Byrd Park: A Jewel in the Middle of the City

These days, we might not think of a new reservoir as an opportunity to build a large municipal park, but that is just what happened here in Richmond! As Doug Childers notes in today's Richmond Times Dispatch, in the 1870's, when city planners decided to supplement Richmond's reservoir near Hollywood Cemetery with one at the southern end of the present day Boulevard, parks came naturally to mind. New York City's Central Park, which has a reservoir at its center, was the crown jewel in a landscape architecture movement that spurred public parks on a national scale.

Richmond's interest in having a large public park in the style of Central Park dates back to the years immediately following the Civil War. So when Richmond's plans for a new municipal waterworks facility were announced in 1873, the city decided to fuse the two projects. The resulting park became one of the city's largest public works projects of the 19th Century. The 60-acre park was initially called "New Reservoir Park" and was renamed William Byrd Park in 1907. Over time, the park grew into an immensely popular 200-acre retreat with three lakes. Today's Byrd Park is a short walk from Maury Place at Monument.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Christmas Cactus Blooms for Thanksgiving!

My mother's Christmas cactus has bloomed at Thanksgiving this year!
Happy Thanksgiving to all from Maury Place at Monument.






Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked the World!

Take a journey through a motley crew of legendary guitars in the latest exhibit at the Science Museum of Virginia as you explore the history of the world's most recognized musical instrument. Immerse yourself in diverse genres of music and discover the science of pitch and tone. Crossing over cultural boundaries, the guitar has made a significant impact on a wide variety of groups from gypsies to cowboys to teenage rebels. Examine more than 60 guitars and nearly 100 historical artifacts that immerse you in the heart of music.

The exhibit runs through January 4, 2013 at the Science Museum of Virginia, which is just a short drive from Maury Place at Monument. Visit www.SMV.org for more information.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

The Turkeys Have Landed!

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

"Lincoln Walk" a Huge Success!

Richmond is again abuzz about Steven Speilberg's new movie "Lincoln," which opened nationwide on November 16. Much of the movie was filmed in Richmond and nearby Petersburg. Recently, National Park Service Ranger Mike Gorman led nearly 300 people in two separate walks around the streets of Richmond retracing President Lincoln's steps from the April afternoon 147 years ago when Lincoln visited Richmond the day after the Confederate capital fell. As Gorman notes, Lincoln's visit was "accidental from start to finish." Lincoln visited Richmond on April 4, 1865, just days before he was assassinated.

There are more than eighty accounts of Lincoln's visit to the city--and many agree here and there--but not one of them agrees with the others. Accounts agree that Lincoln landed on the shores of the James River in a rowboat accompanied by his son Tad. It was Tad's 12th birthday. A statue of the two that commemorates this event is located at Historic Tredegar Ironworks downtown. Though this event is not portrayed in Spielberg's "Lincoln," the movie will generate renewed interest in this profound occurrence in Richmond history.

Maury Place at Monument is the perfect lodging when visiting Richmond's many historic and Civil War attractions.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Christmas Shopping Opportunities Begin!

One of our favorite Christmas shopping events in Richmond is the "Northside Artists' Open Studio." This year, the event occurs this weekend, Saturday, November 17 from noon to 4 and on Sunday, November 18 from noon to 4. Homes and studios of some of favorite artists are open with their art and creative wares for sale and available for early Christmas shopping. Stroll through Richmond's charming Sherwood Park and Ginter Park neighborhoods along Westwood Avenue, Gloucester Road, and Suffolk Road. The 1500 block of Westwood Avenue is the central location, and all of the venues are within walking distance of each other. Pottery, photography, fiber arts, jewelry, chocolates, stained glass, paintings, prints, handbags, and more will be available. Don't miss it!

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Christmas Cottage Magazine Features Maury Place at Monument Inn Dogs

The Christmas edition of the Cottage Journal magazine features a photo of Inn Dogs Chico and Lucy!  The photo appears at the beginning of the magazine as part of a two page spread of Christmas scenes that serves as an intro to the Christmas edition.  In the photo, Chico and Lucy - dressed in their Christmas finest - are looking out the front door of the bed and breakfast, ready to greet guests.  The photo was taken in 2009 by Tony Giammarino, who produces professional photography for our inn.  Tony, along with his wife and partner Mona Dworkin, have a portfolio of stunning professional photography that can be seen at www.tonygiammarino.com.

This is not the first time Tony and Mona have been instrumental in having Maury Place at Monument appear in a national publication, as they facilitated our innkeeper's quarters being featured in the Winter 2010 issue of Small Room Decorating Magazine.  In addition, their photos appear on our website, in many of our media articles, and our press photos page.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument