Maury Place at Monument

Richmond Triangle Players Opens "The Musical of Musicals, The Musical" 27 May 2012, 3:03 pm

We are great fans and supporters of Richmond Triangle Players at 1300 Altamont Avenue, which is just a few blocks from Maury Place. In fact, Jeff is on the Board of Triangle Players, and they have just opened a hilarious satire of musical theatre entitled "The Musical of Musicals, the Musical." One story becomes five delightful musicals, each written in the distinctive style of a different master of the form. The Rodgers and Hammerstein version is set in Kansas in August, complete with a dream ballet.  The Sondheim version features a tortured artistic genius who slashes throats in revenge for not appreciating his work. The Jerry Herman version is a splashy star vehicle. The Andrew Lloyd Webber version is a rock musical with themes borrowed from Puccini, and the Kander and Ebb version is set in a speakeasy in Chicago! This comic valentine to musical theatre was the longest running show in the York Theatre Company's 35-year history before moving to Off-Broadway. It is yet another example of Richmond's rich theatre opportunities. The show runs from May 9 through June 2, Thursday to Saturday evenings at 8 pm with Sunday matinees on May 20 and May 27 at 4 pm. Tickets are $20 for Thursday evenings and Sunday matinees; $25 for Friday and Saturday evenings. Order tickets online at http://www.rtriangle.org/. Maury Place at Monument is just steps away from the theater!

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

Firehouse Theater Announces 2012-13 Season! 9 May 2012, 10:44 am

Located at 1609 West Broad St, the Firehouse Theater is one of Richmond's most beloved landmarks. Focused on classic and modern American plays, the theater employs some very talented actors to create magic on stage. The upcoming 2012-13 season will bring four productions starting September 20-October 13, 2012 with A Bright New Boise by Samuel D. Hunter. The story revolves around an exiled evangelical who leaves his congregation and pursues a menial life in the midwest to reconnect with an estranged son. As his new community uncovers his dark past and his son becomes increasingly interested in why he left the church, he must choose between his life with his son or his beliefs that gave his life meaning. Next, Arthur Miller's classic Death of a Salesman will run from November 15 to December 8, 2012. In Death of a Salesman a failed salesman must figure out why he never truly found happiness in his pursuit of the "American Dream." January 31-February 23, 2013 marks the premier of Any Given Monday by Bruce Graham. An entertaining, at times hilarious and intense, and emotional work tells the story of a middle aged public school teacher dealing with the aftermath of his wife leaving him for another man. Finally, March 21-April 13 2013 brings Time Stands Still by Donald Margulies. A tale of a couple trying to find peace and happiness in a world seemingly gone crazy. Though quite used to the chaos of their lives as journalists, they seemed to find sanity in each other, so when their world begins to crumble, they must begin anew on a journey toward inner peace. Next season promises to be another great season of American plays at The Firehouse, which is just a short drive from Maury Place at Monument.

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

New Jefferson Statue in State Capitol 9 May 2012, 10:05 am

Our Virginia State Capitol recently gained a new addition in homage to one of our nation's greatest founders and leaders in the form of an eight-foot-tall statue. The likeness of the statue is none other than the architect for the building itself, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson is depicted in his early forties in the statue, the approximate age he was while serving as minister to France in Paris when he agreed to design the Virginia seat of government. The Capitol is our nation's oldest continuously used state capitol building, and Jefferson's design was based upon a building he had seen in Nimes, France. The newly unveiled statue portrays him holding an architectural document for the building. The statue weighs a titanic 800 pounds and will be viewed by over one hundred thousand visitors to the Capitol every year. The Capitol is one of Richmond's most popular tourist attractions. Admission and guided tours are free daily. Capitol Square is a green oasis in the middle of downtown Richmond and is a short drive from Maury Place at Monument.

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

To Dr. Weitzel from the Senator Carter Glass 7 May 2012, 7:32 am

 One of our Maury Place at Monument suites is "Addie's Suite." It features a double canopy bed, a working fireplace, and a beautiful private bath en suite with a tiled walk-in shower. The room is named for Addie Sturdevant, for whom Maury Place was built in 1916.

During our renovation of Maury Place in 2006, we toured Maury Place with John Weitzel III, the grandson of Dr. John Weitzel, who was Maury Place's most long term resident. Dr. Weitzel built the building next door to Maury Place in 1928 for his pediatrics practice. Today, that building--which Mac and I also own--has two apartments. In the course of touring the house with John Weitzel III, we discovered that Addie's Suite was Dr. Weitzel's own bedroom. For that reason, we have displayed by the door of Addie's Suite this piece of correspondence addressed to Dr. Weitzel from the United States Senate.


This weekend, Barbara, a guest who stayed in Addie's Suite--and who previously worked for the United States Senate--took a particular interest in the letter and sought to discover who the Senator was who wrote Dr. Weitzel. Her research at the Virginia Historical Society uncovered that the letter was from United States Senator Carter Glass (1858-1946) of Virginia, who appeared on the cover of Time magazine when he was mentioned as a possible Vice Presidential candidate in 1924. Senator Glass was not chosen, but he sponsored a major banking reform bill. Barbara kindly shared this information with us before her departure!

This goes to show, that there is always something new to learn about the history of Maury Place. Thank you, Barbara, for another bit of historic information related to Maury Place at Monument.

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

Museum District Mother's Day House and Garden Tour on Sunday, May 13! 2 May 2012, 8:10 am

Maury Place at Monument is located in Richmond's Museum District neighborhood, and we are active members of the Museum District Association.  This year will mark the 18th Annual Museum District Mother's Day House and Garden Tour, which will take place on Sunday, May 13 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. One of the homes on the tour is pictured at right. As always, the lineup of houses on the tour will showcase the diversity of sizes and styles of homes in our neighborhood and the variety of approaches to renovation of historic homes that makes living in the Museum District so great! Many of the featured homes have amazing kitchen updates that will perhaps give you ideas for your own kitchen re-do! Most also feature beautiful outdoor spaces that will inspire you to get busy in your own garden! The tour will run north to south between Monument and Floyd Avenues. Featured homes will be primarily within the 3200 to 3400 blocks of Grove, Floyd, Park, Patterson, Stuart, and Monument Avenues. Tickets are $20 per person and are available for purchase at several neighborhood businesses or online at http://www.museumdistrict.org/. All proceeds benefit the Museum District Association and support their efforts to keep our neighborhood beautiful for all! Maury Place at Monument is within walking distance of homes on the tour, and guests who are MDA tour ticket holders and spend the night of Sunday, May 13 at Maury Place will receive 10% off the room rate for that night.

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

A bit of "Southern Living" 23 Apr 2012, 10:41 am

Exciting news, visitors, friends, and guests! This past weekend, Maury Place received a gracious photo opportunity via the popular magazine Southern Living. On Saturday, Southern Living photographer Scott visited Richmond from DC with the intent to capture Maury Place in all its luxurious splendor. Our Innkeeper Donna met Scott with smiles and joviality on the front porch of Maury Place. Also on the front porch enjoying a delicious cheese, cracker and fruit spread with a bit of Virginia wine and soaking up the marvelous breeze, were our two guests Helen and her sister Rosa Beth. Scott's arrival and purpose was completely unknown to the sisters, and they graciously volunteered to be photographed doing exactly what they were already doing: relaxing and looking lovely. After a few shots outdoors, Scott suggested we take some photos inside, to which the sisters happily obliged and continued to be our "model" guests. Scott's demeanor was absolutely charming, very professional and thorough. He knew exactly what he wanted out of the photographs, and our charming guests, and was able to achieve some great photos. During this whole time, Donna was able to snap a few memorable shots of Scott and the sisters interacting and we are happy to share these with you! Be on the look out for Southern Living April 2013 for a chance to see Maury Place featured in that issue.


For more behind the scenes photos, please visit Behind the Scenes


Mac Pence and Jeff Wells

your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Richmond Restaurant Week! 22 Apr 2012, 12:31 pm

 Hello, Richmonders and visitors! Starting this week (23-April 29, 2012) is Richmond's Restaurant Week, celebrating some of the area's finest dining choices available. The special includes a three-course meal for $25.12 per person with proceeds going to the Virginia Food Bank and Meals on Wheels. Reservations may not be required but highly recommended as some restaurants may not be participating every night of the week. A list of participating restaurants include: 3 Monkeys, Acacia Mid-town, Amici, Amour Wine Bistro, Amuse, Avenue 805, Aziza's on Main, Bacchus, Cous Cous, Tobacco Company, Hanover Tavern, Zeus Gallery Cafe and much more. For a full list of restaurants please visit http://richmondrestaurantweek.com/ for the full scoop. Come hungry!

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

Holy Chihuly! 20 Apr 2012, 8:07 am

 

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

Marking the Events of 1862 18 Apr 2012, 7:32 am

Civil War battles within earshot of Richmond 150 years ago changed the course of the war and its ultimate aim over the course of 60 days. Commemoration of that campaign this spring will begin on May 9 and run through July and will stretch from Chesterfield to Hanover counties and include participants ranging from the United States Marines and balloonists to scholars of the Civil War and emancipation.  "We're going to try . . . to finally put some sort of boldness to what this period between May and July 1862 meant to the history of the nation," David Ruth, superintendent of Richmond National Battlefield Park and the Maggie L. Walker Historic Site said.

In the Spring of 1862, federal forces attempted two approaches to Richmond. First, the ironclads USS Monitor and USS Galena came up the James River with three other ships in May, hoping that Richmond could be forced to surrender. At Drewry's Bluff in Chesterfield County, obstructions in the narrow river channel blocked the Union's progress on May 15, and Confederate artillery blasted the Union gunboats for more than three hours.  The first Medal of Honor for a Marine was earned during the battle on the Galena.  Confederate defenses held, and the Union never tried another naval attack on Richmond. Living History Weekend at Drewry's Bluff will occur on May 12-13, and will include the unveiling of an interpretive sign commemorating the last battle of the Monitor, a Marine Corps Historical Company tent, artillery demonstrations, walking tours, and a concert by the Quantico Marine Band.

In the Seven Days Battles from June 26 to July 1, Gen. Robert E. Lee went on the offensive and chased Union Gen. George McClellan from Mechanicsville to Malvern Hill, near the James River, which McClellan used to retreat to Berkeley and Westover plantations. Richmond was then safe from Union attack for two more years. Events commemorating those battles will occur at various sites from June 19 to July 11. For further information and a list of events, go to www.nps.gov/rich.

Maury Place at Monument is offering a Civil War special to guests visiting the many Civil War Attractions in Richmond.

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

Fine Arts and Flowers at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts 17 Apr 2012, 7:43 am

It is not too early to begin planning your fall getaway to Richmond.  A perfect opportunity will be the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts' signature event "Fine Arts and Flowers," which will take place October 24 to 28.

The gala preview on Wednesday, October 24, is entitled "An Evening of Petals and Glass."  Floral designs dispersed with art in the museum's collection will be inspired by the art itself.  Thursday, October 25, features a free exhibition from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; a lecture by Emily Thompson, "The White House: Christmas Designs Inspired by Nature" at 10 a.m.; and a demonstration using edible flowers, "Tasting, Wine and Floral Teas."

The free exhibit continues on Friday, October 26, with a lecture by Jane Godshalk, "Designing Through Time: Historic Designs Reinterpreted."  That evening will feature "Flowers After Hours" from 6 to 9 p.m. with music, wine, and small plates.  Saturday, October 27, will bring a luncheon and fashion show, "Flowers in Fashion," and the free exhibit will continue all day that day and on Sunday, October 28.

The Fine Arts and Flowers is presented by The Council of the VMFA, and floral designs will be contributed by members of the Garden Club of Virginia, the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs, and the Garden Clubs of Virginia.  Strange's Florist will be the official supplier of flowers.  For tickets, call 804-340-1405 or visit www.VMFA.museum/FAF. Maury Place at Monument is just a short walk from the VMFA.

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