Check Out our Press Releases for Happenings in the Richmond Region

Check out our most recent press releases to see what's happening in the Richmond Region. Don't forget to visit our image library where you can browse for the perfect image to accompany your article.

Read these exciting Richmond, Virginia press releases!

Beauty in Bloom: Celebrate Virginia’s Historic Garden Week in the Richmond Region - January 31, 2012
Visitors are invited to the Richmond Region at the peak of springtime color as Virginia celebrates Historic Garden Week April 21-28. For the 79th year, the Garden Club of Virginia will offer exquisite home and garden tours. Richmond tours take place April 24-26. The five-star five-diamond Jefferson Hotel and Maury Place at Monument Bed & Breakfast, one of TripAdvisor’s top 25 bed and breakfasts of 2012, are offering special Garden Week packages, and area attractions are holding special hours and Garden Week events.

Win a VIP Wine Weekend Trip for Two to the Virginia Wine Expo in Richmond, VA - January 17, 2012
 Sharpen your palate and brush up your glass-swirling skills. The 5th Annual Virginia Wine Expo (VWE) takes place February 24-26 in Richmond, VA. This year, visitors can enter for a chance to win a trip for two to the Expo and enjoy wines produced in the state that Wine Enthusiast magazine recently named one of 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations. To enter, visitors must “Like” VisitRichmondVA on Facebook. The contest runs officially through January 31. The winner will be given two weekend passes to VWE, two tickets to the Late Winter Harvest Luncheon at the Jefferson Hotel’s Lemaire restaurant, two tickets to the Virginia Wine + Brunch at Selba, and one standard guest room at the Richmond Marriott Hotel on Saturday night, February 25. VWE and Facebook contest details, as well as info about VWE hotel packages can be found at www.visitrichmondva.com/VWE.

Explore the Richmond Region’s Rich African-American Heritage during Black History Month   - December 22, 2011
 The African-American story in the Richmond Region is one of struggle, strength, courage and determination. From the slave markets in Shockoe Bottom to the battlefields of the Civil War, and from arts and entrepreneurship in the Jackson Ward neighborhood to Civil Rights protests downtown, African-Americans have made their mark in all corners of the Richmond Region. Visitors are invited to learn about the African-American experience in Central Virginia at a number of special Black History Month events, exhibits and tours throughout February.

RMCVB Achieves Industry Accreditation from International Tourism Marketing Leader   - December 19, 2011
The Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (RMCVB) has achieved industry accreditation for 2011-2015 through Destination Marketing Association International’s (DMAI) Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). DMAI is the world’s largest association of destination marketing organizations (DMOs). Accreditation addresses standards of performance, best practices and techniques, and service excellence in addition to creating a global consistency and standard for DMOs.

Elvis at 21 Exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts - December 8, 2011
This winter, visitors are invited to Richmond’s Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) to view 56 dramatic photographs of Elvis Presley from 1956, when the performer was on the brink of international superstardom. Elvis at 21: Photographs by Alfred Wertheimer  will be on display December 24, 2011 – March 18, 2012.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Named Travel Attraction of the Year by Southeast  - December 1, 2011
During its recent Shining Example Awards ceremony, the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) named the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) the 2011 Travel Attraction of the Year. This marks the first time this prestigious award has been given to a museum and the third consecutive year the Richmond Region has received a Shining Example Award. In 2010 Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (RMCVB) won Internet Excellence, and in 2009 RMCVB won CVB of the Year.

RMCVB Partners with hotelicopter to launch online booking widget  - November 8, 2011
The Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (RMCVB) recently collaborated with booking engine partner hotelicopter to launch a widget that allows visitors of local museums, attractions and events to book lodging directly through their websites.

RMCVB and Cultureworks Launch Community Calendar  - October 20, 2011 
Media is invited to join the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (RMCVB), CultureWorks and Richmond Region attractions Wednesday, November 2 at 3p.m. at the VMFA as we roll out the new Community Calendar System. The online calendar, an idea that was conceived following the release of the Cultural Action Plan, offers regional organizations a one-stop-shop “hub” where they can list their events. The system stands to save significant time and resources for event organizers.

Richmond Region Announces Annual Tourism Economic Figures for 2010 - October 14, 2011
The Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (RMCVB) announced today that tourism generated $1.75 billion in visitor spending, supported 19,840 jobs and generated $52 million in taxes for the Richmond Region in 2010.  The travel expenditure figures represent a 7.9% increase over 2009 and point to the importance of tourism to the local economy.

Richmond  Region Launches Inaugural Richmond International Wine Excursion  during Virginia Wine Month - September 14, 2011
Facebook fans of Visit Richmond VA can enter to win VIP Wine Weekend; Travelers can raise a glass to hotel packages, events and specials in October. The Richmond Region is celebrating Virginia Wine Month with festivals, hotel packages and great deals on wine. Visitors are invited to travel to Richmond to experience Virginia Wine and more in the capital of the state that Travel + Leisure recently named as one of five wine regions to visit.

Lock up your wallets! Infamous gangster John Dillinger’s Getaway Car is currently “hiding” in the Greater Richmond Convention Center  - July, 14, 2011
Notorious Depression-era bank robber  John Dillinger is no longer on the loose, but his 1933 Essex Terraplane getaway car is still on the road during this 77th anniversary of the infamous outlaw's death. After departing Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), where it resided for 18 months, the car is now on display in the 3rd Street corridor of the Exhibit Hall Building at the Greater Richmond Convention Center next to the Visitor Center.

RMCVB Celebrates $1.6 Billion Regional Tourism Industry during National Travel and Tourism Week - May 12, 2011
The Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (RMCVB), along with regional tourism partners, today celebrated the economic impact of the Richmond Region’s $1.6 billion travel and tourism industry and honored individuals who have made a positive impact on the industry regionally. The reception took place at the recently-renovated Holiday Inn Koger Conference Center during National Travel and Tourism Week, May 7-15. National Travel and Tourism Week celebrates the value and scope of the nation’s $1.8 trillion travel and tourism industry, and its economic and social contributions.

Eat and Dance the Summer Away in Virginia’s Historic Richmond Region at Food Festivals and Concerts - May 11, 2011
Tomatoes, watermelon, Dragon Boats and live performances take center stage in the Historic Richmond Region this summer. Summer time is festival time throughout the area and many of the festivals are free to attend.

Experience Wilderness in the Heart of the City in Richmond, Virginia May 13-14 at Dominion Riverrock - April 19, 2011
The snow has melted, the birds are chirping, and the James River is roaring. What does that mean? It’s time for Dominion Riverrock in Richmond, Virginia! Now in its third year, Dominion Riverrock has quickly become the East Coast's premier outdoor lifestyle event, attracting more than 3,000 participants and 25,000 attendees to Richmond’s downtown riverfront. Join adventurists and athletes of all levels in Richmond May 13-14, 2011 as they compete in a variety of events including the MGD 64 Filthy 5k Mud Run, Red Bull Canal Crashers and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports Boulder Bash. Don’t leave Fido behind! The Eukanuba Ultimate Air Dogs competition features canines competing for distance, diving from a dock into a 25 foot pool. New to the event this year are bouldering and stand-up paddleboarding.

Visitors Are Invited to Take Advantage of Special Hotel Packages in Virginia’s Richmond Region During the 78th Annual Historic Garden Week - April 6, 2011
Virginia’s Richmond Region invites visitors to experience a rich mosaic of some of the country’s finest properties during Historic Garden Week, April 16-23, presented by the Garden Club of Virginia. Visitors will help celebrate 78 years of preserving Virginia’s heritage with three tours in the Richmond Region. Located in the center of the state and Garden Week activity, historic Richmond Region hotels are offering special Garden Week packages for visitors.

Month-Long Marketing Blitz Encourages Washington, D.C. Residents to Travel “On To Richmond” - April 4, 2011
The Richmond Region is joining with the Virginia tourism office to target the Washington, D.C. area with a month-long marketing push that will drive visitors to the region. As one of seven localities taking part in Virginia’s annual tourism marketing blitz in the nation’s capitol, the Richmond Region is being featured throughout the month of April in Metro stations, D.C.-based web sites and newspapers. The Washington, D.C. region is Virginia’s top feeder market, with 15 percent of all trips coming from that region.

Civil War and Emancipation Day, April 16, Brings History to Life & Kicks Off Commemoration of the 150th Anniversaries in Virginia’s Richmond Region - March 30, 2011
In April of 1861, Virginia seceded from the Union. This year on April 16, 150 years after the state picked a side in what would become the bloodiest war in American history, the Richmond Region is uniting to host the second annual Civil War and Emancipation Day. Visitors are invited to learn about the Civil War and emancipation of the slaves during this full day of FREE exhibits, special programs, performances and interactive experiences.

Free Bus Escorts Riders from Picasso to the Civil War… and Back! - February 24, 2011
The Richmond Region is excited to announce a new way for visitors to experience the area’s history, arts and culture, and shopping and dining. To the Bottom and Back (2BNB), the free nighttime bus service that goes back and forth between the Shockoe Bottom and Carytown neighborhoods, has launched a new route called To the Museums and Back (2MNB). Coinciding with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ (VMFA) blockbuster Picasso exhibition, the bus begins service at the VMFA and takes riders to other Richmond highlights such as the Virginia State Capitol, the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, the Virginia Historical Society and the Maggie Walker House, as well as hotels and shopping and dining establishments. To the Museums and Back is running Saturdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. now through May 15.

Historic Richmond Region Honors Black History Month - February 3, 2011
The Richmond Region invites visitors to commemorate Black History Month with special exhibits and unique guided tours. New exhibits premiering throughout the month of February encourage visitors to delve into the past and learn from our ancestors.

Henricus Historical Park Commemorates 400th Anniversary - January 20, 2011
Throughout 2011, Henricus Historical Park will celebrate 400 years of history in the Richmond Region as the site of North America’s second successful English settlement. During the year-long celebration, Henricus Historical Park and Chesterfield County invite visitors to explore life as it was 400 years ago in Colonial Virginia with special events at Henricus Historical Park. Unique attractions and comfortable accommodations in surrounding Chesterfield County make this the perfect family destination.

Celebrate the Nation’s Roots in Historic Henrico County Throughout 2011 - January 13, 2011
Throughout 2011, Henrico County will commemorate 400 years of history in the Richmond Region as one of the state's eight original shires – the site of England's second permanent settlement in the New World. During the year-long celebration, Henrico County invites visitors to explore life in Henrico the past 400 years with special events, contests, a new tourist information center and comfortable accommodations.

Archive of 2010 Press Releases

FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Erin Bagnell, 804-783-7411, ebagnell@richmondva.org

Win a VIP Weekend Trip for Two to the Virginia Wine Expoin Richmond, VA
StateNamed One of 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations of 2012 by  Wine Enthusiast

Richmond,VA (January 17) – Sharpen your palate and brush up your glass-swirlingskills. The 5th Annual VirginiaWine Expo (VWE) takes place February 24-26 in Richmond, VA. This year,visitors can enter for a chance to win a trip for two to the Expo and enjoywines produced in the state that WineEnthusiast  magazine recently named one of 10Best Wine Travel Destinations. To enter, visitors must “Like” VisitRichmondVA onFacebook. The contest runs officially through January 31. The winner will begiven two weekend passes to VWE, two tickets to the Late Winter HarvestLuncheon at the Jefferson Hotel’s Lemaire restaurant, two tickets to theVirginia Wine + Brunch at Selba, and one standard guest room at the RichmondMarriott Hotel on Saturday night, February 25. VWE and Facebook contestdetails, as well as info about VWE hotel packages can be found at www.visitrichmondva.com/VWE.

Voted “BestWine Fest Overall” in Virginia by VirginiaWine Lover  magazine, VWE offers attendees a unique opportunity tosample and purchase more than 400 Virginia wines. New additions to the weekendinclude:

• Walk-Around Grand Tasting: 5:30-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24.
• Two luncheons featuring Richmond’s culinary stars:
  • Virginia Wine Lovers’ Luncheon at Acacia Mid-Town with meals prepared by Chef Dale Reitzer, who was selected as one of Food and Wine  magazine’s Best New Chefs in America in 1999.
  • Late Winter Harvest Luncheon at Lemaire Restaurant led by Chef Walter Bundy, named Chef of the Year by Richmond  magazine. Lemaire Restaurant was named by Esquire magazine one of America’s Best New Restaurants in 2009.

The weekendwill also feature four new wine and food pairing seminars, including one aboutpairing modern charcuterie with Virginia wine and a 90-minute seminar called,“Your ‘Pleasure’ Senses and Professional Wine Tasting Techniques.”

Whilevisitors are in Richmond, they can visit a nearby winery such as New Kent Winery or James River Cellars. Richmond isalso home to a variety of wine bars such as Secco and Amour Wine Bistro in Carytown, the C’est Le Vin wine bar and artgallery in Shockoe Bottom and The Wine Loft in the WestEnd.

There aremore than 200 farm wineries in Virginia. The state is now the nation's fifthlargest wine producer and seventh largest wine grape producer.

VWE issponsored by the RichmondTimes-Dispatch , Richmond magazine, the Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau,Mercedes-Benz, the Virginia Wine Board, the Virginia Wine Marketing Office, theVirginia Wineries Association, nTelos wireless, Riedel, Virginia Wine Lovere-Newsletter, VirginiaLiving  magazine, Old Richmond Exteriors, and The Wine Loft.

###

TheRichmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (RMCVB), the officialdestination marketing and tourism organization for the Richmond Region, is aprivate, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Region tomeeting planners, tour operators and leisure travelers. RMCVB operates threeVisitor Centers located at the Greater Richmond Convention Center downtown, theRichmond International Airport and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in HanoverCounty.
More than 5.7 million peoplevisit the Richmond Region annually, contributing more than $1.7 billion to thelocal economy. Tourism generates nearly 20,000 jobs in the Richmond Region. Formore information, visit www.VisitRichmondVA.com.