Best of Virginia Winners
Table of Contents
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ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS
2nd
43rd Street Festival of the Arts
1st
Arts in the Park
2022 celebrates the return of Arts in the Park and its 51st year. This much-anticipated event for art lovers and one of Richmond’s largest outdoor events was originally held at the Carillon War Memorial. It’s grown to include more than 350 exhibitors from around the country and has moved beyond the Carillon into surrounding Byrd Park. April 30-May 1, 2022.
3rd
Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival
1st
Altria Theater
The Altria Theater opened in 1927 as the “Mosque,” named for its Moorish Revival style architecture and detailing, and has since hosted thousands of entertainers and performances. Today, you can see a variety of events at the theater, including comedy shows, concerts, children’s theater, and Broadway shows like The Lion King and Fiddler on the Roof.
3rd
Ashland Theatre
2nd
The Byrd Theater
1st
Altria Theater
The Altria Theater opened in 1927 as the “Mosque,” named for its Moorish Revival style architecture and detailing, and has since hosted thousands of entertainers and performances. Today, you can see a variety of events at the theater, including comedy shows, concerts, children’s theater, and Broadway shows like The Lion King and Fiddler on the Roof.
3rd
Browns Island
2nd
The National
3rd
American Heart Association Heart Ball
2nd
Children’s Hospital Foundation Ball
1st
Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k Presented by Kroger
The fourth-largest 10Kin the country, Richmond’s own Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K was first held in April of 2000 and has since become one of the city’s most-loved traditions, 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:
Sports Backers, 100 Ave. of Champions, Richmond
Phone Number:
804-285-9495
Link:
SportsBackers.org
2nd
Arts in the Park
3rd
Carytown Watermelon Festival
1st
Richmond Folk Festival
One of the largest events in the state, the Richmond Folk Festival is a three-day event held each October that tells the story of American cultural diversity through music, dance, crafts, narrative, and cuisine. After celebrating cultural roots and richness virtually this past year, the festival looks forward to an in person experience this year and continuing this 16-year tradition for years to come.
2nd
Bingo Beer Co.
1st
Drive Shack
Not a fan of traditional golf? Not a problem. Using augmented reality, Drive Shack combines golfing with video games to give customers a one-of-a-kind experience. Games include “Darts,” “Monster Hunt,” and “Shackjack,” all of which allow for plenty of friendly competition. And with a fun menu of cocktails and traditional pub fare, your visit to Drive Shack is sure to be a good one.
3rd
Tang & Biscuit
2nd
Browns Island
3rd
Craddock Terry Hotel
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, the garden includes more than a dozen themed areas, including a conservatory, children’s garden, and Kroger Community Kitchen Garden growing fresh produce for Richmond area food banks.
2nd
Children’s Museum of Richmond
Address:
Locations in Midlothian, Richmond
Phone Number:
804-474-7000
3rd
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
Clarksville Community Players
1st
Richmond Ballet
Now in its 37th season, the Richmond Ballet boasts an expansive repertory that includes 19th- and 20th-century masterpieces as well as 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
LOVEwork at Blue Quartz Winery
2nd
LOVEwork at Bowman Distillery
1st
LOVEwork at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
The concepts for each letter 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, Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights.
1st
VPM
As Virginia’s “home for public media,” VPM’s mission is to use the power of public media to educate, entertain, and inspire. 88.9 FM is home to VPM News, which features shows such as BBC’s “World Service” and NPR’s “Morning Edition.” Tune in to VPM News to stay up-to-date with information about Virginia, the U.S., and beyond.
2nd
WBDB LPFM 103.3
3rd
WBQB FM 101.5
OUTDOORS & ACTIVE
1st
acac Fitness & Wellness Centers
In the midst of the fitness craze of the 1980s, Phil Wendel opened the first acac in a small shopping center in Charlottesville. Since then, it’s expanded to include 12 clubs in three states, with two locations in Richmond. The acac team emphasizes health and wellness in facilities known for their cleanliness and friendly professionals.
Address:
Locations in Charlottesville, Glen Allen, Midlothian
Phone Number:
888-979-7870
Link:
ACAC.com
2nd
American Family Fitness
3rd
Cornerstone Fitness
3rd
Amherst Dance Academy
1st
Ballet Aresko
Ballet Aresko offers professional training for students ages two and up in both lyrical and jazz ballet. The staff aims to teach valuable life skills for young dancers to use both inside and outside of the studio. Affordably priced classes range from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours in length.
2nd
BalletSchool at Charlottesville Center for the Arts
2nd
Bensley Park
1st
Boars Head Sports Club
The Boar’s Head Sports Club has a total of 26 indoor and outdoor tennis courts. Memberships are available, and Boars Head Inn guests are eligible for tennis time on the courts. Individuals can also book court time by the hour. Adult and junior after-school clinics are also offered. If that’s not quite your speed, Boar’s Head also has six outdoor pickleball courts.
3rd
Cook Tennis Center
3rd
Blackwater Creek Trail
1st
Buttermilk Trail
The Buttermilk Trail is 2.5 miles of scenic riverside views with plenty of twists and turns. The James River Park System gives this trail a rating of “difficult” because of its fast descents and steep climbs. The trail is nonetheless beautiful, with creek crossings, bridges, rock gardens, and scenic views will make your hike (or bike ride) worth it.
2nd
Virginia Capital Trail
2nd
Boonsboro Country Club
3rd
Farmington Country Club
1st
Golf Mountaintop & Mountainview – Wintergreen Resort
As part of Wintergreen Resort, these two golf courses boast two unique designs and 45 holes. The mountaintop Devils Knob golf course is the highest golf course in Virginia, while the mountainview Stoney Creek course rests in Rockfish Valley. Both are playable year-round, and if you find yourself in need of instruction, simply visit the Wintergreen Golf Academy for assistance.
1st
City Barre
City Barre is more than just an exercise studio, it’s a community. Each new class is guaranteed to be unique, with no repetition of playlists or choreography. City Barre is beneficial for all ages, bodies, and levels of fitness. The studio also hosts other kinds of events, such as the TEXT and the City Book Club, and Barre Brunch.
2nd
fit20
3rd
Fly Fitness Inspiration
TRAVEL
2nd
Acorn Hill Lodge
1st
Cooper’s Landing Inn and Traveler’s Tavern
Originally built in 1830, Cooper’s Landing Inn is a beautiful place for a romantic getaway. The main inn houses six private guest rooms, with six private cottages on the grounds. The inn also has its own restaurant, featuring a menu that changes with the seasons and focuses on a farm-to-table approach. Guests can purchase special romantic packages, wedding packages, and can even take part in cooking classes.
3rd
The Inn at Little Washington
2nd
Belle Isle
3rd
Hollywood Cemetery
1st
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
Monticello, designed by Thomas Jefferson and built using enslaved labor, 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
1st
Boar’s Head Resort
This 600-acre resort boasts 168 guest rooms and suites, four restaurants, a spa, and substantial sports and fitness facilities. While a perfect place to relax and get away from it all, Boar’s Head also offers wedding services and has plenty of meeting rooms and outdoor spaces for company retreats and other special events. Visit the Adventure Outpost for activities such as kayaking, biking, geocaching, and more.
3rd
Keswick Hall
2nd
Wintergreen Resort
2nd
Carytown
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, the garden includes more than a dozen themed areas, including a conservatory, children’s garden, and Kroger Community Kitchen Garden growing fresh produce for Richmond area food banks.
3rd
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
3rd
Craddock Terry Hotel
2nd
Quirk Hotel
1st
The Jefferson Hotel
The Jefferson Hotel is a true historic icon, hosting its guests in style for over 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 fleets in Virginia. This year includes plans to add additional aircrafts to its fleet and continuing its tradition of teaching customers how to fly.
3rd
HeloAir
2nd
Martinair
PETS
1st
All Dog Adventures
Established in 1996 as a doggie daycare facility, All Dog Adventures now focuses on pet training classes too, plus grooming. The All Dog team is enthusiastic about helping dog owners establish loving relationships with their pups. Manners classes are offered at different levels, and advanced classes include agility, competitive obedience, and conformation.
3rd
Bohème Dog Training
2nd
Breakthrough K9 Training
2nd
All Dog Adventures
3rd
Diamond Dog House
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, a doggie day care pavilion and play yards, luxury suites, and cat condominiums.
2nd
Bark and Sparkle
1st
Barking Lot
The Barking Lot has been in business since 1990, while the owner, Steve Boschen, has been grooming pets since 1972. Don’t be fooled by the name—the Barking Lot offers cat grooming services too. They groom dogs of all sizes and offer a wide variety of services, including bathing, brushing, dematting, ear cleaning, and much more.
3rd
Blue Ribbon Pet Styling
2nd
Bon Air Animal Hospital
3rd
Broad Street Veterinary Hospital
1st
Cary Street Veterinary Hospital
The staff at Cary Street Veterinary Hospital are passionate about their work. Staffed with devoted animal lovers, they will treat your pet with the utmost care and respect. The services that they provide include general health and wellness, dentistry, acupuncture, and physical rehabilitation, among others.
KIDS
2nd
Amazement Square
1st
Children’s Museum of Richmond
Easily identifiable by the large red puzzle piece that sits outside, the Children’s Museum of Richmond is a place of fun, discovery, and learning through play. Children ages 0-8 are welcome to experience all the exhibits the museum has to offer. From the art studio to the play diner, children will have a blast while expressing their creativity and playing with others.
Address:
Locations in Midlothian, Richmond
Phone Number:
804-474-7000
3rd
Flying Squirrels Baseball
3rd
Brilliant Summer at St. Catherine’s School
2nd
Camp Friendship
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
Child Development Center at Wyndham
1st
Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center
Founded by Elizabeth Forsyth in 1997, Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center offers year-round, full-day childcare services, as well as early childhood education. The center provides affectionate and personalized care to children as young as six weeks all the way up to kindergarten. This facility is dedicated to the well-being of children in its care, and even provides meals to each child at no separate cost.
2nd
Fredericksburg Christian School
1st
Collegiate School
Collegiate School’s mission is to create a diverse and inclusive community of learners. The faculty, staff, and students are compassionate and highly motivated, which makes for a strong sense of community. While strongly dedicated to academic excellence, Collegiate also has incredible arts and sports programs, which allow students to nurture many interests and passions all at once.
2nd
Fredericksburg Christian School
3rd
Fuqua School
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