Founded in 1910 as St. Anne’s School, the institution merged with the Belfield School in 1975 to become St. Anne’s-Belfield School for K-12 students. Its primary mission is to inspire and prepare the next generation of citizens and leaders. This year, they offered hybrid learning models and look forward to complete in-person learning in Fall 2021.
Address:
2132 Ivy Rd., Charlottesville & 799 Faulconer Dr., Charlottesville
Phone Number:
434-296-5106
Link:
STAB.org
2nd
The New Community School
1st
Deep Run Park & Recreation Center
Open daily from dawn to dusk, Deep Run Park has a little something for everyone with playgrounds, open play areas, ponds, walkways, a gazebo, and more. The park’s play equipment was recently replaced and upgraded to meet current safety standards, providing a fun and safe place for all children to get outside.
2nd
Mary Munford Playground
3rd
PARK365
2nd
Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center
3rd
St. Anne’s-Belfield School
1st
Westhampton Day School
Westhampton Day School provides full-day curriculum to more than 200 students and employs 40 dedicated educators in a Christian environment that is nurturing, safe, mutually respectful, and where every child’s intellectual, physical, and social/emotional development is prioritized. In 2021 they are excited to offer new outdoor learning spaces, including a classroom garden space.
3rd
Goochland Drive-In Theater
1st
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Families with children of all ages will enjoy walking the grounds of Lewis Ginter. The 82 acres of gardens include dozens of child-friendly themed areas, floral displays, and community spaces. Staff at the garden look forward to hosting popular events like the indoor Butterflies LIVE! exhibit once social-distancing restrictions are lifted.
2nd
Metro Richmond Zoo
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