The Game Plan
Posted by Matt Basheda / Thursday, May 10th, 2012
Mother’s Day and May flowers are a match made in heaven.
There’s no need to give a pre-made bouquet, though. Surround mom with swaths of flowers, and take her to one of this area’s bevy of Mom’s Day garden tours.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna is perfect for any time of year, but Mother’s Day is a special focus. They’ll even have a casual buffet in their atrium. The garden holds a guided tour from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This is Meadowlark’s peak season. The grounds are exploding with color and life–butterflies flash through the air, and choral birds put on a show. Admission for this event is $30 for adults, $15 for kids.
A slice of the Virginia State Arboretum's massive garden fair. Photo by Tim Farmer/State Arboretum of Virginia.
The massive Virginia State Arboretum, off Route 50 west in Boyce, is definitely worth the drive. In fact, this springtime road trip is the focus of our current issue’s May Getaway column. Mother’s Day adds yet another reason to make the hour drive to this profuse, manicured wilderness, with VSA’s enormous Garden Fair.
This year’s Garden Fair offers tours of the magnificent grounds, birding walks and kids events. But it also turns VSA into one of the biggest plant nurseries in the area, for two days only. Hundreds of plants–of every shape, size and variety–will be on sale, plus a sizable selection of gardening tools, supplies and even artwork.
The rain-or-shine extravaganza runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13. Admission is a bargain, at just $10 per car.
If city life suits your mom better, that’s no problem. In fact, luxurious downtown homes and picture-perfect gardens go hand in hand. Thus, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society holds a Mother’s Day home and garden tour of its own.
The tour features two flawless front gardens and 13 stunning homes, each an architectural marvel. This is the tour’s 55th year. Hours run Saturday, May 12 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, May 13 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $30.
The journey is short–only about a mile, so it’s definitely walkable, and a refreshing opportunity to walk off that heavy brunch. Additionally, tea will be served in association with the house tour at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation on Capitol Street.
If you’re looking for Mom’s Day destinations a little further from home, we’ve got a guide for that. But if you’re looking for a combination of everything in this blog, head to Richmond.
The Museum District Mother’s Day House & Garden Tour features eight beautiful southern homes and their gardens. Most of the houses are nearly 100 years old. Each has at least one incredible story, but the Floyd Avenue structure is the stuff of movies: the owners bought the house without knowing that it was built by ancestors.
Richmond is a balanced blend of country life and urban society. The houses sit on sizable plots brushed with greenery and all manner of flora, but cosmopolitan downtown Richmond is just a couple blocks away.
Tickets are $25. The tour’s hours run 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 13 only.
Stay tuned for even more exclusive coverage on the many moods of Mother’s Day. If my list was too specific for you, check out fellow Game Planner Lorin’s loaded brainstorm of activities. And don’t neglect our food and drink guides–after all, eating is the second most important aspect of the day. As if that wasn’t enough, we have Mother’s Day shopping guides, too.
Mother’s Day Guide: How to Plan The Ultimate Day
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, May 8th, 2012
Happy Mother's Day! / Photo credit: Shutterstock/ Nuzza
Yesterday we brought you some fantastic options for celebrating Mother’s Day with out-of-town trips. But what if you won’t be leaving NoVA this weekend? No problem. After all, no two moms are exactly alike. Well unless they’re twins. But you get the picture.
Here are a few ideas for embracing what truly makes your mom happy on her special day.
Eight Great Mother’s Day Getaways
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Monday, May 7th, 2012
Virginia is for Mothers.
By Lindsey Leake
While Northern Virginia is bustling with Mother’s Day tours, treats and tastings—check our Game Plan blog Wednesday through Friday this week for details—sometimes, all Mom wants is to get out of town. Whether she’s into casual day trips, precisely-planned weekend extravaganzas or discovering offbeat happenings along the way, Mom is sure to find enjoyment in these eight getaway events, locales and activities. Some provide Mom with much-deserved alone time and others are suitable for the whole family; all are outside of NoVA, but still within the Commonwealth.
Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains | Shutterstock/Steve Heap
Virginia Crossroads Live Presents Lynyrd Skynyrd
Friday, May 11, 6:30 p.m.
Yes, you read the headline correctly; Southern rock icons Lynyrd Skynyrd will kick off the Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment’s 2012 concert series. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the gate and $45 for Gold Circle seating. Rock on, Mom! / Virginia Crossroads Live, Hooper Park, West Virginia Ave. & Rocky Ford Road, Crewe; 804-794-6700; www.virginiacrossroadslive.com
Armed Forces Day Toy Soldier Show at the Virginia War Museum
Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Truly an exhibit catering to family members of all ages, the Toy Solider Show will feature antique and contemporary toy soldiers and miniatures for sale, along with exhibits depicting fascinating moments in world history. Door prizes will be drawn hourly. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and active duty military, $4 for children 7-18 and free for children under 7. / Virginia War Museum, 9285 Warwick Blvd., Newport News; 757-247-8523; www.warmuseum.org
Art on the Green in Lexington
Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Over 40 Shenandoah Valley artists will exhibit and sell their work at this annual show, hosted by the Rockbridge Arts Guild. Attendees will also enjoy live music as they stroll through the makeshift outdoor gallery. / Hopkins Green, 101 W. Nelson St., Lexington; 540-261-9528; www.rockbridgeartsguild.com
Shutterstock/Lisa F. Young
PANorama Caribbean Music Fest on the Beach
Friday, May 11 & Saturday, May 12, All Day
If Mom loves the beach, tropical beats, Caribbean food or all of the above, she’ll want to ring in summer early at this popular Virginia Beach steel drum music festival. Sponsored in part by the Virginia Arts Festival, PANorama features high school, college and community bands from throughout the country in addition to seasoned headliners. All performances are free and open to the public. / 24th Street Park, 24th Street & Oceanfront, Virginia Beach; www.beachstreetusa.com/events
Racing at South Boston Speedway
Saturday, May 12, 7 p.m.
If Mom is the type who’s always up for an adrenaline rush, Mother’s Day Eve spent on the SoBo Speedway is a thrilling treat. On Saturday night, it’s CenturyLink Presents Bojangles Night Late Model/Limited/T-Pure Stock/Legendary Flatheads. / South Boston Speedway, 1188 James D. Hagood Highway; South Boston; 434-572-4947; www.southbostonspeedway.com
Shutterstock/Phil Date
Spa Weekend in the Mountains
Saturday, May 12 & Sunday, May 13, All Day
A day at the spa can be a relaxing treat almost anywhere, but if you can get pampered while basking in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, even better! The Spa at Wintergreen is offering a mix and match Mother’s Day special, where Mom can choose from a 50-minute signature massage, facial and seasonal body treatment. The cost is $199 for two options, $289 for all three and $68 for an additional express manicure-pedicure combo. / Wintergreen Resort, Route 664, Wintergreen; 434-325-8562; www.wintergreenresort.com
Piney River Bluegrass Festival
Saturday, May 12, 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
If Mom is tired of the constant hustle and bustle of the NoVA lifestyle and is in the mood for some good ole country blues, this down home festival will make her day. The family-friendly event, to be held rain or shine, will feature the music of Mark Templeton and Pocket Change, Little Mountain Boys, Country Poor, In The Tradition and Aspen Run. / Piney River Moose Lodge, 3164 Lowesville Road, Piney River; 434-277-5439
Mother’s Day Carriage Rides
Saturday, May 12, 6 – 9 p.m. & Sunday, May 13, 1 – 4 p.m.
Whether Mom prefers a romantic moonlight ride with Dad on Saturday night or a sunny gallop through the woods on Sunday with the whole family, a carriage ride on her special day is something she won’t soon forget. Carriages are horse-drawn and driven by an experienced coachman. / Edith J. Carrier Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at JMU, 780 University Blvd., Harrisonburg; 540-568-3194; www.jmu.edu/arboretum
Photo courtesy of Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at JMU
Posted by Geoff Nelowet / Friday, May 4th, 2012
The Virginia Gold Cup is more than just socializing.
by Colleen Callery
Neil Roy Johnson/Shutterstock
The first Saturday in May marks an iconic event known for its sundresses, giant sun hats and maybe even a little horse racing: Virginia Gold Cup.
One of the premier horse races in the country for the last 90 years, thousands visit Fauquier County every year to watch exceptionally trained animals run the four-mile course at Great Meadow in The Plains. But former jockey, trainer and horse racing professional Don Yovanovich knows what goes on “inside the green,” as they say.
Yovanovich won the 1978 Gold Cup, has served as co-chairman since 1984, and is currently the race director. These days it’s Yovanovich who is the seasoned professional. He has seen Virginia Gold Cup grow to host over 50,000 guests, and can speak to the year-round planning it requires—securing sponsors, purse money (prize money), and coordinating changes for future races.
The hard work pays off, though. Virginia Gold Cup has become the model for other race meets around the country, establishing many of the medical protocols and safety regulations in place today.
“If we stand to make a decision that we believe will better the game, it will trickle down to the other race meets,” Yovanovich says. So, whether you attend as a horse enthusiast or socialite, there is no question that Virginia Gold Cup is one of NoVA’s most highly anticipated spring events.
The key to training is tailoring the routine to fit the horse’s strengths, weaknesses. A typical training timeline:
Late November/Early December Spend time jogging on the road, over hills or through the woods.
January Start galloping routines. Some horses may gallop four or five times a week.
Early March More intense training begins. Horses will train with “hard works” or “breezes” to build up lung capacity.
Late March/Early April Compete in one or two point-to-point races or steeplechase meets.
May Gold Cup race is the first Saturday in May.
May 2012
Northern Virginia Weekend Events
Posted by Matt Basheda / Friday, May 4th, 2012
We’ve got a few weekend events heading down the pipeline for you.
First up, local ballet. We have exceptional talent out here in the ‘burbs. The Cuppett Performing Arts Center in Vienna is throwing a “Golden Gala” this Saturday, May 5.
Shutterstock.com/Andrew Williams
The Cuppett Center’s founder, Alzine Cuppett, was a former Rockette and even received tutelage from Gene Kelly. She started the dance school in 1962, and it’s become one of the premier schools in the area.
The “Golden Gala” features pieces from several classic ballets, including “The Nutcracker” and “Sleeping Beauty.” Saturday holds two exclusive performances: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $16 at the door. The venue is Kenmore Middle School’s theater at 200 S. Carlin Springs Road in Arlington.
If that doesn’t strike your fancy, try a heartstopping airshow. The Flying Circus’ first show of the 2012 season takes off this Sunday, May 6. The show begins promptly at 2:30 p.m.
Airshows are something of a lost art. They used to be a classic, popular form of entertainment. But The Flying Circus is a throwback, and is now 42 years old.
The show features stunts galore, including formation patterns, aerobatics and wing-walkers. Anyone can sign up for a calm sight-seeing trip aboard one of the planes, too.
Bealeton, Va., the show’s location, is to the slight south but easily accessible. Simply take Route 28 south and you’re there in an hour. Tickets are just $10, but don’t worry if you miss this show–there’ll be another airshow every Sunday until October.
Shutterstock.com/Tony Gates
If you’re looking for something a little more down to earth, Prince William’s “Arts Alive!” celebration springs to life this Sunday afternoon in Manassas.
“Arts Alive!” is a massive celebration featuring dozens of performances, demonstrations and readings by local authors, all happening simultaneously in various sections of the Hylton Performing Arts Center. If you don’t want to watch, you can interact. Authors will provide writing exercises and kids can take part in art projects.
The food is as unique as the performers. Options include Cajun and crepes.
Best of all, there is no charge for general attendance. That’s right–it’s free. “Arts Alive!” happens from noon to 6 p.m.
–Matt Basheda
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, May 3rd, 2012
Look - no more memos! / Photo credit: Shutterstock/Lichtmeister
Whether you have the world’s greatest job selling hats, working for the Govt., building homes or perhaps dealing with musical animals, we all need some kick-back-and-relax in our lives. Fortunately for us all, TopGolf Alexandria hears that and raises our afterwork happy hours to a new level: three different days of golf and drink specials.
A Harmonica-Playing Elephant? The National Zoo’s Got That
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, May 3rd, 2012
Not your average animal. / Photo credit: Devin Murphy, Smithsonian’s National Zoo
A trip to our capital’s (free!) zoo makes for a must-do for tourists – and locals – alike. In addition to the soon-to-be added group of Asian otters, the Zoo is home to a new breakout musical star.
Quick tips for Mother’s Day, today only!
Posted by Lynn Norusis / Thursday, May 3rd, 2012
marekuliasz/Shutterstock.com
Starting to brainstorm what to get for Mom? Here’s a helpful hint…
Head over to the Microsoft Store in Tysons Corner Mall today, 10:30 a.m. to noon, and let Michele McGraw, of mom blog Scraps of My Geek Life, and Elizabeth Thorp, founder of kid-friendly travel site Poshbrood, help.
The duo will take you through, step-by-step, a workshop on how to create DIY gifts for mom using Windows technology (Photo Gallery, Movie Maker and Microsoft Paint). And, attendees are eligible to win a Windows PC plus other swag!
Action Against Hunger Charity Concert at Jammin Java
Posted by Matt Basheda / Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012
A new movement is brewing at Jammin Java.
Courtesy Matt Colwell
The Concert for Action Against Hunger goes down this Saturday, May 5. All proceeds benefit the charity group, an organization that supplies starved communities around the world with nutritious food, clean water and the ability to sustain itself.
The bold call to action is the brainchild of Matt Colwell, a 15-year-old sophomore at George C. Marshall High School in Falls Church.
“I feel like I have grown up in a very privileged family,” said Colwell via email. “I’ve never had to worry about not having a meal on my plate, or not having a place to sleep at night, but unfortunately that’s not something that can be said for everyone on this planet. … I knew that [AAH] was the perfect fit for what I was trying to go for.”
Such initiative is rare in 15-year-olds, but Colwell has it in spades. He’s also the owner of a company–a website called The Fresh Selection that features a new musical artist each day. Colwell’s work with The Fresh Selection helped him find local musicians who would lend their talents to the AAH show.
The show’s co-sponsor is Alexandria clothing company Remember Your Roots. Remember Your Roots weaves organic clothing and teams with The Surfrider Foundation to scrub area waterways free of pollution.
For each Remember Your Roots item sold at the concert, Remember Your Roots will pledge to scoop one pound of trash from a local waterway.
Tickets for the show run $10 in advance or $13 the day of. All proceeds go directly to Action Against Hunger. The show begins at 12:30 p.m. this Saturday.
Oh, The Places You’ll Go [Music Edition]
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
Let's shred. / Photo credit: Shutterstock/ Elena Efimova
Our roundup of what to do + where to go, musically, in NoVA this May. Check ‘em out:
-Get some “I and Love and You” in your life. The always amazing North Carolina-born The Avett Brothers are coming to the Patriot Center on Friday, May 11. Buy tickets here.
-Circle up for a show. Head to one of Northern Virginia Flute Circle‘s upcoming events for an out-of-the-ordinary way to hear a great jam session. More information is on their website here.
-Watch a dirty thief on the big screen. Like we blogged about earlier, the Alden Theatre is throwing up classic silent films all month long. On May 16, they’ll have Ben Model, a five-time Meet the Composer grant winner and kick-butt pianist, accompanying “The Thief of Baghdad.” Snag tickets online here.
-Go local with Lucy. Bowen McCauley Dance troupe will be performing on stage to songs from notable Novinian artists, selected by artistic director Lucy Bowen McCauley. This two-day event includes special list guest Half Brother, plus tracks of many more. Tickets are available here.
– Lorin Drinkard